Buying Leggings: 5 Tips to Identify High-Quality Leggings

Tip #1: Look For Key Words That Describe Fabric Quality

When it comes to choosing the best fabric for leggings, remember the acronym SCAR: Stretch, Compression, Airy, Retention. Look for these key words in the product details and technical aspects of the legging:

• Lightweight compression supports and shapes your legs.
• 4-way stretch gives you a snug fit for all-day comfort that moves with you, not against.
• Sweat-wicking works to keep you dry by pulling the moisture away from your skin.
• Shape retention is key as you want to be able to wash your leggings and have them bounce back to the original fit without becoming loose and baggy over time.
• Ventilation such as mesh inserts or laser-cut perforation promotes airflow to help you cool down.

Tip #2: Do The “Bend Over Test” To Ensure Full Coverage

Ever catch a glimpse of yourself (or someone else) and realize your leggings are see-through? We’ve all been there and it’s never fun. Some might even say it’s a real bummer, pun absolutely intended. Coverage is integral to a great pair of leggings and goes hand in hand with the quality of fabric.

We advise the “bend over test," which is achieved by bending over in front of a mirror to determine if the leggings are see-through or not; however, if you’re buying leggings online, you probably won't have that option. The last thing you want to worry about when doing downward dog is whether your assets are on display. To ensure quality coverage, look for leggings that have a gusset or, less attractively put, a crotch panel. This piece of material is sewn into the garment to add strength and ensure coverage isn't compromised when you’re bending and stretching. As an added plus, the best leggings for working out often have ventilation at the inseam gusset to ensure freshness, wear after wear.

Tip #3: Seek Out Functional Details

When you hit the ground running, you want thoughtful solutions for safely and securely carrying your essentials. It’s also important to find details that make the wear and care of the leggings simple.

• Concealed, interior waistband pocket for keys, lip balm, or gym membership card
• Multiple pocket options like fitted, side pockets for electronics
• Machine washable/dryable leggings for easy care
• High waisted for coverage and figure sculpting
• Wide waistband with supportive panels for all day comfort

Tip #4: Choose Leggings That Offer Size Customization

We all want our leggings to fit perfectly, but every body shape is unique. That’s why it’s important when you’re buying leggings to look for customizable options that let you adjust the size to create a more bespoke fit. Additionally, we know that one size doesn't fit all, especially when it comes to inseam length. When you’ve already invested in a pair, having them hemmed is inconvenient and an added expense. Our cut-to-length feature allows you to alter your garment in mere moments in the comfort of your home. Offering the choice of multiple hemlines at the bottom of the legging, simply cut below your preferred length line to customize the inseam for a tailor-made fit and feel. (And if you listen closely, you can hear the cheers of petite people everywhere.)

Tip #5: Read What The Price Point Tells You

Let’s be real. Some leggings are outrageously expensive. When you’re buying leggings, it’s important to remember that high price doesn't always equal high quality. As a general rule, if you are spending more than your monthly phone/internet bill on a pair of leggings, you’re spending too much! On the flip side, you won't find high-quality leggings at a ridiculously low price either. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

We hope using this guide will help you understand how to choose leggings and give you the tools to find high-quality leggings that reflect the way you live — for work, rest, travel, and play — with intelligent design and technical fabrics. Shop our extensive collection to find the highest-quality leggings with thoughtful details, perfect fit, and stellar style.

Sources: theatlas.com