Dress them up or down.
The best leggings are true staples that everyone can agree on. From VOGUE editors to Buzzfeed writers to A-list celebrities, these are the leggings repeatedly topping the charts.
High quality leggings are supportive and stretchy for workouts of all levels. Aside from activewear for when you’re active, we also care about when you’re everywhere but the gym. The best leggings are a comfortable alternative to real pants.
- BEST LIGHTWEIGHT LEGGINGS/Align High-Rise Pant $128-$138 at lululemon
- BEST FLARE LEGGINGS (Millennials call these yoga pants) Raquel High Waist Flared Legging $108 at SPLITS59.COM
- BEST ZIP-HEM LEGGINGSCork Stretch-Jersey Leggings
- BEST COLD-WEATHER ACTIVE LEGGINGS Rainier Tight
- BEST CELEBRITY-APPROVED LEGGINGSHigh-Waist Airlift Legging – BlackAlo Yoga
Leggings are a girl’s best friend.
Are you scaling the stairs at the mall, or rockclimbing? No one can be sure when you’re in activewear. Also, there are so many ways to make leggings look elevated. Slip on some knee-high boots with an oversized shirt and a small shoulder bag. For a cozy vibe, grab a chunky oversized sweater and sleeveless puffer vest.
The best leggings can even go the high fashion route. Use leggings as a layer under a miniskirt. Accentuate your hips by wearing leggings under a maxi shirt.
Styling potential isn’t the only quality we considered in ranking the best leggings for women who want equal servings of activewear and everyday wear in a single piece. We took size range, fabric quality, inseam length, and pocket presence into consideration. Check out the leggings we tested and approved that will earn their space in your wardrobe.
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT LEGGINGS
Lululemon
Align High-Rise Pant
LULULEMON
$98 AT LULULEMON
No leggings are more deserving of their hype than Lululemon’s Align high-rise legging. I’ve tested several pairs that claim buttery softness and adaptable fits in a lightweight fabric, but these are the only ones that live up to their promises. They hit just at the natural waist; for the inseam, there’s more than one option to get your ideal fit.
As for activities? These are best for low- to medium-impact workouts (yoga, walking, Pilates, gentle bike rides, dance classes) and the full spectrum of activities on your calendar beyond the gym. Personally, I wear them every morning to walk my dog and most weekends when I’m catching up on reading.
Sizes: 0–20
Inseam: 25″, 28″, or 31″
Colors: Black, Sonic Pink, Powder Blue, True Navy, and more
What reviewers say: “These leggings are very light weight but not see through. They also stay up without digging into your torso. Overall great leggings and would buy again.”
BEST FLARE LEGGINGS
Splits59
Raquel High Waist Flared Legging
$108 AT SPLITS59.COM
Embracing the long-awaited return of flare leggings? This is the pair to order first. While they have all the technical properties of a low-to-medium impact workout pant, I love them most for casual outfits. (Lately, a chunky sweater, a retro sneaker, and a longline coat.) My favorite aspect is how they’re made to really last: I’ve worn mine several times and haven’t seen pilling around the thighs or loose seams.
Sizes: XS–XXL
Inseam: 30″, 32″, 34″
Colors: Black, Indigo, White, Military Green, and more
What reviewers say: “I randomly came across this brand looking for flare pants. I love these—nice, flattering material that hugs and shapes the body. Overall very comfortable, love the actual flare of the pants, and the length is perfect. I’m now about to purchase the airweight version!“
BEST ZIP-HEM LEGGINGS
Totême
Cork Stretch-Jersey Leggings
NET-A-PORTER
$200 AT NET-A-PORTER
When I asked BAZAAR senior fashion and accessories editor Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen to share her favorite style-forward leggings, she dropped the link to this Totême pair. They can be worn zipped all the way up or unzipped to reveal a split-hem. Cohen recommends wearing them with Chelsea boots, an oversized shirt, and a crewneck sweater layered on top.
