“I don’t know how to say this, but…erm…your leggings are totally see-through.”
How much would any of us hate to hear this (and how many of us have come to the realization that they have legging problems)?
It will likely take a brave friend, roommate, or partner to break the news to you that you're wearing see-through workout leggings, which means countless strangers have been ogling your derriere for heaven knows how long.
But now you know, time for action!
First, Leggings Should Not Be See-Through
Okay, let’s put this one to rest right from the get-go: Workout leggings or yoga pants should NOT be see-through.
Workout leggings often have a bad reputation because some of them are see-through (or they can become see-through after much wearing).
Basically, leggings are opaque (not see-through) skin-tight pants. They usually pull on and off (no zipper or other fastening) and while they may have pockets and other accents, most are unadorned with any pockets or seams beyond the seam that runs around the inner legs.
Leggings are usually made of cotton and lycra, though they now come in an astonishing range of finishes (shiny, matte), lengths (ankle, cropped), colors, cuts, and even materials (from plain cotton to denim-looking “jeggings” and even leather).
Beware Cheap Yoga Pants
Buyer beware the cheapest legging option to avoid see-through workout pants.
Often, cheaper leggings or yoga pants will become see-through after a few washes. Or they will lose their shape, becoming baggy in the butt or legs. You may also find the opaque colors fade, so your perfect black leggings soon become a sad gray version of themselves.
So, if you want leggings that will hold their shape, color, and opaqueness, spend a little more on your workout gear to put an end to your legging problems.
You’ll be the best judge here. But do try leggings on, look for high-quality fabrics, and keep an eye on them as they wash. Soon you’ll be able to separate the real deal from the pretenders (those sheer, scandalous leggings!).
Unlike tights, leggings should be completely opaque—not see-through.
Why Do Some Leggings Become See-Through?
So, why do some workout leggings become see-through? See-through leggings can boil down to a few reasons, or a combination of factors:
They Weren’t Good Quality to Start With
As mentioned above, some leggings are made cheaply to begin with. This means that right off the hanger they're already see-through to some degree.
You may not notice this at first—the fact that they're see-through may only be visible when you bend and stretch. So our advice is to shop with a friend to carefully pick non see-through leggings, or even ask the store assistant to tell you if they're see-through (they’re there to help, after all ;).
You’re Wearing Leggings That Are Too Small
Leggings usually have a lot of stretch, but if you stretch a fabric beyond the point it’s meant to stretch, you might see the fabric separate and show skin.
Leggings can be hard to shop for when it comes to sizing; you may think they fit perfectly, only to find out that they're totally see-through. Leggings are always smaller on the hanger due to the thick fabric and elastication.
But like your other clothes, a pair of leggings should still go on comfortably. You shouldn’t have to wriggle into them, or experience any cinching or discomfort when you wear them. If you do, you’re probably in too small a pair and should try the next size up to avoid see-through leggings.
They’re Mostly Cotton
Cotton can become very thin over time (just think of how your favorite T-shirt thins and breaks down with wear). So, leggings that have more cotton will become more see-through than leggings made of other materials.
Now, most leggings do have a cotton component and cotton is a wonderful material for helping clothing be soft and breathable. But specially designed material helps: Look for elastane, lycra, and other blends of sweat-wicking fabric to give additional strength to your workout leggings.
They’ve Been Washed & Worn Too Much
Any garment that you wash and wear a lot will start to break down. Washing and drying fabrics is a bit of a double-edge sword: On the one hand, it helps protect clothes from the damaging effects of sweat and body oils (especially workout clothes), keeping them fresh so you can wear them longer. On the other hand, it subjects garments to detergents, hot water, and washing cycles that can be rough, stretching them, heating them, and causing its own form of wear and tear.
Any garment will have a certain lifespan and leggings are no exception. Of course, the gentler your cleaning cycle is, the longer you’ll be able to wear them.
Skip the Dryer
Skipping the dryer is also highly advisable to ensure non see-through leggings, as those high temperatures can cause elastic to snap (you’ll sometimes even see little elastic “stubble” on an item where this has happened. But, eventually, your leggings will be “done” and the signs of this include increasing transparency.
What to Look for When Shopping for Leggings
Choose the Right Size
You’ll want the perfect “Goldilocks” just-right fit when it comes to leggings. Too small, as we’ve discussed, and you might see some transparency when you wear them. Too large, and your legging will be prone to sliding down or rolling with wear.
