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After I ran my first marathon a few years ago, I was scared to look through the official race photos. I’d had a hard race and knew there’d be some shots where I’d be sweaty and visibly suffering.
What I wasn’t expecting to be embarrassed by? All the photos where you could see my shorts pockets bulging from the gels I’d overstuffed them with. It wasn’t exactly a cool look—and even worse, all those gels bounced around and chafed my legs (even through the fabric of my shorts).
Finding the best running clothes with pockets isn’t just a problem for marathoners—it can be tough to find the right way to stash your phone, a credit card, keys, snacks, and extra layers, no matter how far you’re running. And while running belts are a thing, they can be bulky, bouncy, and can also cause uncomfortable chafing.
One day, running brands will learn that all we want is more, better pockets. But until then, we sifted through lots of gear—and tested some pieces ourselves—to find the clothes that are ahead of the game.
Our top picks
- Best Shorts: Janji Multi Short
- Best Tights: Janji Trail Tight
- Best Bra: Brooks 3 Pocket Sports Bra
- Best Shirt: Lululemon It’s Rulu Long-Sleeve Shirt
Shop the best running gear with storage
You’ve got miles to run and things to carry. We’ve got suggestions. Here are our favorite options for bounce- and chafe-free storage.
Shorts
Best Overall: Janji Multi Short
Pros
- Seven waistband pockets to fit your phone, nutrition, and more
- Clip keeps key secure
- Super breathable and lightweight material
Cons
- The side slit was too high for some Janji reviewers
Janji’s Multi Shorts may not look like much at first glance. But these super-lightweight split shorts pack a major pocket punch, with seven slots to store your phone, your snacks, and more along the waistband.
Even more impressive? Most Janji reviewers said that when their pockets are loaded, they experience no bouncing. These shorts are also a great option for steamy days—they’re made with a highly breathable material that dries in no time.
Materials: Nylon, elastane, spandex, polyester | Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 5
Best Biker Shorts: Rabbit Leggy Smashems
Pros
- Six pockets for your phone, nutrition and more
- Doesn’t bounce or ride up, even with full pockets
- Odor- and bacteria-fighting fabric
Cons
- Some Rabbit reviewers had problems with the drawstring
When it comes to pocket innovation, Rabbit has long been ahead of the game, Missy Gabriele, director of apparel and accessories at Fleet Feet, tells SELF—and if you like to run in biker shorts, the brand’s Leggy Smashems are our pick. With six pockets—including one in the front of the waistband for easy access, one in the back of the waistband that zips, two in the side of the waistband, and two on the legs—there’s no pocket potential left unrealized.
Rabbit reviewers reported being able to carry a truly impressive amount of stuff (one says she can comfortably fit eight gels, plus her phone and keys). That, and the fact that they’re made with odor- and bacteria-fighting fabric, also makes them ideal for long runs and races.
Materials: Polyester, spandex, nylon | Sizes: XS to XL | Colors: Black
Best for Trail Running: Rabbit Smashems
Pros
- Four secure waistband pockets fit phone, nutrition, etc.
- Two back elastic loops can hold trail running or hiking poles
- Quick-drying, odor-control fabric
Cons
- Some Rabbit reviewers say they can ride up
Trail runners or hikers tackling difficult terrain often carry poles to help them get up steep slopes or navigate slick surfaces. But when the trail levels out, you need a convenient place to stash them so you can run free.
That’s why Rabbit’s Smashems shorts come in clutch: Not only do they have storage around the full waistband for a phone, nutrition, and more, but they have two elastic loops in the back to store your poles. They’re also made from quick-drying, odor-control fabric for extra-sweaty days outdoors.
