Finding the perfect pair of leggings is the dream for most people who enjoy regular exercise. Not only do you want to crush your workout, but you want to feel strong and confident while doing it! Shopping for a new pair of pants seems easy until you get to the store and realize there are hundreds of different lengths, cuts, materials, and patterns to choose from. Where do you even begin? 

While shopping for the perfect pair of leggings can be daunting and overwhelming, we're here to share some tips on finding the perfect leggings that will work perfectly for you and your lifestyle!

1. Consider your workouts

Leggings should be chosen based on how you want to feel during your workout. What kind of workouts do you enjoy? Are you more of a HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) and weights kinda gal, or do you enjoy the low impact movements of barre and Pilates? This will help you determine the material of your leggings.

For High Intensity Workouts

For High Intensity Training, look for Nylon, Spandex, and Polyester materials with more compression. We love this Vimmia X Front Leggings, in either black or blue. Not only is the pattern fun and trendy, the material sustains a high intensity workout. The fabric is a mix of Polyamide, Spandex, and Nylon. Polyamide is lightweight, wrinkle resistant, moisture wicking, and breathable!

For Low Intensity Workouts

For Low Intensity Training look for Bamboo, Cotton, Nylon, and Spandex materials. We love this K-Deer Stripe Legging for its stretchy, lightweight material. These leggings re extra long, so you can wrap them under your heels in a barre class as well.  And not only are they functional, they can be worn for just about any occasion whether you’re doing yoga, pilates, or just going to the grocery store. 

2. Choose a length

Full length, 7/8 length (also known as ankle length), capri, or cropped, which one should you choose? It sounds too easy to say, "wear whatever you're most comfortable in," but luckily it seems that any length goes these days.  Typically, if you get super hot during your workout, you might want to lean toward a crop length or 7/8.  There are a lot of sweet glands around the ankle, so when it's fully covered, as with full length leggings, you might feel much warmer just by covering your ankles, than from the extra 6 inches of fabric.  Full length are definitely a better choice in the winter as you run from street to studio, and will help to keep your body heat in and more regulated as you move between temperatures.  

3. Think about the "Extras"

Are you out doing a lot of walking or running around with kids? If so, pockets are a great option to look for, to securely hold a phone, credit cards, and keys.  Many leggings now have "slip" pockets on the side of the thighs in order to keep your things more streamline and out of the way of actual exercise.  

Zip Pockets on the lower back are another great option for holding small items while running or doing weight training.  Just be careful of these for any studio or mat work classes, as the zippers tend to be uncomfortable while laying on the back.

Mesh panels and features certainly add breathability and style, but be careful with mesh, depending on the activity.  Weight lifting could pick or tear the material more easily than lower intensity work like yoga. 

Still can't decide?  Come see us, and we'll help you find something you love!

Photography by: Sophie Schwartz