Ladies, we have all been there. You strut into the gym, confident as ever, with a new workout ensemble (there's just something about a new pair of leggings that makes me want to hop onto an elliptical).

Ten minutes into your cardio session, you realize you have to keep yanking up your tights, the leggings are absorbing your sweat, and the waistband keeps folding over. What gives? They were perfectly fine inside the fitting room, but as soon as you start moving, they do to.

If you're tired of this nonsense, you've come to the right place. Throughout my studies for my Apparel Merchandising minor, I have learned what to look for to find the highest quality for the best price among all realms of the fashion industry. Activewear being my favorite.

Here are the four most important things to look for when buying activewear leggings:

1. NO COTTON!

Cotton is a beautiful material; it's natural, soft, and is a strong fiber, but cotton is the enemy when it comes to activewear leggings. Cotton is both oleophilic and hydrophilic, meaning it absorbs both water and oil. Not only does this cause the absorption of sweat and other body ~oils~, it causes greater wear-and-tear for the leggings.

Stick to a synthetic based legging such as a high grade of polyester or nylon. Both of these fabrics contain wicking abilities. They also are much smoother, and contain less surface friction. The smoother the fabric, the easier it will be to move fluidly through your workout.

2. You want those babies squat proof.

Ahhh, the old squat test. It's the oldest trick in the book when coming to testing workout leggings, but the lighting in the fitting room compared to the gym could deem dangerous for our heavy lifters. A tightly-knit polyester or nylon fabric will ensure an opaque legging during the most complicated of movements.

3. A high, thicccc waistband

That's right. Thicccc with four c's. A wide width waist band will not only sit more naturally at the waist, but it will be far more comfortable that a waist band with a slimmer width. Not only more comfortable, but the thicker waistband will also help with lower tummy control.

4. Cropped to 7/8 length

A cropped or 7/8 length legging will not only keep you cooler during an intense workout, but it will also elongate the leg, creating a slimming effect. This may not affect the actual workout, but confidence is key, and no matter what you do in your leggings, you should feel and look great in them.