Three checks before you buy plus size leggings
Fabric, waistband, and inseam decide whether leggings work, not the size on the tag. Check those three first.
What actually decides whether leggings will be sheer?
Sheerness comes from the fabric blend and the knit, not the size you order. Woman Within solids are cotton and spandex; heathers are cotton, poly, and spandex, and a lighter color always shows more lumps and bumps than the same legging in black or a dark color.
Read the fabric line on the product page before you trust a photo. A close-fitting cotton-spandex knit holds its shape and its opacity throughout a full day of sitting and bending.
Does the waistband actually stay put?
Look for a full covered elastic waistband built to sit smooth and gap-free with no digging. That construction is what stops the roll-down and back-gap problems reviewers mention most. And be sure to order the size on our Size Chart that most closely aligns with your waist and hip measurements!
Most Woman Within leggings are designed with a higher rise, hitting above one's natural waist, so the band stays flat under a shirt hem. Pull-on ease means there are no zippers or buttons to dig in when you sit down.
Which inseam matches your height?
Match the inseam to your height, not to your size. An ankle-length legging runs about 28 inches in Women's average leggings, 26 inches for Petite, and 31 inches in our Tall styles. A capri legging runs about 18 inches average and 16 inches petite.
Petite and tall inseams exist precisely because "one length fits all" doesn't. If your last pair bunched at the ankle or stopped mid-calf, the fix is usually the inseam option, not a different size.
Three Woman Within leggings that pass all three tests
Each of these covers the fabric, waistband, and inseam checks above. Here's who each one suits.
If you need pockets and a full-length leg, the side pocket ankle-length leggings are the pick. If you're after a shorter, warm-weather length with the same pocket, choose the stretch-cotton pocket capri leggings. If you'd rather keep your silhouette pocket-free and streamlined, the stretch-cotton knit pull-on leggings pair with a tunic for a clean line.
| Style | Inseam options | Waistband | Pockets |
|---|---|---|---|
| side pocket ankle-length leggings | Average 28", Petite 26", Tall 31" | Full covered elastic, high rise | 2 side pockets |
| stretch-cotton pocket capri leggings | Average 18", Petite 16" | Full covered elastic | 2 side pockets |
| stretch-cotton knit pull-on leggings | Average 28", Petite 26", Tall 31" | Full covered elastic, sits slightly above the waist | No pockets |
Which pair is right for you
Start with how you'll wear them. Errands and travel days call for pockets and full length; a hot commute or a warm climate calls for a capri legging. Petite and Tall inseams solve length problems a size change never will.
One more thing reviewers flag: some shrinkage after washing. If you're between sizes, size up rather than down, and expect the fit to settle in after the first few washes. We recommend that you line dry leggings with Spandex, because dryer heat will deteriorate the stretch fibers more rapidly.
Ready to compare more options? Browse the full range of Woman Within leggings next.
Frequently asked questions
Will plus size leggings shrink in the dryer?
Some shrinkage after repeated washing is possible with cotton-spandex knits. These leggings are machine washable and tumble dry; if you're between sizes, size up so the fit holds after the first few washes.
Do plus size leggings come in Petite and Tall inseam sizes?
Yes. Ankle-length styles offer Women's average, petite, and tall inseams, and capri styles are offered for regular and petite women. Match the inseam to your height rather than guessing from the size alone.
What's the difference between ankle-length and capri leggings?
Ankle-length leggings run about 28 inches average and reach the ankle; capri leggings run about 18 inches average and stop mid-calf. Both come in a petite inseam for a shorter fit.
Do plus size leggings have pockets?
Select styles do. The side pocket ankle-length and pocket capri leggings each add two side pockets without extra bulk; the classic pull-on style skips pockets for a streamlined line.