A good pair of leggings (or several) is an essential in every girl’s wardrobe. Especially since the pandemic, “athleisure” clothing has exploded into the mainstream. It’s now acceptable to wear leggings and workout clothes year-round, for every activity from pilates to grocery shopping and errands. The best women’s leggings are not only comfortable and capable of handling a wide range of activities, but look flattering and fit well in all the right places.
Leggings in women’s fashion have been around for decades, but primarily returned to the scene in the 1960’s, adapting form-fitting dancewear made from Lycra for aerobics. Leggings eventually made their way into streetwear and have been adapted to meet the needs of the modern women, with different types of temperature and moisture control technology, plus even some functional pockets. In a study conducted by Slice Intelligence, researchers found that more female customers ordered leggings than jeans over the past three months. Online orders from the time examined were compared to data pulled from the same period last year. The results showed that leggings orders increased by 41 percent, whilst denim orders only increased by a mere 3 percent.
When it comes to deciding what to keep around in your closet, it’s important to consider what you actually wear the most often. Despite the size of their wardrobe, most people will tend to gravitate toward what makes them look good and feel comfortable, which often means they wear the same pieces over and over again. In fact, a poll from the United Kingdom surveying over 2,000 British adults. One notable found that people had an average of $268.44 worth of outfits that had never been worn. About 8 to 10 people said they regularly wear the same clothes. Only 6% of adults said they wore everything in their wardrobe at least once.
Purchasing a few pairs of good leggings might be a good investment if you’re looking to add functional yet comfy pieces to your wardrobe! StudyFinds has searched for the best women’s leggings on the market and compiled a list of the best choices, sourced from 10 expert websites. Have a favorite pair of your own? Let us know in the comments below!
The List: Best Women’s Leggings, According To Fashion Pros
1. Lululemon Align Pant
Lululemon is now a household name in women’s fashion and was the most commonly recommended choice across our chosen sources. Their leggings are a little on the pricier side, but have been designed with comfort and fit in mind. “Serious yogis and fitness buffs seeking a legging that will let them focus on their movements and perhaps make them forget they’re wearing any leggings at all won’t be let down by the Lululemon Align Pant,” writes CNN.
The Align pant is the softest legging, designed to hug the skin and stay put while moving with you. “Lululemon’s Align Super High-Rise pants are so weightless and buttery soft that they feel like a second skin, says Vogue.
2. Alo Yoga High-Waist Airbrush Legging
Alo Yoga is a brand that has taken the athleisure craze to the next level. They design clothing that is meant to be lived in, so you can run a few errands then head straight to the gym while still looking put together. “Head to your next intense workout looking chic as ever,” says Self. “It’s suitable for all kinds of workouts, including yoga sessions or CrossFit workouts, but we won’t blame you if you just want to wear them to brunch instead.”
The Airbrush legging has been seen on multiple celebrities for good reason – they’re flattering and smoothing while still being functional and comfy. “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,” says Harper’s Bazaar.
3. Spanx Booty Boost Active 7/8 Legging
Spanx is known for their best-selling shapewear, but did you know they make leggings too? Their Booty Boost legging hugs every curve while smoothing rolls or bloating comfortably. “These are the perfect length with no bunching at the ankles,” says a reviewer at the NY Post. “The seam on the tummy gives the illusion of no bulge and the seam on the back does the opposite, making the booty pop.”
The varied lengths are perfect for petite or shorter girls who want a good fit without any bunching or rolling. “There are no ifs, ands, or butts about it: Spanx’s best-selling Booty Boost Active Leggings have serious curve appeal,” raves Allure. “Now available in new colors, they’re made with a signature sculpting-performance fabric and contoured waistband for a supportive fit with major smoothing and lifting benefits.”
4. IUGA High-Waist Yoga Pants
If you’re looking for a budget legging, these will do the trick. Ringing in at around $30, they are functional and soft but supportive. “Soft and comfortable, these cheap leggings fit and feel better than any other we tried at this price, but the cut wasn’t perfect for some testers,” remarks NY Times. “These leggings also have functional, convenient pockets.”
Reviewers wouldn’t recommend these for hard-core athletes who need more high-performance wear for moisture-wicking or temperature control. But if you’re looking for a cheap pair of leggings to lounge in or do some light activity, IUGA is a great pick.“If you’re looking for a pair of soft, comfortable, fashionable leggings that can handle the occasional run or yoga class, the IUGAs are perfectly wonderful, and a total steal,” writes Forbes.
5. Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket Tight
Athleta leggings are perfect for a comfy at-home pick. They’re soft and comfortable enough to lounge in without feeling restricted, and have enough temperature control to sleep in without getting too hot. “These Athleta leggings are my go-to at home pair,” says a reviewer at Conde Nast Traveler. “They are buttery soft, come up just below my waist, and are the kind of cooling fabric (a mix of nylon and lycra) that lends well to both hot or cold climates.”
Athleta also carries a wide range of sizes and colors – from petite to plus size. Many items run at over $100 per piece, but items often go on sale.“Two more reasons to love Athleta: their B Corp certification and their inclusive sizing, with petite and tall options, and the regular version available in sizes XXS to 3X. You can often snatch certain colorways on sale, too, which never hurts,” writes InStyle.
Sources:
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.
