Kirin Escher
Workout Leggings: In-Depth Review
I have bought and worn so many different kinds of leggings from different companies (in-store & online). I have compiled a list of some of the most popular leggings and my opinions on each. I hope these reviews will help you with sizing and how the leggings perform so you don't spend your money on workout clothes that are simply not worth the price tag.
Enjoy :)
My measurements:
Height – 5’4”
Weight – 126lb
Waist – 28"
Hips – 40"
P’tula – Alainah II Allure: My Favorite Legging
The Fit – Molds to the body but in a very flattering way. Shows up the buttocks and quads while sucking in the stomach
Compression – High compression
Used for – High intensity workouts & Lower Body Workouts
Sizing – Small for more compression, but slight camel-toe. Medium to be more comfortable
Squat Test – 100%
Tummy Control/Cellulite Management – This is my favorite part about the Alainahs. They hold in the tummy for a flattering look & the high compression hold everything in place. Seamless waistband
Camel-Toe – Barely, barely, barely. Able to wear with or without underwear.
Price – $65 US
P’tula – Mayra Plush:
The Fit – Molds to every inch of the body while being extremely soft to the touch
Compression – Very stretchy, not too much compression. Can be considered a lounge pant
Used for –Upper body. I don’t use it for lower body simply because I like more compression. Closer to Loungewear
Sizing- Medium (I can go down to a Small because their so stretchy, but I like the higher waistband of the Medium)
Squat Test – I’d say 90% squat proof (purple & green)
Tummy Control/Cellulite Management – This is where the Mayras lose points, in my opinion. The waistband is a little lower than I would like and the placement of the seam is in the middle of the stomach, which is an odd feel & placement. The material is so soft and plush that it shows cellulite, but only minimally. Seamless waistband
Camel-Toe – Slightly due to size of waistband. Unable to wear underwear because the material shows every line
Price – $59 US
P’tula – Raenell Sleek:
Compression – Very high compression. Molds to the body
Used for – Leg day
My Sizing – Medium (I’d size up due to very high compression)
Squat Test – 95%
Tummy Control/Cellulite Management – Good tummy control and sleek material does not show cellulite at all. Seamless waistband
Camel-Toe – Barely
Any Cons – I don’t like the material. They are very slick and slippery and feel weird while working out. They are hard to get on as well
Price – $65 US
Alphalete – Revival (Original Version [not V2]): Second Favorite Legging
Compression – Extreme compression, molds to the body very nicely
Used for – One of myy favorite leggings for Lower Body day
Sizing – Medium (I’d size up if you’re in between sizes; the compression makes them a tad smaller)
Squat Test – 100%
Tummy Control/Cellulite Management – One of my favorite leggings for great tummy control. The curved lines along the legs create a very flattering look. The type of material used (speckled look) does not allow cellulite to be shown. Seamless waistband
Camel-Toe – Every so slight camel-toe. I just make sure to wear underwear to prevent this (V2 version has extreme came-toe)
Price – $54 US
Buffbunny –Luna
Compression – Very high compression (takes a little long to put on). Very thick material. They’re almost too compressive and semi-uncomfortable when working out. Molds to the body nicely.
Used for – Lower Body day
Sizing – Medium (I’d size up if you’re in between sizes)
Squat Test – 100%
Tummy Control/Cellulite Management – Great tummy control due to higher waistband and the thick material does not show cellulite. Seamless waistband
Camel-Toe – None
Price – $58 US
Gymshark – Energy Seamless:
The Fit – Thick material that covers all unwanted lines & ‘divets’
Compression – Very High compression especially if you go down a size
Used for – High intensity workouts & Lower Body workouts
My Sizing – Medium – I could go down to a Small, but I don’t like when it takes a long time to put on my gym clothes at 4am ;) **Note- the black color is the most compressive, so you may want to size up on these
Squat Test – 100%
Tummy Control/Cellulite Management – Very high waist (highest waistband out of all of the leggings here = flattering tummy control. Compression & thick material do not allow any cellulite to show. Seamless waistband
Camel-Toe – Barely noticeable. Able to wear with or without underwear.
