There’s a revolution going on in the running world and it’s about who wears the pants…or rather who doesn’t. I first noticed it at the start line of my first 10K race last fall…women running in skirts. I looked at those first skirt-clad runners with disdain. As a newbie suffering from a little insecurity, I felt they couldn’t be serious runners if they were more concerned with fashion than athleticism.
Boy, was I wrong. Skirts first came onto the sporting scene in early 2005, when pro triathlete Nicole DeBoom launched SkirtSports. “Skirts are an attitude and emotional trend,” says DeBoom. Not to mention big business…SkirtSports sales were $1.4 million last year. All the big athletic apparel companies now have running skirts in their line. New Balance’s topselling women’s “bottom” is a skirt (above any of their shorts capris and pants).
Running skirts now have events of their own, including the Skirt Chaser 5K at cities across the United States (though I haven’t seen one north of the border yet).
When considering whether to jump on this trend, be clear that while running skirts are definitely cool, their cousin the skort (a loose pair of shorts with a panel of fabric over the front) is the much less cool fashion relative and should be left to the six-year old set.
With a few more races under my belt, I felt more confident and decided to try a running skirt on for size. I’ve bought two now and absolutely love them. Running skirts offer the best of both worlds; comfortable short shorts underneath for easy movement (and the elimination of much crotch bunching-up) and the modesty afforded by the skirt. Speaking of modesty, that’s not me on the right, but an example of what’s under some skirts.
I sincerely feel that a woman is more powerful when she feels pretty, whether at home, in the office or on the trails. I’m not ready to throw out all my tried and true running shorts and capris, but I do find myself reaching for my running skirt more and more.
Two marathons and lots of half marathons later and I finally gave in to the running skirt and love love love it. I think I may have made better time if I had one before…well, not really, but it was worth a try!
Anyway, if any of you are in the states, get them at Target for only $20! I have two from there and one from Lululemon and I prefer the cheapies!
Thanks for sharing this info, I have been very skeptical about this running skirt issue but now I think I will go out and give it a try!
If I can ever get my back fixed the first thing I am going to do before I have my first run is to treat myself to one of these!
Elizabeth, my advice is to go and try a few skirts on. There are all different styles, lengths and under garments. I’m not exactly lacking in the thigh department, either, and I find the skirts more flattering on me than the tight shorts!
I love the skirts and saw tons of them in the San Diego Marathon, but I’m still at the tight running/yoga short stage becasue of excess thigh packaging and haven’t yet found a skirt that addresses that issue.