Leggings are considered one of the most comfortable attire. These are go-to wear and can be worn effortlessly within no time. Now leggings have become trendy fashion staple attire and added to the most modern wardrobes.
However, leggings come with arguably versatile designs and materials. There are wide ranges of leggings made of varieties of fabrics.
Different fabric leggings are suitable for different activities including workouts, yoga, sports, and all. Nonetheless, the best materials for leggings are cotton, polyester, wool, nylon, spandex, and all.
Some leggings are also made with the combination of these several fabrics. To know more about the best fabrics for leggings, stick with us.
Types of Fabric for Leggings
There are many leggings available in the market that keep ripping or falling down. These happen because of the low fabric material and durability. So, we will get you covered with the best fabrics for leggings so that you pick the right one.
- Best Fabric for Workout Leggings: Cotton
- Best Fabric for Running Leggings: Polyester
- Best Fabric for Winter Leggings: Wool
- Best Fabric for Everyday Leggings: Spandex
- Best Fabric for Yoga Leggings: Nylon
- Best Fabric for Activewear Leggings: Nylon-Spandex
- Best Breathable Fabric for Leggings: Bamboo
- Best Fabric for Sports Leggings: Polypropylene
- Best Fabric for Summer Leggings: Silk
Best Fabric for Workout Leggings: Cotton
Most of us are comfortable wearing leggings for our workout activity. And as we mentioned before cotton fabric makes the best leggings for workouts. Cotton material is soft and it is also the best breathable fabric for leggings.
The fabric is also strong and too comfortable to wear. Again, cotton also has a hydrophilic property which means when the material is wet it won’t be breathable much.
The material cotton is likely to lose its shape over time. But if it is mixed with some of the stretched fibers or sweat-wicking materials like spandex or polyester then it will be way durable. So, it is always better if you shop for cotton leggings then make sure it is mixed with spandex. Here is a great cotton legging for you.
To pick up the best cotton leggings you can try out the Jockey Women’s Cotton Stretch Ankle Legging. With side pockets this legging’s materials include 94% cotton and 6% spandex.
This cotton legging is the best for an active lifestyle. It has given a moisture-wicking finish so that it wicks the sweat and allows your body to breathe. Overall, this legging is light, stretchy, and you won’t feel very tight after wearing it.
Why Should You Pick This Legging?
- Made of cotton and to make it stretchy, spandex fabric is combined as well.
- A great bottom that is comfortable to wear and doesn’t feel too tight.
- Designed with fabrics that have breathability and gusset properties.
- The waistband is wide, fitted, and suitable for machine wash.
Related Read: Is Leggings Waterproof
Best Fabric for Running Leggings: Polyester
Polyester is the best fabric for running leggings. It is a hydrophobic fabric that means the fabric is highly sweat-wicking and resistant to water. Also, clothes with this fabric are very elastic.
Unlike the cotton fabric, polyester doesn’t lose its shape over time. It retains its natural and original shape for a long time. Also, the yarns are strong and incredibly resistant to wrinkles. This is also good for summer leggings.
However, to make the product more durable, polyester leggings are made using a combination of polyester and spandex or cotton. Also, any clothes or leggings made of polyester are heat and stain-resistant. The fabric is also low in absorbency. Thus, polyester is another great fabric for making leggings.
Now, if you are looking for the best polyester legging as activewear, you can choose Gayhay’s High Waist Yoga Pants.
These leggings from Gayhay are specially made for running workouts and the fabrics contain 92% polyester and 8% spandex. The leggings are designed with 4 way stretch which is comfortable and delivers a gentle compression to your bottom. The leggings provide a streamlined look allowing you to move easily.
Moreover, the leggings are made to fit just in the right way. Any physical activities including cycling, yoga, running, and all are possible wearing the leggings.
Why Should You Pick This Legging?
- A 4-way stretch designed and non see-through.
- Designed with high waist tummy control
- The compression makes you slimmer.
- The fabric feels premium and buttery soft.
