Wearing leggings that fit your body type will definitely give you a boost of motivation for your workouts.
Here’s the truth: leggings make your glutes and gams look undeniably more toned and can have a lengthening effort to your stature. The crux, however, is to find a design and silhouette that fits your body type – look good, feel good. But what looks good on an apple type might not flatter a rectangle body type. To simplify matters for you, we’ve broken down what you should look out for in a pair of leggings that will best complement your figure.
Apple
How to identify
Your bust and hips are wider than your waist.
What to go for
You have an option between cropped and long silhouettes but those with a mid-rise waist are most flattering for your body type. Avoid details that bring attention to the stomach and waist area.
(Also read: 20 Pretty Gym Leggings That Will Motivate You to Work Out Every Day)
We recommend
Kydra Impulse leggings ($57.90)
The mesh trimmings located below the knees of this pair of Kydra leggings help draw attention away from a heavier torso, plus the black shade makes it versatile to match with whatever separates you pair it with. Bonus: This pair comes with pockets.
Under Armour Women’s Heatgear Armour Jacquard Ankle Crop ($59.25)
If you like to exercise in public at night, then this pair of Under Armour leggings is imperative for you because the flaming orange panels ensure that you can be easily spotted while crossing the roads. We love that this is super light and doesn’t weigh you down. Pair this with a neon sports bra for extra visibility.
Adidas Adizero Sprintweb 3/4 tights ($100)
Made with Climalite technology that ensures breathability, this pair of 3/4 tights come with compression technology and can shape your legs while boosting performance and recovery times. Just make sure you put on a pair of supportive sports bra before you start pounding the pavement.
(Also read: 8 Gorgeous Leggings Under $20 You Can Get From Ezbuy)
Pear/Triangle
How to identify
You have a narrower bust that tapers outwards to your waist.
What to go for
Avoid cropped leggings as the truncated length focuses attention around the waist and thigh areas. Also, avoid waistbands that dig into and emphasise your waist and adopt mid-rise designs that have a wide waistband and solid colours.
We recommend
DKNY Contrast Rear Panel Leggings ($106 from Farfetch)
Indulge in the au courant neon trend with this pair of lime green panel leggings from DKNY. The contrast between light and dark colours will make your calves look long and lean. French tuck a longline tank with this pair.
Adidas by Stella McCartney Warp Knit Leggings ($170 from Farfetch)
Created in collaboration with the famed British designer, this pair of leggings feature laser-cut holes that provide greater ventilation and breathability â but people with trypophobia should probably steer clear of this piece. Else, pair this with a lace top to play on the peekaboo design.
(Also read: The Best Exercises for Your Body Type)
Koral Charisma Metallic Color-Block Stretch Leggings (about $169 from Net-a-Porter)
The diagonal colour-blocked design of this pair of Koral leggings creates an illusion of longer legs. Boasting chic metallic hues, the material is treated to ensure that the metallic sheen will not be lost with washing. Pair with the matching bra top for a cohesive look.
Rectangle
How to identify
Your shoulders, bust, waist and hips are of relatively equal width.
What to go for
Get a pair that sits right below your belly button (mid-rise) as it helps create an hourglass illusion. Either a cropped or long length would work for rectangle types.
We recommend
Nike One Women’s Printed Training Tights ($75)
Prints are also another design element that rectangle body types can embrace because it can add focus and attention to your hips and waist. We’re obsessed with this colourful Nike number because it is equal parts feminine and fierce, and features multiple pockets for ample storage and mesh panels. Let this statement pair shine by going with a simpler top.
(Also read: Consider These Tips Before Buying Your Next Sports Bra)
Adidas by Stella McCartney + Parley For The Oceans Believe This Comfort Leopard-Print Stretch Leggings (about $164 from Net-a-Porter)
The thick waistband of this pair of animal printed leggings creates an hourglass illusion. Plus, this creation is done in collaboration with environmental non-profit organisation Parley for the Oceans and made with recycled plastic, so you can do good while looking good. The perforations help with ventilation too. Pair this with a bright top to add a pop of colour.
Inverted triangle
How to identify
Your shoulders are the broadest section of the torso and taper as it moves to the hip and waist.
What to go for
A low-waisted cropped style would help to elongate your stature because you would be showing parts of your legs.
We recommend
Under Armour Women’s UA Speed Stride Capri ($59)
Much like an LBD, a pair of black tights is a basic yet versatile necessity to your wardrobe. Pair this Under Armour leggings with a neutral-coloured bra and let your style shine with statement sport shoes.
(Also read: 11 High Support Sports Bras for Bigger Busts and HIIT Sessions)
Nike Power Women’s Training Tights ($109)
The masterful use of colour-blocking is evident here. The black waist-hugging panel creates a svelte figure while the lighter mustard creates the illusion of width, and it is this interplay that makes this pair of leggings perfect for inverted triangles. Best of all, it comes with a zip at the back to help you ease them off easily. Play up the structural details with a strappy sports bra.
Hourglass
How to identify
You have balanced shoulders and hips with a narrower waist.
What to go for
If you want to really emphasise your curves, go with a high-rise and consider those with side panels and trims that create length while making your gams look slimmer.
We recommend
Kydra Maroon Flow Leggings ($57.90)
This pair of maroon leggings come with reinforced seams to ensure that it doesn’t tear easily. Simple yet reliable, it sculpts in the right places. Put on your snapback and tank top and you’re ready to run in style.
(Also read: 5 Stylish Shoes That Are Suitable for Weightlifting)
Gymshark Illusion Leggings (about $75)
The colour is oh-so-feminine and will go well with a nice pastel sports bra. We love that the burgundy side panels of this pair of high-waisted Gymshark piece give a nice contrast to the soft pink hue to really accentuate your legs. Go with a cropped top to further extend your stature.