1. Do Consult a Sizing Chart

When buying leggings or any other type of apparel, buyers should always consult a sizing chart because sizing can often vary among brands. Designers typically offer size charts to customers, allowing them to check the chart against their own personal measurements. To check their measurements, buyers should measure their hips and their waist with a tape measure. If the measurements show that a buyer is in between two sizes when comparing their own measurements to those in the chart, they should always try to purchase the larger size rather than the smaller size.

2. Do Try on Similar Leggings

Buyers should try to visit local department stores whenever possible before purchasing a pair of leggings. It may be beneficial to try on a few pairs by the designers that are being considered in order to see how the cuts run and how the leggings are sized. Seeing the fabric and the colors of the leggings in person helps more than simply viewing photos online. If a buyer takes a liking to a particular pair of leggings, she should make note of specific information about the leggings, including the name and manufacturer, and conduct an online search to see if it is possible to locate a similar pair for less than retail cost through an online merchant.

3. Do Consider Legging Material

Because leggings are multifunctional and can be styled with a variety of outfits, buyers should select a material that is based on the intended purpose for the leggings. Leggings are often constructed from a Lycra or spandex blend, and other popular leggings materials often include cotton, silk, wool, lace, or other fabric that can be blended to form stretchy, form-fitting apparel.

4. Do Consider Length

Leggings come in various lengths. Buyers can choose between ankle-length leggings, capri leggings, knee-length leggings, and stirrup leggings. Length may be determined based on the leggings' intended use or on the personal preference of the wearer.

Ankle-Length Leggings

Ankle-length leggings cover a wearer's entire legs, reaching all the way down to the ankles. This style of leggings is a popular design and can be worn as workout apparel, as a form of pants, or under dresses, skirts, and other articles of clothing. Ankle-length leggings also come in a style commonly known as jeggings, which are full-coverage leggings whose appearance resembles denim jeans.

Capri Leggings

Capri leggings reach to the mid-calf. These leggings are less formal than full-length leggings, but they function in the same way. Capri leggings are typically worn at the gym underneath athletic apparel, and pair well with long shirts.

Knee-Length Leggings

Knee-length leggings fall just below the knee. These leggings are ideal for various forms of exercise, including dance, gymnastics, and yoga.

Stirrup Leggings

Stirrup leggings feature a strap that wraps around the arch of the wearer's foot. These straps are designed to prevent the leggings from riding up the wearer's legs. Stirrup leggings are generally worn as pants as opposed to being used as a layering garment.

5. Do Consider Body Type

When purchasing leggings, buyers should consider their body type. The length of the leggings can accentuate their legs to various degrees. While knee-length leggings flatter legs more effectively thanks to a wider calf, mid-calf leggings better suit a wearer with slim legs. Ankle-length leggings are a great choice for all body types and can give the legs an elongated appearance when they are worn with high-heeled shoes. Buyers should also consider the color of a pair of leggings in comparison to their body shape. Black and darker-colored leggings have a slimming effect on the wearer's legs and flatter all body shapes. In addition, they also coordinate well with a wide array of outfit choices. On the other hand, lighter- or brighter-colored leggings and leggings with bold patterns tend to draw attention to the wearer's legs. Because these leggings tend to emphasize the lower body, women looking to achieve more of a slimming look should try to steer away light colors, like white, as well as colorful prints, and should instead opt for a darker color.

6. Do Wear Leggings to Exercise

Leggings are a good choice when it comes to fitness wear because they are less bulky and more aerodynamic than traditional workout pants. Exercise leggings can be worn at the gym as a substitute for pants, or they can be worn underneath other workout gear. Unlike cotton leggings, exercise leggings are made from synthetic materials that are specifically designed for working out. These leggings wick sweat away, keeping a wearer's legs dry and providing their muscles with warmth. Depending on the quality of the pair, some exercise leggings may also offer mild compression, helping to provide the legs with support and to prevent muscle injury from occurring.

7. Don't Ignore Comfort

Although lower-priced leggings can be tempting to purchase because of their low cost, buyers should not compromise comfort for the price. Leggings are designed with comfort in mind and are viewed as a popular type of casual wear. These garments have a flexible design and often feature an elastic waistband, allowing women of all sizes to slip the leggings on and off with ease. Although the waistband can be stretched, buyers should make sure that the elastic band of the leggings is not too restrictive around their waist area as this can create discomfort. Following the recommended sizing guidelines can help prevent this from occurring and can ensure long-lasting comfort during various activities.

8. Don't Confuse Tights with Leggings

Tights and leggings are both constructed from a form-fitting material and can be worn underneath other articles of clothing. Although their designs are similar, there are some major differences that separate them from one another. Unlike leggings, tights are made from a thinner material and should not be worn on their own. Tights also stretch over the wearer's feet while leggings are cropped at the bottom of the ankles. Leggings can also be worn year-round whereas tights are commonly associated as winter wear. Because of these differences, buyers should pay close attention to details during the purchasing process as many people tend to mistakenly use the terms interchangeably.