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March 21, 2007
Running Skirt Review
All right, peeps, I've only worn my running skirt twice, so I'll call this my "preliminary review." So, I've got a Running Skirts skirt in "pinkymaroon" (colors are shown here) and a Running Skirts sports bra. If I come up with anything else to say, I'll add on to this review.
To tell you the truth, I've been right scared to wear this stuff. I got the skirt and sports bra as Christmas gifts, and it took all my gumption to wear them almost 3 months later. I had plenty of opportunities to try them out while running on the two hot-climate trips I took during the winter, but I wussed out. On Monday, I donned the skirt and sports bra and did a run on National Forest Service road; on Tuesday, I wore the skirt on a trail in Yellowstone.
Here are my notes:
1. I won't ever wear the sports bra running again. It doesn't have enough support for me. Frankly, I don't know how anyone could feel adequately supported, unless you have no breast tissue. I have a small chest (by all measuring standards) and the lack of support was uncomfortable for me. It's a cute sports bra, though, so I guess it's relegated to a biking/hiking/yoga top. Why Running Skirts sells this as a running sports bra is beyond me.
2. The Running Skirts skirts are made with either spankybriefs or compression shorts underneath; mine has the spankybriefs. Though the inner briefs fit, they have really tight elastic around the top of the thigh! Most running shorts with internal briefs have elastic legs that stay around your thigh, but aren't super-tight. The elastic was tight enough that it lefts marks on my legs for a while after I took them off. The skirt fit well in all other aspects, and I have small legs to start with, so I don't know why this was the case. I'm somewhat curious if the elastic would relax after wearing/washing the skirt for a while.
3. The skirt material is stretchy and it kept its form for both runs. It looked the same taking it off as it did when I put it on. This is a great feature. The material is wicking; the only part that was sweaty wet after an hour or so was the small of my back. This is great, too.
4. A skirt with spankybriefs creates an open-air effect, moreso than the rather short running shorts I'm acclimated to. When you splash through mud or water, it goes up the skirt a little. When a gust of wind blows by, you can bet it blows up the skirt. I actually don't mind this effect, at all. It kept my legs cool.
5. The skirt has 2 pockets on each hip, each with a velcro closure. I tried carrying chapstick and a cell phone in each pocket. The pocket held the chapstick perfectly, but the cell phone was a no-go. The stretchy material allowed too much bounce with even a tiny cell phone. I think the pocket would hold lightweight things very well (1 or 2 Gus in each pocket, for example), but not heavier things. (Then again, I still haven't found a good way to carry my cell phone in my running shorts. It always goes in a jacket, vest, or water bottle carrier pocket.)
6. I was pretty self-conscious running in a running skirt. I'm not quite sure why. It is actually minutely longer than most of my running shorts, so its not an exposure factor. It looks like running shorts from any distance expect for close-up, so most onlookers would probably never notice was running in a skirt. Perhaps it's the tomboy factor. I probably wear a skirt once or twice a year (if at all), so wearing a skirt to run is as counterintuitive as it gets. I think I could become acclimated to it, though.
My conclusion:
The Running Skirt sports bra sucks in the support category for even a small-chested individual; I will use it for low-impact activities only. The Running Skirt skirt is functional and attractive. It's not perfect, but, then again, very rarely do we find absolutely perfect clothing objects. I'll keep wearing it, if I can wrap my own mind around wearing a skirt at all.
Posted by Meghan at March 21, 2007 10:23 AM
Comments
Hey, interesting post. I kind of want one b/c I think it would be cute-but I don't want one b/c I'm afraid people would think, why are you trying to look cute while you're running? Hmmm...
good review!
Posted by: Audrey at March 21, 2007 12:12 PM
I am so glad you reviewed these! I do have to chuckle at the thought of you racing down a forest service road in your "pinkymaroon" skirt -something tells me that was a first for that forest road! I think most pockets are so unfunctional. You could only put something in there you don't mind losing and what would that be? And then it would be littering! I was in Nike Town in Seattle the other week (dangerous, dangerous place for my wallet!!) and I tried on their skirts with shorts underneath? but they were in the tennis section... however, they felt WONDerful and I plan on maybe getting one when I won't feel like an elephant wearing a tutu. I wouldn't be able to order it by catalog though as it seems sizes are never standardized. Thanks for this great post, Meghan! Good heads up on the bra and the too-tight band on the inner briefs. It's good to spread the word on these things before other people waste their money. I have a huge beef with Patagonia's rough zipper grips. They have made bally bally patches on so many of my nice running pants. And I keep planning on saving the world with my letter to Patagonia but it never seems to happen. So does the skirt wearing does this mean Spring is on its way?