Sizes: XXS–XL
Colors: Black
BEST COLD-WEATHER ACTIVE LEGGINGS
Athleta
Rainier Tight
ATHLETA
$98 AT ATHLETA
If chilly temperatures won’t stop you from getting your outdoor exercise, try this warming pair recommended by Athleta senior director of design Casey Schumacher. “They’re sleek on the outside and brushed and cozy on the inside–perfect for cold weather walks and runs,” she says. “I love the held-in sensation and the coverage they provide on the leg.”
Sizes: XXS–3X
Inseam: Regular/Plus: 27″ Petite: 25″ Tall: 30″
Colors: Black, Jade, Purple, and Blue
What reviewers say: “At this point I need an intervention. I have 6 pairs of Rainier tights and they are perfect as work from home wear, a base layer for my walks on sub-freezing mornings, and a main layer for 30-50 degree walks.”
BEST CELEBRITY-APPROVED LEGGINGS
Alo Yoga
High-Waist Airlift Legging – Black
ALO YOGA
$128 AT ALO YOGA
Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner are just two of the many A-listers who get their athleisure fix with these Alo Yoga leggings. Here’s why they’re worth the repeated street style sightings: they’re smoothing but supportive for high-impact workouts, they have moisture-wicking properties for the sweatiest classes, and they’re wear-tested on multiple sizes for a universally beloved fit.
Sizes: 00–18
Colors: Black, Anthracite, and more limited-edition shades.
Inseam: 28.5”
What reviewers say: “Love these leggings so much! This is my second order of them because I wore my first ones all the time. So comfortable, chic and sleek. My favorite pair of leggings to date!”
BEST SEAMLESS LEGGINGS
Everlane
The Seamless Legging
BEST FAUX LEATHER LEGGINGS
Commando
Perfect Control Faux Leather Leggings
BLOOMINGDALE’S
From holiday party season to the first day of fashion month, it helps to have leggings nearby that hardly look like leggings. This Commando pair looks like a pant you’d select for a busy weekend, but it has the stretch and slight compression of a workout legging.
Sizes: XS–XL
Inseam: Varies by size
Colors: Black, Cocoa
What reviewers say: “Just bought my second pair after wearing my first pair to death! First pair lasted me about three years, comfortable, chic, perfect control. I’d give it 10 stars if I could!”
BEST LEGGINGS FOR TRAVEL
Cuyana
Ponte Legging Pant
CUYANA
$148 AT CUYANA
These leggings make an excellent gift for a traveler in your circle, or you can bookmark them for your own upcoming journeys. They’re soft, but come in a heavier fabric—the better for staying comfortably covered on long-haul flights or quick gate-changes (and not feeling like you’re wearing workout clothes).
Sizes: XS–XL
Colors: Black
Inseam: 26.5″
BEST DESIGNER LEGGINGS
Tory Sport
Sculpt Compression Side Pocket Leggings
TORY BURCH
$99 AT TORY BURCH
A lot of designers have dabbled in athleticwear, but Tory Sport’s compression leggings are the most enduring crossover between the runway and the weight room. Features that can handle your hardest workouts (and rest days in between) include moisture-wicking and breathable fabric, plus two side pockets for your phone and keys.
Sizes: XS–XL
Inseam: 26.5″
Colors: Black, Navy
What reviewers say: “This is the first time that I’ve ordered TB leggings. I usually order handbags, shoes, or accessories. Apparently, I should have ordered sooner! I was highly impressed with the quality and fit. I will definitely order more!”
BEST FLEECE-LINED LEGGINGS
Ugg
Ashlee Double Knit Legging
$54 AT UGG
This cozy pair by Ugg sits at the top of our ranking of the best fleece-lined leggings. They’re double-knit to keep out any and all winter chills. And unlike other fleecy leggings we’ve tried, these stay soft through several wears and washes.
Sizes: XXS–3X
Inseam: 28.5″
Colors: Black, Charcoal Heather
What reviewers say: “These leggings are simply amazing. Nice, the right amount of thickness, and the perfect fit!! I absolutely love them!”
BEST SPLIT-HEM LEGGINGS
Wardrobe.NYC
Legging
GILT
Now 51% off
$220 AT GILT
BAZAAR senior fashion and accessories editor Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen calls this pair a “luxury steal.” It’s not just because of the price: Wardrobe.NYC makes some of our top-rated capsule wardrobe kits, so versatility is guaranteed. These split-hem leggings are a pant you can dress up with all sorts of tops and sweaters while always feeling comfortable.
