How to Choose the Right TALA Leggings
Let's be honest, there are a lot of leggings to choose from and while having options is obviously a good thing, it can make finding your perfect pair overwhelming.
Do you want 7/8 length leggings or full length leggings? Something soft for Pilates? A more compressive pair for the gym? A legging you can wear to work and then straight to dinner?
This guide breaks down our different fits and fabrics, plus which leggings work best for different activities. So whether you're buying your first pair or you're looking for something to add to your rotation, you'll know what to look out for.
Our mission at TALA is to bring you consciously-made activewear that delivers on performance, fit, quality and style, without the hefty price tag.
Getting the Right Leggings Fit
Fit is personal. What feels supportive to one person might feel too tight to someone else, so there's no single way your leggings "should" feel.
There are a few things worth thinking about, though.
7/8 vs full length leggings
Our collection of leggings comes in both 7/8 and full length, so you can choose the style that suits you.
7/8 leggings finish just above the ankle. They're a good option if you prefer a slightly shorter leg, particularly if you don't like fabric gathering around your ankles. Or if you’re a shorter girlie and the full length ones are a bit too long.
Full length leggings give you more coverage down the leg. Some people simply prefer the look, while others find them more comfortable in colder weather.
It's really personal preference, and both lengths are designed to move with you. If you want a more detailed look at the difference, read our full 7/8 leggings guide.
High Waist Fit
TALA leggings are generally high waisted, giving you more coverage around your middle and helping the waistband stay in place as you move.
A good waistband should sit securely without feeling restrictive. Try bending, sitting and squatting when you're trying a new pair. If you're having to pull it back up every few minutes, something isn't quite right.
The same goes for the rest of the legging. You want it to feel close to your body, but you should still be able to move comfortably.
How do you know if leggings are squat proof?
This is one of those things that's much easier to test than explain.
Put the leggings on and squat in front of a mirror. If possible, try this somewhere with plenty of natural light too. Look at the fabric around your bum and thighs. When the material stretches, it should remain opaque.
It's also worth moving around properly. Walk, bend, stretch and squat. Basically anything you’ll be doing in your leggings, give it a go. Leggings can look completely fine when you're standing still and behave differently once you start moving.
Compression
Compression is another thing you'll see mentioned across our leggings.
In simple terms, a more compressive legging will feel closer and more supportive against the body. A lighter compression style will generally feel softer and more relaxed.
Neither is better. It depends on what you're doing and how you like your leggings to feel.
For a strength session, you might prefer the held-in feeling of UltraSculpt. For Pilates or a day of errands, something softer like DayFlex might be more your thing.
Choose Leggings by Fabric Range
The fabric makes a big difference to how a pair of leggings feels. We've got different ranges because your leggings don't necessarily need to do the same job every day.
DayFlex Leggings
Introducing DayFlex. They're soft, stretchy and easy to wear, which is why they're a good fit for lower-intensity movement and everything around it. Think Pilates, yoga, coffee dates, errands or just a day when you want to be comfortable and your joggers are in the wash. The other good thing about DayFlex is that you don't need to change as soon as your workout ends. They're designed to work as part of the rest of your wardrobe too.
Our best-selling DayFlex Leggings come in in four key styles, so that you can choose the ones to suit you:
Ideal for: if you’re looking for the new pair of leggings that you won’t even notice that you’re wearing.
Sculpt Seamless Leggings
Our Sculpt Seamless leggings are the most flattering seamless legging you'll ever wear - if we do so ourselves. They're designed with the gym in mind, feel supportive and have plenty of stretch for squats, lunges and lifting. The seamless knit construction keeps things comfortable while the scrunch detail gives the bum a little extra definition & lift.. They're also a good option if squat proof performance is something you're particularly conscious of. SculptSeamless is the ultimate edit for strength training.
UltraSculpt is the newer, more compressive option. The fabric has a highly compressive knit, with engineered shaping around the bum and waist. So if you like your gym leggings to feel properly supportive, this is one to look at. There's still enough stretch for movement, but the overall feel is more held in than something like DayFlex.
Ideal for: if you’re looking for a super flattering pair of leggings to make you feel great in the gym and look great in your selfies.
