5 Ways to choose a pair of gym leggings

It can be a bit of a minefield choosing leggings online, never mind in a shop! Either way, here are our top 5 ways to make a great choice for you. Don’t forget, each brand is different, so you still need to work out your best size based on the brand’s advice. With any leggings, you want the fabric to work with your body.

1.     Choosing based on type of exercise

If you are looking for leggings based on a type of activity you’ll be doing, it’s a good idea to search for suitable fabrics or features of fabrics that are used to help aid your performance.

For running, you might consider compression leggings. A great choice for long distance and great in the colder weather as they can be thicker. If that’s not your cup of tea, things to look for would be a style that will stay put with no falling down – a high waist is a great option here. The VJM Sculpting Leggings are a great option for running with good support and stay-put power.

For activities such as Hiit and other cardio based sessions, I would recommend sweat-wicking leggings as these work with your body to keep you cool. Especially during the rounds of burpees - yuck!

For yoga, I would reach for a softer, more supple fabric. However general leggings will still work nicely and there’s no doubt you can get a great sweat going during yoga. So, you’ll benefit from the features of all-round fitness leggings. The real benefit from yoga specific leggings though, is that they tend to be lightweight which aids your movements.

If weightlifting, you will want to go towards something that is flexible and comfortable and probably with a high waist, so you feel supported. A bit of compression helps here too.

2.     Choosing based on fabric type

Sometimes you might just know what fabric you want to wear or what you need. 

‘Dri’ fabrics are readily used for sports leggings and use the sweat wicking technology. These leggings will keep you cool as you sweat, meaning you’re more comfortable during your workout.

Cotton – not a good choice for any workout really. They won’t support you or bring anything to the workout for you. Expect to feel hot and very wet if you do go down this road.

Stretch – believe it or not, different leggings do have different stretches to the fabric. Some leggings have been built to provide you with a 4-way stretch. Particularly good if you are strength/weight training, as they will give where you need it. 

3.     Choosing based on when you work out

By this I mean are you a morning, lunchtime or evening exerciser? This could sway your choice. Mornings and evenings tends to be on the colder side, so you might just be looking at full length leggings, or there are capri leggings for warmer parts of the day.

Again, fabric type could be important here as you wouldn’t want a thick, heavier fabric if you’re running at midday in the summer.

4.     Choosing based on wearing inside and outside the gym

If you are going back to the gym, you’ll probably be quite conscious of any leggings being squat proof – basically avoid the cheaper see-through pairs!

If you spend a lot of time out in the elements, you may prefer a fabric with more of a lycra feel to it, rather than a matt/cotton feel. This being, if you get caught in the rain, the fabric won’t feel like it’s soaking up the rain and getting heavy.

5.     Choosing based on fit

We all have an ideal look for working out. Leggings are just as important for the ideal outfit as much as when you choose your bottom half for a night out.

Sculpting/contouring - If you want smooth lines, it’s a good idea to start looking for these. Some give a lift to the bum, whilst others focus on the waist area. All give a great look and feel. Try the VJM Contouring Leggings for a denim look that works across most activities.

Waist – Your options are a standard mid-rise waist or high waist, with high being the most popular at the moment. Personally, I have found that a lower waist can lead to leggings slipping down during a run or jumping. The benefits of a high waist are not only that they look good, but they really help leggings hold their position. But be sure to get the right size because too big and the waist will gape at the top and you won’t find that support. Too tight and bending will be really uncomfortable!

Compression – by this I mean, how tight! This is also dictated by fabric type, as the two go hand in hand. Too tight and they can constrict your movement eg squats, and become very uncomfortable. However, a degree of tightness to your leggings can give you much needed support.

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