Any Cons – A bit long. I have to roll mine up at the ankles
Price – $54 US
Gymshark – Flex:
Compression – Little compression because the material is very strecthy
Used for – Upper body days
My Sizing – Small (due to lighter & stretchier material)
Squat Test – 80%
Tummy Control/Cellulite Management – Very low waistband gives no tummy control. The waistband is also thick so it becomes tight around the stomach. Stretchy & speckled material does cover cellulite
Camel-Toe – Yes, definitely. Must wear underwear
Price – $38 US
Gymshark – Dreamy:
Compression – Very soft material makes this legging not very compressive. Lighter material allows for it to feel like it’s moving around
Used for – Upper body days
My Sizing – Small (due to lighter material)
Squat Test – 90% (close enough)
Tummy Control/Cellulite Management – Waistband isn’t high enough for me for good tummy control. The top of the waistband is not seamless so it cuts into the stomach a little. Less compression allows for little cellulite control
Camel-Toe – Slightly
Price – $42 US
Gymshark – Aspire:
Compression – Slight compression but not enough to make these a lower body day legging
Used for – Upper body days
My Sizing – Medium (I’d prefer a Small though; extra material in groin area of Medium)
Squat Test – 100%
Tummy Control/Cellulite Management – Medium height of waistband with thick band at the top, creating muffin top. Slight cellulite control
Camel-Toe – Slightly
Price – $37 US
Til You Collapse TYC – Heart Booty:
The Fit – The stitching detail shows off the curves of the legs in a very flattering way.
Compression – Medium compression, making it more functional for any kind of workout
Used for – Any day, but mainly Cardio & Upper Body days
Sizing – X-Small – these sizes run small. I tried a Small and it was too baggy around the groin area.
Squat Test – Medium to Darker colors are 100% squat proof
Tummy Control/Cellulite Management – The waistband isn’t high enough for me, but still tucks in the stomach. Material is on the thicker side, so cellulite is hidden.
Any Cons – The top of the waistband is seamless in the front (which is awesome), but banded in the back (not my favorite)
Camel-Toe – Not really, unless I bring them up higher to cover my stomach more
Price – $60 US
Lululemon – Align Pant:
The Fit – Molds to the body, but not in a super tight way. Shows curves and buttock area nicely.
Compression – Not too much compression, but still keeps everything in place
Used for – Lounging & running errands
Sizing – 2 or 4
Tummy Control/Cellulite Management – the very high waistband allows for the stomach area to look superb. Material hides cellulite. Seamless waistband
Camel-Toe – None
Any Cons – After a few washes, one of mine started pilling
Price – $98 US
FlexxFit – Luxe Legging:
The Fit – These remind me of the TYC leggings, with less molding
Compression – Little compression, but still functional
Used for – Upper body
Sizing – Small (due to light material)
Squat Test – 80%
Tummy Control/Cellulite Management – They don’t cover much of the small lines & divets most women have, making it not as flattering. Seamless waistband
Camel-Toe – Only if you don't wear underwear
Any Cons – They are comfortable, however the high percentage of cotton makes them warm to wear for workouts
Price – $40 US
Reflex – 90 Degree (Amazon):
The Fit – These fit just like the FlexxFitt leggings
Compression – Little compression. Strecthy – can be used for loungewear
Used for – Upper body & Loungewear
My Sizing – Medium (can go down a size)
Squat Test – 50%
Tummy Control/Cellulite Management – The waistband is not seamless so it cuts into the stomach a little. Low compression does not allow for full cellulite control
Camel-Toe – Not too bad. Can wear with or without underwear, but better with
Price – $21 US
*photos taken from websites of Brand of leggings*
#ptula #alphalete #buffbunny #90degrees #flexxfit #lululemon #tilyoucollapse #gymshark
Kirin :)