Leggings have become a permanent essential fixture in the everyday outfits of women all over the world, offering comfort, versatility, and style. 

But with several fabric options available, choosing the right pair can be tricky. And it’s no surprise that people have a lot of questions about the fabric that their leggings are made from.

If you’re going to be wearing something on a pretty much daily basis and you’re a health-conscious person, then you want to be sure it’s safe and non-toxic, as well as stylish and comfortable right?

In fact looking at Google search queries regarding leggings suggests there’s a lot of key concerns about the fabric of leggings out there. In the form of questions like: 

‘What’s the most comfortable material for leggings?’ 

‘What is the best breathable fabric for leggings?’ 

‘Are leggings healthy to wear?’

‘Which leggings don’t have PFAS?’

‘Which is better for sweating, cotton or polyester?’

‘What are the least see-through leggings?’

‘Which leggings does Megan Markel wear?’ (Spoiler - we don’t know.)

We’ll try to address some of these questions in this article so you can make a more informed decision on what type of leggings you choose to wear

The pros & cons of nylon, polyester, and organic cotton leggings

Three of the most common materials used in leggings are nylon, polyester, and cotton/organic cotton. Each offers distinct advantages and disadvantages, making the ideal choice dependent on your intended use.

1. Nylon

Nylon is a popular synthetic fiber known for its durability and strength. It's lightweight and offers a relatively smooth, comfortable feel against the skin. Here's a closer look at nylon's pros and cons for leggings:

Pros:

• Durable - Nylon is highly resistant to tearing and abrasion, making it ideal for activewear that endures wear and tear. 
• Lightweight -  The lightweight nature of nylon makes it comfortable for extended wear, especially during exercise.
• Fast-drying - Nylon dries quickly, making it convenient for post-workout wear or on-the-go activities.
• Shape retention - Nylon retains its shape well, preventing bagging or sagging over time.

Cons:

• Less breathable - Compared to natural fibers, nylon can trap some heat and moisture, potentially leading to discomfort in hot weather.
• Prone to shrinking - Some nylon fabrics can shrink if not washed according to the care label. 
• Not as eco-friendly - As a synthetic fiber, nylon production has a larger environmental impact compared to natural materials like organic cotton.
• Toxic - Unfortunately, nylon contains multiple harmful compounds like PFAS as it’s made from petroleum
  
  

2. Polyester

Another popular synthetic option is polyester. Known for its affordability and wrinkle resistance, polyester is a versatile choice for everyday wear. Let's explore the benefits and drawbacks of polyester leggings:

Pros:

• Affordable - Polyester is generally less expensive than nylon, making it a budget-friendly option.
• Wrinkle-resistant - Polyester resists wrinkles and creases, maintaining a neat appearance. 
• Quick-drying - Polyester dries quickly, making it convenient for active lifestyles.
• Durable - Polyester offers good durability and can withstand wear and tear.

Cons:

• Less breathable - Like nylon, polyester can trap heat and moisture, potentially causing discomfort in warm weather. 
• Can trap odour - Polyester doesn't absorb sweat as effectively as some other fabrics, leading to potential odour issues during intense workouts.  
• Not as eco-friendly - Similar to nylon, polyester production has a larger environmental impact compared to natural materials.
• Contains chemicals that are potentially more toxic than nylon and can ‘’cause rashes, itching, redness, eczema, dermatitis, blistering’’ upon skin exposure.

3. Organic Cotton

For those who prioritise comfort and sustainability, organic cotton offers a natural alternative. Grown without harmful chemicals or pesticides, organic cotton is a gentle choice for sensitive skin. Here's a breakdown of organic cotton's strengths and weaknesses for leggings:

Pros:

• Comfortable - Organic cotton is soft, breathable, and gentle on the skin, making it comfortable for everyday wear.
• Sustainable - Organic cotton production uses fewer chemicals and much less water, making it a more environmentally friendly choice.
• Moisture-absorbent - Unlike synthetic fibers, organic cotton absorbs moisture, keeping you cool and dry in warm weather.

Cons:

• Less durable - Organic cotton is not as strong or resilient as nylon or polyester, and may be prone to tearing or snagging.
• Wrinkles easily - Organic cotton wrinkles easily and requires ironing or steaming to maintain a crisp look. 
• Less moisture-wicking - Organic cotton doesn't wick away sweat as effectively as synthetic fabrics, making it less ideal for high-intensity workouts. 
• Can shrink - Organic cotton can shrink if not washed according to the care label.

Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Needs

Ultimately, the best fabric for your leggings depends on how you plan to wear them. 

For high-intensity workouts/durability leggings made with nylon or polyester could have an advantage over leggings made from organic cotton. But if natural materials are your priority, then organic cotton leggings are the obvious choice. 

However, what would be ideal is leggings made from natural fabric that has all the high-performance qualities of synthetics, but not the harmful toxins like organic cotton…

Introducing DOJO leggings.

Minerally enhanced, organically treated cotton - the best of both worlds

Our leggings are made from award-winning and patented, sustainably produced, originally treated cotton, which has all the performance and durability of synthetic fabric with the softness and skin-friendly benefits of natural cotton. 

As well as special medical-grade bio-protective properties thanks to our novel mineral based technology. DOJO leggings are a revolutionary product in sustainable textiles.

They are unbelievably comfortable, healthy to wear, non-see-through/fully squat-proof, odour resistant and super soft.  The only con is Megan Markel doesn’t wear them -yet :)

To learn more about our cutting-edge tech and sustainable production check out the info pages on our website. And to get yourself a pair of the world’s most advanced sustainable activewear head over to our shop now.