Finding the perfect leggings is an art, one which takes years of experience and trial and of error. There are leggings for everything you could ever need pants to do, from sitting on your couch to running a marathon. All said, navigating the world of leggings is a beast.
The different types of leggings
You can choose styles with buttery soft fabric, high-tech compression, moisture-wicking capabilities and fleece linings. Leggings can be cropped or full length, fitted or flared and cost anywhere between $20 and $200. “Not all leggings are created equal,” says endurance athlete Brooke Danielson. “Some are high-rise, some are low-rise and some are made from softer less supporting fabrics, while others have more technical fabrication. This will give you a starting place for the research phase,” she adds.
Based on the fabric and design of the leggings, you might also see some trendy stuff around what leggings have the ability to do — including offering booty-lifting compression and strategically placed seams for an ultra-flattering fit.
Common legging fabrics include:
Elastane: Elastane, or spandex, is often the part of the fabric that makes the item feel stretchy.
Nylon: A strong, lightweight synthetic fiber that’s somewhat elastic (but to a lesser degree than spandex).
Lycra: A type of

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