Sizes: XS–XL
Inseam: 29.5″
BEST RIBBED LEGGINGS
Lunya
Cozy Ribbed Legging
$198 AT LUNYA
Prepare to feel your absolute coziest in these leggings by sleepwear brand Lunya. They’re made from a cotton-silk blend that’s soft and breathable, but also machine washable. It also has shape-retention properties to stay as pristine on your fiftieth wear as your first.
Sizes: XS–XL
Colors: Tan, Heather Grey, Brown, Deep Blue, and more
What reviewers say: “Just love how soft and comfortable these leggings are. I love the ribbed texture and substantial waistband. They’re thick and warm for layering or wearing by themselves. Love them as a set with a matching top.”
BEST SHAPING LEGGINGS
Yummie
Rachel Cotton Shaping Leggings
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
The subtlest design tweaks make these the best option when you want your leggings to operate like shapewear. The waistband is slightly curved upward in the back for a lifting effect, while the front curves downward for a smoothing effect. All throughout, this pair’s cotton sculpts your legs while staying totally breathable.
Sizes: XS–3X
Inseam: 27″
Colors: Black, Heather Charcoal, Dark Slate
What reviewers say: “I was looking for a pair of leggings that wasn’t going to be too long and bunch at my ankles. These are the perfect length and are super comfy while not looking like work out leggings.”
BEST PLUS-SIZE ACTIVE LEGGINGS
Nike
Yoga Luxe High-Waisted 7/8 Infinalon Leggings (Plus Size)
NIKE
Standalone brands and sections of sportswear giants all have a take on plus-sizing leggings. Nike’s pair stands apart from the rest with its lavishly soft yet squat-proof fabric. They’re also free of seams and have gentle compression to support you through light workouts.
Sizes: 1X–3X
Inseam: 26.5″
Colors: Black, Redstone, Ash, and Royal Pulse
What reviewers say: “I generally fall straight between Nike’s standard and plus sizes, but the 1x fits me perfectly and STAYS PUT. The waistband sits right where you leave it all day long, including during my kickboxing workout. I’m back here because I’m buying these in every color I can get my hands on.”
BEST STIRRUP LEGGINGS
Leset
Rio Stirrup Pants
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
Here’s another form of leggings that are for so much more than working out. Street style has shown us how stirrup leggings can emphasize a directional flat or boot even better than denim—and Leset’s pair is the most comfortable one on the market. (Go ahead, wear them with the label’s elegant slipper shoe while you’re at it.)
Sizes: XS–XL
Inseam: 24.75″
Color: Navy
BEST MATERNITY LEGGINGS
Hatch
The Ultimate Before, During & After Legging
HATCH
Moms-to-be and new parents, these leggings are for you. Hatch designed its “ultimate” pair with a high waistband that can stretch around a growing belly but still has compression properties for any other phase of life when you’ll inevitably want to wear them.
Sizes: XS–XL
Inseam: 25.75″ (XS) – 26.75″ (XL)
Colors: Houndstooth, Black
What reviewers say: “These are the most comfortable maternity leggings I own and well worth the splurge! This pattern is great and makes them stand out from other black leggings and the quality can’t be beat.”
BEST LEGGINGS ON AMAZON
Colorfulkoala
AMAZON
More than 45,000 shoppers have tested these impulse-buy leggings from Amazon. The wisdom of the crowd is worth following: After all those reviews, they score an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
What makes these leggings a true Amazon gem? Four-way stretch fabric, a smoothing, seamless waistband, and a side pocket are a few features that earn shout-outs. Best of all, they don’t fade or pill in the wash.
Sizes: XS–XL
Inseam: 25”
Colors: Black, Red, Emerald Green, Mauve Pink, Leopard, Sapphire Blue, and more
What reviewers say: “I have these on a weekly rotation. I wear these leggings to the gym, to work, out running errands, out with friends and family, etc. They’re versatile and so comfortable. 100% worth the price!!”
WELOVETODAY 
Leave a comment