Women's Running Shorts with Phone Pockets

Lorna Jane's women's running shorts with phone pockets sort out the one thing nobody thinks about until you’re mid-run: where to put your phone. Lorna Jane has been making activewear since 1989, so this isn’t the first time we’ve had to overcome everyday challenges. Fortunately, we’ve gotten good at it - so good we solved it in style. Choose from loose cuts with a mesh liner if you run hot, and compressive 2-in-1 styles if you want something that holds its shape over a longer distance. A few of our shorts for running have a reflective LJ icon on the leg, which you'll want if you're heading out before sunrise or after work. Nearly all of them have a drawcord, so you can pull the waistband in as tight as you actually want it. If you're lifting or spinning rather than running, our bike shorts range gives you more coverage and a longer leg. The looser pairs are easy to wear for a walk or a Pilates class too. The 2-in-1s are the ones for a tempo run.

2-in-1 Run Shorts with Built-In Liners

Chafe is just skin rubbing on skin, and it gets worse once you're sweaty and salty. That's what the liner is there for. The Run Around and Lightspeed both have a compressive inner short that sits close to your leg, so fabric moves against fabric instead of skin against skin. The Shakeout does it differently with a breathable mesh liner, trading compression for airflow when it's warm. LJ Active fabric is what all three run in: 90% polyester, 10% elastane, 2-way stretch. We avoid cotton for running, because it soaks the sweat up and feels heavy on you. Hems are different across the three as well. The Run Around has a curved hem with laser cut mesh trim, the Lightspeed a flat bonded one. If you want a longer leg, have a look at our women's activewear shorts.

Are High Waisted Run Shorts Better for Running?

High waisted run shorts sit above your hip bone and cover more of your stomach, while mid rise sits lower and feels less restrictive. Both fits use an elasticated waistband with a drawcord to set the fit. Width matters as much as height. A wider band spreads the pressure out, so it digs in less when you bend over. The drawcord is the bit worth checking though, because it lets you set the fit yourself instead of trusting the elastic on its own. The Lightspeed is mid to high rise run short with a loose leg. And if you'd rather have a high rise in one tighter layer, our phone pocket bike shorts do the same pocket trick.

How to Style Ladies Run Shorts

Run shorts aren't just for running. But what makes them good on a run changes what you'd wear them with, so here's the quick version.

• Early starts and evening runs: The Run Around and the Lightspeed phone pocket run short both have a reflective LJ icon on them, making them perfect for when the sun is at its lowest. Pair either with a high support sports bra - running is a high impact activity, and the right level of support makes a big difference. Unless its summer, consider taking an extra layer you can tie round your waist once you've warmed up.
• Long runs and race day: Go for a compressive 2-in-1 run short with a longer liner, because that's what cuts down inner thigh rub over distance. On the Lightspeed the phone pocket sits in the side of the inner short, so the compression holds your phone against your leg rather than letting it swing around.
• Hot and humid sessions: Our Shakeout run shorts are your pick here. A mesh liner and a loose leg move more air than a tight compressive short. Wear it with a relaxed singlet instead of a fitted crop so you're not holding heat against your back.
• Gym and cardio classes: A shorter leg with side splits is good for treadmill and rower work, same as the rest of our cardio and training shorts. Skip it for heavy lifting or spin though. A longer bike short gives you more coverage under a bar or on a saddle.
• Everyday and travel: The contrast panelling on the Shakeout reads more retro sport than gym kit, so you can wear it on a walk without looking like you're mid-workout. The secret pocket in the brief fits keys essentials so you don't need a bag. Worth checking run shorts on sale if you want a second pair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do running shorts with a phone pocket actually stop the bounce?
A: It depends where the pocket sits and how tightly it's held. A phone in a loose waistband pocket has room to move, so it'll slap around. The Lightspeed puts the pocket in the side of the inner short, where the compression holds your phone flat against your leg. Waistband pockets are fine for keys and a card. For a phone, go with a compressive thigh pocket.

Q: What length run short should I go for?
A: Longer legs cover more of your inner thigh, so they're the pick if chafe is your issue or you just want more coverage. Shorter legs with side splits open up at full stride, which some runners prefer for knee drive and airflow. If you're torn between the two, look for a longer inner liner under a shorter outer leg and you'll get a bit of both. It's also worth checking the model's height and what size she's wearing on the product page, because the same short sits differently on different bodies.

Q: Are lined running shorts better than unlined?
A: For running, usually yes. A liner stops the outer layer clinging and puts fabric between your thighs instead of skin on skin. Compressive liners hold you in more for longer or faster runs, mesh liners breathe better when it's hot. Unlined is still fine if you'd rather wear your own bike short or briefs underneath.

Q: How should I wash my run shorts?
A: Cold wash with like colours, and skip the fabric softener, we don't recommend it on any of our activewear. Air or line dry in the shade instead of using the dryer or leaving them out in the sun. A wash bag is worth it too. It stops fluff from towels and anything else in the load sticking to your technical fabric. To keep your activewear looking its best, always check the individual garment's care label for specific washing instructions.

Q: What's the difference between run shorts and bike shorts?
A: Run shorts have a separate outer leg that hangs away from your skin, usually with a liner underneath. Bike shorts are one compressive layer sitting tight on the leg. Run shorts give you more air and a freer stride, bike shorts give you more coverage and stay put under a bar or on a saddle. Most runners end up with both.