14+ Different Types Of Leggings: A Simple Guide To Elevating Your Look

Key Takeaways

• Footed leggings are the trending type because of their full coverage, while nylon is famous for its high stretching ability and good ventilation. Let's break down different types of leggings with their lengths, fabrics, and styles.
• When shopping for leggings, consider whether for casual wear or workouts, as well as the weather and season. Check out tips from JoyScore for picking the best leggings to shake up your wardrobe.

What Are The Different Types Of Leggings?

1. Types Of Legging Lengths

Let’s take a look at some types of women's leggings based on their varying lengths.

Full-Length Leggings

Full-length leggings, or for most, ankle-length leggings, as they usually just hit the ankle or a little above, are a staple for pretty much any occasion and style. You can wear them in solid black for a more polished look or bright and wild to add a little more energy.

Full-length leggings are especially good for layering during colder months, and due to their long style, they create an illusion of longer legs. You can also wear them with just about everything in your wardrobe: tees, dresses, or even workout attire.

Full-length leggings by JoyScore look good with heels, flats, boots, or even sneakers.

Knee-Length Leggings

As the weather is starting to get warmer, knee-length leggings are now beginning to take off. This length is ideal for yoga, pilates, or even dancing. They allow comfort in more outdoorsy activities such as walking or hiking. However, they may not be suitable for cold weather because they do not completely protect your legs.

For knee-length leggings, a T-shirt and running shoes will go well together for a more active look. Source: seasonsbst.com

Mid-Calf Leggings

They are also commonly referred to as three-quarter leggings, capri leggings, or cropped leggings. These types of leggings for ladies normally end anywhere between your knee and ankle, creating an excellent balance between coverage and breathability.

Moreover, mid-calf leggings are quite versatile: great with heels for dance class, casual with flats, and sporty with sneakers. They work under both short and long tops.

Mid-calf leggings by JoyScore

Footed Leggings

Think of footed leggings as leggings-socks because they fully cover your leg to the end of your foot and beyond, like tights. They provide an unbroken line that visually stretches and thins the legs.

Footed leggings are often combined with ballerina flats for comfortable wear during dances. But even if you don't happen to be a ballet dancer, these types of leggings are great for underdresses and skirts in the fall and winter.

Footed leggings look great, especially with ballerina flats. Source: balletbeautiful.com

Stirrup Leggings

Are you not in the mood for leggings that roll up with every move and bend? Well, stirrup leggings may be your thing! Similar to footed leggings, stirrup leggings are full coverage; the difference is that they have an extra loop under the heel for added security in placing everything.

Originally designed for horseback riders, these leggings have evolved and have become a favorite among yoga, fitness, and dance enthusiasts because of their stability and ease of use.

Footed leggings. Source: weallsew.com

2. Types Of Legging Fabrics

Having known the different type of leggings based on their length, here are the different types of leggings material that will help you in making the right choice for a specific purpose or season.

Cotton Leggings

The most wonderful thing about cotton leggings is the lightweight and softness that makes them best for wearing in warmer seasons. They can also be worn as a casual everyday option.

The drawback of cotton leggings is they can lose their shape over time since they stretch. Therefore, we suggest you wear cotton leggings that are blended with nylon or Spandex, like the ripped knee leggings below, so they retain the shape during exercise.

Cotton blended with nylon leggings by JoyScore

Wool Leggings

On cold winter days, wool leggings are the ideal choice to keep your body warm. This material is breathable and insulating; for extremely cold times, you can choose wool leggings with an additional fleece lining for extra insulation.

The main disadvantage of wool leggings is the fact that they can be a bit expensive if they are pure natural fibers.

Stay warm with wool leggings in the winter. Source: hunarcourses.com

Recycled Leather Leggings

Recycled leather leggings are sexy and chic yet super comfortable, and you can pull them off any time of the year. They can make your boring blouses and dresses fancy if you wear them appropriately. When are they best worn? Think parties, date nights, or nightclubs.

Recycled leather high-waisted leggings by JoyScore

Polyester Leggings

Since polyester is water-resistant and able to wick away the sweating, these leggings are very appropriate for workouts. However, polyester alone can develop odors quickly, so consider choosing leggings made with a blend of polyester and Spandex to help counter this. And remember to wash them after each use.

Polyester blended with Spandex leggings by JoyScore

Spandex Leggings

Almost all workout leggings contain at least some Spandex, which is commonly referred to as elastane or Lycra. This is because Spandex is a stretchy and virtually second-skin-like material that makes the garment fairly comfortable to wear.

Normally, though, it is blended in with nylon because pure Spandex is not very good; it is clingy and doesn't breathe very well.

