What Size Leggings Should I Get? Your Sizing Guide

Finding the perfect pair of leggings isn't rocket science, but it does make all the difference to how you feel every single day. Whether you wear leggings for strength training sessions, casual wear around town, or simply lounging at home, getting the right size means you'll feel confident and comfortable from morning to night. Too loose and they'll sag in all the wrong places; too tight and you'll spend your day tugging and adjusting. 

Let's figure out what size leggings you should get, using some simple measurements and practical tips that actually work!

Why the Right Fit Matters

The correct size leggings do more than just look good. They move with your body rather than against it. When workout leggings fit correctly, you forget you're even wearing them, which is exactly the goal. Whether you're flowing through yoga poses, tackling low impact activities, or simply running errands, well-fitting leggings support your body type without restricting blood flow or movement. On the flip side, the wrong size can leave you feeling self-conscious, constantly adjusting the waistband, or dealing with awkward bunching in the crotch area.

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Taking Your Measurements Like a Pro

Grab Your Measuring Tape

Before you start browsing, you'll need three key measurements using a measuring tape: your waist size, hip measurement, and inseam. Here's how to measure accurately:

• Waist: Wrap the tape measure around the narrowest part of your waist, typically just above your belly button. Keep it snug but not tight. You should still be able to breathe comfortably.

• Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and bum, making sure the tape sits horizontally. This is crucial for ensuring your leggings won't be see-through when stretched.

• Inseam: For full length leggings, measure from your crotch down to your ankle bone. This measurement helps you choose between different styles like capri leggings, 7/8, or full-length options.

Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid

Don't pull the tape too tight or measure over bulky clothing. Both will throw off your measurements. For the most accurate results, measure while wearing fitted underwear or none at all. And here's a tip: most brands provide a size chart specific to their leggings, so always cross-reference your measurements rather than assuming your usual size will translate perfectly.

Understanding Different Leggings Styles

High Waist Leggings for Extra Support

High waist leggings have become incredibly popular, and for good reason. This waistband style sits above your natural waist, offering more coverage and extra support around your core. They're brilliant for everyday wear and particularly flattering if you prefer comfort around your midsection and want to make your bum look better in leggings!

The higher rise also means they're less likely to slip down during movement, making them ideal for everything from HIIT to casual strolls.

Choosing Between Tighter Fit and Relaxed Fit

The intended use of your leggings should guide whether you choose a tighter fit or relaxed fit. For high-impact activities or strength training, a snugger fit with compression helps support your muscles and stays put as you move. For casual wear, warm weather, or low impact activities like walking, you might prefer comfort with a slightly more flexible fit that allows your skin to breathe.

Avoiding the Dreaded Camel Toe

Nobody wants to deal with camel toe, but it's surprisingly easy to prevent. Choose leggings with thicker fabrics that hold their shape rather than super-thin materials that bunch in the crotch area. Look for designs without a front rise seam or those with a crotch gusset, which shifts seams away from sensitive areas. And most importantly, make sure you're wearing the correct size. Going too small is the main culprit here.

How Fabric Affects Your Fit

Understanding Fabric Types

The fabric you choose plays a massive role in how your leggings fit and feel. For gym sessions and strength training, nylon and polyester blends with spandex offer excellent stretch, moisture-wicking properties, and durability. These thicker fabrics also provide more coverage, preventing any unwanted transparency when you squat or bend.

For everyday wear and casual activities, cotton-spandex blends feel softer against your skin and are perfect for lounging or low impact activities. However, they don't wick moisture as effectively, so save them for days when you won't be sweating heavily.

Fabric for Different Seasons

In warm weather, you'll want breathable, lighter-weight fabrics that allow air circulation. Polyester-spandex blends work brilliantly here, keeping you cool while maintaining enough thickness to avoid sheerness. For cooler days, brushed or fleece-lined leggings in slightly heavier fabric weights provide warmth without sacrificing stretch.