- Resistant to moisture, wind, and retains the shape and color.
Best Fabric for Winter Leggings: Wool
For perpetually cold weather, you will need winter leggings. And the best winter leggings are made of wool fabric. The main purpose of the fabric wool is to hold up the warmth of the body. Moreover, the leggings made of wool come with air trapped side pockets which are great help to save you from cold.
As you always find the material warmest hence wool is the warmest fabric for winter clothes. The fabric has natural insulating properties. For hiking purposes, these leggings are also considered the right choice. It has high moisture-wicking characteristics to keep you warm all time.
However, there are many brands offering wool leggings to customers. But to get the best bang, give a look at the following option.
MERIWOOL Women’s Base Layer Bottoms leggings are designed with travel base layers. You can even wear them repeatedly without being bothered of washing.
The bottoms are merino wool and excellent thermal pants. Hence, they stand out from other brands.
Why Should You Choose This Legging?
- These merino wool leggings are comfortable, soft, and breathable.
- The material is cozy and it doesn’t feel itchy at all.
- Perfect bottoms to wear under your favorite pants
- Offer thin and lightweight feel all over the time.
- Base layer pants and have odor-resistant properties.
Best Fabric for Everyday Leggings: Spandex
Spandex is a fabric that is combined with all other fabrics even for the least percentage to make leggings. Without this fabric, cotton, woolen or other fabric leggings won’t be stretchy at all. Spandex adds stretch to the fabrics. However, these leggings are also known as elastane leggings or Lycra leggings.
Spandex has the main property of hugging the bottom to deliver an excellent flattering fit. Its stretchy property helps the body to do any movement. Though, a 100% spandex legging won’t give you a pleasant experience as it is not much breathable and feels too sticky.
To choose the perfect percentage of spandex in your legging, pick the following one.
The CRZ YOGA Women’s Naked Feeling Yoga Pants Workout Leggings are 25-inch long and come with 71% polyamide and 29% spandex fabric materials. Only 29% of spandex helps with the stretching and durability hence it doesn’t affect the body like rubber bands.
Why Should You Choose This Legging?
- Specially designed for yoga, workout, swimming, and running.
- Designed with a high rise and secret waistband pockets
- Deliver a naked sensation and lightweight feeling
- The leggings are soft, wide, and fit smoothing and flattening the tummy.
Best Fabric for Yoga Leggings: Nylon
Nylon is another fabric after cotton and polyester that is also the ideal fabric for yoga clothing. Hence, just like the fabric polyester, nylon is also used worldwide to make different activewear and leggings as well. In fact, many choose nylon over polyester because of its high elasticity and more convincing properties.
Nonetheless, nylon is more durable and resistant to abrasion and stain. It is easy to clean. Its resilient material helps to clean the tough stain and sweaty smell quickly. The fabric is also mildew-resistant and doesn’t grow mold as well. We have made a nylon legging choice for you.
The No Nonsense Women’s No Seamless Legging is one of the most seamless layering leggings. The leggings are made of 94% nylon and only 6% spandex. Because of its seamless design, you will feel like wearing nothing. It is made for all-day comfortable wear.
Why Should You Choose This Legging?
- Manufactured to ensure supreme comfort.
- The leggings hide the lines under your clothing flawlessly.
- They will flatter the body and make it look beautiful.
- Inexpensive and excellent for layering, good for gym.
Best Fabric for Activewear Leggings: Nylon-Spandex (88% Nylon, 12% Spandex)
Nylon and Spandex are most probably the best blends for making leggings or clothes of the same category. Both fabrics have several properties that make the best leggings possible.
Whereas nylon is lightweight, spandex flatters the leggings and makes the leggings stretchy. They are undoubtedly the best fabrics for sportswear.
Many brands have introduced their clothes including leggings made of this extraordinary flattering fabric combination. They are made for everyday use. Even for the gym or a shopping spree, these leggings are just the right wear. Both for styling and performing, this hybrid combination of nylon and spandex fabrics are worth trying.
