How to Choose the Best Workout Leggings
If you’re hoping to get the most out of your workout, you need the right exercise clothes. Street clothes are often restrictive, not breathable, and don’t hold up well to the wear and tear of vigorous workouts. On the other hand, athletic gear designed for a particular sport has specialized features that work well for that sport, but may not work well for general exercise.
For that reason, many athletes have a set of all-purpose workout gear with versatile pieces that work for pretty much any kind of exercise. With a great balance of comfort, flexibility, breathability, and coverage, leggings are some of the most versatile workout pants available, making them a great option for nearly any athlete. Because leggings are so popular, there are many options on the market, making it hard to choose the right ones for your needs. We’ll review some of the most important factors in this article to help you narrow it down.
The Advantages of Workout Leggings
Workout leggings have several advantages that make them popular among athletes:
Versatility: Workout leggings offer a wide range of features, making them a fantastic choice for all-purpose workout gear. You can wear them for activities like yoga, barre, Pilates, running, weightlifting, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
Snug Fit: The stretchy materials of workout leggings move with your body, so they won’t get caught on anything as you move. That makes them great for everything from the weight room to the trail.
Breathability: Most sports leggings are made of breathable, lightweight fabrics like polyester or nylon that help you stay cool and dry on all but the hottest days.
Coverage: Workout leggings cover most of your legs, giving you extra protection against the elements and extra support on your legs. Some leggings are also insulated to trap heat, making them a great pick for cold-weather runs and workouts.
Layerability: Because of their fitted shape, workout leggings are easy to wear as a base layer under other clothing. You can wear them under uniform pants during cold-weather games or beneath sweats for warmups.
Important Features to Look For
When choosing workout leggings, there are several signs of quality to look out for:
Good Materials: Workout leggings should be made of durable, breathable synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, or spandex. They should feel soft and stretchy, but never flimsy.
Flat Seams or No Seams: Raised seams or ragged edges can cause chafing and discomfort during workouts. Good-quality leggings have seams designed to avoid friction or no seams at all.
Good Stitching: If your leggings have seams, make sure the stitching is even, with no loose threads. Poor stitching can quickly unravel, causing discomfort and eventually ripping.
Wide Waistband: Gym leggings should have a wide waistband that stays in place and distributes pressure comfortably.
Gusseted Crotch: A crotch gusset is a triangular or diamond-shaped stitch pattern that distributes strain and reinforces your leggings, which is especially important if you plan to do splits. Leggings with a gusseted crotch, often known as squat-proof leggings, are more flexible, comfortable, and durable than those without one.
Other Helpful Features
Insulation: Some leggings are made of high-tech fabrics that provide extra warmth during cold-weather workouts. These leggings are great for a Winter run or as a base layer under a team uniform.
Ventilation: Many leggings designed for Summer wear have features like mesh panels or high-tech fabrics designed to help you stay cool.
How should leggings fit?
No matter how well-made your leggings are, they won’t be comfortable unless they fit. Unless they’re compression leggings, they should feel snug but not tight. Their waistband should stay in place as you move, either at your waist if they’re high-rise leggings or at your hips if they’re mid-rise leggings.
How to Choose the Right Size
Choosing the right size of leggings is essential to ensuring a comfortable and functional fit. To find the right size, start by checking the manufacturer’s size chart. Most leggings come in standard sizes, and because of their stretchy materials, the standard sizes fit most people. If you're in between sizes, it’s better to go a size up rather than down to avoid discomfort or restrictions in movement. Many brands also offer inclusive sizing if standard sizes don’t fit you. While sizing charts can help, they’re no substitute for a try-on. The only way to know how a pair of leggings will feel is to wear them, so it’s best to try them on before buying, if possible. Take some time to move around in them and go through the basic movements of your workout to see how they feel.
Choose the Right Leggings for Your Activity
While leggings are incredibly versatile, some are better for certain types of activities than others. For example, if you do yoga, you’ll want the most flexible leggings available to use as yoga pants. On the other hand, if you’re a runner, look for breathable running leggings with a lot of support.
High-Rise vs. Mid-Rise Leggings
High-rise leggings are becoming increasingly popular because they provide more coverage and support for your midsection. They’re great for activities such as yoga or Pilates because they stay in place as you bend or twist your back. Mid-rise leggings sit below your navel, giving your abdomen more mobility but less coverage. They work well for activities that require agility, such as running.
How to Choose Leggings in the Right Length
Consider how much coverage you’ll need. Full-length leggings, which cut off just below your ankles, are best for activities that require more coverage, like cross-country running or cold-weather workouts. Ankle-length leggings cut off above your ankles and have a slightly shorter inseam, but still offer full leg coverage. Capri leggings only come partway down your calf, so they’re perfect for warmer weather or for activities like yoga that require precise ankle movements. 7/8 leggings (so-called because they cover seven-eighths of your leg) are a bit longer, ending just above your ankle.
Running Tights
Running tights have a variety of features specifically designed for runners. They typically have moisture-wicking fabrics and strategic mesh patches to maximize ventilation, a wide waistband that stays firmly in place, and a compression fit to support your muscles. Many of them also have reflective details for nighttime visibility. If you run regularly, consider getting leggings with pockets. Most running leggings typically come with a pocket.
How to Wash & Care for Tights & Leggings
Like all athletic wear, leggings wear out over time, but taking proper care of them can extend their lifespan. While the manufacturer’s care instructions will have specific details on how to properly care for your leggings, here are some guidelines that will work for most of them.
Washing your Leggings: Wash your leggings in cold water with like colors and a gentle detergent. Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, which can damage the fabric. Depending on the fabrics, some leggings should only be washed by hand. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure.
Drying your Leggings: Tumble dry your leggings on low, and don’t iron or dry clean them.
FAQs
Are high-waisted leggings better for workouts than mid-rise leggings?
It depends on the activity you plan to do. High-waisted leggings support your back and midsection, so they’re great if you like workouts such as yoga or weightlifting that involve a lot of bending or stretching. If you prefer more aerobic exercises like running or HIIT, mid-rise leggings will give you the mobility you need.
How do I know what size leggings to buy?
Checking the manufacturer’s sizing chart will give you a general idea, but there’s no substitute for trying them on. If possible, it’s best to try on a new pair of leggings before you buy them. If standard sizes don’t fit you, consider trying on plus-size leggings.
How often should I wash my workout leggings?
Workout leggings accumulate a lot of sweat, so it’s best to wash them after every use to keep them in good condition.
Can I wear leggings for any type of workout?
Yes, with a few exceptions. Even leggings with high-tech ventilation features provide some level of insulation, so it’s best to wear shorts on very hot days. In addition, some regulated sports may not allow you to wear leggings. While leggings are versatile, it's always best to choose a pair that best fits your workout of choice. Always consider what kind of activities you’ll be doing before making a purchase.