Legging tips for all body types (2024)

Repeat after me. Leggings are not pants. Good. Now if you can remember that one cardinal rule of leggings, then yes — leggings are for you. Worn correctly, leggings can look amazing on women of all body types. Short, tall, curvy or slim, find out how to rock a pair of leggings right here.

Legging tips for all body types (2)

Legging tips for tall women

Show off your long legs with a great pair of leggings under a tunic, skirt or dress. If you have a favorite dress that’s just a little too short to wear by itself, try pairing it with some leggings in a color that ties in with your dress. Even a summery dress can be worn into fall and winter if you layer it with a long cardigan and a scarf. A solid colored shirt dress paired with a patterned legging and tall boots is another stylish choice. If you’re going for a casual look, try a tunic that comes down to mid-thigh length with leggings and ballet flats.

Legging tips for petite women

Shorter women should try a pair of the latest jean leggings or “jeggings” with tall riding boots. Not only are jeggings easier to tuck into your boots than regular jeans, but they are unbelievably comfortable thanks to their stretchy fabric. Go for a dark shade that matches your boots. The monochromatic color scheme will help draw a longer visual line, giving you the appearance of more height. Low heels and flats look best with leggings, so save the platform wedges for another outfit.

Legging tips for curvy women

Women with hourglass figures look phenomenal in a belted tunic worn over a pair of leggings. Just make sure the tunic is long enough to cover your hips and rear, so you’re flaunting your assets and not your… well, you know what we mean. Monochromatic colors are always flattering, but if you’re a gal with a passion for print, go for a pattern either on top or bottom— never both.

Legging tips for pear-shaped women

If you have the classic pear-shaped body (small on top, bigger on bottom), your first inclination might be to avoid leggings altogether. Worn the right way, however, leggings can be a fashionable and flattering look. Think Kim Kardashian. Ankle-length leggings are a staple in Kim’s wardrobe, paired with a long tunic layered with a jacket or cardigan. Try a chunky ankle boot with a small heel to give your outfit a little extra sass.

Legging tips for all body types (3)Expert tip

Oprah’s style expert Adam Glassman recommends avoiding leggings in unflattering shiny fabrics and choosing thick double-knits that don’t show bulges.

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Legging tips for all body types (2024)

FAQs

What body type can wear leggings? ›

Good. Now if you can remember that one cardinal rule of leggings, then yes — leggings are for you. Worn correctly, leggings can look amazing on women of all body types. Short, tall, curvy or slim, find out how to rock a pair of leggings right here.

Should leggings be tight or loose? ›

Leggings (especially leggings with compression) should give you a feeling of snug security, or be gently tight. If they just feel 'there' but there's no snugness, they're probably too big. Remember that they'll stretch more over time (with wearing and washing etc.) so definitely look for snug to begin with.

Can you wear leggings in bed? ›

Wearing running tights - or even compression tights - to sleep should not be a problem. As long as your friends are sleeping well, what they wear to bed is not a huge issue.

How to wear leggings 2022? ›

Wear a Blazer with Leggings

The big, bold golden hardware gives the jacket a high-end look. Mules are a great shoe to pair with leggings. You could also do black high heels for a dressier look. With blazers, you don't have to opt for a dressy look when you pair them with leggings.

Do leggings shape your legs? ›

"There is no correlation between the clothing you wear and what your muscles look like," says Felicia Stoler, D.C.N., M.S., R.D., FACSM, the author of Living Skinny in Fat Genes. "After all, some women only wear shorts or dresses and still have heavy legs.

Where should leggings hit? ›

Rule #4: Length matters.

Leggings should fall just above the ankle—anything shorter automatically creates a stinted silhouette by cutting you off at the shin.

Can you wear crop tops with leggings? ›

Leggings are meant to be comfortable so having on tight clothing top to bottom is overkill.” She adds, if you wear a crop top with leggings, “make sure it's a loose crop top, that your leggings are thick, and that the outfit is right for your body type.” (Here are fashion tips to dress ten pounds thinner.)

Can you wear leggings at any age? ›

So leggings are absolutely no exception to these rules. When you put them on, if they make you feel great, then absolutely wear them. There is no age cutoff limit. There is nothing out there that says if you're over 40, you cannot wear leggings anymore.

