Two Layer Running Shorts Explained: Why you need 2 layers for no chaffing

Two-Layer Running Shorts Explained: Coverage, Comfort, and Confidence and Why You Need 2 Layers if You Don't Want to Chafe.

Have you ever had a great run ruined because you got a blister or started to chafe mid-run? There is nothing worse than doing what you love and having it hurt. Or, have you ever found a pair of shorts you loved only to realize every time you moved you risked exposing yourself?

I started PHNX because I wanted to create the shorts that were missing in my running clothes. Since then, there have been a lot of 2 in 1 running shorts that hit the market. Here are the things I look for when I'm evaluating running shorts.

The first thing I look for when searching for the best pair of running shorts is the liner length. I prefer a 3" inseam on the liner. Most 3" running shorts have a 2" inseam and we did that with our Serena Shorts 1.0. However, I've found that for most people a 3" inseam works better because it is less likely to ride up and more likely to stay in place. It seems like a small difference and it is, but the smallest changes compound when you're running dozens of miles each week and thousands of miles over the life of your shorts.

The next thing I look for is the quality of the material and stitches. While the design of our shorts is not revolutionary anymore; I see so many knock off products with low quality stitching that will fall apart after a few washes. The material will start to pill and the shorts just won't hold up long term. I wear our shorts almost every day and they get washed and dried weekly and they still feel like new. I'll do a deeper dive on social media soon to show what I'm talking about and link it here.

Lastly, I want to know does it look good. I've had my share of body image issues over the years and my body has changed a lot postpartum and with cancer. I've also learned that how I feel impacts how I perform - if my shorts are too tight/baggy/falling apart then I tend to feel on edge all day. Instead, I want shorts that I almost forget I'm wearing. For me, these are the PHNX Serena Shorts 2.0. Anytime I wear another pair of shorts I find myself wishing I had these on instead.

If you have a decent length inseam, high quality materials and stitching, and they pass the "feel good" test then you have a great pair of shorts. I personally think our shorts pass all 3 tests and would recommend them to literally anyone - new runners, experienced runners, weight-lifters, moms, endurance runners, and walkers. If you want shorts that work for you then give ours a try.

Some common questions I get asked:

• Are two-layer shorts hotter? No, 2 layers shorts typically allow sweat to be wicked away from your body and evaporate quickly. 

• Are they squat-proof? Yes, these pass the squat-test. The inner layer keeps you covered no matter what angle you're in ;)

• Do they ride up? A little. If you are squatting and moving you may experience some movement, but they should not ride all the way up or give you a wedgie. The reason for movement is they are not true compression shorts.. We wanted the shorts to be both comfortable and functional and to do that we needed to allow a little bit of movement.

• Do they help with chafing? YES. These shorts are amazing for preventing chafing and thigh rub. The material is soft and stays in place without bunching. I wore mine 9 months pregnant and never had a single issue with chafing despite generous thigh rub.