Ladies, I need your design input on leggings. May I pick your brain?

[TheBootyChest]

First off, I am trying to draw/design some leggings to match a picture I posted of a sports top I drew. (Picture posted at end of page.)

Now to the point: (Either pick a few questions or go nuts with them all.)

1. Do you prefer zigzag saps on the sides or criss cross?

2. In some of the pictures the cutout goes as high as the hip, how do you feel about that?

3. Do you prefer open cutouts or for the cutouts to be mesh covered?

4. If you didn't have cutouts up the entire leg, how high up would you prefer it?

5. What are other aspects of leggings I need to take into more cosideration?

6. How do you pick whether you get high waisted or low rise?

7. Opinions between leggings and capris?

8. Any thoughts about the pictures/references below?

I want to thank you so much for reading this far. I appreciate your willingness to help other people.

[acridtaf]

First off, if you're designing leggings to go with the top, you'll want the same style of crossing used on the top on the leggings - that way it is a match. Now... to answer your questions. I'll number them so you know what I'm responding to.

1. Criss cross. The zigzag looks too constrictive. I assume you're going for fashionable but practical? Go with the criss-cross, or a crossing like the top...

2. The placement of the highest part of the cut-out is actually crucial. It can make all the difference in how well-received/the message potential buyers will have on the leggings. If the cut-outs are too high, it says "sexualize this," but if that's what your aim is, perhaps you ought to design lingerie where that sort of thing is expected; you can never be too careful these days.

3. Depends on the intended purpose:
Cold weather exercise, jogging, etc - mesh covered; warm/hot weather exercise, yoga, etc - open.
Personally, my favorite leggings you've posted are the mesh ones with the combat boots.

4. Mid-thigh, maybe an inch or two above that.

5. The fabric used to criss-cross needs some give. They shouldn't constrict the legs, which is what causes the dent impressions of the pattern on the legs when they are removed; comfort is key... if they're too tight, it can cut off circulation. Also the overall fabric, it needs to be breathable, like microfiber but not see-through in the crotch and buttocks area.

6. I prefer low-rise because it's more comfortable for me. However, I imagine -personal preference aside - depending on ones weight and body shape, the choice is then made apparent as to what waistline one must have.

7. Leggings, I find, are more comfortable.
Perhaps, it would be a wise endeavor to make both leggings and capris, as the opinions on both will differ. It's 50/50 with most women, honestly.

8. I'm not real keen on the last legging picture, but only because that design is already in circulation - and can be purchased at WalMart.

[TheBootyChest]

That was very in-depth. I love when ladies take their time to help out.

[acridtaf]

No problem. I like queries that allow and encourage others to give honest opinions. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Zig Zag. I prefer mesh (really i don’t wear leggings with cutouts), the issue i have with leggings i’ve worn is how much room there is for the upper thigh/largest part of hip/bum area. It can be uncomfortable in the upper thigh/crotch area which is a huge no. I always pick high waisted because it is more comfortable, i feel its more comfortable than to have a cut off at the hip.

[TheBootyChest]

If you don't mind, can you explain more about the room in the hip area?

How is the high waisted leggings more comfortable?

[Opinion Owner]

what do you mean, exactly? (to the first question)

[TheBootyChest]

You were mentioning that there isn't enough room in the hip area.

[Opinion Owner]

i meant the area that’s parallel to the thigh openings in leggings can sometimes be really snug (uncomfortable) to the point where they cause those ripples from the crotch area to the upper though. a typical problem women with large thighs/hips run into. This same issue can result in odd camel toe going on. even if the leggings fit, they don’t fit quite right and it sucks. this is the issue that usually stops me from wearing leggings.

[TheBootyChest]

Are there other things you look for when picking out leggings? Like prints, style, other things?

[-Wildfire-_]

I like the 5th picture the best, If I wore those with a black crop top I have, they would be perfect together.

[Anonymous]

1. Zigzag
2. Great
3. Open
4. Knee
5. Get a good quality material and be original
6. I don't have a preference
7. Leggings are good and I don't like capris
8. Eh

[Anonymous]

I like the leggings