Decoding Size Charts Across Brands

Using a Women's Leggings Measurement Guide

Most brands offer a women's leggings size guide that correlates your measurements to their specific sizing. Rather than guessing, always check the brand-specific size chart and compare your actual measurements to their recommendations.

It's also worth knowing that US and European sizing can differ quite a bit… a US medium won't always match a European medium, as brands in each region use different base measurements and grading standards. This means a size you rely on from a US brand may not carry over to a European one, or the other way around. To take the guesswork out of it, Loony Legs provides a dedicated sizing chart for each legging style, so you always have an accurate reference point regardless of where you usually shop.

Here's Loony Legs leggings sizing guide for different legging types:

LEGGINGS

US sizing chart:

European Sizing Chart:

Brand Variations You Should Know

Different brands size their leggings differently, so your size might vary from one brand to another. Some brands run large and recommend sizing down, while others run small. This is where reading reviews becomes invaluable. Fellow shoppers will often mention whether leggings run true to size, small, or large.

Practical Tips for Getting Your Perfect Fit

Should You Size Up or Down?

If your measurements fall between two sizes, consider your body shape and what you prioritize. If you have a smaller size waist but larger hips, always go by your hip measurement and size up if needed. This ensures better coverage and prevents the fabric from becoming see-through across your glutes. If you prefer comfort over compression, sizing up gives you a more flexible fit, while sizing down to a smaller size offers more support and a tighter fit.

The Squat Test

Before you commit to any pair of leggings, do the squat test. Bend into a deep squat and check in a mirror. If you can see through the fabric or the leggings feel restrictive, they're not the right size for you. The material should remain opaque and you should have full freedom of movement.

Reading Reviews Before Buying Online

When buying online, customer reviews are your best friend. People will tell you exactly how the leggings fit their body type, whether the waistband stays put, and if the leg length runs true to size. They'll also mention if a particular style works better for certain activities or if the fabric pills after washing. Look for reviewers with similar measurements to yours for the most relevant insights.

Finding Your Perfect Leggings

Getting the right size leggings starts with accurate measurements and understanding how different styles fit your unique body shape. Use a tape measure to get your waist, hip, and inseam measurements, then match these to each brand's size chart rather than assuming your usual size will work. Consider whether you need a tighter fit for high-impact activities or a relaxed fit for casual wear, and don't forget to read reviews when buying online.

Our unique patterned leggings are designed to make you feel and look your best for whatever you have planned for the day, whether you're wearing them as part of a cute workout outfit or for casual wear.

Regardless of your shape or size, you don't have to sacrifice style thanks to our selection of plus size leggings and sustainable activewear; you should feel good about yourself!

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Choosing The Right Leggings Size FAQs

Should I size down or stick to the true size in yoga leggings?

Most yoga leggings are designed to fit true to size, so stick with your usual measurements when in doubt. However, understanding leggings fit comes down to the specific style and fabric. If you want more compression and waistband support, sizing down can work, but only if the fabric remains opaque when stretched. For yoga leggings specifically, you want them to fit snugly without restricting your movement, so always do the squat test before committing.

What's the best sizing advice for finding the right pair of leggings?

The golden rule of sizing advice is to always measure yourself accurately and compare your numbers to the brand's size chart rather than guessing based on your dress size. Choose leggings that fit snugly around your waist and hips without causing discomfort or transparency. If you're between sizes, size up for better coverage and waistband support, especially if you have curvier hips. The right pair should feel like a second skin, secure but never restrictive.

How important is waistband support when understanding leggings fit?

Waistband support is absolutely crucial for the right pair of leggings, particularly if you're wearing them for workouts or all-day wear. A supportive waistband should fit snugly around your waist without digging in or rolling down during movement. High waist styles typically offer the most waistband support and help leggings stay in place. When understanding leggings fit, remember that a good waistband should distribute pressure evenly and feel secure without being uncomfortably tight