Is it OK to wear leggings as pants? ›

Yes! You absolutely can wear leggings like pants. If anything, leggings can be worn in more ways than you could ever wear a pair of pants, thanks to their stretchiness and because of the way they flatter virtually any physique.

How do you tell if leggings are too big or small? ›

If your leggings are causing the skin around your belly to become wrinkled, this is a sign that they are too tight. If you have excessive fabric around your crotch, they are too big and could result in chafing. If the material becomes sheer when squatting, the size is too small.

Can you wear leggings under a skirt? ›

You can wear a paper-thin skirt with a big, warm coat and make it look cohesive by layering a pair of leggings underneath. This model chose to forgo them for bare legs, but we actually think this ensemble would look even better (not to mention, feel better) with a pair of thermals on underneath.

How many leggings should I own? ›

On average, most people do well with three to five pairs of workout leggings, shorts, or a combination of the two. More than how many sets of workout clothes you have, it's important to have comfortable, high-quality gym clothes in your closet that are suited to your workout routine.

What should I wear to bed with my new boyfriend? ›

So here are some sexy little nightwear, that guys think about what you wear to bed.
  • An Oversized Tee. Imagine how amazing it is for your guy to see you wearing his t-shirt that looks a little oversized on you and nothing else! ...
  • Babydoll. ...
  • Booty Shorts & Tank Tops. ...
  • Bustier. ...
  • Thong. ...
  • Fancy Slip. ...
  • Nighty & Robe. ...
  • Sheer Nighty.
Dec 24, 2022

Why leggings are better than jeans? ›

Made of pure cotton, blended lycra, or different fabric combinations – they are, at all times, delicate on the skin and fitting the lower body half just like a glove. Compared to jeans, leggings are much more lightweight, stretchy, and unrestrictive during all types of activities.

Why do leggings feel so good? ›

Because leggings are made with stretchy, comfortable, and breathable materials and design so that makes it feel like a second skin and while still looking fabulous. Additionally, they are so soft and flexible as you can move around freely without any fear of ripping the seams.

Can 60 year olds wear leggings? ›

There is no right or wrong answer to wearing leggings after 50. I think that if you feel comfortable wearing leggings, then by all means wear them. Here is our list of the best leggings for older women: SATINA High Waisted Leggings – buttery soft and have a super flattering high waist.

Which type of leggings is best? ›

  • Best overall leggings: Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II 7/8 Tight. Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II 7/8 Tight. ...
  • Best workout leggings: Lululemon Align Pant. ...
  • Best leggings to wear as pants: Zella Live-In. ...
  • Best budget leggings: Colorful Koala Women's High Waisted Yoga Pants 7/8 Length Leggings with Pockets.
Nov 10, 2022

How long should leggings last? ›

Leggings or yoga pants

Shape notes that they typically last one to two years, but if you're noticing the fabric becomes itchy and/or if you need to tug the waistband up and adjust the hems, it's probably time to replace them.

How do you wear leggings in public? ›

With pants as tight as they are these days, it's the tops and bottoms of your leggings that really give them away as fitness/athleisure wear. By covering your waistband with longer tops and tucking your cuffs into booties or high-top sneakers, you'll help disguise the overall legging-ness of your look.

Can I wear socks with leggings? ›

Pull them socks up!

All you have to do is style a pair of crew-length socks with leggings and a hoodie, and the transition from the gym to casual chic is instantaneous. Whether it's a workout, or walking your dog, this is a look we know a lot of you are fans of, so check out some inspo below.

What tops to wear with tight leggings? ›

The best shirts to wear with leggings are long ones.

A button-down, slightly longer shirt is an excellent example of a shirt you can pair with leggings to create a cute outfit for spring.

Why not to wear leggings? ›

Joshua Zeichner explains that tight-fitting clothes like workout leggings can trap sweat and clog pores. People that wear tight exercise clothing, like leggings, are more susceptible to ringworm when they sweat. Tight pants increase the risk of infection on the skin and genitals, particularly fungal infections.

Should I wear a bra under my crop top? ›

There's also no need to wear a separate sports bra as workout crop tops already feature built-in padding material or inserts. However, if you're wearing a loose or relaxed crop top tee, you'll definitely need some extra support, so wear a bra underneath.

