Longer length running tops for women? (UK)

SRH7

Well, I've finally bitten the bullet and started C25K but getting the right clothing is proving difficult. I'm currently running in my hiking gear but, after a week of running, I think it's time to graduate to some proper clothes.

I'm thinking of getting some running tights (I like the look of these: http://www.adidas.co.uk/Women's-RSP-DS-l-Ti-W/W51564_390,en_GB,pd.html) but as a UK size 16 I'm not ready to be so exposed just yet!

All the running tops I've seen in the shops and online are pretty short. I'm 5' 8'' and would like something that is a bit longer and covers my bottom - long or short sleeve but not vests (arms still need some work too!).

Am I too big to run in running tights? If not, any ideas on where (in the UK please or online) that I can get a longer length top (preferably something a bit technical so it wicks away the sweat etc)?

meerkat70

I buy men's. they're always longer. I run in tights, but I wear a men's t over them, they cover my most wibbly bits and I feel ok.

SRH7

Ha ha! Really good idea. A bit nervous about wearing running tights but figure they might actually stop everything moving a bit

ATLMel

lululemon's tops are graet for this. They are expensive (like, $40) but man, the few that I have have lasted me about 3 years and through multiple marathon training cycles. I LOVE them. Worth the investment.

thrld

Great question -- I've been looking for longer tops for the past few weeks. And I'm not that tall (5-8).
I have no problems finding tall workout pantts, but shirts? Nope.

I really hate it when I have to raise my arms over my head in exercise class, and boom! There's my blobby stomach peeking out.

I am going to have to get old man's pants, and belt them under by chest, just to cover my stomach.

Why, oh why won't they make longer exercise tops?

meerkat70

Ha ha! Really good idea. A bit nervous about wearing running tights but figure they might actually stop everything moving a bit

They are the most comfy for running I think. I wear capri length ones at the moment, and they're brilliant. If you're looking for cheaper stuff, sportdirect hold Karrimor ones that are cheap, and they have a drawstring so you can tighten them up a bit as you shrink.

Helly Hansen do extra long ones, but they're *so* expensive. Given that you can pick up men's ones for so much less, I don't see the point.

Happy shopping. :-)

SRH7

lululemon's tops are graet for this. They are expensive (like, $40) but man, the few that I have have lasted me about 3 years and through multiple marathon training cycles. I LOVE them. Worth the investment.

Had a look at the site and they look great but don't seem to ship to the UK

SRH7

Ha ha! Really good idea. A bit nervous about wearing running tights but figure they might actually stop everything moving a bit

They are the most comfy for running I think. I wear capri length ones at the moment, and they're brilliant. If you're looking for cheaper stuff, sportdirect hold Karrimor ones that are cheap, and they have a drawstring so you can tighten them up a bit as you shrink.

Helly Hansen do extra long ones, but they're *so* expensive. Given that you can pick up men's ones for so much less, I don't see the point.

Happy shopping. :-)

Reminds me of being a teenager in the 80s before you could get longer length women's jeans - spent the decade in men's jeans with a belt to pull them in at the waist. If I can get a bit more toned I might even use the tights for hiking - would be great for clambering over rocks!

TGKvr

Prana and Patagonia both have nice long sporty tops. I'm really long waisted (at 5'9") and that's about all I can wear!

SRH7

Oooooh, I'll look them up.

I'm also thinking there might be a gap in the market to fill here...

meerkat70

This seems a good place to look

http://www.gearforgirls.co.uk/

SRH7

This seems a good place to look

http://www.gearforgirls.co.uk/

Oooh, I like the look of this!

kmaas802

I just bought a Nike running tank that was labeled "longer length". I ran a half marathon in it this past weekend and it stayed put.

thrld

okay. I just solved my problem. I took two of my older tops and cut off the bottom of one. Then I sewed it to the bottom of the other top. Now I have one longer (two-toned) top. So HA! on you evil short-torso clothing industry.\\

SRH7

I just bought a Nike running tank that was labeled "longer length". I ran a half marathon in it this past weekend and it stayed put.

Thanks! Was just going to post up that I'd spotted a Nike Dri Fit T-shirt in a running shop today that was a 'loose fit' and was quite long. They didn't have my size so will have a look at Nike online.

okay. I just solved my problem. I took two of my older tops and cut off the bottom of one. Then I sewed it to the bottom of the other top. Now I have one longer (two-toned) top. So HA! on you evil short-torso clothing industry.\\

Hahahahhaha! Brilliant! I got to thinking last night about setting up a company supplying running and workout clothes with solutions to common problems (I also want a top with a pocket for my phone and keys but no joy). There's a gap in the market there!

piesbd

One thought is to ditch the running tights... I run in a running skirt. :happy:

They are great b/c they cover some of what jiggles.... and I can wear a shorter top (normal length for me.... no short tops here)

I love the ones here: http://www.skirtsports.com/shop/running.cfm#bottoms

SRH7

One thought is to ditch the running tights... I run in a running skirt. :happy:

They are great b/c they cover some of what jiggles.... and I can wear a shorter top (normal length for me.... no short tops here)

I love the ones here: http://www.skirtsports.com/shop/running.cfm#bottoms

Would I look daft wearing them over running tights? It's June and a typical British summer - 55F and raining

Weather was so bad today I went running in my Berghaus winter waterproof coat I usually wear when hiking.

DiscoGirl999

check out http://www.sweatybetty.com/

Really nice quality and I haven't found tops to be short.

meerkat70

re the skirt - that will work if you're not liable to thigh chafe. i can wear them short distances, but for longer ones, i end up hurty.

piesbd

re the skirt - that will work if you're not liable to thigh chafe. i can wear them short distances, but for longer ones, i end up hurty.

ITA with you.... I tend to wear compression shorts under them, so I don't have that issue.... however when I forgot.... it was not pretty!

SRH7

Thanks for all the tips everyone. Ended up buying some Adidas running tights (£25 in a cut-price sports shop) and two Nike T-shirts (one women's Dri-fit loose fit and one men's running T-shirt). Both cover up just the right amount and I've going to give my new gear a spin out this week!

Now I just need to find a longer length lightweight waterproof! Think I may try out men's cycling jackets as they seem to have lots of pockets for my bits and pieces.