This Feature Makes Leggings Crazy-Slimming

It's no secret that leggings are essential to our casual wardrobes, right? Not only is the perfect pair insanely comfy, but it can also make your outfit significantly cooler and laid-back. But there's another reason we wear leggings so much—they can be incredibly flattering if you know how to choose the right pair.

To fill us in on the number one feature that makes leggings slimming, we tapped Katie Warner Johnson, CEO and co-founder of one of our favorite activewear retailers, Carbon38, to give us her expert opinion. "I am obsessed with fit—I think it is because I spent so much time in front of the mirror as a ballet dancer. The key to a killer pair of slimming leggings is the tailoring in the crotch," she said. We couldn't agree more. When you're trying on leggings in the store, it's best to search for a pair with a wide-set gusset. It's pretty technical, but this piece is sewn into the crotch region to strengthen it and define that area, creating a tailored silhouette.

Which leggings are best from Katie's collection specifically? "The Zoom leggings from our most recent collection are not only super compressive, smoothing out any lumps and bumps, but these magic pants also sport a wide-set gusset, which allows the fabric to fit closely to the upper thighs so there is no tenting (and thus volume-adding) action at the widest part of your leg. Furthermore, we made sure to remove any excess fabric in the hips so the pants pull a little tighter right under the bum. You can walk into Barry's with a lifted seat and toned inner thighs before the workout has even begun. Win-win," she said.

So next time you're on the hunt for a new pair of leggings, keep in mind the fit of the crotch area specifically to ensure you look your best. And if you're in the market for a new pair right now, go on to check out a few of our favorites!