Bamboo leggings for women and opacity when you bend over
Short answer: A simple test helps with leggings: stand in front of a mirror in good light and bend over, to see whether the fabric becomes see-through. Do the test with your own leggings before you use them for exercise or everyday wear.
How to do the light test on leggings
Stand in front of a mirror in good light, preferably daylight, bend forward, squat and stretch your legs while you look at the fabric. If it becomes thin or see-through at the back of the thighs, the leggings are not opaque enough to wear without a long top.
Bamboo leggings for women
When you look at bamboo leggings for women, do the test at home and judge whether the fabric is opaque enough for what you will use it for. Also read the material information, because the blend with elastane or other fibres affects how the fabric stretches.
Why the fabric gets thin when you bend
When the fabric is stretched over body and joints, the weave or knit becomes more open and light can get through. That is why a pair of leggings can look opaque when you stand but show more when you bend, and it depends on the knit, weight, colour and size.
Size matters more than you think
A size that is too small stretches the fabric more and makes it more see-through. Choose a size that fits closely without stretching the fabric to the limit, and check the size chart, so you choose by your measurements and not by habit.
Colour and pattern
Dark colours usually hide more than light ones, and patterns can make it less obvious if the fabric gets thin. But dark leggings can also get thin if the size is too small, so the light test applies whatever the colour, especially if you choose something light.
Length of the top
If you are unsure you can wear a slightly longer top that covers the seat, and then the light test is less important. A women's long-sleeved bamboo T-shirt can cover well, and a brand such as Boody can give you a sense of the range.
Care that keeps the fabric dense
Wash the leggings by the label, often inside out on a gentle programme at low temperature. Avoid strong detergents and high heat, and dry them without a tumble dryer, so the fabric keeps its shape and is not worn thin faster than necessary.
When you buy new leggings
Read the material information and measure yourself against the size chart before you choose. Try the leggings on at home with the light test, and wash them once before you decide to keep them. Then you know how the fabric behaves after a wash and whether it is still opaque enough.
Frequently asked questions
What is the light test for leggings?
You stand in front of a mirror in good light, bend over and check whether the fabric becomes see-through. The test shows whether the leggings are opaque enough.
Why do leggings become see-through?
Because the fabric is stretched and gets thinner when you bend. Size, knit, weight and colour all play a part.
Should I choose a larger size?
If the fabric becomes see-through, a larger size can help, because the fabric is stretched less. Check the measurements and choose by them.
