Material

You may have noticed that most, if not all, the leggings on this list have Dri-Fit Technology. This is extremely important when purchasing a pair of leggings. If you’re not wearing leggings to work, or to lounge around the house, then you’re most likely using them for sports or active wear. When we are active, we most likely sweat. And when we sweat, there may be stains. There’s nothing more embarrassing than having a sweat stain in weird crevices of our legs, so it’s important to look for quality material that is sweat resistant.

Nike’s Dri-Fit technology is an innovative technology that is made from a unique polyester fabric that allows for breathability and is designed to keep you dry. This gets rid of annoyances like making sure you’re aired out and have time to dry. This gathers your sweat and makes sure it’s evenly spread throughout the top layer of your garment so that the sweat evaporates quickly.

You want to look for these types of materials when purchasing leggings: polyester, nylon, or spandex with some type of moisture management. This ensures that sweat is not trapped, but able to disperse off your body quickly. Also, this type of material is made for movement, so you will never feel constrained during your workout.

Remember that quality materials tend to cost more. However, it is important to invest in a few staple pieces that you know will last throughout the years. I used to buy leggings that were made from cheap material simply because they were inexpensive. However, I would have to replace those leggings every month because the seams would rip after a few washes, or the material would thin out and become sheer. Replacing my leggings every month actually ends up costing more than if I would have invested in a pair of quality leggings right away. Like I said before, my first pair of Nike leggings have lasted me for over six years with no signs of distress. When you think about clothing that you’ll be wearing regularly, like leggings, you want to make sure that you’re investing for the future. This also saves you time because you’re not constantly going back to replace your torn leggings. Time is money!

Opaque

One thing you definitely do not want to do is buy a pair of leggings that are see-through. You don’t want your underwear to peek through when you’re doing a squat at the gym. A lot of leggings made from thin material are sheer, and while this might be okay for layering under clothes, it is definitely not good for working out.

What you want to look for is the material it’s made of. Thicker fabrics tend to be less see-through, but this isn’t always the case. Depending on the body type, these fabrics may be stretched out more causing transparency. What you want to do is try on the leggings at the store and do the “bend over” test. Try squatting, bending over, engage in some fitting room acrobatics, and see if you can see your undies or skin peeking through. If so, you know that these are not opaque, and may cause some embarrassment in the future. Investing in the right pair of opaque leggings made out of quality material will ensure that the fabric does not wear out over future washes and stay intact.

Comfort

This is probably the most important one for me. Leggings are naturally supposed to be form-fitting. Imagine wearing a pair of jeans or trousers that are skin tight, and trying to sit, run, or walk in them! Horrid. Comfort may vary based on the individual, so you may want to try on your pair of leggings before you purchase them. What may be comfortable for some may be uncomfortable for others. Some might like a more snug fit while others prefer a looser fit.

The type of fabric you choose for your leggings may provide greater comfort than others. I like a softer fabric and find certain leggings made from spandex to stick to my skin. However, there are people who prefer a more elastic feel that can provide coolness during hot temperature. Certain fabrics feel itchier on different skin types and may need more

There are a variety of leggings that can provide the maximum comfort. You definitely want to choose from the material listed above, but there are also different types of cuts that you may prefer. There are skin-tight, body-hugging leggings that are meant to be worn as a base or for yoga. There are high-waisted leggings that provide a flattering silhouette and slims down the gut area. There are ¾ length leggings that can provide more breathability for the lower part of the body. Some say these types of leggings make them more “aerodynamic” during their workouts.

Style

Leggings don’t just have to be black (although one should definitely have a pair of quality black leggings for layering). There are so many different styles out there that can show off your personal style, so you’re not just limited to the same old boring athleisure.

There’s a saying that goes “If you dress good, you feel good,” or “dress for success,” and I am a firm believer in this. Sometimes just putting on a nice outfit can change your mindset for the entire day. It can make you more confident and attractive, which seeps into other areas of your life, like when you’re interacting with someone or you’re crushing it at work. The same idea goes for the right pair of workout gear. It can completely change your mindset during your workout and motivate you to workout harder and put in that extra effort.

Colorful, printed, patterned leggings are the new norm at the gym and there’s a reason why. Clothes can influence our behavior and can subconsciously change the way we act. If you’re dreading heading over to the gym while wearing frayed shorts and your old college t-shirt, try changing it up a bit and invest in a workout outfit, including a pair of fun leggings, that amp up your energy. There will be a direct shift in your mentality, and you’ll not only want to be more active, but you’ll feel confident in doing so. Some experts may call this “enclothed cognition”- the outward shift that happens that reflects your attire. Sometimes putting on a brighter color with fun graphics can cause a direct personality change, causing a more outgoing, cheerful you. There is a reason why wedding dresses are traditionally white to invoke feelings of purity, and black is the color to wear at funerals to reflect a more somber, serious setting. Brands use color theory depending on the type of business they are and carry symbolic meaning. To tie it back, the color you wear may affect the way you act. If you’re investing in a pair of attractive, fun, colorful leggings, you’re investing in your future mental shift.