SkinLuxe Leggings
SkinLuxe is the world’s favourite cardio companion thanks to its innovative & highly sweat-wicking fabrication. If you don't like the feeling of thicker leggings when you're working up a sweat, SkinLuxe Leggings are worth a look. Our best-selling SkinLuxe No Front Seam Legging and SkinLuxe Fleece High Waisted Legging, plus our most recent addition, SkinLuxe Contrast High Waist Legging, are designed with movement in mind and made to stay up whether you’re running, stretching or squatting.
Ideal for: if you’re looking for your new go-to, everyday legging for working out.
The ultimate every-day staple
We couldn’t bring you a whole leggings guide without mentioning the holy grail of wardrobe staple that everybody needs - ultimate pair of black leggings.
Working out? Black leggings. Running errands? I’ll throw on my comfiest black leggings. Grabbing coffee with a friend? My black leggings will look great with an oversized jumper. Heading to the office? I’ll just wear my favourite black leggings. Going out out? You guessed it… comfort is key and I’ll dress up my black leggings.
Choose Leggings by Activity
Sometimes the easiest way to choose leggings is to ignore all the fabric terminology and think about what you're actually going to wear them for.
TALA Leggings for Pilates & Yoga
For Pilates and yoga, you'll want something that can move with you. DayFlex is a natural choice here because of its soft, stretchy feel. Our flared styles also work well for studio sessions if you prefer a wider leg.
Oh, and because Pilates doesn't stop being Pilates when you leave the studio, these are styles that work just as well with the rest of your wardrobe.
TALA Leggings for Running & Cardio
Running and cardio workouts put different demands on your leggings. You want them to stay put, feel comfortable and not become noticeably heavier as your workout goes on. SkinLuxe was designed with this kind of movement in mind. It's lightweight and has a second-skin feel, making it a good choice for running and other cardio sessions.
TALA Leggings for Strength & Lifting
If you're lifting, pay attention to support, stretch and opacity. Your leggings need to move with you through squats and lunges, while staying secure enough that you're not stopping to adjust them. Squat proof fabric is particularly important here.
Sculpt Seamless and UltraSculpt all sit within this part of the TALA range. The main difference is how they feel on the body, so it's worth looking at the individual collections if you know you prefer either a softer or more compressive fit.
TALA Leggings for Everyday & Lounge
Not every pair needs to be reserved for a workout. DayFlex is designed for lower-intensity days and everyday wear, which makes it an easy option if you like your activewear to work a little harder.
Wear them for Pilates, then keep them on for coffee. Add an oversized sweatshirt for the sofa. Put on a blazer and head out again. You get the idea.
TALA Flared, Black & Yoga Pants Edit
TALA Black leggings
Working out? Black leggings. Running errands? I'll throw on my comfiest black leggings. Going to the office? Black leggings. Meeting friends? Still black leggings. There isn't much a good pair of black leggings can't do.
They're one of those wardrobe staples that just make getting dressed easier. Wear them with a sports bra for training, an oversized jumper for everyday or something a little smarter when you want to dress them up.
TALA Flared leggings
Flared leggings give you a different silhouette without losing the comfort of a legging. They're particularly good for Pilates and yoga, but they're not limited to the studio. Pair them with a fitted top, an oversized sweatshirt or whatever else you already have in your wardrobe.
If you're new to flares, our flared leggings guide goes into the different styles in more detail.
TALA Yoga pants
Yoga pants are made for movement, but they can also be an easy everyday option. Look for soft, stretchy fabrics that won't restrict you during your practice. TALA's yoga pants edit brings together styles suited to yoga and Pilates, including flared options.
And if you're interested in taking your leggings outside of your usual activewear rotation, we've also got a guide to how to wear leggings to work.
How should leggings fit?
They should feel snug without digging in or restricting your movement. The waistband should stay in place when you squat, sit and stretch.
If you're constantly pulling your leggings back up, check the fit or try another style rather than assuming you need to size down.
So, which TALA leggings are right for you?
Start with what you're going to use them for.
If you want something soft for everyday wear, Pilates or lower-intensity movement, DayFlex is a good place to start. Running or cardio? Take a look at SkinLuxe. For strength training, Sculpt Seamless and UltraSculpt offer different levels of support and compression.
Then you've got the fun decisions. 7/8 or full length. Black or colour. Classic or flared.
Whichever way you go, the aim is the same. Leggings that fit properly, feel good and make sense for how you actually spend your time.
shop the full TALA leggings edit
