While there is something to be said about a great pair of structured pants, nothing beats your comfort and flexibility of the perfect leggings. And, given that the pandemic resulted in many of us being cooped up in your own home, it's only natural that we found comfort in cozy pants we could just slip on and wear all day. Unfortunately, leggings aren't always seen as “acceptable” public clothing, particularly when you are looking at more formal or professional settings – that is, unless they're the right types of leggings. To take some of the guesswork out, we've rounded up our picks to find the best leggings to decorate up or down that will keep you feeling stylish and comfy, no matter the occasion!
Deals around the Best Leggings:
- Up to 50% off on select leggings and pants at Nordstrom>
- Shop Memorial Day sale on leggings and pants at Zappos>
- Up to 50% off select leggings at Everlane>
What are the best leggings to dress up or down?
- Best leggings to put on under dresses : Bandier Tropic of Movement Form Legging
- Best cropped leggings : Zella Studio Lite Crop Leggings
- Best plus size leggings : Zella Live In High Waist Leggings
- Best opaque black leggings : Spanx Look at Me Now Seamless Leggings
- Best leather leggings : Spanx Faux Leather Leggings
- Best leggings for hiking : Women's Primaloft ThermaStretch Fleece Tights
- Best affordable leggings : HUE Ponte Leggings
- Best jean leggings : Karen Kane Cropped Jeggings
- Best leggings to put on as pants : LOFT Seamed Leggings
- Best leisure leggings : Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant
There's a phrase that's become more common in the last year . 5: “hard pants.” Hard pants refer to structured pants, like khakis, corduroys, jeans, or other bottoms that you usually have to fasten having a button, zipper, or belt. In a nutshell, not the pants we typically reach for when we wish to feel cozy! Since the pandemic started, athleisure wear – including leggings – has skyrocketed in popularity, thanks to the clothing's convenient slip-on style and soft fabrics. And, now that workplaces have started opening up again, “workleisure” wear has be a trend, as people aren't rushing back to their former business casual dress codes. But wearing comfier pants, like leggings, doesn't have to mean a less put-together look – and our favorites will complement almost any outfit.
Can you dress leggings up?
While certain leggings are better off reserved as workout clothes (we're looking at you, neon prints!), you will find sleeker designs that may – and should! – be part of a dressier look. For the most part, a darker legging (think black, navy, or gray) have a more formal appearance, so you'll want to stick to those with regards to professional settings and special events. Having said that, these dark neutrals look fabulous with only about any color, so feel free to pair all of them with vibrant tops, dresses, and accessories to liven up your outfit!
The best part about getting a great pair of leggings to decorate up is that, unlike clingy tights, they'll hug your body in a manner that shows off your shape without causing you to feel constricted. This way, you are able to concentrate on enjoying yourself, rather than being distracted by your discomfort.
What may be the correct way to wear leggings?
There aren't many solid “rules” for wearing leggings. Like any garment, comfort is key, so you will want to make sure you feel good inside them most importantly! However, think about bear in mind is that a quality, opaque fabric can help help you stay covered where it matters, in addition to extend the longevity of the leggings.
One of the things I love most about leggings is the versatility – you are able to pair all of them with practically any type of outfit, whether it's casual or dressy. Some leggings behave like a thicker set of tights, which you'll want to wear under a skirt, dress, long top, or perhaps certain types of shorts. On the other hand, leggings with a little more structure, like jeggings (or, jean leggings) can be worn as pants themselves, with no you will function as the wiser! Personally, i love wearing my leggings with boots within the fall and winter, because they keep me warmer than tights, but aren't as bulky as thicker pants.
On those days when every jeans just won't do, our picks to find the best leggings to dress down or up will end up your new go-to pants to pair with your favorite wardrobe staples. They appear equally as chic under skirts and dresses as they do combined with blazers and button-downs – not to mention, remember tees and sneakers. The options are truly endless!
