This issue is being raised to begin with because of some bony/small donged runner's insecurity. First, admit you care about how you look and that it's not only about warmth and comfort. Once you do that maybe you'll finally own who you are. Once you're there maybe we can have a real debate. Assuming we're only talking about winter (GFTO if you wear shorts over tights any other time of the year), here are some reasons to wear only tights if you're a guy:
1. Tights keep you warm and prevent chafing. Adding running shorts over them will only give you marginal warmth and if anything will decrease comfort.
2. Anyone with half a brain knows that running tights are made for outside winter activity. It only seems logical to wear something that was created for a specific purpose. Running shorts are not outerwear in winter time.
3. No one who matters really cares how you look running in tights. The only people who will check you out and make fun of you are those who are insecure about their own looks and want to make themselves feel better by bashing you. Remember that next time you get made fun of by a little thug in the hood, pimple-faced teenage high schoolers, or meat heads on the streets. I would hope you think you are better than them.
4. Wearing running shorts over your tights is clear evidence of insecurity. Despite how desperately you try to justify it, you look like a shy elf and you're just calling much more attention to yourself than you want. Don't believe me? Just pull up some youtube video of a high school XC meet and compare it to a xmas elf clip, you won't notice much difference.
I own my looks and I could care less if some insecure person is looking at me funny. Grow up and stop worrying about what other people think. And in case you can't stop worrying about others and you absolutely need to wear tights, rest assured you'll look like a complete turd with running shorts over.
