Legging Construction
How a legging is sewn together decides its comfort, support and how long it lasts. This hub explains the seams, panels and finishes behind a well-made pair, so you know what to look for. Browse women's leggings (/collections/womens-leggings-track-bottoms).
Seams and joins
Flatlock Seam
A flat seam that reduces chafing.
What defines it
A flatlock seam butts two edges together and stitches them flat, removing the raised ridge that rubs the skin.
Who it suits
It suits long training and chafe-prone wear. Browse women's leggings (/collections/womens-leggings-track-bottoms).
Bonded Seam
A glued, stitch-free join.
What defines it
A bonded seam fuses fabric with heat and adhesive instead of thread for a smooth, near-invisible join.
Who it suits
It suits seamless-look, high-end leggings.
Overlock Seam
A stretchy stitched seam that stops fraying.
What defines it
An overlock seam wraps thread over the fabric edge, giving a strong, stretchy join that copes with movement.
Who it suits
It suits everyday and value leggings.
Panels and shaping
Gusset Panel
A shaped crotch panel for movement.
What defines it
A gusset panel adds a triangular or diamond piece at the crotch to remove the central seam and add room.
Who it suits
It suits yoga and deep squats. Browse women's leggings (/collections/womens-leggings-track-bottoms).
Contour Panel
Shaped panels that follow the leg.
What defines it
Contour panels are cut and pieced to follow the leg's curves, improving fit and creating a flattering line.
Who it suits
It suits sculpting and performance leggings.
Compression Panel
Firmer zones that support key muscles.
What defines it
Compression panels place higher-hold fabric over the waist, hips or thighs to target support where it helps most.
Who it suits
It suits running and heavy training. Browse activewear leggings (/collections/womens-red-run-activewear-leggings).
Hems and finishes
Elastic-Free Hem
A hem that holds its shape without elastic.
What defines it
An elastic-free hem uses a bonded or coverstitched edge that lies flat and stays put without a gripping band.
Who it suits
It suits a clean, smooth ankle finish. Browse women's leggings (/collections/womens-leggings-track-bottoms).
Coverstitch Hem
A twin-needle hem that stretches with the fabric.
What defines it
A coverstitch hem uses two parallel rows of stitching to give a neat, stretchy, durable edge.
Who it suits
It suits training leggings that need a strong hem.
Frequently asked questions
What makes a well-made legging?
A well-made legging has flatlock or bonded seams to reduce chafing, a gusset for freedom of movement, a dense squat-proof knit and a secure, non-roll waistband. Neat coverstitched hems and shaped panels are further signs of quality construction.
Why do leggings have a gusset?
A gusset removes the single seam at the crotch and replaces it with a shaped panel, giving more room to move, reducing strain on the seams and improving both comfort and durability. It matters most for squats, lunges and yoga.
What is a flatlock seam?
A flatlock seam joins two fabric edges and stitches them flat so the join sits level with the skin instead of forming a ridge. This reduces rubbing and chafing, which is why it is common on running and training leggings worn for long sessions.