How to find the most flattering pair of leggings for your body type

Possibly one of the most polarising topics in fashion is the question of whether leggings can be worn as pants.

The “for” camp argues that these stretchy and comfy creations are the antithesis of stiff denim and tailored pants. Plus, leggings make you look like you’ve just finished either a HIIT session, yoga or spin class and it is becoming a fashion staple especially as athleisure gets more mainstream.

The “against” camp, however, posits that leggings are too body-hugging, reveal a little too much (*gasp* is that a VPL?) and are fundamentally not considered pants.

Regardless of which direction you swing, a pair of leggings makes your glutes and gams look undeniably more toned and can have a lengthening effect on your stature. The crux, however, is to find a design and silhouette that fits your body type. For example, what looks good on an apple type might not flatter a rectangle body type.

To simplify matters for you, we’ve broken down what you should look out for in a pair of leggings that will best complement your figure.

THE FIVE BODY TYPES

1. Apple

How to identify: Your bust and hips are wider than your waist.

What to go for: You have an option between cropped and long silhouettes but those with a mid-rise waist are most flattering for your body type. Avoid details that bring attention to the stomach and waist area.

(Launch Ankle Tights, $79, Under Armour)

2. Pear/Triangle

How to identify: You have narrower bust that tapers outwards to your waist.

What to go for: Avoid cropped leggings as the truncated length focuses attention around the waist and thigh areas. Also, avoid waistbands that dig into and emphasise your waist and adopt mid-rise designs that have a wide waistband and solid colours.

(Contour Everyday Full Length Leggings, $115, Lorna Jane)

3. Rectangle

How to identify: Your shoulders, bust, waist and hips are of relative equal width.

What to go for: Get a pair that sits right below your belly button (mid-rise) as it helps create an hourglass illusion. Either a cropped or long length would work for rectangle types.

Define Leggings, prices range from $55 to $75, Cheak (available from 25 October)

4. Inverted triangle

How to identify: Your shoulders are the broadest section of the torso and tapers as it moves to the hip and waist.

What to go for: A low-waisted cropped style would help to elongate your stature because you would be showing parts of your legs.

(Women’s Mid-Rise Crop Running Leggings, $79, Nike)

5. Hourglass

How to identify: You have balanced shoulders and hips with a narrower waist.

What to go for: If you want to really emphasise your curves, go with a high-rise and consider those with side panels and trims that create length while making your gams look slimmer.

(Harmony Pocket High Rise Legging 25”, $129, New Balance)