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Leggings and tights should feel like your ‘second skin’, contouring to your body’s natural shape. They should have a snug fit without feeling overly tight or restrictive and the waistband should sit comfortably on your hips or waist without digging in.
Leggings and tights are hands-down one of the most versatile pieces of activewear. You can wear them running, training – even from barre to brunch. But when it comes to finding the perfect pair (or pairs), the ones you’ll want to wear on repeat, it might take more than love at first sight. Sure, colours and patterns are important (they need to match your style after all) but there are many details to consider.
The perfect pair should keep you cool, dry, and warm, but most importantly they should feel comfortable, stretch in only the right places, and give you the confidence to perform at your best – no matter what the activity or where the day takes you.
Up ahead, we explore everything from how they should fit (so they don’t go from high-rise to low-rise) to various lengths, as well as what features to look out for. This is your guide to getting the perfect fit.
- How should leggings and tights fit?
- What are the different types of lengths?
- How do you choose the right leggings for your activity?
- What are some key features to look out for?
- How do you know if gym leggings are squat-proof?
How should leggings and tights fit?
How they fit is one of the most important things to consider when shopping for a pair of Leggings & Tights. An incorrect fit could mean they hug in all the wrong places or slip down (saggy crotch? No thanks), both of which can affect your comfort and performance. So to help you purchase the perfect pair that fits like a glove, here are our recommendations:
Snug, But Not Too Tight
Gym leggings should feel like your ‘second skin’, contouring to your body’s natural shape. They should have a snug fit without feeling overly tight or restrictive and the waistband should sit comfortably on your hips or waist without digging in. You should be able to comfortably place a finger between the leggings at both your waist and the ankle. If you can’t, you might need to go up a size.
Every brand has a specific sizing chart (you can locate it above the product size) that can help you choose the right size based on your measurements. Sizes may differ slightly according to the brand.
No Sagging
No one enjoys having to yank up their tights with every step or squat. So to prevent this from occurring look for a pair where the fabric conforms to your body without sagging in the crotch, knees, or buttocks. Sizing up or down excessively can affect the overall fit and functionality.
Proper Length
Gym leggings and tights come in various lengths, but it’s a good idea to ensure the length is appropriate for your height to avoid bunching at the ankles.
Freedom of Movement
Leggings and tights should allow for a full range of motion. Whether you're running, stretching, or doing Yoga flows, the fabric should ideally stretch with your body and bounce back to its original shape.
Compression, If Desired
Compression leggings and tights were originally designed to support blood flow and provide additional support and recovery for muscles, but nowadays many just prefer how they fit and feel alongside the added benefits. If you prefer the compression fit, ensure they’re not too tight to the point of discomfort.
Seam Placement
Pay attention to seam placement. Flat seams are preferable in areas prone to friction, to prevent chafing and discomfort.
Fabric Choice
When choosing the fabric of your gym leggings consider your climate or chosen activity. Heavier fabrics (such as fleece and wool) are great for colder temperatures, whereas moisture-wicking and breathable fabrics like nylon, Lycra, spandex, and polyester (or blends) tend to be ideal for warmer climates or most types of workouts. Cotton while soft, isn’t great at absorbing sweat or holding its shape.
4-way stretch fabric is a great option for all-around movement and will prevent your tights from sagging from use or going see-through when you get down low.
What are the different types of lengths?
Gym leggings and tights come in various lengths, providing options for different preferences and activities. There are 4 main styles:
Full-Length
Full-length leggings extend from the waist down to the ankles, providing complete coverage for the legs, and are great for the colder months. These are versatile and suitable for various activities, including running, HIIT, Studio, and casual wear.
7/8 Length
7/8th length leggings are slightly shorter (about 1/8th shorter) than full-length and typically end above the ankles but below the calf – depending on your height. This length is designed to provide coverage while allowing some skin exposure for added breathability. Also great for those who are shorter in height and find full-length styles too long.
3/4 Length
¾ length tights, also known as knee-length tights or cropped tights, end just below the knee. They offer a balance between full-length and shorter styles, making them suitable for various activities and weather conditions.
Shorts
Short tights are well, a shorter style of tights that typically end above the knee. These are designed to provide compression support to the thighs and are commonly worn during high-intensity workouts but are also popular for studio classes.
