Shorts recs for bigger thighs

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

With temps approaching triple digits I finally need to swap my long(er) running tights for something shorter. Unfortunately despite running 20-25 miles/week (and at least that much walking) my upper thighs refuse to slim down. This leaves me in the very unfortunate situation of not being able to wear most “running shorts” (confirmed again today when trying on shorts in person). I ordered a couple of pairs of 2-in-1 from Amazon, but I’m not holding out a lot of hope. For those who carry most of their weight in their stomach and thighs, do you have a favorite pair of running shorts? I guess I can buy bike shorts, but they feel kind of weird to me for some reason. I’m less concerned about budget and more concerned about not dying while running in the summer.

 

[nancipants]

I have thick thighs and only wear bike shorts or skorts with shorts underneath. My favorite brand is Janji, 5 or 7 inch pace short. They’re expensive but feel amazing. For skorts, I wear Crowned Athletics.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Thanks! I’ll head to REI today to check them out.

 

[Herding_Cats]

I also really struggle with running shorts because they just ride up really badly.

I run almost entirely in cropped or capri leggings. Half-tights might be worth looking into. Other than that, I have a few pair of "bike shorts" that have a silicone band around the bottom of the leg to keep them from moving.


I will say also, to not get too hung up on them being womens shorts. Last year I found a pair of mens shorts at TJ Maxx that have been absolutely amazing for my summer basketball work, and I can wear them for 6 or 7 hours straight and not really have to adjust them. They're something between swim trunk material and the lightweight stuff they make running shorts out of and I'm still kicking myself for not buying every pair/color they had.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

I love capri/below the knee running tights. I probably have half a dozen pairs of the Lululemon Wunder Train 15s and would happily buy more. Great coverage, don’t ride up, and I love the support/compression. Unfortunately they are just a bit too hot for me in the summer though. I also wouldn’t mind pockets so I didn’t have to wear a running belt outside but that’s neither here nor there.

 

[jmasgat]

I run in the (retired) Athleta Ultimate Stash 7” short. Those were apparently replaced by the Interval short. I can’t comment on them, but I do like my Ultimate shorts. Not sure what your price point is, or how many pairs of shorts you want. I remember paying full price for one pair, then getting my other 2 on sale.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Thanks. I’ll check those out as well. Running in summer is hard enough for me. I’m not going to be overly picky about price, especially considering how much I pay for my kids’ stuff without thinking about it.

 

[RuntheMouse]

I’ve read that Brooks Chaser 7” shorts are good for thicker thighs. Haven’t tried them myself yet.

I’ve been lucky to have bike shorts from Dick’s work for me and they’re cheap!

 

[pluto377]

I always wear bike shorts too. I hate how regular shorts bunch in the middle. I love the Janji, though I wish they had a waistband pocket in the front. I also like Baleaf brand from Amazon.

 

[SheHulk]

Not going to comment on the thickness of my thighs lol but I exclusively run in any length of tights or bike shorts. Pockets are pretty much a must also. All the brands mentioned already, but I do buy spandex shorts from Target also, their All in Motion brand. I've found them similar to my Athleta shorts.
Edited to say I shouldn't say "excusively" because I do love a good running skirt (but they always have the spandex shorts underneath).

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Amazon shorts were a failure. a) poor quality material, b) didn’t like the waistband, and c) too short. Maybe I’m not meant for the 2 in 1 style? Back the drawing board I guess.

 

[Naomeri]

Skechers GoWalk 8in shorts are one of my go-tos

 

[GollyGadget]

I'm also a big fan of janji pace shorts. The 7 inch work better for me but I do have some 5 inch that work for runs less than an hour.

One tip I've read that might be useful is to measure where your thighs touch and then get shorts at least an inch longer than that.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

I'm also a big fan of janji pace shorts. The 7 inch work better for me but I do have some 5 inch that work for runs less than an hour.

One tip I've read that might be useful is to measure where your thighs touch and then get shorts at least an inch longer than that.

I hadn’t heard that. Will have to try it.

Unfortunately sometimes my knees rub together, which is why I like the below the knee length so much. But yesterday I was dying on my long run, so I need a better solution.

 

[jpholic]

I like my half tights from Walaco. Kinda basic in color choice but they are slowly releasing more colors. They are a little pricey to me, but MAX20 gets you 20% off - no idea who Max is but its still a valid promo code.

I have bigger thighs and to help prevent what I call 'makin bacon' I wear a seperate liner with shorts over them. The 2-in-1 liner in shorts is too small for me. I wear a medium short but need a large liner, otherwise, my thighs are being strangled and its really uncomfortable.

If you find something that works for you but its discontinued, check eBay. I found a lot of stuff that way and paid a fraction of the original retail.

Good luck on your hunt!

 

[TiggerTrigger]

I am a bike shorts kind of person. I am a huge fan of CVG and all of their fun patterns. I stick with their bike variety but I do have friends that wear their other styles. I also like Ododos on Amazon. They have some fun prints and have held up pretty well.

 

[eminemilie]

My thighs eat shorts like crazy, and I'm always bummed about not being able to wear cute "flowy" shorts. I've switched to bike shorts, in 8in length (anything shorter risks major chaffing for me). Most of the ones I get are from lululemon, but I do have a few other pairs from Athleta and Old Navy that I wear too. Venus Williams had a brand called Eleven that made the cutest running skirts with longer bike shorts underneath, and you can occasionally find them on ebay/poshmark.

One thing I've been thinking about doing is getting the cute looser shorts, and wearing my bike shorts underneath them. I haven't tried it yet though.

 

[The Expert]

I love the Janjii pace that @nancipants recommends, and also the Rabbit trail shorts. They used to be called Leggy Smash'ems but they just renamed them Stash-Hers. They come in 5 and 7 inch lengths with big side pockets, a zipper pocket and continuous stash pockets around the waist. They hold everything!

 

[StinkerBelle222]

I'm a power walker that had been wearing bike shorts but they had even become to warm for me. I found these shorts at Walmart and have been loving them so much that I went back and bought more. And they are ridiculously cheap but have been holding up well!