Your Complete Guide to Workout Leggings

Whether you're wearing them to a Pilates class or just a trip to the coffee shop, workout leggings are making a serious comeback. But today's performance leggings are a far cry from the workout tights of the 1980s, and their cost reflects that — however, you can find reasonably priced quality leggings on Amazon.

Depending on the brand and type of leggings you choose, you will find a list of claims, such as superior insulation, high-waisted sculpting, or unmatched sweat-wicking. These are most common with performance leggings. Other types of leggings, like printed or flared leggings, are designed solely for fashion and comfort.

While you probably don't need any help picking patterns or colors, things can get confusing when it comes to all the technical terms and what they mean. But you're in luck. We interviewed legging experts to get the lowdown on these comfy garments. Find out below how you can use these terms to pick the best ones for your style, comfort, and durability. 

Types of Leggings

Walk into any store, and you're bound to find an assortment of leggings. Some may be found in the athletic section, while others are in everyday wear. Choosing the perfect pair should start with selecting the right type for your intended use. Here are the types of leggings available.

Compression Leggings 

Usually sought after by athletes like runners, compression leggings are created to hold their extremely form-fitting shape. Olivia Glauberzon, founder and CEO of maternity activewear brand AFTER9, says compression leggings should snap back to shape as you move.

A snug fit is essential with compression leggings so they don't get in the way during activities. Some brands promise they will wick sweat, a common athletic gear claim, though studies indicate there needs to be more research. Others will state that compression leggings can improve performance and recovery by aiding blood flow regulation.

Research into the efficacy of compression leggings on recovery and circulation appears promising. Still, experts report that more research is needed. Nevertheless, this type of high-impact sportswear can provide full coverage of the legs without impeding your workout.

Thermal Leggings

Thermal leggings are typically warm and great for cold outdoor activities. Instead of the high sheen of lycra compression leggings, you can often tell a thermal legging apart by its sanded or brushed finish. Typically constructed with wool, the unique design and appearance spreads the yarn fibers and keeps heat within the legging, says Glauberzon.

The thickness of the fabric differs, too, Glauberzon says. "Most leggings average between 180 to 250 GSM (grams per square meter), while thermal leggings could go as high as 300."

Most clothing designers follow the general rule that the thicker the fabric, the warmer it will be. Some manufacturers will even independently test their products. However, you should take any specific claims, such as promising warmth down to a certain temperature, with a grain of salt.

Conversely, some leggings promise thermoregulation that helps to keep you cooler while working out in warm temperatures. While more research on the effectiveness of thermoregulation is needed, one study on sports bras with "dynamic moisture-transfer properties" did show that people wearing thermoregulation clothing did stay cooler.

Printed Leggings

Stylish and fun, printed or patterned leggings are less about function and more about fashion. Usually, the designer embosses a pattern onto the fabric via heat transfer or sublimation. Andhi Ermawan, a professional product tester, says these decorative leggings allow you to make a bold fashion statement. 

Cropped Leggings 

Cropped leggings can be either fashionable or functional. Much like a 3/4 sleeve, they typically hit just below the knee or are about 7/8 the length of a full legging, says Glauberzon. Sometimes, people choose this legging style for the look. In other cases, cropped leggings are cooler and may win out over full-length tights if the weather's warm. 

High-Waisted Leggings 

High-waisted leggings are one of the most popular types of leggings. They come in a variety of sub-types, including compression and thermal. Their standout feature is a waistband that sits high on the waist compared to low or mid-rise options.

Glauberzon notes that most high rises are around 11 inches in length when you measure from the crotch to the top seam. Claims that high-waisted leggings can tone your middle just by wearing them are not true. However, they can temporarily give you a slimmer figure and help you feel embraced around your body, Glauberzon says. 

Stirrup Leggings 

Like a high waist, designers can add stirrups to nearly any legging type. Stirrup refers to a design feature where the leg fabric extends downward and around the arch of your foot, much like the stirrups of a horse saddle. The "loop" at the bottom of the legging can help to hold your tights in place while providing more grip during activities like dance, yoga, or pilates, which often require you to be barefoot. 

