Legging Fits

Close fit of women's performance leggings

Legging Fits

Rise, compression and coverage -- how a legging holds the body

OD's Designer Clothing · Knowledge Hubs

Fit is what separates a legging you forget you are wearing from one you keep pulling up. This hub explains rise, compression, coverage and the details that decide how a legging holds you. Browse women's leggings (/collections/womens-leggings-track-bottoms).

Rise and waist

High Rise

A waistband that sits at or above the natural waist.

What defines it

A high rise pulls the waistband up over the midriff, smoothing the stomach and staying secure through bends and squats.

Who it suits

It suits most training and anyone who wants a no-slip, tummy-smoothing fit. Browse women's leggings (/collections/womens-leggings-track-bottoms).

Mid Rise

A waistband that sits below the navel on the hip.

What defines it

A mid rise sits between the hip and waist, a relaxed height that many find comfortable for everyday wear.

Who it suits

It suits casual and lower-impact wear.

Support and hold

Compression Fit

A firm fit that squeezes and supports the muscles.

What defines it

A compression fit uses high-recovery fabric to hold the legs firmly, supporting muscles and giving a locked-in feel.

Who it suits

It suits running and high-intensity training. Browse On Running leggings (/collections/womens-on-running-leggings).

Second-Skin Fit

A close fit that moves with the body without gripping hard.

What defines it

A second-skin fit is snug but softer than compression, contouring the body while feeling barely there.

Who it suits

It suits yoga, studio work and all-day wear. Browse women's leggings (/collections/womens-leggings-track-bottoms).

Sculpting Fit

A fit with panels that shape and lift the figure.

What defines it

A sculpting fit places firmer panels at the waist, hips and seat to shape the silhouette while the rest stays flexible.

Who it suits

It suits anyone who wants a smoothing, flattering line. Browse P.E Nation leggings (/collections/womens-p-e-nation-leggings).

Coverage and feel

Squat-Proof

A fit that stays opaque when stretched.

What defines it

Squat-proof leggings use a dense, high-quality knit that does not go sheer when you bend or squat.

Who it suits

It suits weight training and floor work where coverage matters. Browse women's leggings (/collections/womens-leggings-track-bottoms).

Relaxed Fit

A softer fit with a little more room than performance styles.

What defines it

A relaxed fit skims rather than grips, made from softer fabric for comfort over compression.

Who it suits

It suits lounging, casual wear and recovery days.

Brushed-Lined Fit

A fit with a soft, warm inner surface.

What defines it

A brushed-lined fit adds a fleece-like inner face for extra warmth without bulk on the outside.

Who it suits

It suits cold-weather training and layering.

Frequently asked questions

What does squat-proof mean?

Squat-proof means the legging stays fully opaque when you bend or squat, rather than turning sheer under stretch. It comes from a dense, good-quality knit and matters most for weight training, floor work and any exercise with deep bends.

Is a high-rise or mid-rise legging better?

High rise is the most popular for training because the waistband stays put over squats and bends and smooths the tummy. Mid rise sits lower on the hip and can feel more relaxed for casual wear. Choose high rise for the gym and either for everyday.

What is the difference between compression and second-skin fit?

A compression fit holds the muscles firmly and suits running and high-intensity work, giving a locked-in feel. A second-skin fit is snug but softer, contouring the body without the firm squeeze, which suits yoga, studio classes and all-day wear.

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