Leggings have transitioned from being just pants worn while exercising to pants that can be worn by anyone anywhere, anytime. However, some are still reluctant to wear leggings, especially for the fear that it may not flatter their body shape. When in fact, the secret to pulling them off is mastering some styling tricks and having the confidence to do so.
Regardless of one’s size, shape, height, or weight, there is always a way to make leggings your favorite choice of clothing for both comfort and fashion. At Baleaf Sports, we embrace all sizes and shapes. We’re here to help you discover how to wear leggings to accentuate your figure.
Understanding Your Body Shape
First things first, let’s talk about body shapes. Everyone is unique, but most body types would fall into one of these categories: pear, apple, hourglass, rectangle, or triangular. So, it’s important to know your shape because you’ll learn the right clothes to pair with your leggings. But keep in mind that there are no right or wrong ways of having a body. Your body shape is only one of the factors that define you as a person, and wearing leggings is a great way to enjoy your individuality and be confident in your body.
Styling Leggings for Different Body Shapes
Pear-Shaped Bodies
If you have a pear-shaped body, your hips are wider than your shoulders, and your waist is well-defined. The goal here is to balance proportions and draw attention upwards. High-waisted leggings are a fantastic choice because they cinch the waist and elongate the legs. Opt for darker colors on the bottom and pair them with lighter, brighter tops to create a balanced look.
Try this: The Laureate Thermal Pocketed Leggings are perfect for pear-shaped figures. It features a wide waistband that has the best coverage, giving you a smooth and flattering fit around your waist. The inner drawstring keeps the leggings securely in place, while the body-contouring seams make it feel like you’re stepping into a cozy hug.
With three pockets — two side pockets and a hidden waistband pocket — you’ll have plenty of space to stash your essentials. Plus, these leggings have passed the squat test, so they’re non-see-through, making them perfect for both workouts and everyday wear. Pair them with a loose, flowy top or a cropped hoodie to balance your proportions and complete your look.
Apple-Shaped Bodies
For apple-shaped bodies, the goal is to make the torso appear thinner and the legs look longer. Choose dark-colored leggings with slight compression as they can help achieve a slimmer look. For support and all-day comfort, consider mid or High-Rise Leggings. For your top, find ones that reach below the hips or tunics since they can also provide a slimming effect.
Pro Tip: Do not wear fabrics that are thick and prints that stretch across the middle of the belly. Avoid wearing any prints or bright colors that might attract attention to your chest area, but instead, opt for plain colors or very faint patterns that move the eye downwards.
Hourglass-Shaped Bodies
An hourglass figure has a narrow waist with equal bust and hip measurements. When showing off these natural curves, ensure that leggings fit tightly around the waist. High-waisted leggings are also capable of improving your figure by drawing attention to your waist and minimizing the appearance of any bumps on your body.
Must-Have: The Freeleaf 27" Seamless High-Rise Leggings are ideal for hourglass figures. But since it's made to be super stretchy, these leggings can actually fit various body shapes. This is one of Baleaf's inclusive fits that hug your curves and give out a sleek silhouette. Moreover, it acts like a second skin, providing that extra comfort when you work out. We recommend pairing them with a fitted crop top or a tucked-in blouse to show off your waist. Enjoy remarkable comfort and style with our Freeleaf collection.
Rectangle-Shaped Bodies
People with rectangular body shapes have a straight figure—their bust, waist, and hips share a similar size. So, the key idea here is to mimic curves. Select leggings that have striking prints, weaves, or side stripes to create intrigue. Select leggings that are high-waist and fitted around the stomach to create some extra curves.
Styling Tip: Coordinate leggings with peplum tops, ruffled shirts, or jackets that have extra volume at the bust or hips. This helps to add more depth and curves to your frame and gives you a balanced frame.
Inverted Triangle-Shaped Bodies
If you have wider shoulders than your hips, then your body shape is an inverted triangle. To balance your proportions, wear full-length leggings that make you look wider below the waist, such as leggings with flared bottoms or vibrant patterns. Search for leggings that can actually reach your hips and should not be too tight to choke your hip area.
Perfect pick: During chilly days, you can't go wrong with Laureate High-Rise Zipper Pockets Thermal Leggings. These leggings have a high-rise style that doesn't just accentuate your curves, but it also keeps you warm. A unique feature of this is it has four practical pockets: two side pockets and two deep side pockets. It even has a waistband loop for carrying small items securely. Go out in style and pair them with a loose top or a jacket; a common outfit that never fails.
Seasonal Styling Tips for Leggings
Leggings are versatile enough to be worn all round the year. It just needs a few tweaks to keep you comfortable and stylish in any season.
Spring & Summer
During the warmer months, go for clothes made from light fabrics like cotton and blends or those with properties that will draw sweat away from the skin. For spring, pastel-colored tops and flower prints look good, whereas louder tones look better for summer outfits. You can try matching Capris Leggings with romantic blouses, crop tops, or light maxi tunics. And for footwear, we recommend wearing sandals, flat shoes, or lightweight sneakers to maintain that relaxed fit.
Fall & Winter
Leggings are your best friend when the weather starts to drop. Seek out thermal or Fleece-Lined Leggings that are denser and therefore offer more insulation. Just like Baleaf’s Laureate High-Rise Thermal Leggings. These leggings are ideal for winter since they warm up the body without having to sacrifice fashion. Layer them with oversized sweaters, cardigans, and boots in an effort to capture the perfect balance of warmth and style. You can even just go off with a stylish jacket or a long scarf and you are ready for whatever the cold has to offer.
Conclusion
It’s safe to say that leggings are probably one of the most versatile items you could buy because they genuinely look good on everybody. While it may be considered cliché advice, do not be afraid to mix up what you wear, the colors in your clothes, and even accessorize — the cardinal rule is to enjoy how you look and feel.
Ready to find your perfect pair? Explore Baleaf Sports’ collection today and embrace the leggings love for all bodies, shapes, and styles!