Test opacity with a deep squat in daylight, pull the seams to see that the stitching stretches with the fabric, stretch the leg and waistband to check recovery, then wash the sample once and check it all again. That sequence is the core leggings quality check before selling, and it takes less than an hour with one sample pair and two or three people to try it on.
We check every pair for seams, waistband and finish against your approved sample before packing. Your own check of the sample decides what that standard will be, so it deserves care. Gather what you need first: the sample, the agreed size chart, a measuring tape, good light, a phone for photographs, and two or three people who wear the sample size and will tell you honestly how it feels.
Opacity: the check customers make first
Opacity is the first thing a customer tests, often in a squat in front of a mirror, so make it your first test too.
- Put the sample on someone in the right size. Too small a size will show through when a correctly sized pair would not.
- Stand in natural daylight, or under bright white light.
- Squat deeply and bend forward.
- Look from behind, at the seat and the back of the thigh, where the fabric stretches most.
- Photograph it with a phone, as a flash photograph can show more than the eye.
Repeat this in every colour you plan to sell. Black and dark neutrals are the most forgiving; pale colours need more care. We use dense stretch knits for leggings and review lighter colours with you, but the decision on each colour is yours, so test them all.
Seams and construction
Turn the leggings inside out. Look at:
- Inside leg and crotch seams. These take the most strain. Stitching should be even, flat and without gaps.
- Stretch at the seam. Pull gently across a seam. The stitching should stretch with the fabric rather than crack or pop.
- The gusset, if the style has one. It should sit flat with clean joins.
- Hems. Even, flat and straight, with no twisting on full-length or flared styles.
- Loose threads. None trailing from seams or hems.
On flared yoga pants, check that the flare falls straight from the knee and the hem does not twist around the leg.
Stretch, recovery and the waistband
Stretch and recovery
Pull a section of the leg gently in both directions and let go. Nylon-elastane and polyester-elastane both stretch in every direction and should return to shape quickly. Look for any area that stays baggy, especially at the knee after squatting.
Waistband
The waistband is where most buyers judge quality. Check that:
- it stays in place through squats, bends and stretches;
- it does not roll down at the front when the wearer bends;
- it does not dig in when sitting;
- a hidden pocket, if chosen, lies flat and holds a key or card securely;
- the inside branding or label is comfortable against the skin.
Fit, sizing and branding
Measure the sample flat: waist, hip, front rise and inside leg. Compare to the size chart you agreed. Then try it on people of different heights to see where the hem lands, especially for 7/8 and biker shorts.
Check every branding element:
| Element | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Waistband logo | Position, size, clean edges, flat after stretching |
| Inside-waistband print or label | Correct size shown, comfortable, readable |
| Wash-care label | Every word correct, securely sewn |
| Hang tag | Correct artwork, size, attachment |
| Packing | Fold, bag and stickers as specified |
The wash test
Wash the sample once following the care label, dry it as instructed, then repeat the opacity, stretch, measurement and logo checks. Note any change in size, colour or logo. If something changes, tell us before approving. It is far easier to adjust at sample stage.
Checking the delivery
When the bulk order arrives:
- Match cartons to the packing list.
- Open cartons from different parts of the shipment, not just the top few.
- Count a sample of pieces by size and colour against the order.
- Measure a few pairs per size against your chart.
- Compare colour between cartons in daylight.
- Check opacity on a few pairs in each colour.
- Check logos, inside branding and labels on a spread of pieces.
If something is not right, note the size, colour, quantity checked and issue, take clear daylight photographs, and contact us with the order details. Clear notes help us look into it quickly. Our guide to leggings fabric explains how each fabric should look and feel, which helps when judging a sample.
Keep the approved sample and your notes as the standard for every reorder. A short record, with photographs of the sample, your measurements and the date you approved it, makes the next check quicker and keeps every batch consistent with the first. When you request a sample, send us the style, fabric, colour and size, plus your branding artwork, and see the full range on our white label leggings page.