How to avoid pilling and transparency issues in gym leggings?

How to avoid pilling and transparency issues in gym leggings?

Pilling and transparency are two of the most common quality complaints in gym leggings. From a professional activewear manufacturer’s perspective, these issues are largely preventable through the right material choices, construction methods, and quality control processes. Below is a practical, experience-based breakdown.
1. Choose the Right Fabric Structure, Not Just Composition

Pilling is often caused by short fibers and low yarn strength, especially in low-grade polyester or cotton blends. For high-performance leggings, manufacturers should prioritize nylon–spandex blends with high filament yarns, which are smoother and more abrasion-resistant. At ohsurewear, we select fabrics tested specifically for anti-pilling performance under repeated friction.
2. Control Fabric Weight & Density to Prevent Transparency

Transparency usually results from fabric that is too lightweight or loosely knitted. While thin fabrics may feel soft, they often fail squat tests. A balanced GSM (typically 220–280gsm for leggings) combined with high stitch density ensures coverage without sacrificing stretch. ohsurewear conducts stretch-and-recovery testing to verify opacity under movement.
3. Optimize Knitting & Stretch Recovery

Poor knitting tension or uneven elastane distribution can cause fabric thinning when stretched, leading to see-through areas. Professional factories work closely with knitting mills to ensure consistent tension and four-way stretch recovery, especially for high-waist and hip zones.
4. Smart Pattern Design & Panel Placement

Transparency can also be a design issue. Overstretched panels, poorly placed seams, or single-layer areas at high-stress zones increase risk. Experienced manufacturers adjust pattern grading and use double-layer construction where needed, such as waistbands.
5. Enforce Testing & Bulk Quality Control

Lab testing (anti-pilling, abrasion, stretch opacity) should be completed before bulk production—not after. During production, in-line inspections and random squat tests help catch issues early. ohsurewear integrates these checks into every production stage.
Manufacturer Insight:
Avoiding pilling and transparency is not about one solution—it’s about fabric science, engineering design, and disciplined quality control. Partnering with a specialized manufacturer like ohsurewear ensures leggings perform well in real workouts and hold up in the market.