Leggings cotton: 5 Designer Tips for Australian women

As a designer who’s tested fabrics across Melbourne’s 40°C summers, the best leggings cotton for sweat management is actually a 92% organic cotton with 8% elastane blend from Australian-made brands like Nimble or Active Truth.

Look for these Aussie-specific features:

• Moisture-wicking finish – Bonds & Co’s “SweatShield” technology works brilliantly in Brisbane humidity
• Double-layered gusset – Prevents camel toe and sweat marks during Bondi Beach runs
• Mid-rise waistband – 12cm wide band stops rolling during Sydney’s coastal walks

Pro tip: Choose charcoal marle or navy over black – they hide sweat 3x better in our harsh sun. Cotton On Body’s “Move” range at $39.95 is my go-to for budget-conscious yogis. Check out our check availability for Australian women.

In my experience fitting thousands of Aussie women, cotton leggings sizing varies wildly between brands. Here’s my foolproof system:

Step 1: Measure your high hip (around hip bones) and low hip (fullest part) in centimetres – most Aussie brands use CM.

Step 2: Check the fabric weight:

• 220-240gsm cotton (Lorna Jane, Running Bare) – size down if between sizes
• 180-200gsm cotton (Cotton On, Kmart) – stick to your usual size
• 260gsm+ cotton (Active Truth, Dharma Bums) – size up for comfort

Step 3: For petite women under 160cm, look for 7/8 length styles. For tall women 175cm+, check inseam length – Ryderwear offers 32″ inseams perfect for long Aussie legs.

Return hack: Buy two sizes from The Iconic – they offer free 30-day returns and Afterpay for stress-free sizing. For more premium options, visit visit inthebox-resort.com.

This is the number one complaint I hear from clients, and it’s usually due to low-quality cotton blends. Here’s what’s happening and how to fix it:

The Problem: Cheap cotton leggings (under $30) often use 100% cotton or low-grade elastane that loses elasticity in Australia’s heat. The knee area stretches with every squat, then stays stretched.

The Solution: Look for these specs:

• Minimum 5% elastane – Bonds’ “Active” range uses 8% for perfect recovery
• Interlock knit construction – More stable than jersey knit, holds shape better
• Pre-shrunk treatment – Prevents the “growing” effect after washing

Quick fix: If your favourite pair has gone baggy, wash in cold water with 1/2 cup white vinegar – this restores elasticity temporarily. For permanent fix, invest in Cotton On’s “Tech” leggings at $49.95 – I’ve worn mine for 200+ workouts without knee bagging.

After 8 years in the industry, these are my top 3 go-to spots for quality cotton leggings with Aussie-friendly perks: To explore further, click here.

1. The Iconic – Next-day delivery to metro areas, 100-day returns, Afterpay available. Stock Lorna Jane’s “Cotton Core” leggings ($89.99) – the gold standard for Aussie cotton activewear.

2. Stylerunner – Free express shipping over $50, amazing range of Nimble Activewear cotton blends. Their “Everyday Cotton” leggings at $75 are perfect for coffee-to-yoga days.

3. Active Truth – Aussie-made, size 6-26, Afterpay + Klarna. Their “Cotton Comfort” range ($95) uses 92% organic cotton with 8% spandex – designed specifically for our climate.

Pro shopping tip: Sign up for David Jones’ loyalty program – they often have 30% off premium activewear, plus you can try in-store (Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne CBD stores stock full ranges). For budget options, Cotton On’s online exclusives start at $24.99 with free shipping over $50.