Choosing the right size for leggings can be tricky. At KITSTORE, we receive a lot of questions from customers about how to choose the right legging size.
Leggings that don't fit properly can lead to aesthetic issues like unwanted wrinkles or transparency, and they can also restrict movement, preventing you from moving freely. There's nothing good about them.
Today, we'll explain how to choose legging sizes that offer sufficient coverage, comfort, and freedom of movement, not only for wearing at the gym or studio but also for everyday town wear.
We'll also explain how to tell if a pair of leggings is "too big" or "too small" for those who are unsure if their size is correct.
Table of Contents
- Tips for Choosing the Right Legging Size for You
- 1. Generally, the same size as your regular pants is fine
- 2. Measure your body and choose a size
- How to Measure Your Waist and Hips
- 3. Choose material and size based on wearing occasion
- Yoga Legging Materials and Sizes
- Training Legging Materials and Sizes
- Everyday Legging Materials and Sizes
- NG Checkpoints When Trying On
- 1. Check for Transparency
- 2. Check the Crotch Area
- 3. Check if it's Too Tight
- How to Tell if the Size is Wrong?
- If they are too big
- 1. They shift when you move
- 2. They are wrinkled
- 3. They aren't snug
- If they are too small
- 1. They are difficult to put on
- 2. Muffin top is visible
- 3. They become transparent
- If you're unsure about the size, consult us
- Extra Tip: Try One-Size Leggings!
Tips for Choosing the Right Legging Size for You
Even if you find your ideal size and fit with one brand, you'll often find a completely different size at another store.
Leggings sizes and fits are not standardized across brands, which can make choosing the right option difficult. In any case, no one wants leggings that are too loose or too tight.
So, what should you do?
Leggings are generally very stretchy, so you can wear them even if they don't fit perfectly. But we want you to move comfortably in perfectly fitting leggings!
1. Generally, the same size as your regular pants is fine
Leggings sizes won't be exactly the same as your regular pants, but we recommend starting with your usual pant size.
If you usually wear a size M in regular pants, choose M. If you often wear S, then S is generally the correct choice.
2. Measure your body and choose a size
Once you have an idea of the legging size you should choose from Step 1, the next step is to take your body measurements for further refinement.
When measuring, do so in the morning on an empty stomach, so that bloating doesn't affect the measurements.
At a minimum, measure your waist and hips. Based on these measurements, compare them to the size chart to choose your size.
How to Measure Your Waist and Hips
Waist: The narrowest part of your waist. Measure while breathing naturally and exhaling.
Hips: The widest part of your buttocks, the highest point. It's easier to measure if you turn sideways and check in a mirror.
Furthermore, if you prefer a snug fit for your leggings, you might go down one size. Or, if you want a looser fit, you might go up one size. That depends on your preference.
I'm always surprised when I consult with various customers, but many of them don't know their own body size.
While it's a digression from the main topic, knowing your body size is incredibly important.
If you notice your waist has gotten smaller or your hips have gotten larger than the last time you measured, it can be an opportunity to try new exercises or re-evaluate your diet.
Make it a habit to measure yourself every six months, or at least when you're thinking about buying new clothes.
3. Choose material and size based on wearing occasion
Depending on the material of the leggings, the fit can differ even for the same size.
If you're looking for a higher level of fit, tight leggings are good for gym or training use, while non-constricting leggings are better for relaxing yoga or casual wear.
You can also choose the size of leggings that suits you based on the type of exercise and material.
Yoga Legging Materials and Sizes
Choose a material that is non-constricting and highly stretchy. For relaxing yoga, soft-touch materials that allow you to relax comfortably are also recommended.
Also, for more active yoga, a material with some compression and support is good. And a slightly smaller size is recommended.
Top left: YES Emma Leggings Black
Bottom left: YES Juno Leggings Lavender
Right: YES Lauren Stirrup Leggings Navy・YES Emma Leggings Zephyr
Training Legging Materials and Sizes
A slightly thicker material that allows for a wide range of motion and provides moderate compression is ideal.
Another key point is that they should not be see-through when performing movements like squats.
Training leggings often have a slim design, so if you don't want them to be too snug, you might consider sizing up.
Clockwise from top left
YES Chase Lycra Leggings Black・YES Catherine Mini Bike Shorts・KIT Essentials Seamless Leggings・FOXXIE Alert Mesh Leggings
Everyday Legging Materials and Sizes
For this, I think the same size as your usual bottoms is perfectly fine.