As already mentioned, leggings can look deceptively small on the hanger (especially leggings with compression). So don’t be thrown off when you first see leggings. Try them on, move around in them, check for wrinkles or gaps where there should be none.
Consider Compression
Compression materials put pressure on different parts of the body (the amount of pressure can vary). Some compression garments are all-over compression and some (like Knix leggings) have compression zones.
Don’t think of it as constrictive, circulation-cutting tightness. When a pair of compression leggings fit properly, it's almost like the feeling a safety belt gives you. Snug but not tight, and definitely secure.
Compression is a specially designed material often added to athletic gear (including leggings) to help control unwanted movement and provide a sense of sleek, second-skin security. Some of us also like that it can provide some gentle shaping.
The purpose of the compression pressure is to improve blood circulation, which can help with athletic performance, reduce fatigue, and even aid with muscle recovery. Compression leggings usually look “sportier” than a pair of regular leggings. They will usually have a thicker waist band and are often high-rise. You may notice more panels on the legs. Materials will look less like 100% cotton and you’ll probably notice greater elasticity when you wear them, which may make these items look much smaller on the hanger.
Learn more about compression here.
Pay Attention to Seams
Leggings are great for preventing inner thigh chafing as the material creates a physical barrier to prevent friction. However, seams can sometimes cause chafing too. So pay attention to how seams are cut and look for seams that are offset on the inner leg so they don’t constantly rub together.
Rise & Length Are Also Considerations
If you experience leggings slipping or rolling down when you wear them, think about opting for high-waisted leggings. High-waisted leggings will not only help you feel snug and contained, but will also be less likely to either roll or slide. A high waist will cover the abdominal area, which is most likely to expand and contract as you move, bend, sit, stand etc. By covering it up, you add some stability to prevent all that movement causing the fabric to move with wear.
And when it comes to length, there’s a lot of choice too: Basically, you’ll have full length, ankle length (also known as 7/8 length), and cropped. Basically, be clear on the look you’re going for. Do you want to show a little ankle? Do you want to show a little bit of your lower calf? Or do you want full coverage? When you find a legging you love to wear, you might want it in different lengths.
What to Do If You Discover Your Leggings Are See-Through
Okay, this is all well and good. But what happens if your favorite pair of leggings is see-through suddenly?
It’s Time to Go Shopping
To be blunt about it, if you're wearing see-through leggings, it’s time to buy a replacement. You can't fix see-through leggings; there’s no repair or hack you can do to turn sheer clothing back to opaque. Basically, take the hint and hit the shops for new workout clothes.
Wear Nude Underwear Underneath Them
While you can't fix see-through leggings, if you’re going to insist on wearing leggings that are losing their opaqueness, one tip would be to wear nude underwear underneath. If you wear nude underwear, your undergarments will be less obvious beneath them. You could also opt for a boyshort style to protect your modesty.
Relegate Them to Layering Under Longer Dresses & Sweaters
If you really, really love these leggings, one tip would be to keep them around for layering. Opaqueness is less obvious when you wear leggings under dresses or with long sweaters, so this is an option if you want to get every last wear out of them.
Wear Shorts Over Them
Just like you can wear boyshort-style undies underneath them, you can also pop a pair of shorts over the leggings. This look is actually quite popular for fickle weather and it allows you the benefits of leggings (compression, sweat-wicking, anti-chafing) with the modesty of shorts.
Check Out Knix Leggings!
If you’re on the hunt for leggings, look no further!
Comfort First
Our leggings come in seasonal colors, but basic black is by far the most popular and versatile. Our seamless leggings put comfort first. They’re made with 360-knit BlissFit™ fabric for body-hugging smoothness that moves with you.
Gentle Compression Offers Support
Plus, when it comes to compression, we’re here to support (yep, pun intended). A ribbed waistband provides gentle compression that smooths and holds your tummy.
Versatility Is Their Strength
Finally, they’re as versatile as they come. Perfect to wear lounging, for layering with whatever ensemble you’re putting together and, of course, as activewear. The flattering high-rise silhouette is easy to style and easy to wear inside for gym workouts and outside as you go about your day.
Check out all our leggings here.
Written by Jane Flanagan — Updated on March 1, 2022.
We hope you found this post informative — but remember: we’re not doctorsand this post is not medical advice!While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.
