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