Ye olde gym shorts
March 27, 2023 10:44 AM Subscribe
I'm looking for running shorts in a style that I can't find anywhere. Is vintage/deadstock my only hope?
I need new running shorts with a very high rise and no interior compression liner. I am not interested in bike short-type bottoms that fit like tights and absolutely can't wear them. When I say "high rise," I mean I want them to sit north of my navel and for the gusset and my crotch to be but distant acquaintances.
Basically looking for something like these vintage New Balance shorts, these baggy nylon oversized shorts, or even these vintage gym class standards, though I'd prefer something with a drawstring waist and more in the stiff/slick nylon type of fabrication than a soft cotton-like material.
In no way, shape, or form do I give a shit about looking "sleek," but this seems to be at odds with what's on offer in either the women's or men's sections in stores. If anything, I'd rather desleekify - I want the effect of the fit to be "these are only touching my waist, and I'm otherwise floating inside a nylon balloon." A sleek design seems to mean more of the garment is directly in contact with my body while I'm running, and I want to feel FREE, damn it.
My priority here is more comfort/function than aesthetic, but I do favor a classic '80s vibe and if given the choice, I would like to stick to solid colors, no prints or patterns, though a classic athletic stripe is fine.
Does anyone produce shorts like this still? Is there a specialty running brand or keyword I'm not finding in the regular big box retailers or able to touch with my google searches?
I need new running shorts with a very high rise and no interior compression liner. I am not interested in bike short-type bottoms that fit like tights and absolutely can't wear them. When I say "high rise," I mean I want them to sit north of my navel and for the gusset and my crotch to be but distant acquaintances.
Basically looking for something like these vintage New Balance shorts, these baggy nylon oversized shorts, or even these vintage gym class standards, though I'd prefer something with a drawstring waist and more in the stiff/slick nylon type of fabrication than a soft cotton-like material.
In no way, shape, or form do I give a shit about looking "sleek," but this seems to be at odds with what's on offer in either the women's or men's sections in stores. If anything, I'd rather desleekify - I want the effect of the fit to be "these are only touching my waist, and I'm otherwise floating inside a nylon balloon." A sleek design seems to mean more of the garment is directly in contact with my body while I'm running, and I want to feel FREE, damn it.
My priority here is more comfort/function than aesthetic, but I do favor a classic '80s vibe and if given the choice, I would like to stick to solid colors, no prints or patterns, though a classic athletic stripe is fine.
Does anyone produce shorts like this still? Is there a specialty running brand or keyword I'm not finding in the regular big box retailers or able to touch with my google searches?
What about basketball shorts - would that work?
posted by tinydancer at 10:58 AM on March 27, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by tinydancer at 10:58 AM on March 27, 2023 [1 favorite]
Best answer: The "north of my navel" bit is probably going to vary some by how one wears their shorts (on the waist or on the hips, for ex.), but
"split shorts" turned up these ASICS, and also these ASICS.
"retro running shorts" led me to these from Adidas.
Adding "high waist" to these searches led, for me, to shorts with a much taller elastic waistband, if that's part of what you were after. "
My first thought was what about the companies who supply high school/college track and cross-country shorts, but the couple sites I checked seem to all be Nike with liners or built-in briefs.
posted by xedrik at 11:02 AM on March 27, 2023
"split shorts" turned up these ASICS, and also these ASICS.
"retro running shorts" led me to these from Adidas.
Adding "high waist" to these searches led, for me, to shorts with a much taller elastic waistband, if that's part of what you were after. "
My first thought was what about the companies who supply high school/college track and cross-country shorts, but the couple sites I checked seem to all be Nike with liners or built-in briefs.
posted by xedrik at 11:02 AM on March 27, 2023
Seconding phunniemee to see what Umbro is making these days, because your description of "these are only touching my waist, and I'm otherwise floating inside a nylon balloon" reminded me instantly of wearing (size too big) umbro soccer shorts, cinched with the drawstring. They are longer than I think of as typical for running shorts though, and I don't remember how high they hit on my waist.
posted by Caz721 at 11:13 AM on March 27, 2023
posted by Caz721 at 11:13 AM on March 27, 2023
Best answer: US Military PT shorts? Silkies might be close? Usually with a liner, but that could be cut out if it gets in the way of 'feeling free'.
posted by enfa at 11:53 AM on March 27, 2023
posted by enfa at 11:53 AM on March 27, 2023
Best answer: Tracksmith? Expensive but I love every Tracksmith item I own. Session shorts (7 inch version) could hit the mark.
posted by third word on a random page at 1:15 PM on March 27, 2023
posted by third word on a random page at 1:15 PM on March 27, 2023
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posted by phunniemee at 10:52 AM on March 27, 2023 [1 favorite]