i often get asked: how to wear wings while running? having done it twice, (& even PR-ing while running in wings) i’m a self-proclaimed wing-running-expert… and it’s surprisingly easy.
in fact, it’s so comfortable, i tend to forget i’m wearing wings while running, unless i accidentally hit someone with one of them (which may have happened once or twice).
the key to an easy-breezy-wing-running-experience? it’s all in the attachment…
don’t be lured into wearing the elastic arm straps “back pack” style. that’s guaranteed to be uncomfortable & you definitely won’t be flying thru any race.
not to worry though – proper wing-running-attachment is easy peasy.
how to wear wings while running {supplies}
* one pair of Team Sparkle fairy wings (available in a rainbow of colors)
* one tank top, preferably racerback. if tank tops aren’t your “thing”, wear a racerback sports bra under your shirt of choice.
you can also wear wear a “normal” sports bra, however it’s a little more work.
* 2 safety pins
how to wear wings while running {instructions}
best done with the help of a friend, but attaching wings can be done alone.
1. while wearing your tank top (or racerbrack sports bra under the shirt of your choice), attach the wings to the racerback, using the elastic arm straps.
a racerback tank top or sports bra’s shoulder straps form a “v” or a “t” between your shoulder blades, making it super easy to attach the wings to.
if you do choose to wear a “normal” tank top or sports bra, attach the elastic arm straps to each of your bra/ tank straps.
basically, you want to secure the wings to the middle of your back as firmly as possible.
2. wrap the the straps around the racerback several times, until it’s tight, making sure to double knot it.
* if you’re performing this act solo, you may want to attach the wings before putting on your tank top.
* if you’re wearing a sports bra under the shirt of your choice, you’ll want to pull the back collar down as far down as possible, & attach the wings to the straps of your sports bra.
3. arrange the wings, in the preferred position/placement on your back.
4. pin each wing to your tank top or shirt at the top of your back, at your shoulders, using the safety pins, to prevent major “wing-bobbing” while running.
* you may want to quickly dab the area where you are going to pin with clear nail polish to prevent any major runs in the nylon wings.
5. once you’ve attached your wings, be sure to slightly bend them “backwards,” near the top, for aero-dynamics (& to ensure they don’t hit you in the face as you run).
how to wear wings while running {review}
see?! i told you it would be easy-breezy. but, just in case you need a refresher already…
1. do NOT wear the wings as backpack using the arm straps.
2. DO attach the wings to a racerback tank top or sports bra.
3. DO pin wings to the top of each shoulder.
4. give the wings a slight bend BACKWARDS, to ensure aero-dynamics.
now, all you need is a little bit of pixie dust (& your Team Sparkle skirt) & you’re ready to wear wings while running.





























{ 36 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for posting this!! I’ve worn wings once before back pack style and between the rubbing and bobbing, it became something I never wanted to try again. I think this’ll solve that!
Twitter: according2kelly
January 16, 2012 at 8:29 am
that sounds awful! i knew if i was going to run in wings i had to figure out a “better” way. back pack style just won’t do!
Thanks for Posting. The racer x shirt is how I thought of wearing wings, but hadn’t thought of pining the top. By the way just got my skirt and it’s a little longer (especially in the Picts above). Did you shorten it yourself? And did you gave to re-finish the hem? I may need to do that too.
Patty
Twitter: according2kelly
January 16, 2012 at 8:28 am
Patty – did you get a Team Sparkle skirt? They are all pretty short – i love it.
& there isn’t a hem on any of my skirts – i think that’s why they are so light & airy.
I am totally doing this for Princess this year. Thanks for the info.
Twitter: according2kelly
January 16, 2012 at 10:50 am
it’s so fun! i’ve worn it two years in a row! dreaming up something new for Tinkerbell & Princess!
May sound crazy, but I was wondering how to do this without having them bother me. Now I know. Thanks!
Twitter: according2kelly
January 16, 2012 at 10:50 am
easy peasy!
Thanks for posting this! I have my lime Team Sparkle Skirt already and a green tank but something is missing. I might need to buy these wings.
You looked SUPER cute in your Tink outfit, Kelly.
Twitter: according2kelly
January 16, 2012 at 10:50 am
wings & POM POM for your shoes!!
Love the idea and will plan to try this.
Twitter: according2kelly
January 16, 2012 at 10:51 am
it will make running wearing wings SO much easier!
