Leggings that don’t give me butt sweat
October 21, 2021 4:26 PM   Subscribe

… or that feel soft and/or natural while doing so. Are there leggings that don’t feel either 1) cheap and baggy or 2) engineered to wrap me up like Spanx?

I hate “normal leggings,” which as far as I can tell tend to fall into 3 camps: 1) cheap, cotton + spandex which tend to look grey and dusty, 2) Spanx levels of thick, seamed polyester that “hold everything in”, 3) athletic style which are more shiny/lots of patterns and panels and mesh/not so fashion conscious.

What I’m looking for is something more akin to a merino wool base layer, like a nice thin Merino wool sock but for my whole leg. Breathable, but warm. I usually wear long tops or skirts with these looks so being totally opaque over the butt isn’t a huge deal (would be nice though). I don’t care how flattering they are, I’m basically using them as “tights” in a job where it makes sense to wear performance wear/sportswear. So it’s OK if they’re more underwear like. I might wear them to bum around the house too.

As an alternative, some softer, less constricting leggings that are NOT THICK and could pass for tights, not too super shiny etc. could also work. I have a feeling these are more high end? But not sure which brands to try. Maybe there are certain keywords, like tights or pants for certain types of sport?

I’m going to use them in the fall/winter in Northern California, so they need to be warm but not sub-zero warm. I’ve typed in “Merino wool tights” into Google and gotten a few random hits, but I’d like recommendations if possible. I’m looking for black primarily but other colors (especially navy, grey) would be cool too.

Thanks!
posted by stoneandstar to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (12 answers total) 15 users marked this as a favorite
 
My experience with merino wool leggings is that they get a little baggy while wearing them. They are def a touch translucent. I have an REI pair and an Ice Breaker pair that are 200 weight(?). They'll run you ~$100. The Ice Breakers are more legging like.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 4:51 PM on October 21, 2021


I live in leggings from Woolly Clothing. They have a bit of spandex to keep their shape and are thick enough that they don’t scream base layer.
posted by another zebra at 4:52 PM on October 21, 2021


Perhaps these from Duluth?
posted by snerson at 6:05 PM on October 21, 2021


I would love for you to try one of these merino-spandex leggings from Wool X and let me know how it goes because I am so tempted to buy a pair myself. I desperately want to know if they avoid the bagginess factor that mandymanwasregistered notes above.

I can tell you what I’ve tried that don’t meet your criteria: Athleta (Spanx levels of compression, but I actually love how smooth/soft the fabric is, I find myself feeling up my own legs just to touch the fabric, and they have magical side pockets without zippers), Odlo ceramic-wool mystery technology (super thin, baggy over time), Smartwool leggings (thick, baggy over time), and Smartwool footed tights (itchy, baggy and saggy).

I will be following this question for other suggestions!
posted by Maarika at 6:27 PM on October 21, 2021


If you can deal with actual tights with feet, Snag’s Woolies are excellent. They are not control top or compressive. They’re thin but warm. They don’t go baggy. The size chart is accurate, but I think you could possibly go up a size for more opacity. They’re reasonably priced at $20. I wore mine weekly last fall and winter and they still seem good as new.
posted by Kriesa at 7:18 PM on October 21, 2021 [2 favorites]


The Brooks Greenlight Essential tights are opaque, do not get sweaty or baggy (I'm also in Northern California and I run in them), have no patterning/panels/mesh, and are not too shiny for athletic tights. The only logo is on the waistband. They were discontinued recently but I did find them in stock on the Fleet Feet website (linked). If they don't have your size, Brooks' other styles of running tights might work for you too, I just can't vouch for them personally!
posted by kiripin at 7:54 PM on October 21, 2021


I like Uniqlo Heattech leggings a lot for this. I have some that are a thicker blend that I wear on their own around the house. The thinner ones I wear with skirts and boots instead of tights.
posted by hilaryjade at 7:58 PM on October 21, 2021 [6 favorites]


I have some men's long underwear that I wear as leggings. They are more breathable because they have a button fly.
posted by Comet Bug at 8:29 PM on October 21, 2021 [1 favorite]


Okay, time to plug the BEST leggings I’ve ever owned: the Sueded Athletic Leggings from Felina.

Don’t be turned off by the word ‘athletic’: there’s nothing athletic-looking about them, they’re just plain black leggings. They’re thick enough to be worn alone as pants but still thin enough to be breathable and comfortable. They fit skin-tight but aren’t overly constricting. I wear them sometimes as pants on their own, and sometimes under dresses or long shirts. The quality is excellent, I’ve had some of my pairs for 2+ years now and they still look almost new and have all their stretch.
posted by mekily at 8:31 PM on October 21, 2021 [2 favorites]


Okay, so, these are not marketed as leggings but let me put in a plug anyways for Old Navy Powersoft Joggers. They're made of an athletic fabric but not too shiny. They're not compressive like athletic leggings but still quite form-fitting - the main difference I notice is the way that they fit around the waist. They're really comfortable and hold up well - I've practically been living in them this year.
posted by mosst at 5:45 AM on October 22, 2021


I have been in love with every pair of super-soft leggings I've got from Loft/Lou&Grey.
posted by erst at 8:54 AM on October 22, 2021


I bought some Lands End corduroy leggings last year and they're great, fleecy and warm and very comfortable. Lands End always have ridiculous discount codes to get a ton of money off.
posted by essexjan at 10:47 AM on October 22, 2021


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