Materials: Polyester, spandex, nylon | Sizes: XS to XL | Colors: 2
Best 2-in-1: Brooks High Point 2-in-1 Short
Brooks
High Point 2-in-1 Short
Pros
- Four waistband pockets
- Two long pockets are large enough to hold a soft flask or an extra layer
- Water-resistant material on front panel
Cons
- Some Brooks reviewers say they run small
If you prefer layering flowy shorts over a tighter pair, let Brooks’ High Point shorts do the work for you. Asher Kyger Henry, PT, DPT, CSCS, a physical therapist and certified running coach based in Kansas City, says these perform well for her and her athletes, with a more compressive inner short that prevents chafing and riding up and an outer layer made from water- and snag-proof fabric. (That means these are also great for the trails.)
The large pockets on both the front and back of the waistband are large enough to comfortably fit a rolled-up extra layer or a soft flask water bottle, and the two small waistband pockets securely hold smaller items like gels and keys.
Materials: Recycled polyester, spandex | Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 2
Tights
Best Overall: Janji Trail Tight
Pros
- Five generously sized pockets can fit nutrition, hydration, phone, and more
- Pocket clip keeps keys secure
- Waistband drawstring helps prevent slippage or sagging
Cons
- Some Janji reviewers said the waistband feels tight
Janji’s Trail Tight is the number one pick for Henry’s roster of athletes because it has storage to spare—and it’s long been my most-loved pair of tights as well. It has five(!) large pockets—including one along the back waistband that also works as a pass-through for a lightweight layer or collapsible water bottle.
I can’t think of much you’d want to carry on a run that you couldn’t fit in these tights. That makes them a great option for all-day running adventures, Henry says, especially if they involve elevation changes that may require losing or adding an extra layer. (Temperature-wise, I usually reach for these when it’s between 30 and 40 degrees outside.)
All of the pockets are mesh, so they add minimal heat. And the waistband drawstring helps prevent sagging or slipping when you’ve got full pockets, although I occasionally find myself hiking them up if I’ve really packed them with nutrition. One possible con to note: A handful of Janji reviewers said that the waistband was too tight, but I’ve always been comfortable wearing my normal size.
Materials: Nylon, spandex, polyester | Sizes: XXS to XXL | Colors: 4
Best Half Tights: Janji Trail Half Tight
Pros
- Five generously sized pockets for nutrition, hydration, phone, and more
- Pocket clip keeps keys nearby
- Waistband drawstring helps prevent slippage or gapping
Cons
- Some Janji reviewers say the waistband is too tight
The sister to Janji’s Trail Tight, the Half Tight is a great option if you prefer longer shorts (they can be a safer option in terms of chafing and thigh-gobbling). Henry’s athletes count these amongst their favorites thanks to the five large pockets, including two deep ones along the sides.
“They have side pockets with really good depth, so if you’re carrying more food and gels, there’s space,” she says. “You’re not running and trying to search for where you put stuff—it’s easily accessible.”
Materials: Nylon, spandex, polyester | Sizes: XXS to XXL | Colors: 5
Best for Night Running: Brooks Run Visible Tight 2.0
Brooks
Run Visible Tight 2.0
Pros
- Three pockets for your phone and small essentials
- Fluorescent and reflective details help you be seen in the dark
- Drawstring prevents slipping and sagging
Cons
- Some Brooks reviewers had fit issues
It’s expensive to have a closet full of running gear that’s only good at one thing—not the case with Brooks’s Run Visible Tights. When you need to run at night and have lots of pocket space, they deliver. That shouldn’t necessarily come as a surprise: Brooks has long been known for having a large collection of high-visibility apparel, and Gabriele says they’re also one of the best in the game as far as pockets go.
The Run Visible Tights have two large side pockets as well as a turn-and-lock back waistband pocket where you can securely store your phone—plus just about all the visibility details you would want to help drivers see you in darkness or low light.
