Buying running tights used to be simple, they were made out of Lycra, they were plain or patterned, they weren't shaped for a sitting position like cycle tights and they either fitted or they didn't.
Now there seems to be compression tights, thermal tights, pouch tights and all kinds of variations.
The early traditional running tights had a colour contrast stripe running down the sides of the legs but the technical compression tights have strange contrast stitching to tighten up the tights in the required directions, this makes them look like underwear.
Here in the UK I have used Ron Hill Tracksters, they are slightly heavier than Lycra tights , have foot stirrups to keep them down and are decorated with reflector stripes. When it is really cold I will wear Lycra running tights underneath.
Since I like Ron Hill clothing perhaps something like this may suit you:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ronhill-Vizi...running+tights
Have noticed in the last couple of weeks that young football (soccer) players are wearing plain black Lycra running tights under their team football shorts, the shorts seem a little shorter this year but it has been cold. If boys get used to wearing Lycra they may perhaps be more willing to consider wearing speedos when it is time for them to swim.