Posted by: Kendra Borgsplints at March 21, 2007 12:37 PM
Yes indeedy, that water is COLD when it splashes up my skirt too. hehehehe The five of us boys at Hagg Lake 50k had fun. Sean Meissner even wore his again at Chuckanut 50k. His is a"one off" skirt. Kathy Harshburger made it for him and he has tons of pockets in it. Sorta like those race ready Race Ready shorts. He looks real pretty in his. Fast Eric Clifton makes his own! He was real cute at CCC 100. For your own review see Glenn Tachiyama's pictures on the web (located in Pbase photo)
http://www.pbase.com/gtach/chuck07
Haven't got up the nerve to wear it on the trail in a training run though. Oh, answered your question on training in my comments page.
tom
Posted by: tom riley at March 21, 2007 12:45 PM
I've looked at those running skirt brand skirts - and as a slightly (ahem!) older woman, they look a little too low on the hips for me. I've been afraid to order one for that reason. I'd prefer one that came to just under the belly button.
As for the cell phone, I found a Nathan brand pocket that slips on a number belt sideways and holds my cell phone - no bounce at all. Perfect!
Posted by: backofpack at March 21, 2007 7:39 PM
thanks for this review, only thing missing is a photo! I have to say I am a huge running skort fan and I'll never go back to shorts! I too was a bit skeptical at first, but I love it now. I have a nike one and 2 from running skirts.com. they have a new style with shorts underneath it that is higher waisted and longer than the other one for the not so bold. My ipod in one side and my running gels in the other side - nothing falls out on mine (maybe mine is a bit more snug on me...less wiggle room for the accessories :) I do have a short stocky frame and I haven't notice the elastic on the panty around my legs - Mine is black & white though, I eased in slowly with basic colors. At least we are getting more choices when it comes to running fashion these days.
mel-
Posted by: melissa at March 21, 2007 9:30 PM
Well it sounds like the skirt is going to stay in your wardrobe. I'm sure Tom Riley is crushed. Send him the running bra, Sean would probably be envious if he saw Tom wearing one!
Posted by: Eric at March 21, 2007 10:35 PM
Well, I liked picture of this skirt more than one Catra had a link to. But I don't like the idea of briefs (prefer longer pants under) and tight rubberband (and I don't even have small legs). I do like the way they look on others though:)
Posted by: olga at March 22, 2007 2:10 PM
I got one of these recently too.
I found if I put my cell phone in sideways, instead up/down in the pocket it stays.
It took me awhile to work up the nerve to wear it, felt exposed. And the brief leg band sits quite UNflatteringly on my hip, looks like I have quite a 'roll'.
I've been wearing bike shorts under the brief, under the skirt. LOVE it. Yah, it kinda defeats the purpose but I don't have enough confidence yet to wear solo. (I'm a new runner, so my legs are just starting to tone up)
Otherwise though, I LOVE it. I just ordered 2 more. 1 w/ the brief & 1 w/ the built in short.
My original one: the logo started peeling before I even washed it...I emailed the company & they said I can just exchange. Customer service seems great, which is why I ordered more. ;-)
Posted by: ktbunch at April 3, 2007 12:24 AM
It was great to see this review.
About a year ago I decided to start running.
What I noticed was that there was nothing to hold all my stuff.
That’s right. When I go running I need my iPod, car keys, id, chapstick and I never forget to bring my water.
There’s nothing worse than being out on a run and parched.
I decided that I was going to design the solution.
I wanted something that was feminine and fun to wear, something that brought a little style to the running world. I’m not really one for spandex but that’s what everyone’s wearing.
All this leads me to the point of introducing The Running Skirt.
If your interested you should check it out. I just got the site up and running.
You can purchaser or sign up to win a free one.
www.therunningskirt.com
And Megan. If you contact me directly, I’d love to set you up with a skirt and maybe you can give it a review.
shannon
Posted by: Shannon Farley at April 12, 2007 6:18 PM
Hey there,
Nice review... yep, skirts are well on their way "IN"... the trick is finding the "right one"
I have long struggled with finding athletic apparel that is both comfortable and decent for the errands I tend to do before/after my runs.
Check this one out - www.skirtgoddess.com
A quick word on what we offer:
Full length compression short underneath -- stays put and offers support.
2 huge, secure pockets.
Cute, but not "cute" - if you know what I mean. You can look attractive before / after your runs but not so much that you'll attract oodles of attention and feel self conscious.
Would love to know your thoughts.
Heather
Posted by: Heather at May 2, 2007 3:58 PM
Yay skirts!!! I LOVE the atalanta one!
THIS one, to be precise
http://www.skirtgoddess.com/products/commitment
Posted by: Joy at October 19, 2007 1:49 PM
Thanks for the review. I love my runningskirts.com strappy top for running - I find the straps are very comfy and don't dig in like other bra tops. And the 2 side pockets in their skirts are awesome.
RunningSkirts.com has their new summer colors in stock and there's a great top that has more support and also removable pads! They have a bunch of skirts at 50% off - it's a great time to try them if you've been waiting.
Posted by: cath at June 21, 2008 2:14 PM