High-Waisted Leggings vs Running Shorts: Everyday Wear Guide
By Kids Warehouse | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: Comparaisons
Compare high-waisted leggings with side pockets and running shorts with a drawstring waistband on coverage, storage, and fit so you can pick the right pair for errands, workouts, or both.
Quick answer
Choose the New York Laundry 7/8 high-waisted leggings when you want full-leg coverage and secure side pockets for errands and workouts. Choose the 3-inch running shorts when you want a lighter, cooler fit with an adjustable drawstring waist for runs and warm-weather days.
Coverage and fabric feel
The leggings cover you from waist to below the knee in a 7/8 length, which makes them the more versatile pair for cooler mornings, errands, and low-impact workouts. The shorts stop at a 3-inch inseam, so they expose more leg and feel lighter in heat or during high-effort runs.
Neither product page lists fabric composition or stretch level, so treat those as unknowns. If you prefer a specific compression feel, check the product details before ordering rather than assuming.
Storage and waistband adjustment
Both pairs include side pockets, but the leggings use deep, integrated dual side utility pockets, while the shorts pair side pockets with an adjustable drawstring waistband. That means the shorts can be cinched for a custom fit during movement, but the leggings rely on their high waistband to stay put.
If you carry a phone and keys on every outing, the leggings' pocket depth is the more secure everyday option. If you mainly need a quick place for a key during a run, the shorts' drawstring fit may matter more than pocket depth.
Where each pair falls short
The leggings are not the better pick for hot-weather runs or anyone who dislikes full-leg coverage. The shorts are not the better pick for cold days, errands where you want leg coverage, or workouts where you prefer a high waistband over a drawstring.
Because both are solid black and sold by size only, your main decision is silhouette and waistband style, not color or features.
Trade-offs to weigh before you choose
- Coverage vs breathability: The leggings give full-leg coverage for cooler days and errands; the 3-inch shorts expose more leg for heat and high-effort runs. Pick based on the weather and effort level you face most often.
- Pocket depth vs waistband adjustability: The leggings offer deep dual side pockets for a phone and keys; the shorts offer side pockets plus a drawstring you can cinch for a custom fit. Choose the leggings if secure storage matters more; choose the shorts if you want to adjust fit during movement.
- One pair or two: If you want one pair for errands, workouts, and cool mornings, the leggings cover more situations; if you run in heat or prefer less fabric, the shorts are the better single pick. Buying both covers the full year, but one pair is enough if you match it to your main activity.
Product facts at a glance
- New York Laundry Women's 7/8 High-Waisted Leggings with Side Pockets, Jet Black: 7/8 length with a high waist and deep, integrated dual side utility pockets. Full-leg coverage and deeper pockets make these the stronger everyday pair for errands and workouts where you carry a phone and keys.
New York Laundry Women's 7/8 High-Waisted Leggings with Side Pockets, Jet Black - New York Laundry Women's 3-Inch Running Shorts with Drawstring Waistband and Pockets, Jet Black: 3-inch inseam with an adjustable drawstring waistband and side pockets. The shorter cut and cinchable waist suit runs and warm weather, while the pockets still hold small essentials.
New York Laundry Women's 3-Inch Running Shorts with Drawstring Waistband and Pockets, Jet Black
Which pair fits your routine
Best for
- Everyday errands and workouts where you want full-leg coverage and deep side pockets
- Cooler mornings or low-impact activity where a high waistband feels more secure than a drawstring
Not for
- Hot-weather runs or anyone who prefers less leg coverage
- Shoppers who want an adjustable drawstring waist rather than a high waistband