Even though many companies have come with their nylon-spandex leggings, you won’t find them better than the following choice.
The RBX Active Women’s Power Hold athletic leggings come with 88% nylon and 12% spandex material. These nylon-spandex leggings come with side tech pockets that work as great storage for small essentials.
Moreover, these high waist leggings are made in a way that any kind of movement like squatting, bending, stretching, and all are easy with it.
Why Should You Choose This Legging?
- Made of opaque nylon-spandex fabrics for a total coverage.
- X-Dri moisture-wicking and also stain resistant.
- They have 4-way stretch property that delivers light compression.
- Provide you a flattering and beautiful shape with a fitted silhouette.
Best Breathable Fabric for Leggings: Bamboo
Bamboo fabric is now a decent alternative to cotton fabric. Bamboo tends to thrive easily and grows quickly. It has almost the same value of cotton yield. Bamboo leggings are highly comparable to cotton leggings because of their softness that is also offered by the cotton ones.
Bamboo fabric also gives a luxurious feeling and its leggings feel thick. In fact, bamboo fabric is cotton’s upgraded version. Moreover, leggings made of bamboo are versatile and considered the best wear for both outdoor and indoor activities.
If you are up to try for bamboo leggings then look at the Orange Almost Naked’s colorful bamboo leggings. This is also one of the best fabrics for summer leggings and a wise alternative to cotton.
These 3” inch band leggings are versatile and excellent for hiking on sunny days. Even for the winter season, these leggings are suitable enough.
Why Should You Choose This Legging?
- A great substitute for cotton leggings and feel soft.
- Suitable for both summer and winter.
- The high waisted feature gives a slim and flat look.
- Suitable for any workout and great for hiking.
Best Fabric for Sports Leggings: Polypropylene
Polypropylene fabric is also made from plastic like polyester material. Yet, unlike polyester or other synthetic material, polypropylene is more and completely resistant to water.
The fabric evaporates the moisture hence it will always remain dry even after it is soaking with sweat. For hiking or camping purposes, polypropylene will ensure thermal protection. To grab the best polypropylene leggings, try out the Terramar Polypropylene Pants.
These leggings are lightweight and they are mesh knit pants. They are made of a hundred percent polypropylene fabric. Terramar makes these pants for ensuring classic performance.
For outdoor activities, these pants ensure proper management of moisture. These are also designed with a quick-drying staple.
Why Should You Choose This Legging?
- The long base layer pants are lightweight and manage moisture.
- Reliable for skiing, hiking, skating, and any water sports.
- Designed with mesh knit so that breathing can be easier.
- Come with a waistband that gives stretch comfort.
Best Fabric for Summer Leggings: Silk
Silk is a natural fabric that is one of the finest materials. This fabric also regulates temperature in a natural way. Hence, it is highly breathable.
Silk is suitable for both hot and cold weather. It retains the body temperature in cold weather. On the other hand, it expels extra heat when the weather is warm. However, to have the best silk leggings, HANRO has the best deal for you.
The HANRO Women’s Pure Silk Leggings are one hundred percent silk pants. The pants are made with delicate silk and it has given a satin trim. Unlike other synthetic leggings, silk leggings look way beautiful.
Why Should You Choose This Legging?
- They are made of exquisite and delicate silk.
- Machine wash is okay with the leggings.
- Come with satin trim and no side seams.
- Suitable to wear under long pants in extremely cold weather.
What Material Leggings Are Not Seeing Through?
Many want to wear just legging. They do not want to wear it under long jeans or pants. Hence, they look for leggings that are not see-through. There are many leggings available that are made of thick and not see-through.
Polyester leggings with a blend of spandex or elastane are thick and not see-through at all.
Nylon and cotton fabrics also make leggings that are not see-through. These fabrics make the best leggings combining with spandex and people wear them both indoor and outdoor.
So, go for leggings that are made of polyester, spandex, polypropylene, cotton, and nylon if you do not want them to be see-through.
