Best Fabrics for Leggings: Opacity, Compression and Squat-Proof Basics

Leggings look simple, but the fabric decides almost everything about them: whether they pass the squat test, how they hold the body, how they feel on skin and how long they keep their shape. This guide walks through what to look for when choosing legging fabric for a yoga, activewear or athleisure line.

What makes a great legging fabric

• Opacity: no see-through when the fabric is stretched in a squat or forward fold.
• Stretch and recovery: 4-way stretch that moves with the body and snaps back without bagging at the knees.
• Compression: the right amount of hold for the use, from gentle for yoga to firm for training.
• Hand feel: soft, smooth or "buttery" against the skin, with no scratchiness.
• Durability: resistance to pilling and abrasion where the thighs rub.

1. Opacity: how to make leggings squat-proof

Sheer leggings are the most common complaint in the category. Three things control opacity:

• Weight. For full-length leggings, most brands work in the 230–320 GSM range. Below about 200 GSM, light colors in particular can show through when stretched. Our GSM guide explains weights in detail.
• Knit structure. Double knits and interlocks are knit with two layers interlocked together, so they are more opaque than a single jersey of the same weight.
• Color. Dark and mid tones hide more than whites, pastels and nudes. Test light colors with extra care.

The test: sew a sample, put it on, and do a deep squat in front of a bright window or under strong light. Our team can send 1-yard samples for exactly this.

2. Fiber: nylon spandex or poly spandex?

Nylon spandex is the premium choice: softer and smoother, with excellent recovery and abrasion resistance. Most "buttery" yoga leggings are nylon based. Poly spandex holds color well, wicks moisture, can be sublimation printed and costs less per yard, which makes it a strong fit for printed leggings and training lines. See the full comparison in Nylon Spandex vs. Poly Spandex.

3. Spandex share and compression

More spandex means more hold. Roughly:

• 10–15% spandex: comfortable, easy fit for yoga, lounge and everyday wear.
• 15–20%: a firmer, supportive fit for studio and training.
• 20–25%: high compression and a sculpted look for performance and shaping lines.

Weight and knit also change how compressive a fabric feels, so compare samples side by side. Read more in Fabric Content Labels Explained.

4. Finish and hand feel

• Peached or brushed: lightly sanded for a soft, matte, suede-like touch. This is the "buttery" feel many yoga brands want.
• Smooth matte: clean and sleek, good for performance and color blocking.
• Shiny: a fashion and dance look, used less often in everyday leggings.

Legging fabrics in our range

Fabric	Content	Weight	Best for
Double Peach Interlock	75% nylon / 25% spandex	230 GSM	Soft, peached yoga leggings with a sculpted fit
Slim Maxxi	85% nylon / 15% spandex	310 GSM	Opaque, supportive leggings with a Brazilian-style hold
Ultra Soft Motion	90% nylon / 10% spandex	320 GSM	Premium, buttery leggings with full coverage
Soft Motion	90% nylon microfiber / 10% spandex	200 GSM	Lighter leggings, bike shorts and tops
Interlock Sport	80% polyester / 20% spandex	240 GSM	Training leggings, team and printed programs
Dri-Tex	90% polyester / 10% spandex	250 GSM	Moisture-wicking performance leggings

Browse the full yoga and legging fabric collection, or activewear fabrics for matching tops and bras.

Printed leggings

For all-over prints, the base fiber decides the method. Poly spandex can be sublimation printed, the most common route for vivid, full-color legging prints. Nylon spandex is wet printed with acid dyes. Read how to choose a sublimation fabric or see our custom printing options.

Before you go into production

1. Sample and wear test. Sew a pair, squat test it, wear it for a workout, and wash it several times following the care instructions.
2. Check the waistband. Many brands use the same fabric folded double, or a heavier fabric, for a waistband that stays up.
3. Confirm color. Use the Order color card button on each fabric's page to see every shade in person before choosing your palette.
4. Plan yardage. A pair of full-length leggings usually takes well under a yard of 58–60" fabric, depending on size range and marker efficiency. Your pattern maker can give exact consumption.

FAQ

What GSM is best for leggings?

For full-length, squat-proof leggings, most brands use 230–320 GSM. Lighter weights (180–220 GSM) suit bike shorts, warm-weather styles and tops.

What fabric makes leggings buttery soft?

A nylon spandex with a peached or brushed finish, such as Double Peach Interlock or Ultra Soft Motion, gives the soft, matte "buttery" hand popular in yoga lines.

Are polyester leggings good?

Yes. Poly spandex leggings are durable, colorfast and moisture-wicking, and they are the go-to for sublimated prints. Nylon spandex feels softer and more premium.

How do I stop leggings from being see-through?

Choose a heavier fabric (230+ GSM), an interlock or double-knit structure, and test light colors carefully under bright light before production.

Developing a legging line? Order 1-yard samples of two or three options to compare, or request a quote for production yardage. All fabrics above are in stock in Los Angeles.