CORE Performance Flares

How to Choose the Right Performance Flares

Flared leggings combine a fitted upper leg with a wider hem, which affects how they move, fit and suit different activities compared with a standard straight-leg legging. Choosing the right pair comes down to understanding how the flare works and matching fit and fabric to your activity.

What Makes a Flared Design Different?

A standard legging maintains a close, fitted line from waist to ankle, while a flared design stays fitted through the waist and thigh before widening from around the knee down to the hem. This creates more movement and visual flow at the bottom of the leg, popular for dance, yoga and studio classes where the flare complements movement, as well as for everyday wear where the silhouette offers a different look from a fitted legging.
Prefer a closer, fitted silhouette instead? See our Seamless Leggings for a straight-leg alternative.

Which Impact Level Should You Choose?

Flared leggings generally suit low to medium-impact activity best, given that the wider hem isn't designed for the same close-to-body movement as a high-impact running legging. Yoga, pilates, dance and general studio classes work well with a flared fit, where the flowing hem doesn't interfere with the movement itself. For high-impact activity like running or HIIT, a straight-leg or fitted legging typically performs better, reducing fabric movement during faster, more repetitive motion.

How to Choose the Right Size

Fit through the waist and thigh should feel secure and supportive, similar to a standard fitted legging, since this is where the garment needs to hold its shape during movement. The flared section from the knee down should have enough room to move freely without feeling restrictive, but shouldn't be so loose that it catches underfoot during activity. Checking the specific size guide for each style is worth doing, as the point where the flare begins and its width can vary between designs.

Understanding Fabric and Performance Features

Stretch fabric matters throughout Performance Flares, but particularly through the fitted waist and thigh section, where the fabric needs to hold its shape and support movement. The flared section typically uses the same stretch fabric but relies less on close compression, allowing it to move more freely. Where moisture-wicking fabric is used, it helps manage sweat during more active sessions such as dance or gym training.

Construction and Seam Details

The seam where the flare begins is a key construction detail, affecting how the fabric drapes and moves. A well-constructed flare sits smoothly without pulling or bunching at the transition point. Waistband construction also matters for fit and comfort — a wider, higher waistband tends to offer more secure support during movement than a narrower, lower waistband.

How Should They Fit

Performance Flares should feel secure and supportive through the waist and thigh, similar to a well-fitting legging, while the flared section should move freely without feeling restrictive or catching underfoot. The waistband shouldn't dig in or roll down during movement, and the flare should sit at a length that doesn't drag on the floor or interfere with footwear.

Flared vs Straight-Leg Leggings

A straight-leg legging maintains a consistent, fitted line from waist to ankle, prioritising a close fit throughout. Flared leggings stay fitted through the waist and thigh before widening from the knee, offering more movement and a different silhouette at the hem. Choosing between the two often comes down to the activity and personal style preference rather than one being universally better.

Styling Performance Flares

Flared leggings work well for dance and studio classes where the flowing hem complements movement, and also suit everyday wear paired with a fitted top or cropped jacket to balance the wider leg. For gym use, they're often chosen for lower-impact training such as yoga or pilates rather than high-intensity cardio.
Pair them with a Halterneck Sports Bra or Cross Back Sports Bra for studio and yoga sessions.

Seasonal and Everyday Use

Performance Flares in lighter fabric suit warmer months or studio environments, where breathability matters during movement. Slightly heavier fabric weights can extend their use into cooler months, particularly for everyday wear where a legging alternative with more visual interest is preferred.

Caring for Performance Flares

Washing on a cooler setting helps preserve the stretch in both the fitted section and the flared hem, which relies on fabric quality to hold its shape and drape correctly. Avoiding tumble drying and fabric softener also helps maintain the fabric's stretch and any moisture-wicking properties over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are Performance Flares?

Performance Flares are flared leggings that stay fitted through the waist and thigh before widening from around the knee down to the hem. This creates more movement and a distinctive silhouette compared with a standard straight-leg legging, suited to yoga, dance and everyday wear.

2. Are flared leggings suitable for the gym?

Yes, particularly for lower to medium-impact training such as yoga, pilates or general studio classes, where the flowing hem doesn't interfere with movement. For high-impact activity like running or HIIT, a straight-leg legging typically performs better.

3. How is a flared legging different from a straight-leg legging?

A straight-leg legging keeps a consistent, fitted line from waist to ankle, while a flared legging stays fitted through the waist and thigh before widening from the knee down. This gives flared styles more movement and a different silhouette at the hem.

4. Will the flared hem get in the way during activity?

The flared section is designed to move freely without restricting activity, but it isn't intended for high-impact movement where a closer fit reduces fabric movement. For running or HIIT, a straight-leg style is generally more practical.

5. How should Performance Flares fit through the waist and thigh?

The waist and thigh should feel secure and supportive, similar to a well-fitting standard legging, since this is where the garment needs to hold its shape during movement. The waistband shouldn't dig in or roll down during activity.

6. What fabric is best for flared leggings?

Stretch fabric works well throughout, supporting the fitted waist and thigh section while allowing the flared hem to move more freely. Where moisture-wicking fabric is used, it helps manage sweat during more active sessions such as dance or gym training.

7. Can I wear flared leggings for everyday wear, not just training?

Yes, flared leggings work well for everyday wear, often paired with a fitted top or cropped jacket to balance the wider leg. The silhouette offers a different look from a standard fitted legging, which is part of their appeal outside training.

8. How should I wash Performance Flares to keep the flare's shape?

Washing on a cooler setting helps preserve the stretch in both the fitted section and the flared hem, which relies on fabric quality to hold its drape. Avoiding tumble drying and fabric softener also helps maintain performance over time.