Quick Style Guide: Types of Leggings

Nobody can understand the versatility of leggings better than women, and considering how these tight-fitting leg coverings were historically used as “functional” speaks volumes about why they are so closely related to women’s wardrobes.

However, despite this, many of us are still unaware of the various types of leggings and how each one differs slightly from the others. This is why I took some time off to write about Leggings. 

In this article, we will discuss cuts, fittings, fabrics, and styles of popular legging types so that you can draft yourself a wonderful collection for starting a business or just a good wardrobe.

8 Popular Leggings Types You Should Know About

As someone who always had challenges in finding the right legging type, I understand why many of us go through this dilemma. It is because of our unawareness that different styles of leggings can have potential for casual wear or athleisure. 

Yes, you heard that right: leggings are not light, fragile pieces. Instead, they are incredibly durable and serviceable when made using good fabric materials and sewing techniques. 

I think having a valid explanation of legging manufacturing factors before going onto different kinds of leggings is absolutely crucial as it will equip you with the necessities to figure out which variety you want to wear or which one will be best for you.

How Leggings are Categorized?

• Leggings by Fabric:

  The use of different fabrics means different final results in your leggings. Suppose you opt for polyester-made leggings then without a question, they will last you a good number of years. Polyester is not just an affordable but a highly functional textile.

Similarly, the other two most used fabrics (Nylon & Spandex) offer other functionalities like higher tensile strength and extreme stretchability.

• Leggings by Purpose:

  Some Leggings are meant for high-impact activities like gym or cardio, but there are also leggings especially made for lounging and relaxed plays like yoga and pilates. Depending upon the final use case, many designers have made leggings suitable for every situation at hand you ladies can think of!

• Leggings by Style:

  What comes to mind when we are talking about leggings? It is fashion, right? Long gone are those days when leggings were just used as a layering piece and similar to what we women have been through. 

They are seeing an all-time rise in fashion and flare. These days, you can go around wearing leggings, and nobody would judge you for that! Leggings for casual parties, leggings for maternity gatherings, there are leggings for everyone!

Legging Types

• Full-length Leggings:

  Without a question, this type is most commonly worn by just about every woman, and if you haven’t worn these, then I am sure you have; you just didn’t know how to distinguish them from other kinds. Full-length leggings are also called ankle-length and are great for layering in colder weather. 

Ankle lengths are so versatile that they can be worn to every occasion, given their massive availability in monochromatic colors and vibrant designs. Pairing them is also very easy; you can wear anything at the top, no matter whether it is a T-shirt or a dress.

• These leggings are your go-to clothing solution.

• Workout Leggings Vs Yoga Pants:

  Often, a lot of people confuse these two, and to be honest, I was in the same boat as well, but with deep market analysis and their specific use cases, I came to realize their vast distinction.

• Workout leggings are designed with fabrics that are highly efficient in sweat management and can provide tight yet comfortable fitting, which can significantly add up to correct exercising and minimal chances of muscle disparity. 
• Yoga pants, on the other hand, feature a bootcut or flared leg, which is highly required for free stretch movements in yoga exercises. Yoga pants are also designed with soft fabrics with elevated elasticity.

Workout leggings and yoga pants are often interchangeable due to their high similarity and, frankly, with new advancements in the textile industry. The line of distinction has withered away. These days, you can wear just about any workout leggings for yoga practices.

• Printed Leggings:

  Any leggings with a custom printed design have the right to be called printed leggings, and really, that’s all there is to it. There is a vast variety of Custom Manufacturers who are making high-end leggings that are perfect for ladies who want a little “pop” in their ensemble.

• What Kind of Prints Can I Get?

Any print that you think captures your unique essence, you can get flower patterns or abstract color art. The only limitation is your own imagination when designing printed leggings.

• Jeggings: I’m sure you got at least one pair of jeans; now imagine what happens if you use the same fabric material to make leggings. You get Jeggings. They come in ankle length and are sort of hybrid, owing to their leggings-like comfort and jeans-like style. 
• Jeggings or Denim leggings are as durable as they are stylish to wear.

