How to Look Great When Buying Athletic Wear(Lower Body Edition)

Unlike most men who simply grab any piece of workout gear and throw it on, women tend to care more about the overall aesthetic appeal. Even when exercising, women seek visual pleasure and style in their athletic wear. With countless options available – from loose and comfortable fits to form-fitting compression styles to trendy fashion-forward pieces – there's no shortage of styling tips and shopping advice out there. 

In our previous article, we focused on upper body athletic wear selection and styling tips for women. Now, in this lower body edition, we'll use compression garments as our primary example to discuss what to pay attention to when shopping for lower body activewear, common pitfalls to avoid, and effective styling techniques.

Categories of Lower body compression wear

Compression Leggings (Short, Capri/Full-Length)

Because compression leggings offer such close-fitting coverage, many women face an embarrassing issue when wearing them – especially those with fuller hips. During workouts, visible panty lines or camel toe can become apparent. When this happens, make a conscious effort to switch from regular underwear to seamless underwear before putting on your compression leggings.

Another important point: avoid pulling the waistband too high, as this can easily cause camel toe issues.

When purchasing compression leggings for the first time, if you're prioritizing compression effectiveness, choose according to the size chart measurements. If comfort is your main concern, consider going one size smaller than your usual size.

For example: Height 5'8", weight 128 lbs, normally wears size L. According to the size chart, choose size S for maximum compression, or size M if prioritizing comfort.

We all have some extra softness around our waistline. If you want to minimize this area, consider choosing leggings with a wide waistband design. High-waisted styles also help create the illusion of longer, more elongated legs.

When it comes to color coordination for your complete outfit, you can create primary and secondary color harmonies throughout your look, but try to keep your total color palette to 3-4 shades maximum.

Color Coordination Tips:

- Gradual color transitions: Use similar tones that flow naturally together. For example, pair dusty rose leggings with a coral sports bra and light pink sneakers. This creates a harmonious gradient effect that's visually pleasing without being overwhelming. Neutral transitions work beautifully too.
- Same-color echoing: Repeat the same color in different pieces for cohesion throughout your look. If you're wearing navy leggings, echo that shade with navy trim on your sports bra or navy laces on your shoes. You can also echo colors through small accessories like hair ties, or fitness trackers to tie everything together seamlessly.

If you frequently run at night, consider choosing styles with reflective elements.

For expecting mothers, specially designed maternity compression leggings are available with extra abdominal support. These not only help reduce leg fatigue and swelling but also provide stability and protection for light exercise like prenatal yoga.

After intense workouts, muscle soreness from lactic acid buildup can persist, leaving your legs feeling weak and tired. For recovery, consider graduated compression leggings that help accelerate muscle recovery through targeted pressure therapy.

Graduated compression works by applying varying levels of pressure from the ankles up to the thighs, with the highest compression at the feet gradually decreasing toward the hips.

Compression Calf Sleeves

The functionality and historical evolution of compression calf sleeves and socks is quite fascinating – these pieces have evolved significantly from military "puttees" or leg wraps used in warfare to the high-tech athletic gear we see today.

You'll spot compression calf sleeves in fitness training, team sports, running, and trail activities. They're typically worn with shorts, and there's no need to add calf sleeves if you're already wearing full-length compression leggings.

When shopping for compression calf sleeves, you'll need to measure your calf circumference at the widest part of your calf muscle. For example, if your calf measures 13.8 inches, you'd choose XS. If you're right at a size boundary – say 14.2 inches – it's better to size down and choose XS for optimal compression benefits.

Compression Socks

How to measure calf circumference: Measure horizontally around the thickest part of your calf. Measurement is in centimeters.

While measuring for compression socks is straightforward, did you know that compression socks come in many different varieties designed for specific activities? The most common are running and fitness compression socks, but there are also specialized options like:

- Ski and mountaineering socks: Designed for mountain terrain warmth and protection
- High-intensity track and field socks: Focused on muscle stabilization during explosive movements
- Flight socks: Feature graduated compression to relieve leg swelling during long flights
- Recovery socks: Specifically designed for post-workout muscle recovery

Styling Tips for Lower Body Wear

Proportions Matter

• Shorter women: Opt for high-waisted leggings to create the illusion of longer legs
• Curvier figures: Wide waistbands help smooth and flatter the midsection
• Athletic builds: Experiment with patterns and colors to add visual interest

Layering Strategies

1. Cool weather: Layer compression leggings under shorts for both function and style
2. Transition seasons: Pair capri-length compression tights with ankle boots
3. Summer: Choose moisture-wicking fabrics in lighter colors to reflect heat

Pattern and Texture Mixing

While solid colors are versatile and slimming, don't be afraid to incorporate subtle patterns or Geometric patterns. These details can add visual interest while still maintaining a polished athletic look.

Conclusion

Don't forget that the best athletic wear is what makes you feel confident and ready to move. Trust your instincts, prioritize comfort and function, and remember that confidence is always your best accessory.