I feel like I keep asking pants-related questions

May 18, 2018 5:42 PM

Pants question #2: I run. I like running, heck, even love it at times. But where are the running leggings/pants/capris etc that have proper pockets????

Like, yay, I can carry a goddamn house key in nearly all kinds. Whee. But armbands and my phone are too annoying on a really long run. I would love some running gear that isn't a hoodie--it's getting too warm for a hoodie--in which I can tuck my phone while I run (I wear wireless headphones). Actual full pockets desired (deep enough where phone won't bounce out and break), preferably able to be purchased in Canada, and not complete highway robbery.

AskMe, hope me in another pants-related need not just for me, but other running lady friends I have, because we are texting each other in anger and frustration about not finding freakin' running gear that has actual real pockets.

posted by Kitteh to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (16 answers total)

The Cut just did a list and the second pair has a pocket.

Women’s Health has a list too.
posted by rdnnyc at 5:57 PM on May 18, 2018

Instead of pockets, I use an SPIBelt to hold my phone when I run.
posted by mogget at 6:02 PM on May 18, 2018 [2 favorites]

I also use a Spibelt (actually mine might be a different brand, it has 2 pockets). I thought it would move around but it stays in place nicely.
posted by radioamy at 6:12 PM on May 18, 2018

I love Lululemon’s ‘Stuff Your Bra’ for stashing my phone, gu packets, car key etc. I do sometimes put my phone in a ziplock if my run is likely to be extra sweaty or rainy/wet. I’ve also got a SPI belt that works well for carrying a phone etc. but I prefer my Lululemon bras. I wear a size 8 and the pocket accommodates an iPhone7.
posted by netsirk at 6:17 PM on May 18, 2018

At Costco in the US, the kirkland signature ladies' active crop tight (link may require login) costs $17 and is the holy grail of workout tights for me: inexpensive, comfortable, higher waist, with a draw string, and an inner key pocket.

The gray ones (but not the other colors) have phone pockets in deep panels down both sides. I haven't tried running with a phone there, but I like the pockets: they are so deep that I've stuffed a narrow water bottle in there.

Don't know if they are available in Canada.
posted by medusa at 6:32 PM on May 18, 2018

I'll throw out another vote for the Lululemon pocket bra, I have two and never run outside in anything else.

That said, most Lululemon tights nowadays seem to have those giant, deep pockets that take up the entire lateral thigh. I never use them for anything besides an emergency $20 because I think they're more awkward to get to during a run, but that's because they're so deep, so maybe to your liking.
posted by telegraph at 6:37 PM on May 18, 2018

I have these pants and they are glorious. They hold my iPhone 6 plus and then some and there's pockets on both sides and omg I love these pants. They're my concert pants too for venues where I don't want to deal with bag check.

I took a peak through amazon.ca and I don't think they have those exact pants (sigh), but see what options they have; Baleaf is pretty much the holy grail here.
posted by joycehealy at 6:43 PM on May 18, 2018 [3 favorites]

More expensive than some listed above but I adore my Superfit Hero shorts. I have a spibelt too but I love the convenience of the pockets, and they are comfy.
posted by milkweed at 6:48 PM on May 18, 2018

Active Truth is an Australian brand, but they make the greatest tights I've ever owned (they stay up, the waistband doesn't roll and they don't go see through) and they've just released a smart pocket style. They ship to Canada.
posted by cholly at 7:08 PM on May 18, 2018

Athleta ships to Canada (although not natively, unlike the rest of the Gap brands) and they have really awesome pockets on their leggings. If the legging advertises a side leg pocket, it will fit a smartphone. I personally love the fabric on their Stash Pocket Salutation Tight, but there are plenty of other choices. And FYI they're having a rare sale at the moment.
posted by serelliya at 9:17 PM on May 18, 2018

I have one of these and one of these, and I couldn't be happier with them. I slightly prefer the Flip Band because it's narrower but still 100% functional, has no zippers to chafe against your skin, and it has a built-in key hook.
posted by tzikeh at 10:03 PM on May 18, 2018 [1 favorite]

medusa's Costco link is borked; here is the product at Amazon
posted by tzikeh at 10:09 PM on May 18, 2018

A quick google suggests you have Decathlon in Canada? All the leggings I've ever bought from Decathlon in the UK have pockets big enough for a phone, either in the waistband or just below the hip, with zips to stop stuff bouncing out. Make sure you're looking at the running tights, not the yoga/whatever else ones.
posted by penguin pie at 4:24 AM on May 19, 2018

Strongly seconding joycehealy's recommendation of Baleaf pocket leggings. They are the only running/gym leggings I like -- great, thick fabric, huge pockets that nothing can fall out of (full set of keys, gum, phone and headphones all fit - magically without looking that ridiculous), and they hold up well in the wash.
posted by snaw at 8:24 AM on May 19, 2018 [1 favorite]

Seconding the Flip Belt. I used to collect running shorts with pockets, but I became annoyed with jangling keys and the phone swinging around, and I found that the Flip Belt is ultimately a lot more comfortable. It has a surprising amount of capacity too. For long runs, I stash their 12 oz water bottle accessory in it, and that works fine.
posted by chrchr at 8:45 AM on May 19, 2018 [1 favorite]

I'm not sure about availability in Canada, but I have two pairs of men's athletic shorts that have deep side pockets with zippers and I love them. The zippers make me feel even better about my phone being secure, and they can fit a lot more than just my oversized phone and a key. I've seen them in sports stores but recently I've seen them in Target and Walmart too so this may be a new thing (and I'm all for it!). I've never seen them in women's sizes, but as a lady I can confirm that the men's ones will fit (assuming you can find a size equivalent). Just wanted to throw that out there in case you discover that your phone tries to escape or isn't comfy in the leg pocket.
posted by possibilityleft at 3:43 PM on May 20, 2018