20 Best Leggings to decorate Up or Down
High Waisted Center Stage Legging
Best leggings to put on under dresses
Great deal
Buy from Bandier, $98
Why we like them:
- Available in high-waisted, capri, mid-rise, and with pockets
- No side seams
- Available in several colors
Bandier may be referred to as a sports brand, but we love these ankle-length leggings being an option to wear under dresses and skirts as well. Unlike full-footed tights, open-foot leggings offer more flexibility and movement, while still enabling you to wear socks if needed. As these have seamless sides, additionally they provide the appearance of tights without feeling so constricting, and also the high-rise wide waistband keeps them from slipping down. On top of that, they are available in more than nine colors, including prints, which makes them functional and versatile.
Zella Studio Lite Crop Leggings
Best cropped leggings
40% off!
Buy from Nordstrom, from $33 (was $55)
Why we like them:
- Available in 4 colors
- Moisture-wicking fabric
- Hidden waistband pocket
Cropped leggings are a summer wardrobe staple, and this pair by Zella are even more warm weather-friendly, thanks to their super-lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric. The four-way-stretch material will keep you feeling comfortable and versatile from day to nighttime, so you can pair these leggings with anything from a fish tank and flip flops to some sundress and strappy sandals. Bonus: there is a hidden waistband pocket for stashing small items!
Reviewers can not seem to get an adequate amount of how “smooth” and “luxurious” these leggings feel, with one even saying the fabric is similar to Lululemon's “for a fraction of the price.”
Zella Reside in High Waist Leggings
Best plus size leggings
Buy from Nordstrom, $59
Why we like them:
- Available in sizes 1X to 3X
- Moisture-wicking fabric
- Waistband pocket for storing small essentials
Zella's plus-size ponte leggings are a bit thicker than your average cotton pair, but this means they can provide more structure and support. Perfect for everyday wear or exercising, the moisture-wicking fabric could keep sweat at bay, as the high, slip-free waistband will stay up no matter your level of activity. Gleam hidden waistband pocket for storing essentials, like keys and charge cards, so you can take these comfy leggings anywhere!
One reviewer loved these leggings so much, she obtained a second pair right away. She described the fabric as being “luxurious” and “well-constructed,” and appreciated there was no waist gap.
Spanx Look at Me Now Seamless Leggings
Best opaque black leggings
Buy from Nordstrom, $68
Why we love to them:
- Available in classic black, in addition to black camo
- Seamless design
- Double-layer waistband for support
Spanx's mid-rise Look at Me Now Seamless Leggings offer a decent quantity of support, thanks to the double-layer waistband that ensures they won't slip and slide. There's no center seam (so that you can avoid the dreaded camel toe!), plus the soft and versatile fabric adapts to your movements for all-day comfort. They are available available in the pictured black, in addition to a black camo option!
One happy customer called these leggings “the best things since sliced bread,” while another said “they make every outfit look better.”
Spanx Faux Leather Leggings
Best leather leggings
Buy from Nordstrom, $98
Why we love to them:
- Best-sellers
- Chic, glossy finish
- Elevate any outfit
Faux leather leggings add a polished vibe to the outfit, with this best-selling pair from Spanx, you'll look (and feel) like a million bucks. These figure-hugging leggings are made to showcase your own body's beautiful shape, so rock your look with full confidence! On top of that, the fabulous glossy finish is eye-catching without having to be too flashy, and will elevate the most casual tee and sneakers look.
One satisfied customer was worried they might not fit someone with a larger frame, but was thrilled to locate that they were “super comfortable” and looked “awesome.“
Women's Primaloft ThermaStretch Fleece Tights
Best leggings for hiking
Buy from L.L. Bean, from $84.99
Why we love to them:
- Available in regular, plus, and petite sizes
- Made from soft fleece for warmth
- Moisture-wicking fabric
We hope there are many more weeks until the weather cools down, but once that occurs, you'll want to purchase the L.L. Bean Primaloft ThermaStretch Fleece Tights. These fleece-lined tights are perfect for keeping you warm when you are on the slopes or lounging in front of a roaring fire. Plus, the moisture-wicking fabric will keep you dry and comfy, in case you build up a sweat. They're available in regular, plus, and petite sizes, as well as regular and tall inseams, so everyone will discover a pair that fits.
