Taking running tights to the next level

When I started running years ago the only tights I owned were a threadbare pair of black full length tights from K-mart. Admittedly, I was a broke uni student, but back then there wasn’t a lot of choice.

However, during the past five years, stylish and functional sportswear – also called activewear or athleisure – has grown in popularity and created a new category in the clothing industry. Big brands like Lululemon led the charge selling flattering, feminine tights with a $100 price tag. Soon after the big sportswear brands like Nike, Adidas and Under Armour starting making and marketing eye-catching capri, crop and full-length tights that you could wear for a run and to the cafe. Today, tights are trendy and there’s plenty of boutiques, online shops and sports stores selling leggings that are great for exercise as well as being a fashion statement.

New brands are always popping up and there’s a pair of tights for every body shape and personality. Here’s my favourite tights of Spring 2016.