Your Guide To Different Types Of Leggings
So much more than loungewear: check out our complete leggings guide and get ready to find your perfect pair.
So much more than loungewear, leggings are now an undefeated off-duty essential. Not just for the gym or errands, but for your week and weekend wardrobe, too. Topping the comfort charts, style with dressier pieces like a breezy oversized summer shirt and a rollneck, blazer and boots when it's cold. Â
What Are Leggings?
Leggings are skin-hugging pieces to wear alone or as a layer under other garments. Usually stretchy used to keep the wearer warm, they’ve branched out into lots of lengths, fits, fabrics and designs.
What To Consider When Buying Leggings?
When picking leggings, consider three main points: the length, the style and the fabric. Also what you want to use them for: gym leggings give different benefits than loungewear leggings.
Legging Lengths
Different legging lengths serve different goals. As well as considering what coverage helps you feel comfortable, think about when and where you’ll be wearing them. Here’s our rundown:
Full Length Leggings
The classic picks everyone knows and loves, full length leggings give coverage that doesn’t compromise on comfort. They run towards the ankles and often have a stretch waist to sit close against your skin.
Bike Shorts
Bike shorts are above-the-knee leggings that are perfect for wearing in the heat, and double as a helpful underlayer for dresses and longer skirts when you want added coverage. They'll help you nail athleisure vibes, too.
Capri Leggings
A Y2K revival making a big (welcome) comeback, capri leggings sit at the knee for big freedom of movement. With slightly more coverage than bike shorts, capris are much shorter than classic full length picks: the best of both worlds.
Legging Styles
Leggings come in lots of styles, each with a different look. Here are some to consider while picking your go-to pair:Â
Flared Leggings
Like your leggings with flare? Us too! A trending fit derived from cult favorite yoga pants, flared leggings are a relaxed take on classic full length picks. They flare from the knees towards the ankle (thus the name) for a form-flattering fit.
Slim Fit Leggings
The most traditional style, slim fit leggings are perfect for framing your legs with a skin-tight look. Whether with baby tees for casual looks or layered under longer skirts, their versatility is amazing.
Wide Leg Leggings
On-trend and totally chic, wide leg leggings are the new wardrobe essential. With all-day comfort, the stretch waist gives a cinched shape that drapes into a wide leg for off-duty looks.
Compression Leggings
We think compression leggings are the most practical pick of the bunch. Giving your legs support and stability, compression leggings promote an increase in blood flow and muscle oxygenation, helping with post-workout muscle repair. Their moisture retaining fabric also absorbs sweat, keeping you dry during intense training sessions.
Workout Leggings
Designed specifically for exercise, workout leggings are your go-tos when you’re on the go. With added stretch to help them move as you do, they're perfect for hitting the gym or heading out on a run. Looking for leggings to keep up with your lifestyle? Check out our activewear leggings collection.
Legging Rise Types
Your leggings' waistband is just as important as the length and style. Deciding where you like yours to sit will determine what pair of leggings are best for you. Let’s look at some options for the rise:
High Waist Leggings
Love above-the-waist jeans? High waisted leggings have greater coverage than classic mid-rise picks and are perfect for elongating your legs.
Maternity Leggings
Made for moms-to-be: maternity leggings have added stretch in the waist to expand with your bump, giving comfy support for both mom and baby-to-be. Expecting a little one? Check out our maternity leggings to find styling inspo for your pregnancy journey.
Tummy Control Leggings
Want to chicly show your waist? Tummy control leggings are a fab pick. With a held-in fit to help flatter your shape, they give great coverage and support.
Legging Fabrics
Cotton Leggings
The standard for legging fabrics, cotton's a soft, cozy choice for a comfy fit and feel. You’ll usually find this fabric in classic all-purpose jersey knit picks.
Thermal Leggings
Great for chilly weather, faux fur or fleece-lined leggings (known collectively as thermal leggings) have a soft inner lining to trap warmth, keeping you comfy and cozy from the moment you slip into them.
Faux Leather Leggings
Utterly chic, faux leather leggings are perfect for dressing it up. The leather look is sleek and much less bulky than pants. Basically, they’re great for nights out and special events.
Jeggings
Jeggings are a chic, comfy combo of jeans and leggings. They’re often designed in denim or something similar with the close fit of classic leggings.
Legging Features
Last but not least, the leggings' features might determine what you get out of wearing them. Here’s a few things to keep in mind when you’re considering leggings:
Leggings With Pockets
Fashion + function: leggings with pockets are perfect for keeping your phone and keys close when a bag or a jacket just won’t go with your outfit. Great for jogging or hands-free errands, leggings with pockets are a casual style must-have.
Seamless Leggings
Got sensitive skin? Just not into seams? Go for seamless leggings for a streamlined look and feel that won’t interfere with your activities. These picks are especially great for your workout.
Mesh Leggings
Made to be breathable, mesh paneled leggings are perfect for exercising. With areas of less opaque coverage, they’re also great for showing a little flash of skin in your look.
Hacks for Finding Your Perfect Pair Of Leggings
Here’s some handy hacks for finding leggings that fit you like a glove:
While leggings won’t fit you like your jeans and pants, they’re still a great tool to give you an idea of what legging size could be your perfect match. Usually a medium in jeans and pants? You're probably going be looking for the same in your leggings, too.
Though they have a tighter fit than your go-to jeans or pants, you can use your existing bottoms for sizing to pick the perfect leggings. Usually a medium in jeans and pants? You're probably going be looking for the same in your leggings, too.
Keep various styles in mind to shop for your body type – slim fitting leggings are great for framing your legs and accentuating curves, while flared and wide legs are designed to bring balance to your bottom half.
Leggings Care Guide
Caring for your leggings will usually depend on their fabric. When in doubt, check the care label to see if it’s okay to chuck them in the washing machine at any temperature, or whether you need to hand wash.
To prevent pilling, we recommend washing your leggings inside out: it prevents excessive rubbing of the fabric. Too late to prevent the problem? Just run a fabric shaver a few times over the pilled parts for an almost-instant refresh.
FAQs
How Should My Leggings Fit?
Depending on your preferences and where you want to wear them, you might go for a pair that’s looser around your legs or sits higher up on your waist. A rule of thumb: leggings should feel pretty much like you're not wearing them, with no digging, pinching or slipping down – think of them as a second skin.
Why Is Getting The Right Size Of Leggings Important?
Getting the right size of leggings is crucial. Badly-fitting leggings can not only feel uncomfortable, but might get in the way of what you’re doing (especially high-energy activities and workouts). They could look too sheer if too small, or slip down as you move if too big.
Can You Wear Leggings At Work?
It depends on your workplace dress code. Leggings are usually considered a casual pick to keep for out of office.
So now you know what pair (or pairs) of leggings you want to get your hands on, it’s time to check out our women’s leggings and get ready to find some you’ll love to show up and show off in.