The KitFox Blueprint: Why Your Running Kit is Failing You (and How We’re Fixing It)

The KitFox Blueprint: Why Your Running Kit is Failing You (and How We’re Fixing It)

The KitFox Blueprint: At a Glance

The Problem: 65% of UK women runners have avoided buying kit because they couldn't find a proper fit. The Data: We surveyed 500+ runners to design the ultimate women's running leggings and shorts.

The Solution: 

  • Fit First: High-waisted support that stays put (no rolling or digging).
  • Smart Pockets: Strategic placement based on real runner feedback.
  • Authentic Design: High-performance kit without the "over-engineered" bulk or loud logos.

KitFox stock is arriving Late April / Early May 2026.

Solving the problem of women's running kit isn't just a design challenge; it’s a collaborative mission.

At KitFox, we believe that women's running clothes should work for the runner, not the other way around. To prove it, we surveyed over 500 women runners in the UK to find out exactly what’s missing from their wardrobes. As a runner who has spent years battling leggings that roll down and shorts that chafe, the results were a wake-up call—but they weren't a surprise.

The "Fit Gap": A National Issue

You are not alone in your frustration. Our survey found that 65% of UK women have avoided buying essential kit because they simply couldn't find a good fit. This isn't just a KitFox finding; industry data shows that nearly half of UK women aged 16–44 struggle to find clothing that fits their body shape correctly.

When kit doesn't fit, it’s more than an inconvenience—it’s a barrier to participation. Research suggests that 70% of girls and women have been put off sport due to clothing and body image concerns. Whether you're training for your first 5k or a mountain ultra, the "unisex" (read: men's) fit standard is no longer enough.

Pockets: Thoughtful Design Over "Organised Chaos"

If you search for the best women’s running shorts with pockets, you’ll find plenty of options that look like they belong in a tool shed.

At KitFox, we wanted to achieve two things:

  1. Give women runners the high-performance features they actually want.

  2. Avoid over-engineering kit that feels bulky or complicated.

Instead of guessing, I asked the question. I left the pocket count blank and let you tell me where you want your phone, your keys, and your gels. The result? A "Goldilocks" design: exactly what you need, exactly where you need it, with no extra bulk.

Performance Features That Matter

When shopping for women's running leggings in the UK, two things consistently top the list: Fit and Comfort. It’s simple science: when we feel supported and comfortable, we perform better.

For our community of midlife runners, the feedback was even more specific. You’re looking for:

  • High-waisted support that doesn't dig in or roll down.

  • Non-conspicuous branding (no moonlighting as a walking advert!).

  • Inclusive sizing that respects the changing female form.

  • Looser fit options that offer coverage without sacrificing speed.

From the Sewing Machine to the Finish Line

How did I turn this data into reality? I went back to basics. I spent months at my sewing machine, deconstructing old kit and prototyping patterns. I’ve stood at race finish lines across the UK, listening to your biggest kit gripes.

Whether it’s a 5k parkrun or club hill reps, I wanted to create a "Goldilocks" piece of kit—something that feels just right.

What’s Next for KitFox?

Women's running shorts and leggings are just the beginning. Your survey feedback is currently fueling a full pipeline of innovative designs.

To everyone who took part in our research: Thank you. You haven't just helped a small UK business; you’ve helped design the future of inclusive sportswear.

KitFox is landing soon. Are you ready to find your fit?