Twitter: hippypastorwife
January 16, 2012 at 2:04 pm
Thank you so much for posting this! After our Twitter convo , I did buy my gunmetal skirt and black wings! Definitely not wearing a tank as I’d prefer to hide my not so buff upper arms, but this helps. Will have to try to find racerback bra. With the pinning, do you pin through the middle of the wing material on around the frame?
Twitter: according2kelly
January 16, 2012 at 2:39 pm
I pinned right where I show on the picture – in the middle of each wing. i pinned from the top, so it went through nylon wing, then my shirt & probably sports bra & back out.
after 2 13.1 mile runs, & several other costumed occasions, my wings do have a slight hole in them. but, I’ve used clear nail polish to prevent further running.
Twitter: hippypastorwife
January 17, 2012 at 4:33 am
Ha, when I first read your comment and looked back at the pic, I thought for a moment, did she really use pins that big? Geez I’m a little slow on the uptake sometimes.
Makes sense – thanks!
Can’t believe I found this! Daughter and I are going for the Coast to Coast this year, dressed as Tinker Bell. We’re doing the Tinker Bell in two weeks, then the Princess three weeks after that. I was worried about our wings, but we will definitely try your directions. Thanks!
Twitter: according2kelly
January 18, 2012 at 12:00 am
I’m doing BOTH too! I’ve always wanted to go for the coast to coast & with Tink & the Princess so close, it just made sense!
Have fun!
This is too cute! Thanks for sharing!
Come by for a visit sometime!
-Simone
Twitter: according2kelly
January 18, 2012 at 12:00 am
thx!
You can also cut a couple of button holes in your shirt and tie the wings the same way and it might work. I would glue the holes so that the holes in the shirt will not fray. This is what I am going to do.
Twitter: according2kelly
January 18, 2012 at 12:02 am
Great idea! I was trying to do as little damage to my shirt/ sports bras as possible.
If you don’t mind putting holes in your shirt, I might actually make a button hole using a sewing machine – it might fray even less!
Truly adorable… that pic of you!
Twitter: according2kelly
January 18, 2012 at 12:03 am
ahh shucks! Thank you!
Twitter: mominmanagement
January 17, 2012 at 3:25 pm
You look fabulous! What a fun idea.
Twitter: according2kelly
January 18, 2012 at 12:03 am
you want to run in wings now too, huh?!
Twitter: StressFreeBaby
January 17, 2012 at 4:24 pm
I LOVE this! I’ve been wanting to get back into running so I could sing up for another triathlon this year and this might be the thing to inspire me! Thanks…
Twitter: according2kelly
January 18, 2012 at 12:03 am
You’ve got to do it! Tri’s are my favorite! Sign up & we can train virtually!
Thank You!!!!
I am doing the Tinkerbell run and really wanted to wear wings. I tried to wear them backpack style and about 2 minutes into the the run knew it would never work. I am so thrilled that I will be able to wear wings for the run, and my 9 year old daughter is even more thrilled because she said what is the point of doing a Tinkerbell run if you *don’t* have wings
Twitter: according2kelly
January 23, 2012 at 10:32 pm
EXACTLY! If you are going to run tinkerbell you MUST wear wings! Try it my way… I’ve done it twice, with lots of success!
I would imagine that it does take skill to run with wings. Being in Hawaii, I should try running with a hula skirt.
Twitter: according2kelly
January 23, 2012 at 10:33 pm
that sounds fun! you should definitely run in a hula skirt!
Thanks for this!! I’m running the Tinkerbell half this Sunday dressed as Tinkerbell of course. I would have worn my wings as a back pack … Great tip! Just discovered your blog and as a fellow running and crafty type, I’m loving it. THANKS! Are you running Tinkerbell as well??
Twitter: according2kelly
January 23, 2012 at 10:34 pm
I am running tinkerbell!!!! I can’t wait! Although, I’m not running as Tinkerbell this time around… I’m still working on my costume though!
Are you as excited as I am?
Also running the Tinkerbell 1/2 and I was THISclose to wearing wings but decided against it because it’s always been uncomfortable. I’ll have to try this next time, your outfits are cute!
Twitter: according2kelly
January 23, 2012 at 10:34 pm
Honestly, I don’t even notice them! you will HAVE to try it another time. Maybe we’ll “run” into each other!
Can’t tell you how much this post helped me out. I put on my wings just as you said before the Tinkerbell race and tried it around my neighborhood. Worked perfectly! They were smaller wings but i was surprised at the race to see a lot of people with some HUGE wings on.
Thank you so much for this post!! I was wondering what you wore to the race?