A guide from runner and Bimble founder, Hannah Walker-Howard

Finding running shorts or leggings that actually fit shouldn't be as difficult as it is.

If you've ever finished a run pulling your shorts down, yanking your leggings back up, or wondering why they looked completely different on you than they did on the model... you're definitely not alone.

It's something I've experienced myself more times than I'd like to admit, and honestly, it's the whole reason Bimble exists.

I ran my first fun run when I was four years old and, somehow, I've now been running for nearly 30 years. Over the last few years, I've also had the privilege of helping thousands of women find running kit that actually works for them. Through messages, virtual fittings, events and countless conversations, I've learnt that most fit problems aren't because there's anything wrong with your body—they're because no one really explains how running kit is supposed to fit.

That's exactly why we've created our new Find Your Perfect Fit guides.

Think of them less as a size guide and more like having a runner friend who's already made all the mistakes, so you don't have to.

So... what actually makes a good fit?

The short answer?

Your shorts or leggings should feel comfortably snug.

Supportive enough that they stay where they're supposed to, but not so tight that you're desperate to take them off the second you get home.

Finding that sweet spot isn't just about choosing the right size either. Things like your height, leg shape, preferred length and even the type of running you do can all make a difference.

That's why we've put together guides that go beyond a standard size chart.

Why finding the right fit matters

One thing I've heard over and over again is:

"I just thought all running shorts rode up."

Or...

"I thought everyone had to keep pulling their leggings up."

The truth is, sometimes they will move a little. No pair of shorts or leggings can be perfect for every single runner.

But in my experience, most problems come down to one of two things:

1. The fit isn't quite right.
2. The length isn't quite right.

Small changes can make a surprisingly big difference.

The biggest mistake most of us make

When we're shopping online, we naturally focus on one thing...

The size.

But I'd argue that length is just as important.

Two runners could both wear exactly the same size, but one might absolutely love a 6" short while the other finds an 8" works far better.

The same goes for leggings.

If you're 5'2", a pair of full-length (8/8) leggings is likely going to be too long but fit perfect on someone who's a little taller at 5'5".

That's why our guides don't just ask, "What size are you?"

They also help you work out things like:

• Which shorts length might suit you best.

• Which leggings length is likely to feel most comfortable.

• Whether sizing up or down is worth considering.

• Which styles suit different types of running.

Let's talk about shorts riding up

This is easily the question I'm asked the most.

The frustrating answer is...

There isn't one magic fix.

But there are two things that usually make the biggest difference.

1. The fit

Your shorts should feel secure without feeling restrictive.

I often describe the ideal fit as comfortably snug.

If they're too loose, they can move around more than you'd like.

If they're too tight, they're unlikely to be comfortable over longer distances.

Everyone's version of "snug" is slightly different, but that's generally the feeling we're aiming for.

2. The length

This one surprises a lot of people.

Often, it's not the shorts themselves causing the problem, it's simply where they finish on your leg.

Generally speaking, if the hem sits below the widest part of your thigh, there's less chance of it moving around.

That's why we offer different inseam lengths and explain who each one is likely to suit.

Choosing the right leggings

Good leggings are the ones you stop thinking about five minutes into your run.

They shouldn't need constant pulling up.

They shouldn't dig in.

And they shouldn't distract you.

Our guides explain the differences between cropped, 7/8 and full-length leggings, along with which lengths tend to suit different heights.

It's one of those things that's difficult to understand until you see it explained properly.

Should you size up or down?

This is another question that doesn't have the same answer for everyone.

If your current leggings feel like they're slipping down, sizing down may actually help.

If they feel overly restrictive, uncomfortable, and you don’t crave a lock in feel then sizing up could be the better option.

Rather than giving everyone the same advice, our guides walk you through the things to look for so you can make the right decision for your body and preferences.

Questions we're asked all the time

Over the years, these are probably the questions I've answered most:

• Why do my running shorts ride up?

• What length running shorts should I buy?

• Which leggings length is best for my height?

• How tight should running leggings be?

• Should I size up or down?

• Why do my leggings fall down?

• How do I stop chafing?

• Which shorts are best for bigger thighs?

• How should running shorts actually fit?

We've built our new guides around these exact questions because chances are, if you're wondering them, someone else is too.

There isn't one perfect fit

Probably the biggest thing I've learnt since starting Bimble is this...

There isn't one pair of shorts that's perfect for everyone.

There's just the pair that's perfect for you.

We're all built differently.

Some of us prefer more compression.

Some like a softer feel.

Some love shorter shorts.

Some wouldn't wear anything except an 8" inseam.

None of those choices are wrong.

The goal isn't to tell you what you should wear, it's simply to help you understand what might work best for you.

A few new tools to help

As well as our new guides, we've also created a few extra resources to make finding your perfect fit a little easier.

You'll find:

• A Running Shorts Fit Guide

• A Running Leggings Fit Guide

• A personalised Fit Quiz

• Virtual Fittings with me

• Advice on sizing and lengths

• Answers to our most common fit questions

Hopefully, between them, you'll spend less time guessing and more time enjoying your runs.

After all, running is hard enough without having to think about your shorts every few minutes.

About Hannah

Hannah Walker-Howard is the founder of Bimble and has been running for nearly 30 years (first fun run age 4). Since starting the brand, she's personally helped thousands of women find running shorts and leggings that fit properly through virtual fittings, events and one-to-one advice. Her goal has always been simple: to help more women enjoy running, feel comfortable and confident without having to think about what they're wearing.