How to Choose the Best Leggings for Your Workout

How to Choose the Best Leggings for Your Workout

When it comes to exercising in comfort and confidence, there is nothing better than wearing leggings that feel like a second-skin, move with you through every pose, and keep you supported and ultra-confident throughout your workout. The good news is, there are innumerable types of leggings to choose from – all with their own special features designed to enhance your performance and help you achieve that personal best.

From matte cotton materials (often blended with lycra) to shiny spandex-y leggings, the perfect pair of leggings will suit your style and the way you move. You can also find leggings that offer gentle shaping to give you a smoother silhouette, something which many of us appreciate when it comes to exercise.

Leggings can be worn as a base layer under other clothing, and look great when paired with tunics or dresses for a casual everyday look, or even dressed up with heels and a formal blouse for an evening event. Some leggings are designed to be'squat proof', meaning they will stay opaque when you bend or squat in them, and some come with built-in side pockets for all your essentials while you work out.

Choosing the right size of leggings can be tricky, since they tend to stretch as you wear them and may fit differently on different body types. If you're not sure what size to get, try on a few pairs of leggings at the store and check how they fit around your thighs and calves, as well as how they sit against your waist and hips. You should also pay attention to whether they pull up or fall down when you're walking or moving – they shouldn't be too loose, but they should still hold up against vigorous movement.

Once you've figured out which leggings are the right fit for you, test them out by doing a few basic squats in them at the gym or in front of the mirror. If you can see your skin through them or they push against the crotch area uncomfortably, they're probably too tight and you should go up a size.

While sizing charts are a great tool for helping you discover the best leggings to buy, there is no substitute for trying them on yourself before buying. If you can't visit a shop, search online for a leggings size chart and refer to it whenever possible.

Remember that your leggings should always feel smooth and comfortable against your skin, so if you're trying them on in-store, consider taking some time to walk and stand in them. You can take your waist measurement by wrapping a piece of tape around the narrowest part of your waist and your hip measurements by standing with your feet together, measuring the broadest section of your buttocks and the area directly behind your hip bones. Then, simply compare these measurements to the sizing chart for your preferred brand and make a decision based on what looks and feels best.