The Best Athletic Leggings for Training and Competition

Finding the Best Leggings for Athletes

As an athlete, having the right pair of leggings can make all the difference during training and competition. The best athletic leggings provide compression to support muscles, wick away sweat to keep you cool and dry, and give you a full range of motion for dynamic movements.

Consider Compression Level

Compression leggings improve blood flow to the muscles, reducing fatigue and speeding up recovery times. Look for leggings designed specifically for athletic activity, not just casual wear. Moderate level compression between 15-20 mmHg is ideal for most sports.

Focus on Fabric

Fabric technology has come a long way in athletic leggings. Synthetic fabrics like spandex, nylon, and polyester stretch well and wick moisture away from the body. Some key features to look for include:

• Stretchability - Allows free range of motion
• Breathability - Ventilates and wicks sweat
• Quick drying - Prevents weighed down feeling
• UPF rating - Provides sun protection outdoors

Consider the Waistband

A comfortable waistband ensures your leggings stay securely in place without sliding around or digging in. Look for wide, high-rise waistbands around 2 inches thick. Some have inner drawcords for adjustable compression. Waistbands should be breathable like the rest of the legging with moisture-wicking fabric.

Best Fabrics for Athletic Leggings

With so many athletic leggings on the market, fabric technology makes all the difference. Here are top fabrics to look for:

Nylon

One of the most popular athletic fabrics, nylon mixes well with elastane and spandex to provide stretch. It is also lightweight, quick-drying, and moisture wicking. Nylon athletic leggings keep their shape wash after wash.

Polyester

Polyester athletic leggings share many performance features with nylon. The fabric wicks moisture, dries quickly, and stretches with movement. Lightweight polyester blends are excellent for warm weather training. One downside is polyester tends to hold more body odor from sweat.

Spandex

also called elastane, this stretchy synthetic fiber blends well with nylon and polyester. A touch of spandex gives leggings stretch and recovery to move freely. Too much spandex can cause leggings to lose their shape over time however. Around 15% spandex is ideal for athletic leggings.

Care Guide for Athletic Leggings

Investing in quality high-performance leggings means taking proper care of them for longevity:

Prevent Pilling

Pilling occurs when fabrics break down and form little balls on the surface. Avoid abrasion by turning leggings inside out before washing. Use a lint roller before drying to remove stray fibers.

Wash in Cold Water

Hot water causes fabrics to break down faster. Athletic leggings are designed for cold, gentle cycles. Upside down washing helps evenly distribute detergent and cleans hems.

Air Dry

The heat of electric or gas dryers degrades stretchy athletic fabrics. It's best to hang leggings out to air dry instead. Laying flat to dry prevents stretch distortion from hanging.

Use Light Heat

If you must use a dryer, opt for the air fluff cycle with no heat. Dry athletic leggings in short 5-10 minute intervals, allowing the fabric to rest in between to prevent damage.

With proper fabric choices and care methods, your athletic leggings can perform comfortably workout after workout.

FAQs

What is the best fabric for athletic leggings?

Nylon and polyester blends work well for leggings designed for athletic performance. They provide stretch, wick moisture, dry quickly, and retain their shape over time. A touch of spandex adds further stretch and range of motion.

How tight should compression leggings be?

The right level of compression helps to increase blood flow and support muscles during activity without restricting your range of motion. Moderate 15-20 mmHg compression is ideal for athletic leggings in most cases.

Can you machine wash athletic leggings?

Yes, use cold water on a gentle cycle to wash athletic leggings. Turn them inside out first and air dry to help preserve stretch and prevent damage from heat. Avoid abrasion and use a lint roller before drying.

Do leggings provide sun protection?

Some athletic leggings designed for outdoor sports use fabric with built-in UPF sun protection. UPF ratings indicate what percentage of UV rays is blocked from reaching your skin through the fabric weave.