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Running/yoga tights/pants recommendation?

Janet

(website)

Veteran

My old go-to long pants for fall/winter activity are reaching the end of their life -- somehow they are stretched out or something because they ride down my hips and I have to yank them up after running half a mile. Not acceptable!

I want full-length, a decent pocket (a zip pocket in back works well for me) capable of holding a car or hotel key, and NOT pockets on the side which is annoying the heck out of me because it seems like that's where Lulu and Athleta are putting their pockets now. I do not need more bulk on my saddlebags, thank you very much. Zella seems to run too short for me. Not ultra high rise, but waist high is fine (I wear roomier untucked tops for activity so the waist is always hidden). Black or dark colors are fine, but no patterns or curves that accentuate hips or thighs. Got enough there already.

Thanks in advance for any help. This is a sudden wardrobe hole in need of quick help!

Shopping

37 replies

Latest reply was from gradfashionista

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Zella HIGH WAIST.

Zella Stellar High Waist Crop Leggings

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Top Pick

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Janet

(website)

Veteran

Angie, thanks for the suggestion! I need full-length for winter, and Zella have always run too short on me (I bought a pair of the capri lengths and they barely covered my knees, and rode up my knees when I ran -- I finally gave them away). I'll take a look next time I'm in Nordstrom though. Maybe they have changed their cuts.

LaPed

Veteran

Try TNF. Several have back zip pockets and a high rise. I'd look at the Motus: https://www.thenorthface.com/s.....iii-nf0a2u

and the Warm Me Up: https://www.thenorthface.com/s.....ghts-nf0a3

My favourite gear pants right now are the Hybrid Hiker Tights: https://www.thenorthface.com/s.....tights-nf0 but they have a front pocket, not a back one. Fit is fantastic though.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

La P, thanks for the suggestion! I like TNF jackets but I've never thought to check them out for running tights. I'll have to take a look next time I'm up in the area -- there is a TNF store about 45 minutes from me.

Meredith

Veteran

I love Old Navy compression pants! So inexpensive and they wear like iron. I prefer the high rise, mid mid rise is good too. Alas, no pocket for you. Have you ever tried a shoe wallet?

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....,Matchtype:,tid:onpl000000,kwid:1,ap:7

https://www.roadid.com/product.....s-nylon-id

http://www.asics.com/us/en-us/.....lsrc=aw.ds

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Meredith, I have Road ID's on both pairs of running shoes, but no shoe wallet. But a good idea nonetheless! I've never tried ON athletic gear. Thanks for the idea!

KikiG

Veteran

I don't mind the saddle bag pockets (indeed, I value them!) but my new Altleta fitness pants have a much improved zip pocket at the back waist. My old ones had a pocket that my ordinary sized cell phone wouldn't fit into, so it was useless, but these new ones would fit it fine. It is possible they have modified that line-wide.

jill58

Veteran

Janet, have you checked Target? I run almost every day and I've found their C9 Champion line to be really durable. I like having a drawstring at the waist to avoid the slippage problem. You could also check Road Runner Sports online. I've ordered from them too and have been happy with their running gear.

Anonymous

I"ve heard good things about the Old Navy compression tights too - just recently in fact from one of my spin instructor friends. I still wear lots of Lulu, but have just become a big fan of MPG (a Canadian brand with US presence though) which is Mondetta's athletic line. Fantastic workout and casual gear at 1/2 the price of Lululemon. Can't say I've noticed or remembered where the key pocket is though .

Sara L.

Veteran

I like Target's tights too but I'm not sure they have a pocket. Since I only wear full-length running tights in winter, I usually wear a jacket with a pocket so I don't worry about it too much. I'm more concerned about pockets in shorts or capris that I use for warmer weather with no jacket. I also order them from Athleta - pricier but they fit well and usually have pockets.

Laurie

Veteran

I like Old Navy also, but I recently discovered 90 Degree By Reflex on Amazon for yoga, another low cost alternative. Really comfortable. There is a slit pocket on the waistband for a key card, or credit card, but not a zip pocket for a car key.

https://www.amazon.com/90-Degr.....TF8&a

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You can get these full length too, Janet. Just look for high waist Zella.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Thanks! I have a few saved in shopping carts to investigate further. I always like the look of all the ones with the mesh inserts details and fun patterns...until I put them on my body. Sadly, I have to leave those to women with nice thin legs!