During hot seasons when you sweat a lot, natural materials like cotton can help prevent skin problems. However, since sweat dries slowly, it's best to change clothes frequently.
Left: MANDALA Envelope Tights Sugar Brush
Top right: YES Lauren Stirrup Leggings
Bottom right: YES Stephanie Flare Leggings
NG checks to make when trying them on!
Once you've chosen the appropriate legging size, try them on and check the fit. Here are the NG points to check.
1. Check for Transparency
If your skin shows through the fabric when you squat or stretch, the leggings are too tight. Size up. If they still show through after sizing up, try leggings made from a different material.
FOXXIE Shift Racerback Bra・Leggings
2. Check the Crotch Area
If wrinkles appear in the crotch area of the leggings, they are too loose. Try sizing down.
Conversely, if you see a camel toe outline in that area, it means the leggings are too tight, and you need to size up.
3. Check if it's Too Tight
If the leggings feel pulled or constricted just by walking, they are probably too small.
Leggings of the correct size should fit snugly to your body. They should feel comfortable, perfectly snug, like a second skin. If you experience that, you're good.
How can you tell if the size is wrong?
It's important to know if your leggings fit properly. Here are some checkpoints to identify an ill-fitting size.
If they are too big
So, how can you tell if your leggings are too big?
1. They shift when you move
If they shift when you jump or squat, it's a sign that the size is too big.
2. They are wrinkled
Check if the leggings have any slack or wrinkles. Sagging leggings mean the size is too large. If worn loosely on the body, the leggings are not fitting properly.
3. They aren't snug
If the leggings don't fit snugly along the lines of your legs and feel somewhat loose, they are likely too big.
Most leggings probably use "polyurethane," a stretchy material, but it tends to stretch out with repeated wear.
Also, it can stretch due to body heat during wear. Especially with a lot of movement, it can stretch in larger areas of the body.
Therefore, it's crucial to choose a size that will remain a perfect fit even after prolonged and repeated use. If they are loose from the start, they will become even looser with repeated wear, so size down.
Are your leggings too small?
Conversely, what are the signs that your leggings are too small?
1. They are difficult to put on
If you find them difficult to put on (or take off), your leggings may be too small. Choose a size that slides onto your legs smoothly, without excessive tugging.
2. Muffin top is visible
Muffin top is an English expression that refers to the fat overflowing above the waistband of leggings, like the top part of a muffin. In short, it describes a situation where your belly fat spills over the waistband of your leggings.
You want to avoid leggings that dig into your waist. Such a condition indicates that the size is too small.
Also, if the waistband leaves a red mark on your waist, the size is likely too small.
It's important that they fit snugly, without any flesh spilling over, and are comfortable.
3. They become transparent
When you squat or do yoga poses that involve a lot of stretching, transparency isn't just a matter of material quality.
It also happens when you choose a size that is too small. Choose the appropriate size so that the fabric doesn't thin out and become transparent when you squat or stretch.
TOPS YES Zoe Bra 2.0 Rhino Blue ・ LEGGINGS YES Juno Leggings Orange Sherbet
The right size allows for ample movement without feeling tight.
If you're unsure about the size, consult us
If you follow the points I've introduced so far, I think you'll be able to choose the perfect legging size for you without stress.
It's important to choose leggings that fit snugly, like a bodycon dress, to your legs. If they're too big and loose, or if they bunch up when you move, the size is wrong.
Of course, if you prefer that kind of fit, I won't stop you, but I believe the ease of movement you get from doing yoga or exercising in perfectly sized leggings is exceptional.
It makes a huge difference even when you're just cycling a short distance! Please experience it for yourself.
If you're not confident about choosing a size, KIT STORE offers assistance with size selection via phone or LINE. Please feel free to consult us.
We hope you find your favorite leggings!
Extra Tip: Try One-Size Leggings!
Good news for those who struggle with size selection. There are one-size-fits-all leggings that fit people from XS to XL.
They stretch amazingly and allow for comfortable movement. They are recommended for those who want to choose without worrying about sizing.
There are two types: "Kylie" which is thin but provides solid support, and
"Kim" which is soft and smooth to the touch, offering light support that can be worn all day. Be sure to check them out!
Find leggings here 
