Good quality women’s leggings are opaque, durable, and fit your waist and hip measurements rather than just your dress size.
For the full breakdown, see our best Cheap Leggings guide.
Most women buy leggings based on the size they wear in jeans, then wonder why the waistband digs in or the fabric goes sheer. The fix for finding good quality leggings for women starts with two numbers: your waist and your hip circumference. Measure both with a cloth tape held horizontal against the skin, at the narrowest part of your waist and the fullest part of your hips. Nike’s women’s leggings chart and Lululemon’s size guide both build their size tables around those two measurements, not around pants sizes.
Size By Your Body Measurements, Not Your Dress Size
Leggings are form-fitting, so an undersized pair can turn sheer and stress the seams. If your waist and hip measurements fall into different sizes on a brand’s chart, use the larger of the two to avoid a too-tight fit around the hips.
Check the specific chart for the brand you are buying. Sizing is not standardized across companies. Lululemon’s guide covers numeric sizes 0 through 20, where a size 0 fits a 21.5-inch waist and 31.5-inch hip, and a size 20 fits a 43-inch waist and 51-inch hip.
What Defines the Fabric And Construction Quality
Quality comes down to fabric feel, stretch recovery, and how the garment is put together. Wirecutter’s testing process pays close attention to how the fabric feels to the touch and while worn, because that determines whether the leggings stay comfortable through a full day.
Run through this quick check on any pair you are considering:
- Opaqueness: Hold the fabric stretched over your hand. If you can see your skin through it, the fabric will go sheer when you bend or squat.
- Recovery: Stretch the waistband and let go. It should snap back to its original shape without sagging or puckering.
- Seams: Look for flat seams that lie smooth against the skin, and reinforced stitching at the crotch and waistband where stress is highest.
- Waistband: A secure band that stays put without rolling or digging in is the difference between a keeper and a pair you abandon by noon.
Match the Inseam Or Length To How You’ll Wear Them
Length terminology is not consistent between brands. “Full length,” “long,” “tall,” and “7/8” are defined by each company, so check the inseam measurement on the brand’s chart rather than trusting the label.
Nike offers full length, 7/8, and 3/4 options across its leggings line. Picking the right length prevents the bunching and ride-up that happens when leggings hit at an awkward point on your calf.
Before you order, check whether the brand publishes its size guide with length options, then match the inseam to your height and the intended use. Cropped styles suit workouts and warmer weather; full-length pairs work better for lounging and cooler days. If you are ready to compare tested budget options, our roundup of the best cheap leggings pulls together picks that hold up without the premium price tag.
FAQs
How do I measure my waist and hips for leggings?
Wrap a cloth tape measure around the narrowest part of your waist, keeping it horizontal and snug against the skin. For hips, measure around the fullest part of your buttocks, again keeping the tape level. Write both numbers down and compare them to the brand’s size chart rather than guessing from your jeans size.
Why do leggings go sheer even when they fit?
Sheerness usually means the fabric is stretched beyond its capacity. This happens when the hip measurement is too small, putting constant tension on the material. Some low-quality fabrics also lack the density and opacity needed for full coverage even at the correct size.
Should I size up if my measurements fall between sizes?
Yes. When your waist and hip measurements land in different sizes on a brand’s chart, choose the larger size. Leggings that are too small create transparency, seam strain, and a digging waistband, while a slightly larger pair can be adjusted with the drawcord or a higher-rise fit.
References & Sources
- Wirecutter. “The Best Leggings.” Explains the fabric-feel and construction criteria used in their leggings testing.
- Nike. “Women’s Leggings Size Fit Guide.” Provides waist and hip measurement instructions and the brand’s full size table.
- Lululemon. “Women’s Fit Guide.” Lists numeric sizes with waist and hip ranges and available inseam lengths.