High-waisted leggings in a dark, dense-looking knit
If you have been searching for petite thick leggings not see through for women over 50, you already know the frustration. Many leggings look fine on the hanger and then turn sheer the moment you bend over. You want a dark, solid-looking knit, a waistband that stays put, and a length that does not swallow your legs.
These leggings are full length and high-waisted, made from a stretchy seamless knit of nylon and elastane. The color we feature first is a dark charcoal gray, and the knit looks dense in the photos. There are subtle horizontal ribbed panels across the thighs and hips, and a ruched scrunch seam at the back.
They are a standard legging cut. There are no pockets and no zippers, just an elastic waist and a clean, simple shape. They cost $69 and ship free to the US.
One honest note up front: we do not publish a fabric weight for these, and we will not promise opacity in every color. The dark shades look the most solid in the photos. Lighter shades such as light purple and khaki are the ones to think about more carefully, because lighter colors in any legging tend to show more than dark ones.
Why it works for women over 50
Comfort and coverage matter more at this stage than trends do. Here is what these leggings offer on both counts.
A wide, smooth waistband
The waistband is high and wide, with a smooth finish in the photos. A wider band tends to sit flatter against the body than a thin elastic one, and it is less likely to roll down when you walk or sit. The closure is an elastic waist, so there is no button, zipper or drawstring to dig in.
If you like a waist that stays where you put it, this is the kind of design to look for. We cannot promise it will suit every body, so check the size guide below and choose the size that fits comfortably through the waist and hips.
A dark knit with subtle texture
The charcoal gray and black options are the safest picks if opacity is your top concern. A dark color hides more than a light one, and the knit looks dense and even in the photos.
The ribbed or striped panels on the thighs and hips are subtle. They add some visual texture, which many people like because it breaks up a flat expanse of color. The ruched scrunch seam at the back adds shape. It is a slightly youthful detail, we will admit, but the overall cut is still a regular legging and not a fashion piece you have to build an outfit around.
Seamless knit for easy wear
The product is listed as seamless, which usually means fewer bulky seams to rub against skin. The ruched seam at the back is a design detail you can see in the photos. If you are sensitive to seams, you may want to try the leggings on for a short time at home before a long day in them.
Fabric and feel
The material is listed as nylon and elastane in a knit construction. Nylon is a smooth, durable fiber, and elastane is what gives leggings their stretch. The photos show a stretchy, seamless knit with a clean finish.
We do not have a fabric percentage, a weight, or a lining description, so we will not make claims about those. The listing does not mention any chemicals of high concern. If you want a precise sense of thickness, the best guide is the photos, where the dark colors look solid and dense.
If you are comparing these with other leggings, ask yourself what you need most. If it is a smooth, stretchy, full-length legging with a high waist and some texture, this matches. If you need a heavy, brushed winter fabric, we cannot say these are that, because the details do not describe it.
Care instructions
No care label was supplied with the product details, so these are our general suggestions for stretch knits rather than official instructions:
- Wash in cool water with similar colors.
- Turn them inside out to protect the surface of the knit.
- Skip fabric softener and bleach, which can wear on stretch fibers.
- Air dry, or use the lowest heat if you use a dryer.
Gentle care helps any stretch legging keep its shape and color for longer.
Size guide
These leggings come in S, M, L, XL and XXL, and are listed as true to size.
How to measure
Because a full body size chart has not been published for this product, take your own measurements and compare them with the chart above.
- Waist: Measure around the narrowest part of your torso. For high-waisted leggings, also measure a couple of inches above your navel, since that is where the waistband will sit.
- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat, with your feet together.
- Inseam: Measure from your inner thigh at the top to where you want the leggings to end, usually the ankle bone. Use a soft tape and stand straight.
Write the numbers down and keep them handy. Because all sales are final, a few minutes with a tape measure is the best way to avoid a poor fit.
Which size should I choose?
