Running fever has caught on rapidly in recent years, whether that means running on the street or in a marathon. The sport gained a huge following that led to growing expectations for the performance of running tights. Good water absorbency, sweat wicking, quick drying and breathability are believed to increase comfort of runners. The Consumer Council's test on 15 models of running tights showed variable performance in water vapour permeability, water absorbency, sweat wicking and quick drying, although most of them received 4 points or above in their overall rating. The tests also revealed that some less costly models produced satisfactory results. Therefore, consumers should not focus on pricing alone when choosing a running tight, but also take fabric composition into consideration to ensure comfort while running.
Tested running tights comprised 7 men's and 8 women's models in full-length and simple design, with prices under $600. 1 model was claimed to be suited for winter. Labels on 11 models were claimed to be running tights, while the others were described as sportswear. The tests were undertaken with reference to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards, American Association for Textile Chemists and Colourists (AATCC) Standards and Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS), in respect to fabric strength, durability and comfort, on a 5-point scale.
The degree of water vapour permeability is a critical indicator for assuring comfort for the wearer. Running causes the body to churn out moisture vapour, as the body's metabolism increases. Tights with high degrees of water vapour permeability can allow moisture vapour to pass through the interstices of the fabrics into the air more efficiently. This capability minimises the sweaty, soggy feeling that would result from sopping wet gear against the skin. In the tested models, 5 showed better performance with regard to water vapour permeability, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable while exercising. The 5 models were awarded a top score of 5 points. 2 other models, however, scored only 3.5 points as tests revealed lower degree of water vapour permeability.
The capabilities and performance of running tights in terms of water absorption, sweat wicking and quick drying affect its moisture management and help maintain the body temperature of the runner, while also affect his/her comfort. The findings revealed that tested models performed differently when it came to water absorption. 9 models performed well, absorbing a drop of water (0.05ml) within 3 seconds, were scored 5 points. The fastest one only took 1 second. The slowest one took about 3 minutes to absorb the droplet and scored only 1 point. 2 models scored 5 points in wicking tests which reflect how fast the fabrics absorb sweat and transfer it from the inner surface to the outer surface of the fabric, where the moisture quickly evaporates. 1 model performed poorly in wicking test and was scored only 1 point.
The slower drying speed of running tights could make the runner feel soggy from the sopping wet gear against the skin while running. The drying time of the 15 models ranged from 102 to 520 minutes for tights to dry thoroughly after being soaked. The winter model took the longest time. Its design of thick fabric meant to keep the runner warm, capturing more moisture after soaking and needed longer to dry completely. Among other models however, the slowest required 468 minutes of drying time.
Running tights which dry faster, sweat stays on the tights for a shorter duration, allowing greater comfort. Consumers should note that wearing apparel with poor performance in sweat wicking and quick drying may cause itchiness or skin rash. Overall, most models were graded at 4 points or higher in the sweat wicking and quick drying tests, while the least performing one scored only 1.5 points.
Moreover, running tights with high degrees of air permeability can help reduce body heat when working out. The degree of air permeability varied greatly among tested models. 1 model with the highest degree of air permeability allowed 86.9cm3 of air to pass through 1cm2 of the fabrics in 1 second while the least performing one allowed only 4.2cm3 of air to pass through, a difference of nearly 20 times. From another perspective, the model with low air permeability may have better wind proofing, to protect the runner from chill and help the wearer stay warm in lower temperature.
Running tights should have sufficient stretch ability to allow the wearer to put on easily and move more flexibly for stretching exercises. Tights should also recover their original shape after stretching so that they do not become disfigured after being stretched. 1 model was rated as excellent in both fabric stretch and recovery, obtaining a score of 5 points in the overall stretch performance.
Tests showed all models having good abrasion resistance. None of the models was damaged after being abraded over 20,000 cycles by the tester. Additionally, most models performed well in tests of bursting strength showing that body and seams of the tights are not easily burst open through the exertions of pressure. Also, the dimension of the waist, hip and length of the tested tights showed no significant deviation (less than 2.4%) after 10 wash cycles in a domestic washer.
The followings are tips for purchase and care of running tights:
- Read the fibre label and tags on the tights, if they bear wording like "moisture management", "quick dry", "stay dry", etc., or indicating to have composition of synthetic fibre like polyester or nylon, they are more likely to be efficient at sweat wicking and quick drying;
- If the fibre label shows cotton only or cotton composition exceeding over 50%, this tight may perform less efficient in the sweat wicking and quick drying function;
- Some tights have mesh panels in high sweat areas, such as behind the waist, behind the knees and lower legs to maximise airflow between the body and the tights which help facilitate heat dissipation;
- Follow the care label for washing. Machine wash inside out and always use a washing bag;
- Use ordinary powdered detergent or liquid detergent. Some models advise against using fabric softener or bleach which inhibits wicking capabilities;
- Tumble drying at high heat in a dryer or ironing may disfigure the fabric and damage its wicking capabilities;
- After wearing, wash and dry them as soon as possible to avoid stinky or moldy odour.
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