Maternity Leggings 

Not everyone needs maternity leggings, but they can be extremely comfortable for those who are expecting. Like high-waisted leggings, these have an extra fabric panel that helps accommodate an expanding midsection during pregnancy. Usually, the fabric has just enough stretch to offer gentle support while allowing expansion through each trimester. You also can typically find a variety of types of maternity leggings. 

Sizing and Fit

Because leggings hug your form, you want to ensure you select the proper size. Getting a perfect fit starts with taking measurements, specifically your waist and leg length or inseam. Ermawan suggests you also measure your hips.

Then, you can use these numbers to compare sizes on each brand's sizing guidelines. Depending on where you purchase your leggings, different brands use different population averages based on their designs. If you know you tend to fall into a certain demographic, like you're taller than the average person, you might want to look for brands that cater to your needs. 

Furthermore, like most articles of clothing, legging fit can vary from brand to brand. Even after matching your measurements to a company's size guidelines, checking out reviews can offer you extra peace of mind.

"Read reviews and pay attention to product descriptions to find out if other customers, or the brand itself, declares if a certain style either 'runs small' or 'runs big,’'" Glauberzon says.

You also may want to pay attention to references about the leggings being "see-through" or not being "squat-proof." Sheerness in tights usually means the fabric is stressed, indicating the leggings are too tight and you should size up. To find the most comfortable and flattering pair, Glauberzon suggests trying on your leggings and squatting before you cut the tags.

Fabrics

There are only a handful of fabrics, including spandex, polyester, nylon, and cotton, that designers use to make leggings. Each material can offer different advantages but has a few drawbacks too. 

• Spandex: Stretchy, soft, and comfortable, spandex moves with your body. As a functional moisture-wicking fabric, it will help keep you dry. Nevertheless, it can stick to your body when it is hot or humid because it doesn't absorb water. 
• Polyester: As a strong and durable fabric, you don't have to worry about polyester shrinking or changing its shape during regular use. It's super flexible and moisture-resistant, perfect for workouts. Still, pure polyester products tend to hold odor and moisture to your body instead of wicking them away. Like other synthetic materials, this fabric also is not environmentally friendly.
• Nylon: Nylon is durable, resistant to abrasions and friction, lightweight, and elastic. It's ideal for high-impact activities with repetitive movements, like running. Unfortunately, nylon is made from plastic, making it not-so-eco-friendly. Nylon is also hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture.
• Cotton: Cotton is one of the most breathable fabrics but has poor moisture-wicking capabilities. Opt for cotton when you want patterned fashion leggings or casual wear. 

Many leggings blend the above fabrics, such as nylon and spandex or polyester and nylon. What's more, many of these blends are excellent at wicking away sweat from your body while being stretchy and comfortable at the same time, Glauberzon says. These are perfect qualities for performance leggings. 

Care and Maintenance

You should always follow the maintenance instructions provided on your leggings tag. Because many leggings use different fabric blends, how you care for your leggings can vary from pair to pair. In general, you should wash your leggings in cold water with like colors.

If you want to take extra precautions, place your leggings in a laundry bag or a lingerie bag when washing them. Regardless of the type of leggings you purchased, almost all follow the golden rule of always hanging to dry and never placing them in the dryer. 

The overarching trend with leggings is that they have broken the barrier of being considered exclusively workout gear. Today's leggings aren't all about performance but focus on fashion and comfort as well. For example, Gymshark leggings have become popular for combining style and function.

Short-flare leggings can also quickly become an elevated streetwear look when paired with a blazer and kitten heels, says Glauberzon. Likewise, Ermawan notes that faux leather leggings are edgy and stylish. And as long as you find a pair that fits your style and comfort you can wear them with confidence in a variety of situations, she adds.

It's clear that traditional performance leggings with high-tech fabrics aren't going anywhere. Still, when you want to step outside the gym, casual athletic leggings can offer familiarity with a side of fashion.