You know what’s worse than working out in the summer heat? Wearing shorts while doing so. There’s nothing more unmotivating and distracting than feeling your flabby thighs chafe together as you’re trying to work out. Like, fuck, that’s why I’m out here running in the first place! This is an issue for pretty much any girl without the infamous (and highly coveted) thigh gap. So what’s a girl to do?!
Running in 90-degree heat in a pair of leggings legit sounds awful. If I wanted to torture myself, I’d just go watch the current season of The Bachelorette. I mean, there’s nothing more cringe- and sweat-inducing than watching a group of grown men yelling “BECCA!!!!!!!” from the top of a balcony. Ya know, now that I think of it, I could probs just get my whole workout in by watching an episode of The Bachelorette alone. Ugh, but then again, Becca is eventually going to pick Mr. Right Mr. Social Media Social-Climber and I’ll be back faced with my original dilemma. I want to wear leggings, but how can I?
The solution? Breathable leggings. There are four main features to look for in a pair of breathable leggings: moisture-wicking fabric, capri cut, mesh details, and/or cutouts. It’s essential that your summer-appropriate leggings have at least one of these features, but bonus points if they have multiple. (Most of the ones I picked out for you do in fact have more than one. You’re welcome.) Here’s a roundup of the most breathable leggings for summer.
1. Moisture-Wicking Fabric
Well fucking duh, this is essential. You can’t be running around in public with your visible swamp ass, smh. With even more pride than your friend who lost three pounds, these specifically selected leggings boast their advanced “water-wicking” materials. And, unlike your friend who put those three pounds right back on in one drunken binge feast, these leggings are legit and are actually worth all their hype.
Lululemon Fast & Free 7/8 Tight II *Nulux 25″
The North Face Women’s Motivation High-rise Printed Crop
2. Capri Cut
This is the only time I give you permission to wear straight-up capris. Capris are obviously shorter in length than traditional leggings, and because they have less material, they are more breathable. They give your sad cankles some fresh air.
Nike Epic Lux Women’s Running Capris
Nike Pro Women’s 20″ Basketball Tights
3. Mesh Details
Mesh paneling is trendy, cool, and yup, you guessed it, breathable af. Mesh details give your leggings the perf hint of style without making it totally obvious you’re just at the gym for the cute workout selfie.
Bandier Alala Captain Crop Tight
4. Cutouts
Cutouts are edgy and stylish, but more importantly, they allow for ventilation (and you know mama needs some ventilation!). They’re def super trendy, so use this as motivation to work out harder and prove to all the judgy bitches how seriously you actually take your workout. Like, I’m wearing these cool, breathable leggings because I take my workout seriously, bishhhh.
Alo Yoga High-Waist Reform Legging
Investing time and money into finding the perf leggings is def worth it, because it will make you actually want to work out. Dare I say, it may even make you excited to work out?! Plus, I already took care of the time aspect for you by doing the research and finding all of these awesome leggings. Now, all you have to do is cough up some dolla billz… or at least just ask your Dad if you can borrow his credit card. Happy (belated) Father’s Day, dad!!!
Images: @melodyjacob1 / Unsplash; Lululemon; The North Face; Noli Yoga; Nike (2); Bandier; Alo Yoga (2)
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