Cold Syracuse winters aren't any match for these leggings, according to one reviewer who said they were warm enough to put on outside within the snow, but also “so cozy” that she loved putting them on inside, too!
HUE Ponte Leggings
Best affordable leggings
Buy from Bloomingdale's, $48
Why we love to them:
- Comfortable, yet professional-looking
- Back pockets
- Machine washable
HUE's Ponte Leggings will fit in perfectly with your work wardrobe. If you put on a pleasant blouse and dressy shoes, you'll look fabulous and professional – with no one will know you're wearing leggings. To increase the illusion, they even have faux front pockets – and real back pockets! The stretchy fabric and elasticized waistband offer comfort without having to sacrifice a put-together look, so they really are the most useful of both worlds. They might just become your new go-to pair!
One fan of these leggings said she loved they don't “stretch out or bag,” which the “weight from the fabric is perfect.”
Karen Kane Cropped Jeggings
Best jean leggings
Buy from Bloomingdale's, $99
Why we like them:
- Made from a soft and comfortable cotton-spandex blend
- Sleek skinny fit
- Washer safe
Jean leggings, or jeggings, combine the comfort of leggings using the type of classic denim. We like this pair by Karen Kane simply because they hug your own body's natural curves while still being incredibly soft. They're obtainable in a sleek, dark rinse, which could effortlessly go from day to nighttime – and cleaning them is easy, just toss them in to the washer!
These jeggings score high marks when it comes to comfort and fit, and something reviewer said they're “light enough to become worn on milder summer days.”
LOFT Tall Seamed Leggings
Best leggings to put on as pants
40% off!
Buy from LOFT, $49.50 -40% served by code: SUMMER
Why we love to them:
- Available in regular, petite, and tall sizes
- High-waist
- Seamed construction has a more structured look
When looking for leggings that can stand on their own as pants, try to look for some with seams, as it includes a more tailored look. We're fans of LOFT's seamed leggings, which come in sizes XXS to XXL, as well as in petite options. Our prime waistline comes with an elongating effect (for us shorter women!), while the snug yet stretchy material fits like a regular set of pants, but is much much more comfortable. If you're searching to emulate the look in the photo, these leggings are ideal for pairing with flats or loafers, thanks to their tapered ankles, which fall just above your shoe for a chic silhouette.
Reviewers state that these leggings fit in keeping with size, with some mentioning that they purchased them specifically for wearing to work. One fan even commented, “Feels great, along with the seam it looks a lot more like a pant.“
Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant
Best leisure leggings
Buy from Lululemon, from $98
Why we love to them:
- Available in 18 colors and prints
- 3 length options
- Made of breathable, moisture-wicking fabric
A listing of the very best leggings wouldn't seem complete with no pair from Lululemon, that is noted for its trademarked “buttery soft” Nulu fabric. The Align High-rise Pant is our pick for the best leisure leggings, because nothing says loungewear like the phrase “buttery soft!” Having said that, go on and wear these leggings to the gym, too, as their breathable, moisture-wicking materials are also ideal for holding you back cool as you build up a sweat. And with 18 gorgeous color and print options to choose from, you can put on a different pair every day of the week!
Many reviewers called these their “favorite leggings,” with high praise given to their soft fabric and comfortable yet supportive fit.
Everlane The Perform Pocket Legging
Best leggings with pockets
Buy from Everlane, $78
Why we love to them:
- Available in sizes XXS to XXL
- Dual side pockets
- Washer and dryer safe
If it were as much as us, every garment includes pockets, which is why we appreciate the dual side pockets in these leggings from Everlane. They're perfect for storing small essentials while working out or on the go, though the black recycled nylon fabric can easily be decked out by throwing on the long top plus some cute shoes. On top of that, they're available in an inclusive range of sizes, and could be popped in to the dryer and washer when it is time for you to clean.
These leggings had such a wowing impact on people, many said these were planning on buying multiple pairs. One happy customer said she absolutely loves the pockets, as she can store her phone inside them while doing the bathroom!