Are leggings dress code? ›

Are Leggings Smart Casual? Rejoice: leggings are smart casual! This kind of dress code allows for clothes that are generally laidback, but not sloppy – so leggings and a pretty blouse are fine, but not that faded tee that you got for free at the car wash.

Can I wear leggings with a dress? ›

You can wear leggings with a dress, but it might not be the most flattering look. It really depends on the dress and the leggings. If you're going for a more casual look, then leggings with a dress can work. But if you're trying to dress up a bit more, you might want to skip the leggings.

Why do girls wear leggings? ›

Here are the most common reasons why women wear yoga pants or leggings: They are comfortable. Yoga pants stretch well and snug to our body in a way that makes them very comfortable to wear all day and night long. They perfectly fit to the shape of the body, especially the butt.

Why leggings are better than shorts? ›

Leggings provide more compression and help the blood circulation to not have as much muscle soreness the next day by reducing the amount of lactic acid in your legs. Leggings will not bind up or chafe the inside of your thighs like shorts do.

What is the difference between leggings and leggings? ›

Leggings are much thicker, footless, and can sometimes be worn like pants. Tights are somewhat sheer, cover the foot, and must be worn under another garment.
...
Comparison chart.
LeggingsTights
TypesThin, patterned, solid.Absolute opaque, opaque, sheer and fishnet styles or a combination of them.
11 more rows

Can pear shaped body wear leggings? ›

Once again, the pear-shaped among us have a lot of flexibility when it comes to leggings. You can wear almost anything you want on the lower half of your body as long as you're comfortable, but there are some things to keep in mind.

Can any age wear leggings? ›

So leggings are absolutely no exception to these rules. When you put them on, if they make you feel great, then absolutely wear them. There is no age cutoff limit. There is nothing out there that says if you're over 40, you cannot wear leggings anymore.

What should I wear with leggings if im overweight? ›

What to pair with leggings? The answer is anything that is not tight and/or short. Any top that hits at the hip or below is ideal, and choose one that leaves a little room to wiggle. Tunics, over-sized sweaters, dresses, and long shirts are great for every woman.

Can a 60 year old woman wear leggings? ›

There is no right or wrong answer to wearing leggings after 50. I think that if you feel comfortable wearing leggings, then by all means wear them. Here is our list of the best leggings for older women: SATINA High Waisted Leggings – buttery soft and have a super flattering high waist.

Are leggings good for apple shape? ›

Skinny jeans and leggings look great on your shape, especially when paired with a breezy tunic, oversized sweater or generous button-down. Flares with heels are great for elongating your silhouette. If you have long legs, feel free to wear bootcut or flared pants with flats.

Can you wear socks with leggings? ›

Well as splitting an opinion as it might be, pulling your socks over your leggings, or joggers is a popular way of bringing that fashiony-feel to your conditioning 'fits. Yes... we know not everyone wants to make a fashion statement with their workout 'fit, but if you do, then look no further!

Why are leggings so attractive? ›

Being skintight, they hug a woman's figure, showing off the shape of her body including her hips, butt and legs. An attractive woman wearing a tight pair of yoga pants signals to men (as well as other women) that they are fit, healthy and fertile.

What should I wear if I have big thighs? ›

Loose tops that fall over the thighs stretch the silhouette. Wide or straight-cut trousers make the thigh appear slimmer. Skirts and dresses in A-line emphasize the upper body and conceal big legs. Patterns and bright colours in the area of ​​the upper body distract from the thighs.

How can I look thinner in leggings? ›

How to Look Skinny in Leggings
  1. Pair with a long top. By definition, leggings are figure-hugging–which means they highlight just about every one of your bulges and rolls. ...
  2. Belt your top. ...
  3. Dark on the bottom, fun on top. ...
  4. Wear heels. ...
  5. Choose the right pair. ...
  6. Wear them with confidence.
Sep 26, 2019

Is it better to wear jeans or leggings? ›

#1 Flexibility and Freedom of Movement

Made of pure cotton, blended lycra, or different fabric combinations – they are, at all times, delicate on the skin and fitting the lower body half just like a glove. Compared to jeans, leggings are much more lightweight, stretchy, and unrestrictive during all types of activities.

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