PUBLISHED 06/25/2008
Shorts length: Ranges from spankies—bikini-cut bottoms for the daring—to more modest 5" inseams.
Fabric: Heavier-weight knits, with a wide, flat waistband, are good for mommy-belly coverage, while lightweight wovens are ideal for hot summer days.
Pockets: Size varies from just big enough for a key or Chapstick to generous enough for an iPod or a few gels. Some pockets are on the outside leg of the shorts, others are at on the hip with a Velcro closure, while a few are at the skirt's waistband and offer the security of a zipper closure.
But don't take our word for it, read what our 67 wear-testers had to say. They ranged from size 2 petite to Misses 16, ages 24 to 56, recreational runners to serious marathoners.
Narrow & Lightweight
"I really love the stretchy, lightweight fabric."
—Size 4 newbie marathoner
"Silver reflective piping is a nice touch."
—Marathoner who often trains on city streets after work
"Long enough to cover the upper thighs, but not so long as to restrict movement."
—5'7", 150-pound cross-trainer
$48; brooksrunning.com
Shorter & Narrow & Sweat Control
"Weightless, but good coverage. The mesh panels at the crotch and hips were great on hotter days."
—a runner who admits she "sweats a ton!"
"I had plenty of room in the hips without the skirt appearing too baggy or too tight."
—5'3" runner with 35" hips
"I really liked the low-rise waistband."
—150-pound runner who had "a belly" even at 132 pounds
"Nylon knit fabric doesn't cling, even when sweaty."
—A curvy 32-year-old runner
$40; shopadidas.com
Shorter & Narrow & Mommy belly
"Cute, flattering cut. I liked that it didn't flare too much."
—5' 1", stocky-legged runner
"The length was perfect—long enough to cover (and make me feel covered!) yet still sassy and fun!"
—31-year-old mother of one
"I was self-conscious in it at first, but then several people at the gym gave me compliments on it."
—5' 4" 4-time marathoner
"I felt very feminine, yet strong, in this skirt."
—Marathoner with three young kids
$45; prana.com
Longer & Curvy & Range of sizes & Mommy belly
Available in regular and long lengths and in numeric sizing 2-12
"The wide waistband added comfort and a slimming appearance."
—apple-shaped ultramarathoner
"I love the pleats. They create a feminine look."
—Petite, "somewhat high maintenance" marathoner
"Weight-wise, the fabric was just right."
—New mom who overheats when she runs
$52; lululemon.com
