Fashion Hacks to Make Leggings Look Better

Leggings have wormed their way into our daily lives. From the gym to the streets, there is really no way to avoid those stretchy pants. They have become one of those wardrobe staples that work for almost everything, from morning workouts and grocery runs to casual lunches and lazy days at home.

But owning leggings is one thing. Keeping them looking good is another. After a while, even your favourite pair can start showing signs of wear. The waistband may stop staying in place, the fabric can become a little saggy, and then there is the dreaded camel toe that can ruin your outfit and your confidence.

Luckily, you do not always need to replace your leggings when these little problems appear. There are several simple fashion hacks for leggings that can help you refresh an old pair and make your outfits look better. 

Fashion Hacks for Leggings

1. Fix a loose waistband

There is nothing more annoying than leggings that keep sliding down as you walk. It forces you to keep adjusting throughout your day and that can be stressful. If the fabric still has plenty of stretch but the waist is slightly loose, a simple DIY alteration may give them a new lease on life.

Many leggings have a double-lined waistband, so you can make a small opening, thread a drawstring through it and gently tighten it. This will prevent the waist from gapping or dropping when you are on the move.

Another DIY option is adding a small amount of silicone grip to the inside of the waistband. Silicone grip materials are commonly used in sportswear because they increase friction between the garment and the skin, helping the waistband stay in place.

2. Tighten droopy fabric

After repeated wear, Leggings can start to look loose around the knees, crotch, or thighs. You’ll agree with me that that look is not cute. But before you throw them out, try this hot water hack. You may be able to help them recover some of their original shape.

Get a bowl of hot water and gently soak the affected areas for 15-20 minutes. Then allow the leggings to air dry in their natural shape. Avoid boiling water or extremely high heat. Too much heat can damage elastane, so take caution.

Also, keep in mind that washing cannot permanently restore an elastic fibre that has already broken down. If the leggings remain saggy after the hot water soak, the problem may be bigger than loose fabric. At that point, replacing the pair is usually the better choice.

3. Prevent leggings camel toe

A great pair of leggings can still look awkward if the front creates unwanted outlines. This is very common with leggings made with thin fabric or a centre front seam. One of the easiest ways to deal with this is to wear underwear specifically designed to prevent camel toe.

Good camel toe proof underwear comes with a smooth front panel and a design that sits comfortably between the body and the leggings. The idea is to create a smooth layer underneath that will stop bunching around the crotch.

Other features to look for in a camel toe proof underwear include flat seams, a reinforced gusseted and moisture-wicking fabric. These details come together to make underwear that will stay invisible under tight leggings while protecting you from outlines.

4. Get rid of pilling

Pilling can make a nice pair of leggings look old. Those tiny balls usually form when fibres break or loosen on the surface of the fabric and then tangle together because of repeated rubbing. Synthetic fabrics can be particularly prone to this type of wear.

The first thing I would recommend is reducing the friction that causes the problem. Turn leggings inside out before washing them, wash them with similar smooth fabrics and avoid throwing them into a load with rough towels or garments with zippers.

For small areas of pilling, a fabric shaver is one of the easiest options. If you do not have one, you can very carefully use a clean disposable razor. Lay the leggings flat and move the razor lightly over the surface in one direction. Take your time with this hack. You are removing the little fibres sitting on the surface, not trying to shave the fabric itself.

5. Cover up see-through leggings

Sheer leggings are another common problem, particularly with lighter colours or very thin fabrics. If you already own a pair that is too sheer, wearing tights underneath can give you an extra layer of coverage. Nude-toned tights can work under bright colours, while black tights work for under darker leggings.

However, to avoid this problem in the future, choose thick fabrics when shopping. Go through the description for phrases like opaque or double lined. Some brands add a second layer to light-coloured leggings to improve coverage.

And if you are getting them physically in the store, ensure that you feel the fabric and raise it to the light to check for sheerness. If you are allowed to test them, try bending, squatting, and stretching in them before committing to a pair. It’s important to know how the fabric behaves once it is under tension.

6. Deodorise stale spandex leggings

Anyone who wears leggings for workouts knows that synthetic fabric can sometimes hold onto sweat smells. This happens because activewear fabrics are designed to move moisture away from the skin and dry quickly. Some fibres hold onto oily residues from sweat and body products, which can make odours difficult to remove with an ordinary wash.

My first choice is always a good sports detergent, and it usually gets the job done. But if you don’t have sports detergent, try vinegar. Many people swear by vinegar for laundry odours. If you decide to try it, use a small amount and check the garment’s care instructions first.

Most importantly, do not leave sweaty leggings sitting in a gym bag for hours if you can help it. Hang them up to air out or wash them as soon as possible. That little habit can make a surprisingly big difference.

7. Deter static cling

Static cling can be noticeable when you wear leggings with oversized sweaters, long coats or other fabrics that rub against them as you move. Since static is created by friction, the American Cleaning Institute recommends dryer sheets. Add one sheet to the dryer to the tumble to take care of the cling.

For leggings that you air dry, you can lightly run an unscented dryer sheet over the outside of the leggings or the inside of your coat before getting dressed. Another quick trick is applying a small amount of unscented hand lotion to your bare legs before putting on your leggings. This will keep your skin moisturised and stop fabric from clinging.

8. Fix a loose thread

A loose thread may look like a tiny problem, but pulling it can turn a small snag into a much bigger one. If you notice a loose thread on a seam, resist the urge to pull it or immediately cut it off. Instead, gently stretch the fabric horizontally so you can see where the thread is coming from. Take a small sewing needle and carefully push the excess loop back through to the inside of the leggings.

Once the loop is inside, leave it there. Do not pull it tight because that will only cause more fabric to bunch up around the area. For an expensive or particularly well-loved pair, I would take the leggings to a tailor if the seam is opening significantly. A quick repair can be much cheaper than replacing a pair that you love.

Final Thoughts

Leggings may be one of the simplest pieces in your wardrobe, but that does not mean they have to look basic. A few small maintenance tricks can help you deal with common problems and restore confidence. So, which of these leggings hacks are you going to try first?