When buying leggings, one of the most common dilemmas is deciding whether to size up or down. With so many factors to consider like fabric type, compression level, and intended use, it can be tricky to choose the right leggings size.
Quick Answers
Here are quick answers to common questions about sizing leggings:
– For cotton leggings, size down for a tight fit or true to size for a comfortable fit.
– For workout leggings, size down for compression. Size up if you don’t like too tight compression.
– Size up for a looser, casual fit. Size down for a legging that hugs your body.
– Consider your height. Tall women may need to size up for better length coverage.
– Pay attention to legging rise. Low rise can feel tighter. Size up for more comfort.
– Look at the brand’s size chart and reviews to determine if the leggings run small or large.
Factors That Affect Legging Fit
Several key factors impact how leggings fit and whether you should go a size up or down:
Fabric Composition
The fiber content of the leggings influences stretch and compression. Cotton leggings have little stretch compared to spandex-blend leggings. For cotton pairs, sizing down can prevent sagging. With stretchy, spandex leggings you can comfortably size down for a tight fit.
Level of Compression
Compression leggings are tight-fitting to provide muscular support. These are popular for exercise but also worn casually. Size down in compression leggings for a performance fit that hugs the body. If you prefer less compression, consider sizing up.
Intended Use
How you plan to wear the leggings also impacts size choice. For casual, everyday wear, your true size gives a comfortable fit. Size up in leggings if you want a relaxed, loose fit. For working out, size down for leggings that won’t slide or roll during exercise.
Rise
The rise or length between the waistband and crotch affects where the leggings sit on your body. Low rise leggings typically fit tighter in the crotch. Sizing up can help alleviate too tight low rise leggings. Mid and high rise leggings offer more coverage and may not need sizing up.
Length
Tall women over 5’8″ often have trouble finding leggings long enough to cover their ankles. Sizing up in leggings can provide the extra length needed for full coverage. Petite women under 5’4″ may want to size down to avoid excess fabric bunching at the ankles.
Reviews
Online customer reviews give insight into how a particular brand’s leggings fit. Reviews indicating leggings run small are a sign to size up. If many reviews say leggings are true to size or run large, your regular size should fit well.
When to Size Down Leggings
Here are some of the most common scenarios when sizing down in leggings is recommended:
Cotton Leggings
Cotton leggings have minimal stretch compared to spandex blends. Sizing down prevents cotton leggings from stretching out and sagging throughout the day. The extra snugness also gives a flattering silhouette.
Compression Leggings
For both athletic and casual compression leggings, sizing down ensures the supportive tight fit. Compression leggings sized too big can slide down and lose their effectiveness.
Outdoor Workout Leggings
Leggings for exercise and activities like running or hiking should fit close to the skin. A performance legging in your regular size can sag from sweat and movement. Size down for leggings that stay put.
Slimming Effect
Leggings that compress and shape your figure give a slimming effect. Sizing down enhances the smoothing, body-contouring silhouette of leggings.
Petite Body Frame
Women 5’4″ and under can size down in leggings to achieve an ideal fit. The extra snugness prevents bunching of excess fabric around the knees and ankles.
When to Size Up Leggings
Here are situations that call for sizing up when buying leggings:
Loose, Casual Fit
For weekend wear and casual outfits, leggings in a size up provide a relaxed, less constricting fit. The extra room is also more forgiving for activities like lounging and binging Netflix.
Tall Body Frame
Women 5’8″ or taller can have a hard time finding leggings long enough. Sizing up gives the extra length for full ankle coverage without cutting off circulation.
Dislike Compression
If tight compression leggings are uncomfortable for you, go up a size. This provides a gently hugging fit without an overly restrictive feeling.
Sensitive Stomach
Leggings digging into the stomach and creating a muffin top effect are anything but comfortable. Plus size or size up in leggings to prevent stomach compression.
Low Rise Leggings
The shorter rise of low waist leggings can squeeze areas like the belly and crotch in your normal size. Sizing up alleviates too tight low rise leggings.
Trouble Areas
Sizing up gives a little more wiggle room in leggings if you are concerned about fit around trouble spots like the thighs, knees, or calves.
How to Determine Your Ideal Legging Size
Finding your perfect legging fit takes some trial and error. But there are strategies to streamline the process:
Know Your Measurements
Measure your waist, hips, and inseam. Compare to the brand’s size chart to pick your starting size for that legging style.
Assess Stretch
Stretch the waistband and see how much give the legging has. Limited stretch means sizing down. Lots of stretch allows for your regular size or even sizing up.
Sit and Squat Test
Try on potential sizes and check comfort sitting, squatting, and moving around. Ideal leggings should move with your body without pinching or restriction.
Wear Around the House
Test out new legging sizes properly by wearing them for a few hours. This checks comfort and how the leggings hold their shape on your body over time.
Consider Intended Use
Think of when and how you’ll wear the leggings to determine ideal fit. Lounging calls for comfort sizing. Working out demands performance sizing that won’t budge during exercise.
Care Instructions
Account for whether the leggings will shrink or stretch out after washing. Pre-wash shrinkable cotton leggings before determining best size fit.
Read Reviews
Online reviews give insight into real customer experiences with a particular legging’s fit. This helps determine if you should follow general size guidelines or size up or down.
Try Different Styles
Vary rise, length, and fabric of leggings you try on. The right fit varies across legging styles and your body type.
Tips for Getting the Right Legging Fit
Use these handy tips to find leggings that fit and feel fantastic:
Focus on Problem Areas
Pay attention to known trouble spots like thighs and knees when trying on different legging sizes. Prioritize comfort in those areas.
Sit, Squat, Lunge
Move around in potential leggings to mimic how your body shifts during exercise and daily activities.
Check Length
Make sure leggings aren’t too short or long by examining seams when sitting and standing. Bunching fabric at the ankles or ankles exposed are signs of poor fit.
Judge Compression
Assess how snug leggings feel around major muscle groups. Leggings too loose defeat the purpose of compression. Leggings too tight restrict movement.
Consider Shrinkage
Account for 5-10% shrinkage in cotton leggings after washing. Size down accordingly so leggings stay supportive when worn.
Wiggle Room
Leggings should fit close to the body but not dig in or squeeze. Some wiggle room ensures you can move freely and comfortably.
Avoid Muffin Tops
Properly fitting leggings create a smooth waistline, not bulging muffin tops. Size up or try a higher waistband if regular size pinches at the waist.
Common Legging Fit Issues & Solutions
Run into problems getting leggings to fit just right? Here are some common fit issues and how to fix them:
| Fit Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Waistband digs in | Size up or try higher-rise leggings |
| Too loose in butt/thighs | Size down for a contoured fit |
| Bunches at ankles | Size down to eliminate excess fabric |
| Uncomfortable compression | Size up for a more relaxed fit |
| Camel toe visible | Size up in crotch area or choose fuller gusset |
| Slide down | Size down for snugger fit or opt for compression legging |
Conclusion
Choosing the right leggings size comes down to your body type, preferred fit, and intended use. Sizing down creates a tight, performance-ready fit ideal for exercise and showcasing your figure. Sizing up allows for a more casual, forgiving fit perfect for lounging and relaxed wear. Consider factors like rise, length, fabric, stretch, and compression when deciding on legging size. Move in the leggings, sit, squat, and check trouble spots for the best indicator of ideal fit. Focus on comfort and remember you can size up or down in different styles to find your perfect legging fit.