Materials: Polyester, spandex | Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 1
Best Thermal: REI Swiftland Thermal Running Tights
REI Co-op Swiftland Thermal Running Tights
Pros
- Five pockets for phone, nutrition, and more
- Drawstring prevents slippage and sagging
- Brushed interior for added warmth
Cons
- Some REI reviewers say they run small
- Not warm enough for super low temperatures
For cold weather runs when you need some pocket space, go for REI’s Swiftland Thermal Running Tights, which provide plenty in both the pocket and warmth departments. With two large side pockets, one large back waistband pocket, and two smaller side waistband pockets, they have room for your phone, nutrition, and all those extra layers you can’t decide whether or not you’ll need.
FYI: While these have a brushed interior fabric for added warmth, they aren’t fleece-lined. So, on the coldest days, you may need to reach for something even thicker.
Materials: Nylon, spandex | Sizes: XS to XL | Colors: 1
Bras
Best Overall: Brooks 3 Pocket Sports Bra
Brooks
3 Pocket Sports Bra
Pros
- Back pocket for phone, plus two side pockets for smaller items
- Highly supportive
- Comes in multiple cup sizes and fun colorways
Cons
- Some reviewers had chafing issues
Henry and her athletes swear by Brooks’ 3 Pocket Sports Bra, which features a back pocket for a phone and two side pockets for smaller items like credit cards or keys. One reason it’s a hit: It’s supportive, even when it’s loaded down with a phone. “It’s really high support, which is great because we’ve had issues finding bras that support enough while carrying things too,” Henry says.
I’ve worn this bra during three marathon training cycles, and love that I can forget that my phone is even there. (During one marathon, I even managed to squeeze a gel into the back pocket along with my phone.)
Some Brooks reviewers have had chafing issues with this bra, but I’ve only experienced light chafing on very long runs (over 15 miles) on warm days. Another major plus: The 3 Pocket Sports Bra comes in traditional bra sizes (rather than just small, medium and large), so you can get a more customized fit.
Materials: Polyester, spandex | Sizes: 30A/B to 40DD/E | Colors: 7
Best with Front Storage: Tracksmith Allston Bra
Pros
- Front pocket for phone, gels, and other essentials
- No annoying removable cups
- Chafe-free comfort
Cons
- Using the pocket can look a bit strange
- Not very supportive for C+ cups
While storing your phone in the back of your bra may look more practical, you can’t beat the accessibility of having it right in front of you—the Allston Bra proves it.
For me, this bra’s front pocket is perfect for storing a gel or two, and although I was skeptical at first, I found that it didn’t bounce or cause any chafing (as did many other Tracksmith reviewers). Note that this is a medium-support bra, so it’s probably not the best choice for larger chests.
Materials: Nylon, elastane | Sizes: XS to XL | Colors: 4
Best for Marathons: Bandit Stamina 6 Pocket Nova Crop
Bandit Stamina 6 Pocket Nova Crop
Pros
- Four gel-size back pockets, plus two phone-size side pockets
- High coverage and high support
- Chafe-free comfort
Cons
- Thick fabric takes a while to dry
Bandit’s Stamina 6 Pocket Nova Crop is in a league of its own, as far as sports bra storage goes. Made specifically for runners carrying lots of nutrition, the bra has four perfectly gel-shaped pockets in the back (where they won’t bounce or chafe), plus two side pockets that are each large enough to fit a phone.
Since testing the bra, I can safely say that I’ll never run a long-distance race wearing anything else. My only concern was that storing a phone or gel in the side pockets would cause chafing as my arms swung back and forth. But I didn’t find that to be a problem at all, as long as I made sure that whatever I put in there was fully tucked into the pocket. Note: The fabric is pretty thick and takes a while to dry, which might be less than ideal on hot days.
Materials: Polyester, spandex | Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: Black
Shirts
Best Overall: lululemon It’s Rulu Long-Sleeve Shirt
Lululemon
It’s Rulu Long-Sleeve Shirt
Pros
- Front pocket for cash, cards, keys, or a small gel
- Warm enough for cold weather runs
- Reviewers love the soft fabric
Cons
- Too thick for warmer days
- Only comes in black
It’s pretty rare to find a running shirt with pockets—much less one that you can actually store things in without them bouncing around (since shirts tend to be less compressive than bras or bottoms). But this one from Lululemon, which is made for colder temperatures, has what it takes.
