Running shorts
{{Short description|Type of shorts worn by runners}}
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Running shorts are a specialized form of shorts worn by runners.{{Cite book |last=Drenth |first=Tere Stouffer |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sl5dzV8A07YC&q=Running+shorts&pg=PT16 |title=Marathon Training For Dummies |date=2011-05-04 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |isbn=978-1-118-06872-4 |language=en}}{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OdOwdG9h36QC&q=%22Running+shorts%22&pg=RA1-PA397 |title=Official Gazette of the United States Patent and Trademark Office: Trademarks |date=2004 |publisher=U.S. Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office |pages=397 |language=en}}{{Cite book |last1=Meghan |first1=Hicks |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uzWyCwAAQBAJ&q=%22Running+shorts%22&pg=PA71 |title=Where the Road Ends: A Guide to Trail Running |last2=Bryon |first2=Powell |date=2016-03-07 |publisher=Human Kinetics |isbn=978-1-4925-1328-5 |pages=71, 112, 194 |language=en}}{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Z1hiAgAAQBAJ&q=%22Running+shorts%22&pg=PA9 |title=All About of Fitness |publisher=Lulu.com |isbn=978-0-557-01194-0 |pages=9 |language=en}}{{Cite book |last1=David |first1=Magida |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4RLrDAAAQBAJ&dq=%22Running+shorts%22+athletic+wear&pg=PA32 |title=The Essentials of Obstacle Race Training |last2=Melissa |first2=Rodriguez |date=2016-08-29 |publisher=Human Kinetics |isbn=978-1-4925-1377-3 |pages=32 |language=en}} Often the cut of a running short is quite short, done in order to maximise breathability and movement.
Materials
Running shorts are designed to facilitate comfort and free movement during exercise. Their materials are lightweight and hard-wearing. Many running shorts include an inner lining that acts as underwear, so wearing separate underwear is not necessary. Polyester is a common fabric in running shorts and makes it comfortable.{{cn|date=January 2024}}
Variants
File:Running Styles (8049103309).jpg
Many running shorts have a seam cut up the side of each leg to enable freer movement. Manufacturers define running shorts according to the length of the leg which is not cut. For example, a 3/4 seam means that 1/4 of the length is cut.{{cn|date=January 2024}}
- 1/2 split seam shorts are the shortest.
- 3/4 split seam shorts are short, but not as short as 1/2 split seam shorts.
- Square leg shorts have no split at all.
Longer shorts are not ideal for running. A runner's stride may pull up the shorts' fabric, which can cause discomfort. Nonetheless, some runners prefer longer shorts because they cover a greater portion of their legs.
Some runners use athletic hot pants as running shorts. Like 1/2 split seam shorts, hot pants do not encumber leg movement.
Lycra running shorts are an alternative to conventional, polyester-based shorts. In most cases, they reach the mid-thigh. They are skin-tight, so they allow for more flexible, unencumbered movement.