Buying Guide
Best Squat-Proof Leggings by Nike
These top-notch leggings choices by Nike keep you comfortable on workout days.
A quality pair of leggings is a must for workouts, but not all leggings are created equal. Subpar leggings can become see-through and even sheer as you move, distracting you from your workout goals. The best squat-proof leggings allow you to focus squarely on exercising, with added style and functionality in the mix.
Squat-proof leggings provide more than just opaqueness. The best squat-proof leggings are made from breathable materials to increase your comfort during the day. Moisture-wicking material is a bonus, along with pockets to hold the essentials as you lift, run and jump.
Because squat-proof leggings are a key part of any workout wardrobe, it’s important to know what to look for when shopping. Here’s a breakdown, along with a few recommendations to get you started.
What does “squat-proof” mean for leggings?
The term squat-proof leggings is vague and usually describes leggings that aren't sheer enough to see through. Nike assesses squat-proofing in leggings before they hit the market. Nike uses a technology called a spectrophotometer to monitor how much light passes through leggings at a stand (which is 0% stretch), a squat (50% stretch), and a forward fold (60% stretch), explains Emily Polkow, lead product line manager, global apparel at Nike.
That device then delivers a rating from zero to five, with zero being see-through and five having no light penetration. “From there, we have come up with a pass/no pass rating based on a large data set for both black leggings and color leggings,” Polkow says. “We consider anything four or higher on the spectrophotometer ‘squat-proof.’”
What is the best material for squat-proof leggings?
There are a lot of factors that go into making leggings squat-proof. Typically, squat-proof leggings feature two kinds of knit constructions—interlock, which is created by knitting two fabrics together, and spacer, which features two outer fabric layers connected by another layer of thread.
“There is a lot that goes into each to make them squat-proof—yarn size or denier, gauge, knit tightness, stretch/elongation—but an interlock is usually safest,” Polkow says.
The best squat-proof leggings
When you’re shopping for squat-proof leggings, Polkow stresses the importance of purchasing the correct size. Then, you can do the squat test at home before taking your leggings to the gym. Consider these options in your search.
Words by Korin Miller
