These Thin Leggings Are Ideal for Running on Warm Spring Days

Running in shorts can lead to chafing and can be a serious cute workout outfit offender. Nothing is worse than having a cute crop workout tank top to wear and having to pair it with your baggy high school gym shorts. That’s why we prefer to run in leggings, not to mention the numerous other benefits of wearing leggings on your run.

But we know that in the spring, the wrong pair of leggings will make you too hot on your run and you will not enjoy your workout, even if you are getting the nicest dose of sunshine you’ve had after a cold and long winter. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our favorite thin leggings perfect for running on warm days.

We’ve organized the leggings into different categories, so they’ll all thin, but their other distinguishable features will help you figure out which pair is exactly right for you.

Keep reading if you want a thin legging ideal for springtime running that has features such as:

• Comfort
• Style
• Mesh
• Pockets
• Adjustable waistband

Comfiest

Bandier All Access High Waisted Center Stage Legging

This legging takes the cake as the comfiest because of its silky-smooth compression fabric and seamless construction. You can almost see the comfort of this legging through the picture - that’s when you know.

The Bandier All Access High Waisted Center Stage Legging also has a wide double layer elastic waistband and quick-drying fabric.

It comes in colors including Black, Navy, Slate Grey, Dusk, Currant, and Thyme.

Aerie Offline Real Me High Waisted Legging

Aerie is known for their comfortable material, but this legging has an actually unreal milky soft feel. 

The fabric is Aerie’s “Real Me” fabric, which is lightweight, fast drying, and thin. The legging also provides medium support so that it fits you in all the right ways.

You can get this legging in Relic as pictured, or you can grab it in Steel Blue, True Black, Olive Daze, Heirloom, and Royal Berry.

And here’s a pro tip, opt to get the legging in “short” length so that your ankles show, helping you stay even cooler on your run.

Most Stylish

Dona Jo Wave Legging

Both functional as a thin legging and stylish, the Dona Jo Wave Legging is perfect for someone who is trying to make a statement - even when they’re super sweaty. The textured fabric of the legging resembles the shape of actual waves, hence the name, and is cute enough to wear even if you’re not working out.

This legging has a high-rise waistband for more coverage, flat seams for comfort, and a large pocket on the waistband for storing your essentials while you work out.

As a bonus, the legging is also quick-dry, anti-odor, and UV SPF 50+ protected.

Free People High-Rise 7/8 Length Good Karma Leggings

The Free People High-Rise 7/8 Length Good Karma Leggings are super cute thin legging suitable for running, yoga, and brunch with the girls. They have a ribbed knit design, SPF 30 UV protection, and a high waistband.

They’re part of the Free People Movement collection whose mission is as follows:

“A destination for the life well-lived, Free People Movement offers performance-ready activewear, practice-perfect styles and beyond-the-gym staples. We believe in the power of community, in supporting and lifting each other up and always #movingtogether.”

These leggings are one of our most stylish because they come in so many cute colors. Some of our favorites are Bright Lime, 1st Place Pink, Morning Sun, Coral Reef, and Sun Yellow.

Mesh

Dona Jo Power Legging

If you like a legging with mesh material for that extra breeze on your legs as you run, the Dona Jo Power Legging is made for you.

It’s already a thin legging, but the addition of mesh detail helps keep you even cooler for when you’re running on a warm day.

The legging is constructed with moderate compression 5-way stretch material, flat seams for comfort, and quick-dry and UV protected fabric.

It comes in a variety of colors, including Black, Black Luxer, Galaxia, Leaf Deluxe, Geo Viena, and Camo Shark, and the deep side pockets allow you room for your phone, keys, and any other essentials. 

Michi Stardust Crop Legging

‍This cropped mesh legging is really doing the most to keep you cool on your spring run. The mesh panels allow breathability all up and down your leg, while the cropped length gives your ankles air as well. 

The 3'' shaperband functions as shapewear to taper the waistline and offer support and flexibility while staying light and soft. 

The Michi Stardust Crop Legging is also sweat-wicking, chafe resistant, and stretchy.

Pockets

Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Tight 28" Non-Reflective Brushed Nulux 

We understand the hype about pockets. If you absolutely need a place to store your running essentials, the Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Tight 28" Non-Reflective Brushed Nulux is just what you’re looking for.

This legging is made with Nulux™ fabric, which is a lightweight material brushed on the inside for softness and lightweight warmth.

It’s designed for running, but it also passes the squat test, so it’s a versatile legging you can wear to the track or to the gym.

It’s sweat-wicking and quick-drying with engineered four-way stretch and added Lycra® fibre for stretch and shape retention.

Adjustable Waistband

Fabletics Mid-Rise Ultracool Shine-Panel 7/8 Legging 

If you find yourself often needing extra support from a tie waistband, the Fabletics Mid-Rise Ultracool Shine-Panel 7/8 Legging has got you covered.

The adjustable waistband is only the tip of the iceberg. This sleek aerodynamic style sports legging is perfect for running in the warm of spring and the heat of summer. It has the perfect ankle-baring length as well as a medium-compression knit which amplifies airflow for maximum breathability.

Other features include an external pocket, chafe-resistance, and sweat-wicking. 

You can grab this legging in Army, Dusty Cedar, Iron, and Wine Violet.

That’s a Wrap

Before we let you go, here’s a quick rundown of what we’ve talked about.

Thin leggings over running shorts any day. 

Besides keeping you cool during your warm weather runs, thin leggings have great additional features such as comfort, style, mesh, pockets, and adjustable waistbands.
Remember: make sure your thin legging has features that are important to you.