Leggings can be one of the most challenging items when shopping for clothing, making it essential to find the right size to avoid regrets. Interestingly, the American Census Bureau discovered that interest in denim pants decreased by over 32%, while the preference for leggings grew by 27% annually. Unfortunately, not many people know what to look out for when buying one. So before you head out to buy your next pair of fashionable leggings, here are some useful tips to bear in mind.
Know your body measurements
If you’ve never taken your measurements before, the trick is to do it first thing in the morning. For most accurate results, take measurements before consuming food or water. You may get started by measuring your waist, which is the smallest part right on or slightly above your navel. Go further to measure your hips by standing with your feet together, as keeping your legs apart will give you inaccurate values. The measuring tape must sit a few inches below the hip bones comfortably. This is assumed as the fullest part of your hips.
If you’re unable to do this part, the simplest way is to let the measuring tape wrap around your behind. It shouldn’t be too loose or too tight. When you’re done with this, measure the length (known as the inseam). This part will require measuring from the upper part of your inner thigh to your ankle bone. Some people like to measure thigh circumference (especially for persons with thicker thighs).
Opt for a 4-way stretch fabric
Usually, the fabric used for leggings is either four-way or two-way stretch. The latter means the fabric has a one-directional stretch element, either crosswise or along its length. Usually, this type tends to be restrictive and tears easily. The four-way, however, means the fabric stretches both lengthwise and in its cross-section. Fortunately, the 4-way stretch supports free movement of your lower limbs without being unreasonably tight, which is what brands like Curves N Combat boots brand offers with their leggings.
Additionally, the 4-way stretch type can maintain its original shape for longer, unlike the 2-way stretch, which becomes loose quicker. This is what you should look out for when choosing the right fitting pair of leggings.
Watch the crotch area
Suppose the leggings have extra material pooling up in your crotch area. In that case, it simply means that size is too big for you. On the contrary, if this part fits too tightly and shows a camel toe outline, that is also a no-buy because it’s just unreasonably too tight. What you must know is that your leggings must never pull or feel like a pinch when you’re wearing them. The perfect size and fit for you must feel like a second skin.
Lastly, another critical element to look out for in leggings is their transparency. Whether you find yourself in a bending, squatting, sitting position, the fabric must never stretch to the extent that it shows skin. If yours does, then it’s too tight. Therefore, at every point in time, a well-fitting pair of leggings should remain opaque.
