Squat Proof Yoga Leggings That Won’t Break the Bank
Features of good yoga leggings
You might love wearing yoga leggings for working out, for running errands, or as part of your new work-from-home uniform. You might live in them. They’re soft and comfy.
If they aren’t opaque, or squat proof you’ll just be showing your ass each time you wear them. Literally, showing your ass. To anyone who’s looking. For the best leggings look for styles that:
- Specify 4-way stretch fabric
- Are breathable
- Are sweat-wicking and quick to dry
- Have a gusseted crotch
You can spend a fortune on them if you want, but if you’d rather not overspend on clothes, (even cute workout clothes) take a look at the list I have created of the best squat-proof leggings that are easy on the budget.
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7 Affordable Squat Proof Yoga Leggings
1) Amazon Core 10
Core 10 from Amazon checks all of the boxes when it comes to what makes a great pair of squat-proof yoga leggings. They are breathable, moisture-wicking, and provide a 4-way stretch to reduce transparency.
The fabric is 95% nylon and 5% spandex and is silky smooth. I love the mesh panels. They add a style element that is super-cute but also means minimal seams and maximum breathability.
Pros
- Sturdy material
- No see-through
- Good compression fit for a strenuous workout
- 24″ inseam is a good fit for most women
Cons
- Not a great fit for curvy girls
- Very high waisted and waist rolls if there isn’t a good fit
- The nylon/spandex blend is heavy
2) Sunzel
Sunzel Workout Leggings offers a body-hugging compression fit. This is a 75% nylon 25% spandex blend with a 28″ inseam.
Pros
- Hidden pocket in the waistband
- Soft and lightweight
- High level of compression
Cons
- 28″ inseam is too long for petite sizes
- Be careful putting these on if you have long nails…the fabric is thin
- Lighter colors don’t hide cellulite
3) ODODOS
Women’s High Waisted Full-Length Yoga Leggings from ODODOS are a popular choice. There are several styles and patterns to choose from. The patterned pants provide better coverage unless you opt for a light-colored pattern and wear hot pink undies. It’s hard to cover that up in yoga-pants fabric.
Pros
- The price
- Hidden pocket in the waistband as well as side pockets
- The patterned fabric is very forgiving
- True to size
- Crotch gussets to avoid camel toe
Cons
- Heavier fabric
- Does not provide a compression fit.
- Pilling in areas where there is friction (we’re talking thighs)
4) IUGA
Super cute patterned fabrics are a definite plus for these IUGA Leggings. This is a 77% polyester 23% spandex blend and the fabric feels a bit heavy, but it’s soft, breathable, and mostly passes the “squat test”. The darker patterns are more effective than the lighter ones for keeping your secrets.
Pros
- 2 deep side pockets and 1 hidden waistband pocket
- Gusseted crotch
- Good tummy control
Cons
- The size chart doesn’t tell the whole story, these are long
- Hard to fit petite sizes
5) 90 Degree
Highly rated and available in 8 colors, 90 Degree by Reflex is made from a blend of 76% polyester and 24% spandex (Squat proof Interlink fabric) for a good compression fit.
Pros
- 25″ inseam is good for most women
- Great tummy control
- Deep side pockets
Cons
- Tends to run a little small; pay attention to the size chart
- Colors are not always true; dye lots vary
- Light colors show cellulite and sweat
6) Nike Pro 365 Leggings
Nike Women’s Pro 365 Leggings are more about working out than hanging out. Adequate compression and support for strenuous workouts.
Pros
- Breathable mesh panels in the lower legs
- Wide supportive waistband
- Good quality material
Cons
- Beware of camel toe
- Not a good fit for plus sizes
- Waistband curls
7) CRZ Yoga Naked Feeling
CRZ Yoga Naked Feeling leggings are high waisted with a 25″ inseam. They are a blend of 71% nylon and 29% spandex for extra compression and are available in 34 patterns and colors.
Pros
- The bottom hem is sewn and sports reflective dots for visibility when running
- Interior drawstring cord for a better fit
- Quick-dry/moisture wicking
- Generous pockets are great for larger phones
Cons
- Recommend darker patterned materials to combat camel toe
- The high waist is not a good fit for petite sizes
- Overall sizing runs small, the size chart is inadequate
What are Squat-proof Yoga leggings?
The ideal leggings are made from fabrics that, when stretched, don’t show all of your business. Yoga leggings are typically made from a 4-way stretch fabric, a blend of either nylon or polyester and spandex, that provides the fit that feels like a second skin.
how do you tell if you’re leggings are squat-proof?
If what you want is a cute leggings outfit with a long tee or slouchy sweater (lookin’ so cool) and your backside is covered you may not care if they are squat proof. If, on the other hand, you are actually going to be doing lunges, squats, or downward dog the last thing you want is transparency in your workout clothing.
You can do a simple test on the fabric. Stretch a portion over your hand and hold it up to bright light. If you can see through it then so can everyone else.
Dark fabrics tend to offer better coverage and lighter colored underwear tends to be less visible with leggings of any color. Panties that are more flesh-toned become almost invisible.
Ruby red panties under white yoga pants are gonna be like “I see London, I see France. Yeah, you can see my underpants”!
What are the best materials for yoga leggings?
For a snug, compression fit leggings are generally made from a blend of polyester OR nylon and spandex (also known as elastane). The higher the spandex content the more it will stretch, but it’s also easy to over-stretch in which case it loses the ability to resume its shape.
Pants that are too small will stretch to fit, but it will quickly degrade the fabric.
Nylon fibers are softer and more flexible and may feel better on the skin. Polyester is lighter and more quick-drying. It’s more important that it feels good to you.
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what’s the best way to care for the fabric?
- Hang to dry after working out, don’t leave them damp in your gym bag
- Presoak for 30 minutes in a vinegar solution (1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water) to combat bacteria
- Wash on gentle cycle with similar synthetic fabrics
- Do not use fabric softener, it breaks down the wicking properties
- Avoid drying on high heat, line dry if possible
Choosing the right leggings
Ask yourself why you want to wear leggings and how you plan to wear them. Is it to make a fashion statement or is it part of your workout wardrobe?
For working out you want them to fit well, to feel like a second skin. If they are too large the waistband will roll down. The bottom hem should fall right above the ankle. To be truly squat-proof they should not be transparent when stretched.
You can find the perfect pair of leggings for you without breaking the bank!
Get alerted to sales on these brands!
Lululemon InStill High rise Tight 25″
