How to Keep Shorts from Riding up While Running


Running is one of the most therapeutic exercises out there. It is a simple activity that usually takes place outdoors, and gives you time to clear your head and experience nature for about an hour.

One of the most significant issues that have been frustrating runners for years is having your running shorts ride up while you are running. Here’s how you can stop that from happening, or at least have it happen much less frequently.

Apply caulk around the seams at the bottom of your running shorts and flatten it out. When dried, it sticks to your skin and prevents your running shorts from riding up. In addition, they’re weather resistant so they won’t peel off even when you’re sweating.

A Run Down Of Running Shorts

While any running enthusiast could make do with running in any old pair of comfy shorts, there are specific pairs of shorts that are explicitly designed to be worn when running. There are also various types of running shorts that are suited to different needs and preferences, so finding the right pair for you is essential.

These preferences are usually based on the way that the running shorts look, feel, and perform when running. It is vital to have at least some basic knowledge regarding running shorts before you go out and buy a pair.

Whether you plan on wearing your running sports to compete for sporting events, for training or for simple decompression and relaxation, a good pair of running shorts should be practically designed, and also comfortable to wear. Finding the correct fit will help prevent chafing, bouncing, and several other distractions that can hinder you from enjoying your run.

Running shorts are a specialized kind of short that is worn by, as the name suggests, runners. They are specifically designed to facilitate free movement and improve comfort while running and during various other exercises.

The materials that are used when creating running shorts are lightweight and durable. Most running short brands feature an inner lining that acts as a sort of underwear.

Wearing underwear is not usually necessary with these types of running shorts, as the compression liner negates the need for them. Polyester is one of the most common fabrics used in the production of running shorts, which is also what most brands of underwear are made from.

A well-made pair of running shorts will not cause the runner any itching when they become wet and also allow for freer movement when running. Most running shorts have seams that are cut up near the outer side of both legs to allow free movement.

Shorts that have half split seams are the shortest, while square leg shorts do not have any splits. Longer shorts are not well suited for running, as your stride will likely pull up the fabric of the shorts, which leads to some major discomfort.

Types Of Running Shorts

As we mentioned earlier, there are numerous types of running shorts, all of which fall into three main categories: split shorts, compression shorts, and v-notch shorts.

Split shorts

Split shorts and v-notch shorts are very similar, which causes most people to confuse the two. However, there exist some key differences between them.

The shape of a pair of split shorts has a panel in the front that overlaps a panel in the back. Divided shorts tend to have a v-cutout at the bottom, as well as an overall loose fit. Split running shorts are the most performance-based style, as they offer the broadest range of motion to runners.

The inseams of split shorts are generally shorter, starting at around 1 inch for men and women.

Compression shorts

Compression shorts fit snug to the body and are quite tight-fitting. They are almost identical to cycling chamois, but also include extra padding.

Compression shorts are much warmer than most pairs of running shorts, and provide much more muscle support, thanks to their tight fit around the body. They are also shorts that prevent friction and chafing the most.

The superior stretch that they provide allows for extreme flexibility, and are widely considered the most comfortable shorts on the market by many athletes. The length of compression shorts generally varies for men and women’s styles, with women’s styles usually being around an inch shorter than men’s.

V-notch shorts

These are the most popular style of running shorts and get their name from the v-shaped cutout that can be found on the outer leg seams. This cutout offers more range of movement than what would be available if the seams were stitched all the way down the leg.

These shorts provide a much looser fit in comparison to compression shorts, but, like compression shorts, they tend to be shorter in women’s styles than in men’s.

Preventing Shorts From Riding Up

There is a rather simple, yet rather strange, home remedy that can help you stop your shorts from riding up while you run. What is it?

Silicone caulk: the clear variety, to be precise. The same product that is used to seal cracks around baths, showers, and windows can also help prevent your shorts from riding up.

Most brands of silicone caulk are weatherproof, so they will hold up when you put your shorts into the washer. Keep in mind that silicone caulk is irritating to the skin until it has completely dried, which can take up to 24 hours.

It also produces some mild fumes, so it would be best if you applied it in a well-ventilated area. Here’s how this works:

  • Flip your pair of running shorts inside out, so that the inner lining is exposed.
  • Then, attach a coat hanger, preferably one with clips on the ends, to the waistband of your shorts, and apply the caulk to the seam right at the bottom of the legs. Be careful not to use too much.
  • Flatten the caulk as much as possible to prevent the shorts from looking puffy when it is dried.

That’s it; it’s that simple. The silicone will essentially ‘stick’ to your legs when it’s dry, and will keep the shorts from riding up.

Tips For A Good Run

There are a few things that you can do to ensure that you are getting the most out of your runs, every time. The first, and perhaps most important, is to strengthen your entire body.

Good runners condition their entire bodies by keeping the core toned, as well as the rest of the upper body. It would be best if you also ran more hills to improve your dynamic power.

Running hills improves your hip strength, hip mobility, and of course, dynamic power so that you will be able to drive your legs up high when you need to.

Finally, always stay hydrated! Every time you go for a run, you run the risk (no pun intended) of dehydrating yourself and ending up in the hospital, which is why it is so important to keep a bottle of water with you at all times when you run.

Knowing how to keep shorts from riding up while running is a must, and can save you a lot of discomfort and irritation. Follow the steps above, and you’ll never have to deal with friction or chafing again.

Recommended Gear

I understand that looking for the right running gear is difficult. There are hundreds of product reviews out there recommending 10 or more products that do not seem to help narrow down your buying decision.

That is why I created a recommended product page with only 1 to 3 recommendations per running gear. That way, it’ll help narrow down your choices to only a few products that are guaranteed to give you great value for your money.

I have researched and tested these products and I’m constantly updating the page if I see something better. You can visit the page by clicking this link.

Nicho Mauricio

Running wasn't always my favorite sport. I was a CrossFit athlete and I loved every bit of it. But since the pandemic began, I was forced to stay away from the gym and train at home instead. Things got boring. That's when I decided to trail run with my friends. I instantly got hooked. So I started training and researching all things running. As a beginner, I want to buy only the best running gear and do only the best practices. This blog is where I share what I've learned in my journey and my experiences as a runner.

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