The Ultimate Guide to Leggings: Fit, Fabric, Styling & Sizing Advice for Every Body

Author: Tellar Stylist Team

Published: July 2025

Disclaimer: This post is independently researched and written by the Tellar.co.uk team. We never accept payment for placement. All recommendations are honest, unbiased, and free.

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Leggings have evolved far beyond gymwear. Once reserved for workouts, they’re now wardrobe staples for everything from weekend errands to elevated casual dressing. But with hundreds of brands, fabrics, rises, and fits available, finding the perfect pair of leggings can feel like decoding a secret formula—especially when sizing is wildly inconsistent across brands.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know: how to get the right fit, the best materials, what suits each body shape, and which brands truly deliver—plus how Tellar.co.uk makes sure you never get the wrong size again.

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1. Why Leggings Fit Differently from Trousers

Leggings aren’t sized like typical bottoms. They’re made from stretch fabrics like elastane, spandex, or Lycra blends—so they’re graded differently. They often run small or large depending on the stretch recovery, waistband compression, and intended use (activewear vs loungewear vs fashion leggings).

Common issues:

• Fabric going sheer when stretched

• Waistbands rolling down

• Tight hips and sagging knees

• Inconsistent sizing between brands

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2. Types of Leggings (And How to Style Each)

🏃‍♀️ Performance Leggings

Made for movement—gym, running, Pilates. Usually high-rise with moisture-wicking, squat-proof fabric.

Best for: Hourglass, athletic, or pear shapes who need hold during activity.

Styling: With technical tops, crop tanks, hoodies, and trainers.

🧘 Seamless Leggings

Made without seams for comfort and flexibility. Often ribbed or contour-knit for light shaping.

Best for: Daily wear, lounging, light workouts.

Styling: Matched with oversized shirts, puffers, or sleek longline knits.

🖤 Fashion Leggings

Includes leather-look, ponte, or ribbed jersey leggings with zips, flares or split hems.

Best for: Elevated casual or smart-casual looks.

Styling: Pair with blazers, tunics, boots, or loafers.

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3. Rise, Waistband & Length Options

Rise:

• High-rise (recommended): Sits above the navel, smooths the midsection.

• Mid-rise: More classic but can cut across the stomach.

• Low-rise: Rarely flattering unless styled intentionally.

Waistband:

• Double-layer compression: Holds you in, good for tummy control.

• Fold-over/soft elastic: More comfort, less structure.

Length:

• Full-length (28–30" inseam): Best for cold weather or tall frames.

• 7/8 (24–26"): Universally flattering, shows ankle.

• Capri or cropped (18–22"): Good for warmer weather or petites.

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4. Best Fabrics for Different Needs

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5. Leggings for Each Body Shape

🍐 Pear-Shaped

• Focus on: High-rise, wide waistband to anchor the waist.

• Avoid: Low-rise or thin waistbands which cut into hips.

• Best styles: Sculpting activewear leggings (e.g. Lululemon Wunder Train), flared leggings with a strong top.

🍎 Apple-Shaped

• Focus on: Extra-wide waistband for tummy smoothing.

• Avoid: Tight mid-rise options.

• Best styles: Ponte knit leggings or double-layer performance fabrics.

🏋️ Athletic

• Focus on: Contour-seamed or sculpting leggings to enhance curves.

• Avoid: Seamless with no structure.

• Best styles: Panelled gymwear or stirrup leggings for length.

⏳ Hourglass

• Focus on: High-waist to accentuate curves.

• Avoid: Poorly graded waist-to-hip ratios.

• Best styles: Leggings with shaping detail, ribbed seamless knits.

🧍 Petite

• Focus on: 7/8 or cropped length, vertical seam lines.

• Avoid: Overly long hems or excessive ankle bunching.

• Best styles: Arket 7/8 leggings, Alo Airbrush Petites, M&S Petite Activewear.

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6. How to Know Your Leggings Size (Accurately)

Leggings often come in S/M/L but the fit varies by brand. A Medium in one brand may fit like a Small in another.

That’s why knowing your waist and hip in cm/inches is essential.

But instead of guessing based on a chart—use Tellar.co.uk.

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What Is Tellar.co.uk?

Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s leading free sizing tool that eliminates guesswork. Whether you're buying from M&S, Sweaty Betty, Arket, Alo Yoga, or COS, Tellar matches your body to their sizing data instantly.

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How It Works:

1. ✅ Measure your bust, waist, and hips once (or input your usual size in a known brand).

2. ✅ Visit the Store Size Lookup tool.

3. ✅ Enter the brand name and get your exact size in seconds.

4. ✅ Shop with confidence—fewer returns, better fit.

📏 Need help? Download Tellar’s free printable measuring tape and get started now.

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🧵 Top Leggings Brands for Fit and Quality

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👗 How to Style Leggings Like an Outfit (Not Gymwear)

• Blazer + Ribbed Leggings = Smart casual

• Oversized Shirt + Leather Leggings = Polished edge

• Longline Jumper + Ponte Leggings = Autumn layering

• Puffer Coat + Seamless Leggings = Off-duty chic

• Tunic Top + Stirrup Leggings = Elongated silhouette

Avoid too-tight tops or cropped jackets unless you're intentionally going for a sporty look.

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🔎 Related Posts You’ll Find Useful

• The Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide

• Finding Your Clothes Size: The Ultimate Guide

• The Ultimate Guide: Flattering Jeans for Every Body Shape

• The Ultimate Guide to Smart-Casual Blazers

• UK vs USA vs EU Sizes Explained

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📣 Final Word

The perfect pair of leggings isn’t about brand loyalty—it’s about fit, fabric, and purpose. With so many style and sizing variations, leggings are both versatile and technical. Whether you're dressing up or winding down, the wrong fit can ruin comfort and confidence.

Tellar.co.uk helps you skip the sizing confusion and get it right every time.

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🔗 Stay Connected

For daily styling advice, fabric science, and fit tips:

• Instagram: @Tellarsizing

• Twitter/X: @TellarSizing

• Facebook: Tellar Sizing

• Pinterest: TellarSizing