How to Pick the Perfect Pair of Workout Leggings
Buying Guide
Workout leggings are an essential part of every gym-goer's wardrobe. This guide helps you find the right style, fit and features for your body and routine.
There are a lot of leggings out there. Seriously: So. Many. Options. But this guide is meant to help you easily figure out what leggings to wear in any situation. Nike leggings can help you crush your workout or elevate your casual style. Some will even do both.
So, what are you wearing? These tips will help you decide.
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Nailing the Terminology
To pick the right workout leggings, it's best to get some basic terminology down first of all. This way, you can narrow your search more easily and make sure you're wearing what's best for you.
Rise
This is where the leggings sit on your body. Think about what feels the most comfortable on your waist. Your choices are most often between:
- Mid-rise leggings, which sit at or just below the navel
- High-rise leggings, which sit at or above the navel
Fit
When you think of fit, think about compression. This is the term used to establish how snug your leggings feel. This choice is often based on where you're wearing the leggings. For workout leggings, you might want a more snug fit, but for a casual outfit, you may want a little less compression. Your two primary choices are:
- Tight fit, which is highly compressive and supportive. If you prefer less compression, but a more snug feel, try going one size up.
- Standard fit, which offers less compression, but still hugs the body with a snug, true-to-fit size.
Cropped Top
This term relates to how long the trousers are and where they come to on most people. If you're on the petite side or have long legs, the standard length may not be exactly right on you. Look for collections that offer choices in terms of leggings length.
This not only gives you options for different weather, but to experiment with which length you prefer. You can pick from:
- Capris, which fall just below your knee
- 3/4 length or cropped leggings, which hit mid-calf
- 7/8 length leggings, which end just above your ankle
- Full-length leggings, which go all the way down to your ankle
Picking the Best Workout Leggings for Your Activity
After thinking about the features you want, the next step is to consider where you're going to wear them. Nike offers leggings for different types of activities, from running to training.
Running leggings
Even a beginner runner should aim to log at least 2 to 4 miles a week. That's no small feat, but no matter how many miles you total up, your running leggings need to perform. Nike's running leggings are designed to give you everything you need to sprint, walk, jog or set a personal run record and help reduce chafing. They have the features you want, including:
- Stay-in-place design that holds on through repeated movement for miles and miles
- Strategic ventilation zones for an optimal breathability
- Several pockets to keep your run hands-free
Most Nike running leggings are mid-rise with a drawcord waist for an adjustable fit. For long-distance runners, choose leggings that are breathable and have plenty of pockets, like the Nike Swift 7/8 running leggings with pockets. If you're a sprinter going for speed, look for a smooth fabric and wide waistband to keep you comfortable as you fly
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Gym leggings
If you're wearing your workout leggings to the gym, you'll need a pair that stays in place as you push, pull, lunge and squat. Nike training leggings give you the most flexibility of movement as they're high-waisted with drop-in pockets and a variety of fit and length options.
Whether you're in the weight room, on the cardio machines or taking a yoga class, Nike leggings can accommodate the way your body moves.
For serious strength training sessions—when you're rotating between squats and the pullup bar and then switching gears to bicep curls—Nike Pro Seamless leggings move with you. Soft and stretchy, these workout leggings move with you to help you crush your goals, without the distraction of seams.
If an intense workout is making you sweaty, Universa leggings can keep you feeling dry. Made with Nike's Stealth Evaporation sweat-concealing technology, these make a great choice for strength and conditioning exercises, like those involving battle ropes or a high-sweat air bike workout.
When it comes time for recovery, Zenvy leggings are a great option. Made of buttery-soft fabric, these leggings are perfect for yoga, Pilates or any routines that involve gentle movement.
Finding the Right Fit
You know your style and all the features you want in your ideal leggings; now it's time to make sure they fit you correctly. Even with a lot of compression, you want to feel comfortable in your workout leggings. So when you try on a pair of leggings, check that the fit is right with a couple of simple tests:
The size test: Even with a snug fit, you should be able to comfortably put one finger between the leggings and your body at both the waist and ankle. If more than one finger fits, you may want to go down a size. However, if you can't get one finger in the gap, go up a size.
The squat test: before taking off the leggings, do a deep squat. You want opaque leggings that stay at your waist. If the waist slips down, try one size smaller. If you can see your skin or underwear through the leggings, try one size larger. Make sure you conduct the squat test in a brightly lit area with a mirror to easily see if the leggings pass the test.
Even if you've ordered your leggings online, make sure you can return or exchange them if the fit isn't right or you don't love them. Even when your muscles are aching and lungs are burning, you should feel comfortable and confident in your workout leggings.
Workout Trousers vs. Leggings
Thinking about what leggings to wear for your activity may bring you to the realisation that leggings just aren't for you. If you're looking for trousers that are a little looser but still have all the features of workout leggings, opt for styles that give you a little more leg room. The fabric should be lightweight and sweat-wicking but without the compression.
Try Multiple Styles, Fits and Lengths
There's no such thing as too many choices when it comes to workout wear. Having many different leggings to accommodate many different activities means you'll always have a pair that fits right and performs well no matter what you're doing.
Activewear has also become a major fashion trend, pushing workout clothes beyond the gym and into our living rooms and grocery shops. Your gym leggings can even be ideal for errand-running or a casual meet-up with friends. They provide comfort and stretch but also give you an opportunity to accessorise with bold colours and serious prints. If you're keeping it casual, why not also have a little fun?
No matter your particular use or type of workout, it's important to consider which leggings are right for you.
