A good pair of leggings is one of those things you don't think about, because they just work. They stay up, they don't go see-through, and they feel as good on the fifth wash as on the first.
A bad pair, on the other hand, you think about constantly. Hitching them up. Checking the mirror when you bend down. Wondering why they've gone bobbly already.
Here's everything we've learned about choosing leggings that fit well, and caring for them so they last.
Part 1: How should leggings fit?
At the waist
This is the big one. A good waistband should feel snug but not tight. It should sit flat against your skin without digging in, rolling down or leaving a deep mark when you take them off.
Try this: put them on, then sit down, squat and reach up. If the waistband stays where it is without you pulling at it, that's a good fit. If it slides down or folds over, the size, rise or style probably isn't right for you.
A high-rise waistband (sitting at or above your belly button) tends to stay put best when you're bending, folding or lifting. Our Core Flow and Aura leggings are both high-rise for this reason.
Through the legs
Leggings should feel close to the skin, like a gentle hug rather than a squeeze. There shouldn't be any baggy fabric at the knees or behind them, and nothing should pinch at the back of the knee when you bend.
Look out for:
- Wrinkles at the ankle. A little gathering is fine. Lots means they're too long or too big.
- Fabric pulling thin at the knees or thighs. This often means they're too small.
- A front seam that rubs. A seamless front panel can feel more comfortable, especially for yoga and Pilates.
The bend test (for opacity)
Nobody wants see-through leggings. The easiest check is to stand in front of a mirror in good light, bend forward and squat. If you can see your underwear or skin through the fabric, they're either too small or the fabric isn't dense enough.
A few things help:
- Don't size down to feel "held in". Stretching fabric too far is one of the most common reasons leggings turn sheer.
- Darker colours are naturally more forgiving than pale ones.
- Look for a fabric blend with plenty of stretch and recovery, so it bounces back rather than thinning out.
Length
Full-length leggings should reach your ankle bone. If they bunch a lot, you might prefer a 7/8 length. If you love a longer, more relaxed look, a flare like our Empower Flared Pant is lovely for yoga and for wearing out and about.
Choose for what you do most
Different activities ask different things of your leggings:
- Yoga and Pilates: soft fabric, a seamless or low-seam front and a waistband that won't roll when you fold forward.
- Walking and everyday wear: something comfortable for long stretches, with a little structure.
- Higher-energy workouts: a firmer feel and a waistband that stays up when you move fast.
Not sure about sizing? Our size guide has our measurements, and you're always welcome to message us.
Part 2: How to wash leggings (so they last)
Most activewear is made from a blend of nylon or polyester with spandex (sometimes called elastane or Lycra). Ours, for example, is 78% nylon and 22% spandex. That stretch is what makes leggings feel so good, and it's also what heat and rough washing wear down fastest.
These simple habits make a big difference.
1. Turn them inside out
This protects the outside of the fabric from rubbing against other clothes and the drum, which is one of the main causes of bobbles (pilling).
2. Wash cold, on a gentle cycle
Cold or cool water (30°C or below) is kinder to stretch fibres. Always check the care label on your pair first. For our Core Flow leggings, the label says machine wash cold, air dry.
3. Wash with similar fabrics
Keep leggings away from towels, jeans, fleece and anything with zips or Velcro. Rough fabrics are the biggest culprits for pilling. A mesh laundry bag adds extra protection.
4. Skip the fabric softener
It sounds odd, but fabric softener can coat technical fabrics, trap smells and affect how well they stretch and dry. Use a small amount of mild detergent instead. Too much detergent can leave residue behind, too.
5. Air dry, away from direct heat
Tumble dryers and radiators are hard on spandex. Lay your leggings flat or hang them over a clothes airer and let them dry naturally. Most activewear dries quickly anyway.
6. Don't leave them in the gym bag
Damp leggings left balled up are where smells start. If you can't wash them straight away, hang them up to dry first.
How to wash leggings without pilling: a quick checklist
- Inside out ✔
- Cold, gentle cycle ✔
- No towels, denim or zips in the same load ✔
- Mesh bag ✔
- No fabric softener ✔
- Air dry ✔
Signs it's time for a new pair
Even with great care, leggings don't last forever. It might be time when:
- the waistband has lost its grip and keeps rolling;
- the fabric has gone shiny or thin in places;
- they've stopped passing the bend test.
Our leggings, at a glance
- Core Flow Full Length Leggings, £22.88. High-rise, seamless front, four-way stretch with gentle compression. In black, sage and sky blue.
- Aura Legging, £22.88. High-rise with a seamless front and a smooth, sculpting feel. In grey, black, green and espresso.
- Empower Flared Pant, £24.88. A ribbed flare with a crossover V-waistband, made for slow flows and everyday wear.
Want the full outfit? Each one comes as a matching set: the Core Flow Set, Aura Set and Empower Set.
Find your pair
The best leggings are the ones you forget you're wearing. Browse our activewear, check the size guide, and if you have any questions about fit, message us on Instagram @knoxie_tribe. We're real people and we're happy to help.
Do what you love, in leggings that keep up.
