We all know activewear is no longer just for workouts; we’re wearing it everywhere now. Whether it’s a coffee run or a lazy lie-in, leggings and workout tops have become the cutest everyday essentials.
But not all activewear is created equal, and the secret to finding pieces you really love comes down to one thing: fabric.
Understanding how activewear fabrics work helps you shop smarter, feel more confident, and avoid those “why is this see-through?” moments!
From buttery-soft leggings to sculpting compression sets, here’s your ultimate guide to leggings fabric types, stretch, breathability, and how to keep your favorite pieces looking brand new.
LEGGINGS FABRIC TYPES EXPLAINED
Most activewear fabrics are blends designed to balance comfort, performance, and durability. The magic happens when different fibers work together.
NYLON BLENDS
Nylon transformed the fashion industry with its durability, and it’s still the go-to fabric for premium activewear, for good reason. It’s smooth, lightweight, and super durable. And, because it’s often blended with spandex to create that stretchy, second-skin feel without losing structure, it gives you the ultimate freedom of movement.
Plus, nylon blends tend to feel softer than polyester and have that sleek, luxe finish that looks and feels fabulous.
Best for:
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Studio workouts
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Everyday wear
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Smooth, sculpted looks
POLYESTER BLENDS
Polyester is breathable, moisture-wicking, and incredibly long-lasting. It’s great for high-sweat workouts because it dries quickly and holds color well, so you look great, wear after wear. While poly blends may feel slightly firmer than nylon, they are excellent for durability and shape retention.
Best for:
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High-intensity workouts
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Outdoor training
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Sweat-heavy activities
SPANDEX (AKA ELASTANE)
Spandex is the undeniable stretch superstar. Even a small percentage of this fabric (usually 5–20%) makes a huge difference in flexibility and comfort.
Spandex provides:
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Stretch and recovery
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Body-hugging fit
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Freedom of movement
Without spandex, your leggings would lose their stretch fast, and they’d crinkle, wrinkle, and bunch in all the wrong ways. This legging fabric type is used in almost all leggings to keep them bouncy!
THE BEAUTY OF BREATHABILITY
Breathable fabrics are a fantastic invention as they help regulate your body temperature and wick sweat away from your skin. This keeps you cool, dry, and comfortable, especially during intense workouts.
For maximum breathability, look for leggings fabric types that feature:
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Moisture-wicking finishes
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Mesh panels or ribbed textures
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Polyester or nylon blends
Just remember that breathability doesn’t equal thin. It means smart fabric construction that lets air flow while still offering coverage.
COMPRESSION VS STRETCH: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Compression vs stretch isn’t about choosing one or the other; it’s about balance.
This is one of the most misunderstood topics in activewear, but once you get it, shopping for cute and comfy activewear becomes so much easier.
COMPRESSION
Compression fabrics gently hug your body, offering support and a smoothing effect. They help leggings stay in place and can feel extra secure during workouts.
Benefits of compression:
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Sculpted, held-in feel
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Reduced leg fatigue
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Flattering fit
Compression is perfect if you love leggings that feel supportive and stay put during movement.
STRETCH
Stretch is all about flexibility. Fabrics with good stretch move with you, bend easily, and snap back into shape afterward.
Look for four-way stretch, which means the fabric stretches both lengthwise and crosswise. This ensures comfort whether you’re squatting, stretching, or lounging around.
The best activewear combines compression AND stretch. It’s supportive, but never restrictive.
WHAT DOES “SQUAT PROOF” REALLY MEAN?
If you’ve ever held your breath during a squat, this one’s for you!
Squat-proof means the fabric stays opaque, even when it's stretched. When fabric is squat-proof, there is no sheerness, no embarrassing surprises, and no stress.
Squat-proof leggings usually have:
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Thicker fabric weight
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Tighter knit construction
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Darker or richer colors
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Higher spandex content
HOW TO DO OPACITY CHECKS AT HOME
If you’re not sure if your leggings fabric type is truly squat-proof, you can do the leggings squat test at home, before you venture out into the world.
Here’s how:
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Stand in front of natural light or a mirror.
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Bend, squat, or lunge.
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Check the fabric around the hips, bottom, and thighs.
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Try underwear in a contrasting color to be sure.
If the fabric stays solid and opaque, you’re good to go. If not, save those leggings for lounging.
Pro tip: Heavier fabrics with compression usually pass opacity tests better than ultra-thin, lightweight styles.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR ACTIVEWEAR & PRESERVE ELASTICITY
You want your activewear to stay stretchy and bounce back after every wash and wear. Activewear fabrics are high-performance, but they need proper care to stay that way.
To keep stretch and compression intact:
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Wash your activewear in cold water, either by hand or on a fragile setting in the washing machine.
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Turn all your items inside out and use a protective mesh bag for sports bras.
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Use a gentle detergent.
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Skip fabric softener because it breaks down elasticity.
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Avoid the tumble dryer. Always air-dry your leggings whenever possible.
Pro tip: Heat is the biggest enemy of spandex. Over time, dryers can cause leggings to lose their snap, sag at the knees, or feel loose, so they’re best avoided.
Treat your activewear right, and it’ll love you back.
FINDING YOUR PERFECT FABRIC MATCH
The best activewear fabric depends on how you live, move, and style your looks.
Love sculpting support? Choose compression-heavy blends.
Prioritize comfort? Look for soft nylon with four-way stretch.
Train hard? Polyester blends with breathability are your best friend.
Understanding leggings fabric types, compression vs stretch, and what truly makes leggings squat-proof means better outfits and more confidence, whether you’re crushing workouts or just doing daily life in style.
Because when your activewear fits right, feels good, and moves with you? That’s a fashion win, and Krush Kandy is here to get you to the finish line!
