Leggings Fabric, Fit and Size Chart
Leggings and yoga pants have no fixed dividing line; squat proof means the fabric stays opaque when stretched, and sizes follow waist and hip measurements.
By Adolph GreenContributing writer.
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The short answer
Leggings are close fitting stretch pants. When you shop for a pair, three things matter: the size, read from your waist and hip measurements; the fabric, which decides whether the leggings turn see-through when you bend; and the leg shape and length you want. The labels "leggings" and "yoga pants" tell you less than the product details do.
Leggings vs yoga pants
There is no industry rule that separates the two. The common idea is that yoga pants are thicker and sometimes flared, while leggings are thinner and tapered to the ankle. Alo Yoga, which sells both names, says there is no difference in its own range: it makes flared leggings, and it notes that opacity and light fabric are not tied to either label.
In practice, judge a pair by what the listing says:
- Leg shape: skin tight to the ankle, or flared, bootcut or wide.
- Fabric: weight, stretch and whether it is described as opaque or squat proof.
- Length: the inseam, which Nike lists on each product page.
What squat proof means
Squat proof has no formal standard. It usually means the fabric does not become sheer when it stretches, as it does across the seat in a deep squat.
Nike describes how it checks this. A spectrophotometer measures how much light passes through the fabric at three positions:
| Position | Fabric stretch |
|---|---|
| Standing | 0% |
| Squat | 50% |
| Forward fold | 60% |
The device rates the result from 0 (see-through) to 5 (no light passes). Nike counts a 4 or higher as squat proof. Its product team adds that tight interlock or spacer knits are the usual fabrics for opaque leggings, and that buying the right size matters. Before wearing a new pair to the gym, do a deep squat in front of a mirror at home.
Leggings size chart
Nike's women's chart sizes leggings by body measurements:
| Size | US | Waist (in) | Hip (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 0 to 2 | 23.5 to 26 | 33 to 35.5 |
| S | 4 to 6 | 26 to 29 | 35.5 to 38.5 |
| M | 8 to 10 | 29 to 31.5 | 38.5 to 41 |
| L | 12 to 14 | 31.5 to 34.5 | 41 to 44 |
| XL | 16 to 18 | 34.5 to 38.5 | 44 to 47 |
| XXL | 20 to 22 | 38.5 to 42.5 | 47 to 50 |
The chart continues with plus sizes from 0X to 4X. To measure, wrap the tape around the narrowest part of your torso for the waist and the fullest part of your hips, keeping it level. Nike's short and tall styles change the inseam by 2 inches either way. Other brands use their own charts, so check the brand's chart for the pair you are buying.
How we count
Colors in the chart are read from each listing's store data on Wiki Shopping on October 26, 2026. Of the 576 leggings listed that day, 209 are black, more than the next six colors combined. Counts change as listings are added or removed. Browse the range from clothing, shoes and jewelry.