Spandex blended with nylon leggings by JoyScore

Nylon Leggings

When it comes to such features as strength, stretch, moisture-wicking, and a lightweight feel, nylon leggings are unbeatable. A blend of 80% nylon and 20% Spandex makes the perfect balance of style and performance, making these leggings ideal for both everyday wear and sporty activities.

Bear in mind that no matter what, one should follow the guide on the label regarding washing because an inappropriate temperature can shrink nylon leggings.

Nylon leggings by JoyScore

3. Legging Styles

With the development of fashion, more and more different styles of leggings are appearing. However, there are three never-out-of-styles that your wardrobe must possess:

Shaper Leggings

Shaper leggings are designed to shape and enhance your figure to help you achieve a slender, firmer figure with sexy curves. If you have suffered from cellulite and its unsightly dimples on the thighs and buttocks, shaper leggings are just about the most effective way to achieve smooth skin.

Two of the more common options available under shaper leggings include hip-lift and butt-lift leggings:

JoyScore's hip-lift leggings are fabricated from super stretchy and light nylon. They have a high waist with an outstanding design that slims the tummy and beautifully outlines the waist. These choices turn out fabulous not only in the gym but also in everyday wear. They go perfectly with just a sports bra, sweater, or loose-fitting shirt.

Hip-lift leggings by JoyScore

Our butt-lift leggings include strategic cutouts in the best ways to shape the butt. They are suitable for yoga, running, cycling, dancing, and more. Also, they are perfect for wearing under jeans, pants, or dresses and skirts for that slimming look.

Seamless butt-lift leggings by JoyScore

High-Waisted With Crossover

Instead of opting for ordinary high-waisted leggings, now you can be in line with the latest fashion style by buying crossover leggings. High-waisted crossover leggings are in high demand because the V-shaped waistband creates a slimming effect on the midsection, adding up the curvaceous edge thereby lengthening the legs.

This type of leggings is also versatile; you can wear them with sports bras and crop tops, which makes them perfect for a variety of workouts or running errands.

High-waisted crossover leggings by JoyScore

Printed Leggings

Now, talking about printed leggings, there are numerous options, from abstract prints to some mandala leggings. Such leggings will definitely add color to your look and make you stand out.

Speaking about styling with printed leggings, the key to overall balance will be what comes in first, and wearing them with solid-colored tops with minimal accessories will work best.

Star mandala leggings by JoyScore

Things To Notice When Choosing Leggings

As you try to pick the best options from all types of leggings we've discussed, here are a few factors you should consider:

Casual Wear

If you are one of those who like to wear leggings with a crop top or tank top, high-waisted leggings will work well. If you want leggings to substitute for pants, choose a heavier, non-sheer fabric, such as leather. If you're layering into a longer skirt or top, for example, a thin material, such as cotton, will work well.

Workout Wear

You want leggings that are durable, stretchy, and wick sweat off you, such as those that have polyester and nylon blended with Spandex. If you love running or cycling outdoors, then look out for leggings with small pockets that hold your phone or keys.

Pocket leggings by JoyScore

Weather

Full-length leggings made of wool are great during cold weather, but you might find shorter, lighter, and more breathable leggings useful during summer.

Fit And Comfort

The perfect leggings should fit snugly around your waist, hips, thighs, and calves but not so tight that they form a "muffin top" shape around your midsection.

When you wear the right pair of leggings, you will feel comfortable, and at the same time, your body curves will be horned beautifully.

You can wear either loose or tight leggings when running errands, but when you exercise, they should be slim and ankle-length. You wouldn't want any excess material getting in your way or to have the hassle of constantly having to wring the leggings down throughout your workout, right?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Type Of Leggings Is Best?

The best kind of leggings include those that fit and grip the body shape, are flattering, and comfortable for any situation or use: casual wear, partying, or working out. Since every manufacturer will have its own quality standard and sizing guide, it would be essential to determine what you expect from the leggings to select a perfect choice.

Are Tight Or Loose-Fitting Leggings Better?

Leggings are supposed to fit securely, snugly, or be somewhat tight. The moment you feel just a little loose, they are probably too large. Bear in mind that leggings will keep on stretching more and more, with increased wear and washing, so find a pair that fits tightly right from the beginning.

What Leggings Are Most Flattering?

Wearing 7/8 leggings, which are one-eighth shorter than the full-length leggings, offers the most equilibrated look, as it lengthens the legs and ensures that the curves around the ankles are accentuated. While capri leggings make your legs appear shorter and full-length leggings tend to cover your ankles, these 7/8 leggings offer the perfect balance, which helps you look taller and slimmer.