Guide to squat proof leggings
The only thing worse than finding out that your leggings aren’t squat proof is when a kind stranger in the gym points out that they aren’t quite as opaque as you thought. Actually it’s probably worse if no one points it out at all and you carry on oblivious.
You might be aware of the struggle, and even felt that first hand awkwardness. Or you might be completely unaware and are learning for the first time that your leggings might not be offering you the coverage you thought.
Either way, we’re here to help. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to squat proof leggings, with a bit of background, answers to your questions and then some tips on finding the perfect pair that won’t reveal all.
What causes leggings to fail the squat-proof test?
A great question to start with, and there’s a combination of factors at play:
Thin or cheap fabric
Leggings made from flimsy, low-quality material are more likely to become see-through when stretched. These are often cheaper fashion leggings, rather than those designed for the gym.
Light colors
As my mom always used to say, the lighter the hue, the more on view. She didn’t really say that, but if she did, she would have been right. Sadly, when they’re at full stretch, those lovely light colors are simply more prone to showing what's underneath.
Lack of compression
Leggings without enough compression can also become transparent when you bend and flex. This is because the fibres and materials are more likely to stretch and pull apart.
Are all black leggings squat proof?
Sadly, no.
While black is definitely your safest bet for a pair of squat proof leggings, don't assume that just because leggings are black, they're automatically opaque. While darker colors do help, if the material isn’t up to scratch, or up to stretch, it doesn’t matter what color it is.
Do leggings become less squat proof over time?
Yes, unfortunately, they can.
Frequent washing and wearing can cause the fabric to thin and lose its elasticity, making them more likely to become see-through. A bit like my dad’s hairline.
How do companies measure whether their leggings are squat proof?
There's no official standard, but most reputable brands put their leggings through rigorous testing.
This might include having employees perform squats in various lighting conditions to check for transparency. There’s also a test that uses bright, multi-coloured tights underneath leggings, which need to remain unseen when someone is performing a squat and when the leggings are at full stretch.
As far as we’re aware, professional squatter isn’t a job role just yet.
I think this is a great time to point out that we here at Veynd worked with Billa Training during the development of our products to assess their quality and performance, including our leggings. And the most important thing is that during testing they all passed the squat proof test.
Is there a specific material that makes leggings squat proof?
Not exactly.
However, thicker, high-quality fabrics with good compression are more likely to pass the squat-proof test. Look for materials like nylon, elastane, and spandex blends.
Our leggings generally use nylon and elastane blends, along with some that use recycled polyamide, which is essentially a synthetic version of nylon. Recycled polyamide fibres are generally made from discarded nylon products and is a more sustainable material as it gives a new home to products that would otherwise have ended up in landfill, or even burnt.
Despite being recycled, this material retains many of the desirable qualities of virgin nylon, like its durability, elasticity, and moisture-wicking abilities, making it a great choice for activewear like leggings.
How do I know if a pair of leggings are squat proof?
Now we get to the good stuff. How do you know that you’re investing in leggings that won’t let you down? Particularly if you’re buying them online.
Here’s what we recommend:
The bend-over test
Best done with a friend, unless you have a great mirror set up.
Start off by making sure you’re wearing the leggings, and ideally, wear something bright underneath to make it easier to see anything shine through. Now perform a deep bend or squat in front of your friend, or the mirror. If you can see your underwear, they're not squat proof.
Now this is difficult to do if you’re buying online, so make sure that you check the company’s return policy before making a purchase. As long as you don’t remove the tags or damage the product, you can return Veynd leggings up to 30 days after buying them.
See here for more as returns vary depending on where you live.
Check reviews
Probably easier than performing a squat in front of a mirror, and infinitely less awkward, is reading through online reviews from other customers to see if they mention any transparency issues.
Look for the squat proof label
Some brands specifically advertise their leggings as squat proof. And some have the tests to prove it. Like Veynd.
And remember…
Don't sacrifice comfort and style for squat-proofness.
There are plenty of leggings out there that are both flattering and functional.
And we would implore you to start with our leggings. We’re confident that you’ll find the perfect pair that will make you feel confident and empowered, no matter what workout you're tackling.
Happy squatting!
Check out our squat proof leggings here.
Words by Damian Carvill / Photo credits: VEYND