Related Blog: The Best Advice You Can Hear About Diverse Types of Denim

• Capri Leggings:

  The summer-centered version of classic leggings we all love and find useful when that sun hits up. Capri Leggings are excellent for warm weather because of their shorter lengths and are also known as legging shorts. If you are someone who prioritizes quick styling, then capri leggings are for you.

• Flair Leggings:

  Yet another leggings kind which have made a considerable comeback in prior years. Flare leggings are the ones where the fabric opens up a little from the knees to provide higher leisure. When worn correctly, it can confer a flattering silhouette, which is perfect for a fun fitness look. Just be careful while running, as flared-out fabric often gets in between legs.

• Short Leggings:

  Don’t confuse capris with short leggings, often referred to as knee-length leggings. These leggings are considered the ultimate performance wear for both indoor and outdoor activities. 

Now you might be thinking, how is it? The knee-length design confers higher comfort and ventilation, which are a must when doing higher labor tasks.

How to Choose the Best Leggings for Women?

Got everything about popular types of leggings? Now, you have to concern yourself with the right legging options for yourself. There are multiple steps that I used personally to make my wardrobe highly versatile.

Quick Points to Consider When Buying a New Pair of Leggings!

1- Activity Levels: Your intended use case will highly affect your choices. Think about the reasons you are buying a new pair of leggings. If you are someone who is willing to make changes, then workout & yoga leggings are best for you, but for lounging and casual wear, you have multiple options such as jeggings, flair leggings, and many more.

2- Fitting: Leggings come in different fittings, depending on the aesthetic or even use: you can either get tight-fitted leggings or flare leggings for unrestricted movement. However, keep in mind that the fitting should be snug but not too tight so that it may irritate you. Similarly, you can also do a squat test to see if your leggings are properly fitted or not.

3- Fabric: Fabric is another important aspect when buying any garments, let alone leggings. Polyester-based leggings are generally best for athletic activities, while the ones made from cotton are great for lazing around.

Note: Spandex is a type of stretchy fabric which is most if not all the time included in leggings to give it that stretch we all love. 

For Entrepreneurs: How to Choose the Right Fabric for Your Private Label Clothing Brand

4- Body Type: Before you get offended. I am also a firm believer in personal preferences, but let’s be honest here. Having a guide that tells what may suit you or not is always a huge plus in my book. Take a look at the table below that I crafted for you ladies:

Crucial Tips: Leggings Style Guide

• Full-length, Workout, Yoga, Capri, and Short leggings: These can be worn either on their own or by layering. Pair up with sweaters and custom-printed hoodies for comfort, but opt for longer jackets for layering.
• Printed Leggings: Keep your top neutral to let the print stand out. You can also balance out its vibrancy with a simple t-shirt or sweater.
• Jeggings: You can easily style them up with white sneakers and graphic t-shirts for a casual look. But if you are feeling a little special about yourself, then you can match them up with a tailored blazer.
• Flair Leggings: This goes extremely well with fitted and cropped tops to highlight that flared look. However, if you want a balanced look, then throw on an oversized blazer.

Ending Note: Why Different Types of Leggings Matters

Just by appearance alone, you can not distinguish between different styles of leggings in the market, but each kind is suitable for a particular use case; some leggings are functional for recreational activities, while some are layering essential for colder climates. 

Having so many variations of leggings also ensures possibilities for everyone to look not just great but also feel confident when trying something new.

Frequently Asked Question

What does Squat-proofing mean? 

Squat-proofing means when a legging remains opaque even when stretched. This is something extremely crucial to save yourself from embarrassment and perverts while doing squats or deep bends in pilates.

Can leggings be worn for casual outings and parties?

Absolutely! Leggings like jeggings, printed leggings, and even flair leggings are now widely accepted as a form of casual wear, and to be honest, modern fashion is all about trying new things before anyone else. 

What are some common fit issues with leggings?

Common issues include a rolling waistband or leggings being too long. To tackle these issues, try out full-length leggings and capris, respectively.