The #1 reason first-time buyers receive bad leggings:
They send the factory a screenshot and say “make this.” A photo communicates 5% of what the factory needs. The other 95% — fabric weight, seam type, waistband construction — is left to the factory’s imagination. This guide gives you the vocabulary, specs, and a ready-to-send template.
The 7 Specifications Every Legging Order Must Define
| Spec | Controls | Beginner Pick | Ask Factory |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Fabric Composition | Hand feel, stretch, durability, price | 75% Nylon / 25% Spandex | “Nylon or polyester base? Exact spandex %?” |
| 2. GSM | Opacity, compression, warmth | 190-200 GSM | “GSM tolerance? Test report?” |
| 3. Waistband | Fit security, comfort #1 factor | High-rise 4.5″, encased elastic | “Does elastic grip when wet?” |
| 4. Inseam | Where legging hits on leg | 25″ at size M, ±0.5″ per size | “Grading rule per size?” |
| 5. Gusset | Prevents camel toe, adds durability | Diamond cotton-lined | “Single or double-layer?” |
| 6. Seams | Chafing, durability, aesthetics | Flatlock throughout | “Show inside of gusset seam?” |
| 7. Finish | “Buttery soft” hand feel | Mechanical peached | “Mechanical or chemical? Wash durability?” |
GSM Deep Dive
| GSM | Feels Like | Opacity Risk | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120-150 | Ultra-light cloud | ⚠️ Very High | Hot yoga, summer |
| 160-180 | Light, breathable | ⚠️ Medium | Studio, daily |
| 190-210 | Substantial, opaque | ✅ Low | All-purpose yoga |
| 220-280 | Heavy, compressive | ✅ Very Low | Winter, compression |
💡 The $30 tool: Buy a GSM cutter on Amazon. Cut a 100cm² circle from your sample. Weigh it. If the factory quoted 200 GSM and you get 165, you just caught a fabric substitution. Tell your factory you test GSM — the honest ones will not flinch.
Your Spec Sheet Template
PRODUCT: Yoga Legging — [Style Name] FABRIC: 75% Nylon / 25% Spandex, 195 GSM ±5% FINISH: Mechanical peached, 4-way stretch, recovery ≥95% WAISTBAND: High-rise 4.5", encased elastic, silicone grip GUSSET: Diamond cotton-lined, double-layer SEAMS: Flatlock throughout INSEAM: 25" (M), graded ±0.5"/size SIZES: XS-XL | COLORS: [list] | ORDER QTY: [qty] TARGET FOB: $[range] | TERMS: FOB [Port]
Send this spec to 3 factories. The one that asks the best technical questions wins. The one that just says “OK, $X” is guessing. Send us your spec — we respond with a technical review within 48 hours.
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