There are also different rises available across a variety of lengths and styles:
Mid-rise: Mid-rise tights are designed to sit lower and below the belly button.
High-rise: High-rise or high-waisted tights sit higher on the waist, typically at or above the belly button. The higher waistband offers additional coverage and support around the mid-section and lower back, often offering a compression-like fit, providing support to the abdominal area and lower back.
Maternity: Maternity leggings are specifically designed to accommodate the changing body during the various stages of pregnancy and into the postpartum.
They have features like a higher waist with an adjustable or stretchy waistband (that can be worn over the belly or folded down for under-the-belly-support), support for lower back and hips (to alleviate discomfort and provide gentle compression), and often include features such as a wider gusset, softer fabrics, and seamless construction to prevent chafing.
Maternity tights are suitable for a range of low-impact exercises, including prenatal exercise classes, walking, and light workouts. The focus is on providing comfort and support to you and your baby.
Check out our full range of maternity tights and maternity wear here.
How do you choose the right leggings for your activity?
When choosing the length of gym tights, consider the intended use, weather conditions, and personal preferences. Different lengths offer varying levels of features, coverage, and breathability, allowing you to tailor your choice to the specific activity and climate.
Running: Tights that you’ll want to run in ideally should be made from sweat-wicking materials and/or offer ventilation elements to help you go the distance in comfort. These might be compression, or they might not – that’s up to you. They might also have added features such as pockets, reflective strips – even carabiners – depending on where you like to run.
Training: For high-intensity workouts or weightlifting, look for gym leggings and tights that have sweat-wicking materials and feature 4-way stretch fabric to allow for unrestricted movement. Anti-slip waistbands will help to prevent them from rolling down when you squat.
Studio: For low-impact classes like Yoga and Pilates look for a pair that is going to provide you comfort and a full range of movement. They usually have less compression than your running tights but are still made from sweat-wicking fabrics.
You can never have too many activewear leggings (are we right?), so having a few options in different lengths and styles means you’ll always have the perfect fit no matter what the activity.
What are the key features to look out for?
There’s no one-style-fits-all when it comes to gym tights. What works for some might not work for others. The features will depend on what you’re looking for and what your type of exercise or activity might be. To help find the perfect fit, here are some of the key features:
Pockets
For those wanting to stash their phone or small essentials while on the move, look for shorts, tights, and leggings with pockets – they're really handy.
Reflective Prints
If you like heading out for an early morning workout or evening run, then you might want to consider opting for a pair that includes reflective strips or prints. These can reflect street and car headlights when visibility is low.
Seams
There are pros for both seams and seamless – the choice is personal. Flat seams can help to reduce chafing in high friction areas, while seamless leggings (with little or no stitching) are flexible, and unrestrictive offering a full range of movement.
Drawstring Waist
Sometimes you just need a little extra support, and that’s where leggings and tights with an adjustable drawstring waist can help. This added feature will help to keep your leggings in place allowing you to run, jump, and move with more ease.
Mesh Panels
As well as adding a stylish feature, mesh panels can help the legging breathe better by providing ultimate ventilation.
Anti-Slip Waistband
This hidden reinforcement (usually made from silicone) provides a grip on the inside of the waistband and a solution to one of the most annoying problems, preventing your leggings and tights from falling down.
With so many styles, colours, and features to choose from, the ideal fit for leggings and tights balances comfort, functionality, and style. When trying them on, move around to ensure they accommodate your movements, and pay attention to how they feel on your skin. Each body is unique, so finding the right fit may involve trying different brands and styles to discover what suits you best.
How do you know if gym leggings are squat-proof?
Leggings that are squat-proof means that they’re opaque and won't become see-through or transparent when you perform activities like squats. Opt for leggings with a fabric blend that includes a high percentage of opaque materials such as nylon, polyester, or spandex. These materials contribute to the overall durability and opacity of the leggings.
To check if they’re squat-proof, gently stretch the fabric between your fingers. If the fabric becomes significantly sheer when stretched, it may not be squat-proof.
You can also try on the leggings and gently perform a few squat movements in front of a mirror. If you can see your underwear or skin through the leggings during the squat, they’ve likely failed the test.
Ready to shop?
Check out our full range from leading brands online, or head in-store where you can speak to our friendly rebel staff to help you choose the perfect pair that’s right for you.