Lisa

Veteran

I'm a huge fan of Under Armour, both the running and the fitness pants.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Lisa, the ones I have from 3-4 years ago that are falling down are UA. They were great for a while, but not so much anymore. But strangely enough, my Lululemon running capris from almost seven years ago are STILL working for me. Unfortunately, Lulu has changed their cuts (side saddlebag-enhancing pockets, grrrrr).

JuniperGreen

Veteran

If your search is getting hung up on the hunt for pockets (WHY so elusive???) would you consider an extra piece?

I use a flipbelt when I run - it can securely stow keys, cards, cash, and even a phone (if I take it out of it's bulky case). But I get that it's not for everyone.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I have one of those from years ago, JG, but I forget it in the car or leave it behind -- it's just one more *thing* to remember, and I don't love it. (I don't even like having to wear a baseball cap, but I like to shade my face for sun protection). I like the ease of a pocket so I can just run out the door with a key, wherever I am.

I don't know why all these companies are getting tricky with their pockets. It seems a few years ago it was easier to find pockets on the back of the waistband.

Anonymous

Janet, so glad you started this thread because I am in dire need for new workout pants. I like form fitting rather than loose so that I can better see my form while I am training. I don't like to carry a wallet or handbag when I go to the gym so I found the "FlipBelt" https://flipbelt.com/flipbelt to carry my car and house key when I go to the gym or when I go walking.

They also have crop pants that I personally do not have so I cannot comment on these https://flipbelt.com/running-pants-crops

BTW, I also have a RoadID (dog tag and wrist band)

jill58

Veteran

These have a pocket and the description suggests that the waistband stays put. http://www.roadrunnersports.co.....nt/?cc=001

Nebraskim

Veteran

I am into cheap and love the Target C9 by Champion brand. I also do the flipbelt thing. I have been tempted by Athleta but since they are division of Gap/ON, I fear they will run too small for my giant calves for me.

cherylm

High waisted Lulus and the best all the other ones slide down. I love the saddle bag pockets, perfect for a phone. Agreed - I also do not need any more weight there but it is just so dang handy. They last forever. I have a couple pairs that I have had for years and they are worn regularly.

3style

Veteran

If you are looking for warm high compression indestructible running tights with a back pocket which will last for many years, check out salomon trail runner women's tights. They are definitely too compressive for yoga. Unfortunately they have nearly doubled in price since I bought them a few years back. I got mine at REI and I think that they occasionally go on sale.

The other truly indestructible tights I have are from Saucony and are about 15 years old! The "omni lx" tights are somewhat lighter weight than the salomon but they are still intended for below 40F. And they have the back pocket....This one is the first warm style I found when I was looking for them, but they do have other styles without various reflective stripes if that is your preference.

For a good quality yoga durable pants I like prana. You can sometimes find it on super sale from places like Cabella's. I wouldn't recommend winter running in them though.
[Several edits for fixing the autocorrect suggestions sorry]

Dianna

Veteran

I love Danskin leggings, they work great for my high rise. The only thing is that they are rather lightweight, so they might not provide enough warmth for your winters. Another brand that has worked for my rise is Calvin Klein performance.

Jane

Veteran

How about Sweaty Betty? Their leggings have lasted a long time, for me they seem to really wash and wear well.

Staysfit

Veteran

When I want a pair that is long and with decent pockets, I purchase TNF men’s. The women’s sizes are still too short. I have several very compact, small, stretchy fanny belts that will fit under almost anything and are super comfy - I have even used them when I run marathons to hold gel, my cell phone without it’s protective case, my car keys and license, etc. and can wear one in addition to a water belt if needed. They are made by iFitness. The green one pictured below has house keys, a photo I’d the size of a drivers license and my health insurance card zipped inside ready for my morning run. I also keep a medical information card and emergency contact information.

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Style Fan

Veteran

My Lululemon have a back zip pocket but they are old. Have you looked at Lole? It is a Canadian brand. I don't know if they have a back zip pocket but they are suppose to be more woman friendly. Anything I have from them is excellent quality.

jamie

This is what I am looking for

krishnidoux

Veteran

Gymsharks are all the rage now. I own this one and must say it's the most comfortable fit I have seen.https://www.gymshark.com/colle.....arl-pastel

JuniperGreen

Veteran

I was looking on the Strategist for something else workout-related and came across this post, maybe some leads in there? http://nymag.com/strategist/20.....-more.html

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