New favorite brand, Io-Bio, advertises their contact tights (both the loose and fitted versions) as underwear or outerwear. Versatility? Great, I’m all for it. But be warned, if you wear these as pants you better not mind showing the whole world your bum. They’re just a tad too sheer.
Tights-as-pants debate aside, these are still a great piece of kit. The 3/4 fitted tights are fabulous as a base layer under anything from jeans to spandex. Heck, I wear mine to my desk job sometimes (the office is cold!). The super light-weight (200g) Merino/Elastane fabric doesn’t bunch or shift, even under pants, and most of the time is barely noticeable.
These rival my similar-weight, gold-standard Patagonia tights in both quality and warmth, though you won’t save too much going Io-Bio, as the cost is about the same.
The fit on both pairs is true to size. I have the same size in both and the loose tights are baggy and the regular ones are not. (Duh) Very uncomplicated. The fitted tights have a wide elastic waist band that is both very comfortable and flattering (if going the tights-as-outerwear route). The loose tights have a different, thinner waist band that reminds me of something you’d find on grandpa sweatpants. It’s comfortable and gets the job done, but I don’t love it nearly as much as the elastic. And because the top of of these tights is fitted, and the tights themselves are loose, you’ll end up with a not-so-fabulous Hammer pants look. Unless that’s what you’re going for, in which case, rock on ’80s sister.
Both versions are warm, yet breathable, even when you’re not active. I wore mine (the fitted version) as a base layer almost all winter long. To work, to bed or to the grocery store, you name it, I wore them.
Washing is a breeze. After a spin through the cold cycle both versions came out of the washer barely damp, and required only a brief period of time to hang dry. Which is great, because I hate fussy laundry.
While I would, and have, worn both of these by themselves as running tights I wouldn’t recommend wearing them as such when it’s cold or windy. They’re best suited for 50 degree or milder weather. Or maybe yoga class. Or for lounging around your house, where it doesn’t matter if anyone can see your bum.
Get them for $69.99-$79.99 in stores, online or from io-bio.com.
Sara Davidson is an ultramarathoner and our resident women’s running bum. That’s right. I said “bum.” Again.
