quote:<HR>Originally posted by winterwren:
Where can one find splits and singlets anymore? When I was running X-C in the 80s they were all we had. Shorts covered the crotch and no more! It was a very liberating, cool and efficient wardrobe for running. Never recalled it offending anyone in those days. They were essentially lightweight speedos with loincloth draped over front and back.
Now all the stores seem to sell loose-fitting "technical" teeshirts and baggy shorts down to the knees as running gear. I'm not buying. Only the most specialty running stores seem to have splits and singlets these days.
When did splits become offensive to onlookers?<HR>

No kidding!

I still think it has to do with the fact that people in general are fatter and just don't have the kind of bodies that the average folks had in years past.

A lot is what you are used to seeing. Fashion comes up with some strange things, but you see it often enough it becomes the norm. Personally, I think the baggy skirt-like shorts down to the knees that men wear today look absolutely ridiculous! I remember way back wearing such garments for regular day wear, or at least clothes pretty close to men's baggy shorts, only we called them split skirts ! Of course you can run in the baggy shorts, you just can't run as fast. That's why elite runners don't wear baggy skirt-like shorts down to their knees. The extra fabric would impede their time. Unfortunately, that's pretty much all that's sold for casual wear so that's what people get accustomed to seeing and wearing. And call it modesty or whatever - baggy long shorts are great for convering up bodies that aren't in good shape and I still think that's what appeals to manufacturers who push the fashion and want to sell stuff to the masses.

Same idea for swimming - ever see an Olympic swimmer in baggy trunks? How silly would that look? Today that's practically all you see at the beach or the pool. I haven't been to a swim meet, but it wouldn't surprise me to see men wearing baggy pants down to their knees there as well.

I even saw some recent photos of a track meet, and while the speedy women were wearing the bunhugger speedos for freedom of movement, and the elite men and most of the masters men runners were wearing short split shorts, some of the younger men ( high school/college?) were wearing those long baggy split skirts down to their knees. They looked ridiculous. What is it with the young men today and this reluctance to show anything above their knees?

http://This message has been edited by maryt (edited Feb-24-2006).

I am new to running, not the fleetest of foot, and have bought lots of running clothes this last year. I bought one pair of short-shorts and didn't go a 1/2 mile without feeling like my package was on display for the neighborhood. I'm 6'2" so a 3" or 4" inseam doesn't go far. I'll wear my trail shorts and you can thank me later.

Please get down off your high horses for us slow, ugly, and overweight runners who are never going to win.

If you can wear short-shorts more power to you.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by jkelso3:
...didn't go a 1/2 mile without feeling like my package was on display for the neighborhood. I'm 6'2" so a 3" or 4" inseam doesn't go far...
<HR>

I used to run in the short shorts but have more recently moved to spandex ones. I have a small package, plus I get shrinkage too, so I've never had a problem in that sense. No need for underwear either!

!!!! LOL

I've got one pair of short shorts and three pairs that are a little longer. So I probably wear them about 25 percent of the time.

Wondering how the ladies weigh in on this question ?

I'm a woman who finds ladies shorts WAY too short. I'm tall, and I don't like a skimpy little short that doesn't cover enough, and is too short in the, um, stride. Very uncomfortable

I like to wear men's shorts, my favorite right now is Brooks Revalation Pacer. Longer than short-shorts, but not down to your knees. Works well on me cause I'm long waisted, and sits nicely at the top of my hips. Very comfortable too!

I do, however, really like the running skirts that are coming out. Very cute--and they cover a bit more than shorts. Thinking about trying them out.

Sassa

------------------
Running in the moment.
My Profile[/URL" target="_blank">

I wear short shorts! I can't stand too-long shorts. They get in the way and ride up too much!