People are more concerned about their health than ever, with many adopting and elevating their exercise habits. Thanks to the growing popularity of gyms and workout routines, athletic gear is found in almost every large chain store. Gym leggings for women are some of the most in-demand athletic apparel items, and clothing brands have tons of options to accommodate this. Different colors, fabrics, and styles are all available at a range of prices. However, with so many to choose from, finding legging outfits is often a chore.
Luckily, we’ve outlined a few tips to help you score the perfect pair of leggings.
Choose the Right Fit and Feel
When choosing a pair of leggings, it’s important they match your preferred type of exercise. The fit and feel on a pair of leggings will vary depending on the activity they’re designed for. Let’s break down a few different workouts and the type of fit they work best with:
1. Yoga
Skin-tight pants, also called compression pants, are a great option for yoga sessions. By gently squeezing your muscles, these leggings create a minor compression effect. This increases blood flow to your muscles, improving performance and recovery.
2. Running
Tights or leggings will work for jogging, but they can also chafe during rapid movement. Breeze, loose gym trousers give you the space to walk, sprint, and jump. Pants that are weather resistant and moisture-wicking are even better for keeping you dry and cool during your workout.
3. Weightlifting
During weight lifting, we recommend wearing squat-proof leggings. They provide full coverage, allowing you to lift without worrying about your underwear or skin showing underneath the fabric. Squat-proof leggings also come with a high-rise waist for extra support during your workout. The ideal fit should have a waistband that rests on your waist without digging in or rolling down.
Know Which Fabric Works Best for You
Just as important as having the perfect fit and feel is selecting the right fabric for your workout needs. There are many different types of material used in workout leggings, but the most common are nylon, polyester, cotton, and spandex.
Nylon and polyester leggings are best for high-intensity workouts. Their moisture-wicking properties keeps sweat away from your skin, and they also dry fast.
If you prefer a more natural feel, cotton-blend leggings are a go-to option. They’re breathable and soft, making them perfect for low-impact exercises. Cotton leggings are often the comfiest, so they can be worn around the house or on the run, not just during exercise. However, keep in mind that they tend to lose their shape over time.
Spandex is an especially popular fabric choice in yoga pants for women. Its superior elasticity makes it great for all types of exercise. Spandex is often blended with other materials to enhance the leggings’ stretchiness and compression. Pants made with a blend of spandex are a popular choice for those needing muscle support during weight lifting.
Prioritize Pockets
Pockets are a must for any pair of leggings. Jogging while having to hold your phone is annoying, and it impedes your running performance. Leggings with pockets seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised by how often sports leggings don’t have them!
Choose gym leggings for women with secure, well-placed pockets. They should be able to stash your phone, keys, or cards without interfering with your movement. Pockets on the side of the legs or at the waistband are usually the most convenient options.
Identify When/Where You Work Out
The ideal pair of leggings differs depending on the weather, time of day, and location where you work out. When you work out at home by yourself, it might not be a concern if your leggings are a bit frumpy or out of style. However, those at the gym may prefer wearing something more fashionable.
If you work out at the gym or at home, you have more flexibility with the type of leggings you pick. On the other hand, women who prefer exercising outdoors must consider the weather when choosing their workout clothes. During colder months, we recommend investing in thicker leggings for warmth. Once the warmer seasons hit, switch them out for leggings with breathable mesh panels or cut-outs to stay cool.
Quality over Quantity
It’s tempting to buy as many cute pairs of leggings as you come across, and it may feel nice to have a lot of options in your wardrobe. Unfortunately, there’s a big downside. By shopping recklessly, you’re often left with more low-quality leggings that won’t last or don’t fit right. After they inevitably wear out, you’ll have to buy new ones. Save yourself the hassle and adopt more mindful shopping methods for gym leggings. It’s always better to purchase a few pairs of high-quality leggings instead of 10 cheap ones.
Shop NineFit for High-Performance Workout Leggings
At the end of the day, the key to finding the best gym leggings for women is knowing your own needs. By considering your workout habits, preferences, and personal style, you’ll find the right pair in no time.
Whatever type of workout pants you need, NineFit has you covered. Our diverse selection of athletic apparel is optimized for comfort and ease of movement. Find everything you need to get active at NineFit today.