Review: Under Armour ColdGear Compression Tights vs. Nike Tech Running Tights - which tights are better for a petite runner? Part 2

A few days ago, I compared the difference between youth, girls' and women's sizing for running tights, and came to the conclusion that even though they were still too long, women's tights still fit the best--even for a petite runner (see part 1 of this review here).

In part 2 of this review, I'm going to compare the following running tights:

• Nike Tech Women's Running Tights (£34 on Nike Store EU online)
• Under Armour Women's ColdGear Compression Tights (£36.98 on baselayer.co.uk)

I had originally planned to review the Nike Pro Hyperwarm Tights as they seemed the most similar to the Under Armour ones, but they were out of my size. I decided to review the Nike Tech tights because I'm familiar with the fit of the capri version and they were closest in price to the UA ones.

Nike Tech Women's Running Tights, Size XS
I wear Nike Tech Women's capris and they fit well on me, so I was expecting these to just be a longer-legged version. They are not compression but have a tight fit. The tights are made of breathable Dri-Fit fabric with flat seams, mesh fabric behind the knees, and weather-resistant material on the lower legs. There is a small pocket in the back for keys, etc. The waistband is typical of most capris or running tights--elastic with an inner drawstring.

The tech tights have zip vents at the hem and ankle bands--something I didn't realize when I ordered them. The leg openings are too tight to pull over your foot without unzipping the vents. The fit in the waist, hips and thighs is good but as expected they are way too long. A few more inches and they might completely cover my feet!

Nike Tech Women's Running Tights - as is

Review: Youth vs Girls' vs Women's - which tights are better for a petite runner? Part 1

Running tights or leggings have always been awkward for me. They are usually about a foot too long and often with zippers at the ankles, not very easy to alter. Luckily, the weather in Southeast England is temperate enough that up until now, I've been able to get by just wearing capris during the winter season.

But a few months ago when it was unusually cold, I randomly ran with capris and knee socks. I was mildly surprised at how much better my calves felt having a little bit of warmth! So I decided to go on a mission:

I was going to find a pair of running leggings that fit! (Or at least ones that I could live with!)

So I went to my local sports shop (Nick Rivett on Church Road--they are great!) and the very helpful salesman took one look at me and suggested the Under Armour ColdGear YOUTH leggings, as the material was really nice and the length would probably work for me. Size large fit surprisingly well and I was so happy when the leggings didn't cover my feet I took them home! But then I got thinking...

Youth and girls sportswear are worth considering because for basics, they are often cheaper and they solve a petite runner's biggest gripe--sleeves and legs that are far too long. But since clothes for women are often cut differently...ie for a woman...they are always worth a try, too. So for part 1 of this review, I'm going to try and highlight the differences between these options by comparing:

• Under Armour Youth ColdGear Action Leggings (Size L, £24.99 at baselayer.co.uk)
• Nike Pro Combat Printed Girls' Thermal Tights (Size L, £30.00 at Nike Store EU online)
• Under Armour Women's Cold Gear Compression Tights (Size XS, £34.99 at baselayer.co.uk)

Under Armour Youth ColdGear Action Leggings, Size L
These leggings have a high spec, very similar to UA adult leggings. They are described as having a close, compressive fit as well as other features like flat reinforced seams and odor control. The waistband is thick, reminding me a little of pull-on trousers that kids wear. The overall fit is good on me, although I feel like the rise is a little too high--my belly button is nearly covered! The length is definitely not too long...but surprisingly almost too short. These youth leggings go down to about 1 inch above my ankle bone and I would actually prefer them a tad longer.

Under Armour Youth

Rest Day Review: Craft Action Vented vs Nike Dri-Fit Embossed - which t-shirt is better for a petite runner?

There's been lots of blogging and twittering in recent days after Runner's World published an article called 'Fastinista'....a surprising debate on what's acceptable to wear when running. I'm amazed that there are some women who feel so strongly that wearing skirts is wrong! Personally, I wouldn't wear a skirt to run but I think people should wear whatever makes them feel good!

I feel good in technical running wear that ACTUALLY FITS. Maybe this has never crossed your mind because it's never been an issue, but it can be challenging for someone who is 5'1". Everything is frustratingly long! So today I'm going to review two running t-shirts to see which has the best fit for petites: the Craft Action Vented T-Shirt and the Nike Dri-Fit Embossed T-Shirt.

Craft Action Vented T-Shirt: I bought this t-shirt during the great sale at Sweatshop Online for only £9. That alone was enough for me to give it a try. I picked this shirt because the cut seemed fitted, and it had raglan sleeves (sleeves without the shoulder seam). I find that raglan sleeves accommodate my broad (yes, broad!) shoulders more comfortably. Like is says in the name, this t-shirt has strategically placed vents to help keep you dry--on the upper back, under the arms and at the bottom. It's a very close-fitting shirt--clingy but not compressive--and the neckline is high but not uncomfortable. While the length of the shirt is still longer than I would like, it's not too bad and I think the tight fit stops the shirt from hanging down two low.

Craft Action Vented T-Shirt

Rest Day Review: Nike Tempo vs Pacer - which shorts are better for a petite runner?

I spend a lot of time trying to find running gear that fits my 5'1" frame. While I want the best technical features (breathable, flat seams, quick drying), as with other clothes I want to wear things that are the right proportions and help my short legs look longer! I have yet to find a manufacturer that makes good, technical running gear in petite sizes (if you know of any please let me know!) so I tend just go with the usual brands--Nike, Adidas, etc--and buy whatever they have in an XS.

With the warmer weather these days I'm sure we've all been wearing shorts! Running shorts are tricky for me because they are usually too long and make me look dumpy. I generally go with the shortest shorts I can find (that still leave me looking respectable)! Nike is one of the brands I wear often because if the length is okay, the overall fit of the XS is usually fine. I recently bought 2 styles of Nike running shorts - the Pacer and one I've seen a lot of ladies wearing, the Tempo.

Pacer running shorts - Currently £20 on the Nike website. The inner brief and wide waistband with tie on the outside make these really comfortable, and the rise doesn't feel too high. It's the perfect style in the hot weather when you don't want to wear something too clingy. The inseam of the outer short is 4 inches and it hangs a bit below the inner brief. I think these fit really well and the length is just about short enough. My only quibble with these is that there is no pocket for keys or other bits and pieces!

Tempo Track running shorts - These were on sale at Sweatshop Online for only £12 (vs £16 non-sale price) so I thought I would give them a try, especially since they seem so popular at the moment. Like the Pacer short, these have an inner brief but have a traditional elastic waistband with inner tie. While they are comfortable and the brief fits fine, overall the Tempo feels a little bit "poofier" than the Pacer. And although the inseam of the outer brief is shorter than the Pacer short at 3.25 inches, they hang lower so look a little bit longer.

Nike Pacer Running Short (L) and Nike Tempo Track Shorts (R)

THE VERDICT: Pacer Running Shorts WIN! Both shorts are comfortable, but for me the Pacer is the best choice for my short legs. The wide waistband was super comfortable, and the overall fit and length worked much better on my petite frame.  The Tempo shorts are going back....

Other petite runners out there, I'd be interested in hearing what shorts work for you!

(Apologies for being a little camera shy!)