The only product measurement listed is the length of each size:
| Size |
Length (in) |
Length (cm) |
| S |
31.30 |
79.5 |
| M |
32.09 |
81.5 |
| L |
32.87 |
83.5 |
| XL |
33.66 |
85.5 |
| XXL |
34.45 |
87.5 |
These are the lengths the supplier lists. They are ankle-length pants, so the length is the one to watch if you are petite. If your inseam is short, the leggings may bunch at the ankle. Some people like that look, and others do not. The smallest size is already 31.3 inches long, so we do not want to suggest they are made specifically for petite frames.
If you are between sizes, think about what matters most to you. A stretch knit that is slightly snug usually looks smoother and stays put better than one that is loose. If you prefer a relaxed feel at the waist, or you plan to wear them for long stretches of sitting, sizing up may be more comfortable.
Since the fit is listed as true to size, you can usually start with your usual leggings size. If you have a longer torso or fuller hips, compare your measurements to the chart and choose the size that suits your widest measurement.
How to style it
Leggings with a high waist and a bit of texture are easy to wear with a longer top. Here are a few simple ideas.
- Long tunic or oversized sweater: The high waist pairs well with a top that covers the hips, if you prefer more coverage.
- Fitted tee or tank: Tuck it in or leave it half-tucked to show off the waistband.
- Open cardigan or long jacket: An easy layer for cool mornings that adds length to the outfit.
- Sneakers or slip-ons: Ankle-length leggings look neat with low-profile shoes. Short legs tend to look longer with a shoe that closely matches the color of the leggings.
The ruched seam at the back looks best when it is left visible, so a shorter top may show it off. If you would rather not draw attention to it, choose a longer top. Dark charcoal and black are the simplest colors to match with what you already own.
Where else you can wear it
The listing calls these yoga pants, and the stretchy, seamless knit suits gentle movement. They are also an easy choice for other parts of your week.
- Walking and errands: A comfortable, full-length option for the market, the park or the school run.
- Yoga and light workouts: The stretch and high waist make them suitable for stretching, mat work and low-impact classes.
- Travel days: Stretch leggings are practical on a plane or in the car, with no hard buttons.
- At home: A soft, easy layer for the weekend when you want to be comfortable.
We do not describe these as compression or performance leggings, because the details do not say that. They are a comfortable everyday legging with a workout-friendly knit.
Shipping
Free standard shipping to all 50 US states. Orders are made to order and ship from our production partner within 1 to 3 business days, then arrive in about 7 to 14 business days. You get a tracking link by email as soon as your order ships.
All sales are final
All sales are final. Because every item is made to order, we do not accept returns or exchanges for change of mind or fit, so please check the size information before ordering. If your order arrives damaged, defective or not as described, email us within 14 days of delivery with a photo and we will send a replacement or a refund.
Contact us
Email hello@leggingsvale.com. A real person replies within one business day.
Why shop with Leggings Vale
We are a small shop that focuses on leggings, so we try to describe each pair plainly. We tell you what the photos show, we share the measurements we have, and we say so when something has not been published. We would rather you know that than guess.
Prices are in US dollars, and shipping to the US is free. Delivery takes 7 to 14 business days. If something arrives damaged, defective or not what you ordered, we replace it or refund you within 14 days of delivery.
Frequently asked questions
Are these leggings really not see through?
We cannot promise that for every color. The dark shades, especially charcoal gray and black, look dense and solid in the photos. Light purple and khaki are lighter colors, and lighter colors generally show more than dark ones, so choose darker shades if opacity matters most to you.
Are they a good fit if I am petite?
They are ankle-length, and the listed lengths run from 31.3 inches in S to 34.45 inches in XXL. If you are petite, measure your inseam and compare it with the length for your size. The leggings may bunch slightly at the ankle on shorter legs.
Do these leggings have pockets?
No. There are no pockets or zippers. The waist is a simple elastic waistband, so you will need to carry your phone and keys another way.
What colors and sizes are available?
The colors are gray, black, green, light purple and khaki. Sizes are S, M, L, XL and XXL.
Can I return them if they do not fit?
All sales are final, so we do not accept returns or exchanges for fit or change of mind. If your order arrives damaged, defective or incorrect, we will replace it or refund you within 14 days of delivery. Please measure carefully before you order.