The pocket isn’t huge, but it has plenty of space to store a credit card, a key, or a small gel or two. And reviewers love the soft, moisture-wicking fabric that they say keeps them warm on chilly runs: “The fabric is soft, lightweight, and breathable—ideal for layering or wearing on its own,” one wrote. “Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable performance shirt for cold-weather running!”
Materials: Recycled nylon, Lycra elastane | Sizes: 0 to 20 | Colors: 1
How to choose the best running gear with storage
It’s not quite as simple as going for the biggest pockets you can find—here’s what experts suggest.
Pocket size and placement
Think about what you want to carry with you on the run and how much access you’ll need to those items. (For instance, do you frequently get lost and pull out your phone? Would it be annoying to have to reach behind you and pull it out of the back of your bra?)
Bigger isn’t always better, says Gabriele—if you put a small item in a big pocket, it could move around, which isn’t ideal. For important things like keys, cash, and cards, you may want the security of a zippered pocket, and if you’re carrying a bunch of gels, you may prefer multiple smaller pockets so you can easily keep track of them.
Gabriele’s advice? Try on some options at a running store, and bring some essentials to test. “Make sure your phone fits, your key fits,” she says. “If you’re at a store that has nutrition, check to see that it all fits, because it’s really annoying when you get out for a run and realize things are sliding around or you lose something.”
Extra pockets means extra fabric, which can make a running piece warmer and less breathable. For runners tackling long distances or warm temperatures, that makes a difference.
“When my athletes and I have this conversation, we break it down into how they can maintain their thermodynamics while wearing this stuff, because heat is such a factor and that’s one of the most vital things when it comes to actually finishing those longer-distance runs,” Henry says.
One way to make sure your pockets are adding minimal heat: Look for mesh ones, she suggests. (They just have to be durable enough to actually hold your stuff.)
Just like with any piece of running apparel, you want to be sure the fit is spot on. That’s especially important when you’re talking pockets, says Gabriele, because carrying extra items could make any existing fit issues worse.
“It’s important to think about, does this waistband fit tight enough that if I put eight different types of nutrition in it, it’s not going to fall down,” she says. “Things that bother you when you’re running—leggings falling down, shorts not flowy enough—take that into account when looking at storage.”
Frequently asked questions about running gear with storage
Why do I need storage in my running apparel?
While there’s something freeing about going out for a run totally unencumbered, in reality, most of us are carrying at least our phone, our keys, and perhaps a credit card when we go for a run. Often, it’s much more than that: If you’re going to be running for more than an hour, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends you refuel with 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrates per hour.
That usually means bringing some nutrition with you, like gels, chews or bars. You may also want to have extra layers on hand, Henry says, or even small medical supplies like blister pads.
What about a running belt?
If a running belt works for you, that’s great. But “having storage that’s already built-in is going to be better if you can manage it,” Henry says, as opposed to adding something else to your ensemble: “It’s another layer that you have to manage,” she adds.
Pockets can also be more easily accessible than a belt, which you may have to dig around in, says Gabriele—plus they’re less likely to cause chafing.
What are the best brands for running apparel with storage?
We’ve found storage-forward running pieces we love from Janji, Rabbit, Bandit, Lululemon, Brooks, REI and Tracksmith. In general, Gabriele recommends starting with brands that are known for trail running—such as Janji and Rabbit—since trail runners often have the most to carry. “That’s where all the innovation with storage starts,” she says. “They’re the trend-setters.”
Related:
- Finally, Sports Bras for Big Boobs That Don’t Pinch, Squeeze, or Chafe
- Experts Recommend These Long Distance Running Shoes, From Start to Finish
- We Put the Squeeze on Compression Leggings to Find the Best Pairs
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