In the world of fashion, leggings have taken up space. From your comfy workout gear to casual everyday outfits, leggings have indeed become a fashion staple in every woman’s wardrobe. I have leggings for every occasion, but this also means I have to deal with the common malfunction that comes with it; yes, I’m talking about the dreaded camel toe.
If you are also a dedicated lover of leggings, then you must have experienced camel toe in every size, shape, and form. Furthermore, it can be so embarrassing when a stranger points it out, but not to worry, the days of battling with camel toes are over because, in this post, I will be outlining some helpful tips on how to prevent camel toe in leggings. But before we get into the juicy details, let’s identify some of the factors that contribute to the appearance of camel toe in leggings.
What Causes Camel Toe When You Wear Leggings?
1. Not wearing underwear
Also known as “going commando”, going without underwear is a common practice that can offer many health benefits. However, panties serve as a protective layer for the sensitive area; therefore, allowing the fabric of the leggings to have direct contact with your crotch can lead to a camel toe.
2. Engaging in physical activities
Physical activities such as running, yoga, biking, or simply walking can directly result in a camel toe because they cause friction on the fabric, which can make it scrunch up into a wedgie.
3. Thin or sheer fabrics
If the leggings are made of thin fabric it may conform to folds on the body leading to an epic crotch cleavage. Thin fabrics can also be sheer, making the labia more obvious through it.
4. Shaving the vagina
Have you noticed that things tend to get a bit slippery down there after a wax day? Besides being a natural protector, pubic hair is a buffer between the crotch and the leggings, and some women have found that removing this barrier makes it easier for camel toe to occur.
5. Individual body size and shape
Body size and shape is a major causes of camel toe, and the size and shape of the labia can vary among individuals. Women with higher levels of fat in the labia are prone to have some incidence of camel toe; the level of fat as well as the distribution of fat around the pelvic area, can push against clothes making it more noticeable.
How To Prevent Camel Toe In Leggings
Now that we know some of the causes of camel toe, how can you wear leggings without camel toe?
1. Invest in a camel toe concealer
The camel toe concealer is a silicone cover that provides seamless protection from camel toe. It has been a game changer for me because it is easy to apply, comfortable, and gives a seamless finish in leggings. I’ve gone from being anxious about how not to have camel toe in leggings to confidently rocking my favourite apparel without fear.
To top it off, this reusable camel toe concealer is perfect for workouts, Pilates, and yoga because of the waterproof adhesive that keeps everything where it is supposed to be.
3. Get thicker fabrics
The fabric you choose is very important in preventing camel toe, so you should not skimp on coins when shopping for leggings. Good quality leggings come at a price, but this does not mean you must break the bank. There are many brands that offer fabrics that are thick yet stretchy, maintaining that flexibility that know all know and love.
4. Install a gusset in your leggings
A gusset is a diamond shaped panel that can be sewn onto the crotch area of your leggings in order to add allowance and ultimately prevent the visibility of camel toe, this type of fitting can be done by a seamstress, or you can get leggings that are already reinforced with a gusset. But if you are a DIY girl like me, you can follow this guide to learn how to sew in a gusset.
5. Avoid tight leggings
This might seem like a contradiction because aren’t leggings, by their very nature, tight? Yes, leggings are made to be snug and form-fitting. However, it is very possible for leggings to be too tight, and you can tell that your leggings are too tight if you notice marks, redness, or indents on your skin after wearing them. Furthermore, if you have to pull down the crotch constantly, then the signs are as clear as day.
It can be a good practice to size up when buying leggings to accommodate body movements and breathability.
6. Seamless panties
As an avid leggings lover, I can tell you that one of my greatest sources of anxiety is the middle seam panties. Underwear with a middle seam can be pretty and attractive on the outside, but as soon as you walk out of the door, they start finding their way into crevices they don’t belong, not to mention the panty lines. For this reason, I have stuck to seamless panties, solving two malfunctions with one trick.
7. Wear leggings with inbuilt liners
These are leggings that are lined with an extra layer of soft fabric on the inside. Some leggings only have liners on the crotch area, while others go all the way. Whichever option you choose is fine as long as it provides comfort, and this type of leggings can be handy for women who prefer to go without underwear.
8. Wear flat panel leggings
Flat panel leggings are designed in such a way that there are no unsightly seams that can cause camel toe. These types of leggings have no front seam; they are flat in the crotch area, reducing the possibility of a frontal wedge.
9. Consider patterned leggings
Patterns can distract the mind, and you can use this to your advantage by wearing leggings with designs. This can be a fun way to incorporate colours and play around with prints; even brands let you design your own custom patterns.
10. Avoid certain types of underwear
It is important to consider your body type when selecting your preferred underwear styles, as some can accentuate your crotch and make camel toe visible in whatever you wear. Common underwear culprits such as thongs and G-strings have their own functions, but if the goal is to prevent camel toe, they should not be worn in leggings.
11. Choose dark coloured leggings
Light coloured leggings are not friendly when it comes to the notorious camel toe; they show every lump and bump on the skin, but dark colours can help to hide flaws and give the illusion of an even surface. You can go for colours like charcoal black, navy blue, and dark brown.
12. Use period panties
Period panties already have a lot on their plate, but they could also be used as a camel toe deterrent. Just pop on one of them and let the soft cushion of the pad do what they do best; keep what is inside from getting out.
How To Hide Camel Toe In Leggings
You have gotten the perfect outfit for your yoga class, and you’re ready to go out slaying everything, but you do your last fit check in the mirror and oops! You have a camel toe. At this point, you may not have the luxury of time to run out and get new leggings, so what to do? Don’t worry, I’ve got you. Here are a few tips to hide a camel toe.
1. Wear a long top
If a long tank top is already part of your outfit, then just pull it down, and you are ready to go if not, instead of changing your entire look, simply change into a longer top, one that covers your crotch area.
When you are going for a workout or yoga, you can pair leggings with a long tank top or round-neck t-shirt and if you are perhaps on your way to make a grocery run, a more standard casual look could be to wear a long button-down blouse for coverage.
2. Use the bra pad method
My mom taught me this quick and simple method that can fix your camel toe in an emergency. So, you must get an old bra or bikini top you do not use anymore, rip out the pads, cut it into a triangle, and insert it into your underwear. This will instantly give a smooth appearance to your leggings.
3. Utilise a panty liner
Another option will be to put on a panty liner. The panty liner can temporarily provide additional padding and thickness to prevent your panties from folding into your crotch. Be careful when using this tip, though; panty liners are not made to be hard or tough, so if the pressure on the crotch is too much, the soft cotton of the panty liner will cave.
Final Thoughts
A camel toe can show up at any time without warning, and it is almost expected in leggings. This faux pas can lead to an experience that can be both uncomfortable and embarrassing. But by incorporating the techniques here, you are on your way to avoiding camel toe for good.
