But since it’s just way too hot to run in long tights right now (back-of-the-knee sweat can get itchy quickly in leggings), I researched Old Navy’s running shorts, focusing first on length and fit.
The Old Navy Dolphin-Hem Run Shorts ($15, originally $20) had a 3-inch inseam. I own a few 2-inch inseam shorts from various brands that I stopped running in because the fabric gets caught in my crotch and my inner-thighs start to rub and get red. Three-inches sounded like a perfect length.
If you’re someone who regularly asks friends and colleagues for workout gear referrals, you’ve definitely heard someone recommend Old Navy at some point. The retailer’s massive offering of sports bras for all types of workouts, leggings, and everything in between has made it a go-to shopping destination for fitness enthusiasts. Last year I had the chance to review the brand’s workout leggings and found my absolute favorite pair of leggings with pockets.
When they arrived I immediately put them on for a 20-minute HIIT run (read: lots of sprints). If there’s one surefire way to test whether or not shorts are going to bunch in your crotch it’s by opening up your stride and sprinting.
During the run I didn’t fiddle with the shorts once. The waistband remained snug without digging into my skin. I loved them – the shorts felt more like silk pajama shorts than workout gear, and the inner lining was lightweight.
These are my absolute favorite pair and lucky me, they come in 11 other colors, including tie-dye.
