Legging Fabrics
The fabric decides how a legging stretches, breathes, holds its shape and lasts. This hub explains the main legging fabrics and finishes, so a fibre list tells you how a pair will perform. Browse women's leggings (/collections/womens-leggings-track-bottoms).
Performance synthetics
Nylon-Elastane
The classic performance blend of nylon with stretch fibre.
What defines it
Nylon-elastane pairs smooth, strong nylon with elastane for four-way stretch, recovery and a soft handle.
Who it suits
It suits most training leggings, balancing stretch, durability and support. Browse women's leggings (/collections/womens-leggings-track-bottoms).
Polyester-Elastane
A hard-wearing, quick-drying performance blend.
What defines it
Polyester-elastane blends moisture-wicking polyester with stretch fibre for fast-drying, colour-fast leggings.
Who it suits
It suits sweaty, high-intensity workouts and vivid prints.
Supplex
A soft, cotton-feel nylon fabric.
What defines it
Supplex is a branded nylon that feels like cotton while keeping the strength, stretch and quick-drying of a synthetic.
Who it suits
It suits those who want a natural feel with performance benefits.
Recycled Nylon
Performance nylon made from reclaimed material.
What defines it
Recycled nylon uses reclaimed fibre, often from fishing nets or fabric waste, with the same stretch and durability as virgin nylon.
Who it suits
It suits shoppers wanting performance with a lower footprint. Browse women's leggings (/collections/womens-leggings-track-bottoms).
Natural and blended
Cotton-Elastane
A soft cotton knit with a little stretch.
What defines it
Cotton-elastane blends breathable cotton with a touch of stretch for comfortable, everyday leggings.
Who it suits
It suits lounging and casual wear rather than heavy training.
Ponte
A firm, structured double-knit fabric.
What defines it
Ponte is a dense, stable knit that holds its shape, giving leggings a smart, trouser-like feel.
Who it suits
It suits smart-casual leggings worn like trousers. Browse women's leggings (/collections/womens-leggings-track-bottoms).
Modal Blend
A silky, breathable fabric from beech pulp.
What defines it
A modal blend adds soft, drapey modal to a stretch base for a cool, luxurious next-to-skin feel.
Who it suits
It suits everyday and lounge leggings that value softness.
Finishes and treatments
Brushed Fleece
A fabric with a warm, brushed inner surface.
What defines it
Brushed fleece raises the inner face into a soft, insulating nap for warmth without outer bulk.
Who it suits
It suits cold-weather and winter training.
Faux-Leather Coating
A glossy polyurethane finish over stretch fabric.
What defines it
A faux-leather coating adds a wipe-clean, leather-look film to a stretch base for an evening finish.
Who it suits
It suits dressed-up leggings for going out. Browse women's leggings (/collections/womens-leggings-track-bottoms).
Moisture-Wicking Finish
A treatment that draws sweat away from the skin.
What defines it
A moisture-wicking finish moves sweat to the surface where it evaporates, keeping you drier during exercise.
Who it suits
It suits any high-sweat training. Browse activewear leggings (/collections/womens-red-run-activewear-leggings).
Frequently asked questions
What is the best fabric for gym leggings?
A nylon-elastane or polyester-elastane blend is the best all-round gym fabric. Nylon-elastane feels soft with strong four-way stretch and recovery; polyester-elastane dries faster and holds bright print. Both wick sweat and keep their shape through training.
Are cotton leggings good for exercise?
Cotton leggings are soft and breathable but absorb sweat and dry slowly, so they suit lounging and casual wear more than intense exercise. For the gym, choose a nylon or polyester performance blend that wicks moisture and dries quickly.
What makes a legging warm for winter?
A brushed-fleece or thermal-lined fabric makes a legging warm. The inner face is brushed into a soft, insulating nap that traps heat without adding outer bulk, so the leggings stay slim under trousers or work alone in the cold.