A Primer on Oiselle Shorts

When I first started running I did what a lot of folks do.  In need of a new running wardrobe and not wanting to spend a lot of money I went off to the nearest outlet mall and bought myself some cheap running shorts from a well known apparel/shoe company.  I didn't think too much about how I looked while out for a run back then.  I just knew I was prone to chaffing as my shorts would ride up while I ran and my thighs would rub together.  Eventually I heard of this wonderful stuff called Body Glide that helped the chaffing.  I was also introduced to running skirts so I stopped running in shorts for awhile.

Then way back in 2009 I decided to run Melissa's in a pair of old running shorts.  When I saw my race photos I was shocked!  My shorts had ridden way up and poofed out unattractively.  I was so horrified that I never downloaded my *free* race photos…so you'll have to take my word for it!  Ever since then I've been afraid of running shorts.  Every pair I tried would ride up and I felt super uncomfortable in them.  Instead I chose to run in skirts or capris in the summer.

As I started to learn more about Oiselle I heard everyone talking about their Roga shorts.  Oiselle got its start as part of a quest to design cute, non-poofy running shorts that would not ride up.  I was not convinced that Oiselle's shorts would work for me though.  I put the call out on twitter for all of the Oiselle lovers to share which shorts would be best for a women with "athletic" thighs.  The resounding response was that the Distance Shorts would be awesome.  What did I have to lose?  I gave them a shot, buying them in my usual size.

The Distance shorts have a 3" inseam, 2 external zip pockets (one on the side and one on the back) and reflective detailing on the sides.  I've worn them on shorter runs now, along with my slightly longer 12K run with Neil on Friday night.

Look, no poofing!  I didn't feel like I had to keep tugging my shorts down and I felt really comfortable on the run.  I love the zip pocket for holding keys or a gel.

But the Rogas…  Everyone loves the Roga and it also comes in a very cute diamond pattern.

I decided to go out on a limb and order a pair of the regular length diamond Rogas.  Since it looks like the legs fit a bit slimmer I opted to go up a size just in case.  The rogas have a 4" inseam and one zip pocket on the back.

When I took my diamond Rogas out for their first run I was really impressed!  I felt really comfortable in these!  And check it out, minimal riding up and no poofing out on these shorts either.  I've tried out my usual size in the Rogas and the fit is a lot slimmer through my thighs.  I like them as well, but I did feel more comfortable in the larger pair.

I know buying running shorts online can be a pretty scary endeavour, especially if you've had a similar experience finding flattering running shorts.  But if you are like me and have "athletic" thighs and issues with shorts riding up I'd encourage you to give either of these shorts a try!  I like both the Distance and the Rogas fairly equally at the end of the day.

Do you have a favourite pair of shorts you run in or have you had a tough time finding flattering shorts?

And just for disclaimer purposes I purchased both of these shorts myself and my opinions are my own.