The only way to know if leggings are squat-proof is to test them properly, in the right light, before you are halfway through a set. Here is the 60-second squat test, what makes a pair see-through, and how to keep good leggings opaque for longer.
Contents · 6 sections · 4 min
The short answer: leggings are squat-proof when you can squat deeply in bright light, facing away from a mirror, and see no skin or underwear through the fabric. Test every new pair before you wear it to the gym: deep squat, toe touch, lunge, in daylight or under a bright lamp, with your phone camera if you have no second mirror.
The 60-second squat test
- Find bright light. Daylight from a window or a bright overhead lamp. Gym lighting is harsher than most bedroom lighting, so test in the brightest light you have.
- Wear what you will train in. Including the underwear you plan to wear with them.
- Squat deep with your back to the mirror. Look over your shoulder, or take a photo with your phone.
- Touch your toes. This stretches the fabric over the seat more than a squat does.
- Do a deep lunge on each side. Check the inner thigh and the seams.
- Look for: skin tone showing through, a shine where the fabric stretches, or seams pulling apart.
If you see anything, they are not squat-proof for you. That is not a sizing failure on your part. It means the fabric is too thin for that stretch.
What makes leggings see-through
- Fabric that is too thin. The most common cause. Thin knits open up when stretched.
- Sizing down too far. Leggings meant to be second-skin will still go sheer if they are stretched past what they were made for.
- Shiny finishes. Glossy fabrics show more when they stretch. Matte fabrics hide more.
- Wear and heat. Hot washes and tumble drying break down the stretch fibres, and the fabric gets thinner over time.
What to look for in a pair you can trust
We built the LIT High-Waist Leggings around the problems above:
- Squat-proof, matte stretch fabric, smooth on the outside and soft against the skin.
- A tall contoured waistband that stays put through a set instead of rolling down when you bend.
- A high-rise, second-skin fit. Take your usual size, and size up if you are between sizes. Going smaller than your size is how good leggings go sheer.
- Small details: a white LIT on the left hip and the mountain mark centred just below the back waistband.
How to stop leggings rolling down
A rolling waistband is usually one of three things: the waistband is too short for your torso, the leggings are a size too small, or the band has no structure. A tall, contoured waistband sits higher and holds better. If yours still roll, try the next size up and wear them higher on the waist.
What to wear with high-waist leggings
- A crop tank: the LIT Ribbed Crop Tank in cobalt shows off the high waistband.
- A fitted crop tee: the LIT Fitted Crop Tee moves with you through overhead work.
- A boxy crop tee: the LIT Oversized Crop Tee for a relaxed look that still shows the waist.
- An oversized hoodie: for the walk home. Slim leg, big top is the easiest proportion there is.
How to make leggings last
- Wash cold, inside out.
- No fabric softener: it clogs the fibres and reduces stretch recovery.
- Do not bleach.
- Hang to dry. Heat is the fastest way to thin, baggy leggings.
- Repeat the squat test every few months. Fabric changes with wear.
Good leggings disappear when you train. You should be thinking about your depth, not about who is behind you.
Topics
- squat proof leggings
- how to tell if leggings are squat proof
- high waisted leggings
- best gym leggings
- leggings that do not roll down
- see through leggings test
- workout leggings
Common questions
Still wondering? Answered from the piece itself.
How can I tell if leggings are squat-proof?
Do a deep squat, a toe touch and a lunge in bright light with your back to a mirror, or use your phone camera. If you can see skin or underwear through the fabric, they are not squat-proof for you.
Why do my leggings go see-through when I squat?
Usually because the fabric is too thin, the leggings are a size too small and overstretched, or the fabric has been worn down by hot washes and tumble drying. Shiny fabrics also show more than matte ones.
Should I size down in leggings?
Not usually. The LIT High-Waist Leggings are designed as a second-skin fit in your usual size, and you should size up if you are between sizes. Sizing down overstretches the fabric and makes it more likely to go sheer.
How do I stop leggings rolling down?
Choose a tall, contoured waistband, make sure the size is not too small, and wear them at your natural high waist. A short or soft waistband is the most common cause of rolling.
How should I wash gym leggings?
Inside out in cold water, without fabric softener or bleach, and hang them to dry. Heat breaks down the stretch fibres over time.
