Grading used leggings
Grading used leggings is unusually strict because the flaws are subtle and use-related. Pilling on the inner thighs, thinning that turns the fabric sheer when stretched, faded waistbands, and lost compression lead the grade — a legging that's gone see-through at the seat fails no matter how clean it looks flat.
What to check
- Sheerness — pilling or thinning that goes see-through when stretched
- Inner-thigh pilling and abrasion
- Waistband elasticity and compression retention
- Pilling and staining at the seat and gusset
How to grade it, step by step
- 1
Do the stretch test
Stretch the fabric at the seat and thighs over your hand. Thinning that turns the weave sheer is the definitive legging flaw and caps the grade.
- 2
Check the inner thighs
Inspect where the legs rub for pilling and abrasion, the highest-wear zone on any legging.
- 3
Test the waistband
Stretch and release the waistband. Lost recovery or a rolled, relaxed band lowers the grade even when the legs are intact.
Graded examples
| Grade | Why |
|---|---|
| 9 (NWOT) | Full opacity when stretched, snappy waistband, no pilling. |
| 6 (Good) | Minor inner-thigh pilling, still opaque and compressive. |
| 3 (Poor) | Sheer at the seat when stretched and a relaxed waistband. |
Every grade sits on the GradeThread 1.0–10.0 scale.
Flaws to watch on this garment
Frequently asked
- Why do you stretch leggings to grade them?
- Because leggings can look opaque lying flat but go see-through under tension — exactly how they're worn. Stretching the fabric over your hand reveals thinning and pilling that has worn the weave sheer at the seat and thighs, the flaw buyers care about most and can't see in a flat photo.
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