Spanx Jean-ish Leggings
Best Spanx jean leggings
Buy from Nordstrom, $98
Why we like them:
- Come in 3 colors
- Available in regular and plus sizes
- Washer and dryer safe
Designed with skinny jeans in mind, these jeggings by Spanx will give you that very same sleek look, however with much more freedom of motion. Select from a dark denim wash, black, or taupe – all three options really seem like actual pants! The faux back and front pockets add to the illusion, although the stretchy elastic waist will remind you these were crafted for comfort. Pair having a tunic and flats as shown in the photo, or with a chunky sweater and ankle boots once the cooler weather strikes.
One fan called these jeggings “the preferred work appropriate pants EVER,” and said they “look like jeans using the convenience of leggings.”
Spanx Faux Leather Moto Leggings
Best moto leggings
Buy from Nordstrom, $110
Why we like them:
- Made of sleek faux leather
- Moto seam detail
- Machine washable
Being cool doesn't have age limit, which is why we believe these sexy faux leather moto leggings are a great way to add some edge to your wardrobe without going overboard. They're created using Spanx's now famous faux leather spandex, but the moto stitching detail gives them a little bit of texture for any rocker-chic look. Best of all, unlike real leather pants, you can throw these in to the washing machine for easy cleaning!
One reviewer loved how comfortable these leggings felt, saying they are not as thick because they come in photos, while another said she loved that they could wear these for girls' nights and work functions.
Everlane The Perform Legging
Best petite leggings
Buy from Everlane, $68
Why we like them:
- Available in sizes XXS to XXXL
- Ankle and regular length options
- Made of soppy recycled nylon
As somebody who has a hard time finding pants that don't require hemming, I always appreciate when brands offer alternative sizing options. Enter: The Perform Legging by Everlane, which will come both in ankle and regular lengths, plus sizes XXS to XXXL, which makes it one of the most inclusive products on our list. The impossibly soft recycled nylon fabric is available in black for a classic look that may be dressed up or down, as well as a chic pine green if you want more than one pair. There's also a small interior front pocket for storing keys and credit cards, and also the high-waistline helps produce a more lengthened silhouette.
These popular leggings won a lot of customers over, many said they anticipated buying additional pairs – and multiple reviewers described the feeling as being “like butter.”
Allsaints Cora Leather Look High-rise Leggings
Best skirted leggings
Buy from Allsaints, $219
Why we like them:
- Attached skirt
- Look great with boots
- Machine washable
For those times when you want probably the most effortless, low-maintenance outfit that still looks put-together, it doesn't get much better than these sleek leggings by Allsaints. Simply slide them on, throw on a cute blouse plus some boots, and voila! You will be dressed to the nines and ready to take on the day. The soft, cotton-blend material is semi-sheer to help keep you cool on warmer days, if you can pair having a skirt if you wish to cover up.
1822 Denim Butter High Waist Jeggings
Best black jean leggings
40% off!
Buy from Nordstrom, $49
Why we like them:
- High-rise waist
- Five-pocket style
- Washer and dryer safe
If there's one article of clothing we reach for more than every other during the cooler months, it's definitely a pair of black jeans. They're timeless and go with almost anything – from dressy tops to cozy sweaters – which makes them an essential for just about any wardrobe. Like a comfier alternative, we like these high-waisted jeggings from 1822 Denim, which provide the same classic, versatile look without the stiff believe that real jeans usually have. In the end, anything with the word “butter” in the name is sure to be soft and smooth – and who wouldn't want their pants to feel like that?
Reviewers can't believe how soft and comfortable these jeggings are, with one saying they feel like pajamas. Another said she gave away all of her real jeans and acquired two pairs of these because “they are super comfortable and look like jeans!“
BP High Rise Leggings
Best high waisted workout leggings
70% off!
Buy from Nordstrom, $16
Why we like them:
- Available in black and 6 colorful patterns
- Super affordable
- Stretch-cotton fabric
As someone with short legs, I really like a high-waisted legging when I'm looking to add an elongating effect to my look, and also you can't go wrong with this pair from BP, which retails for less than $20! The heavy-duty, extra-high waistband could keep these leggings in position all day, and you'll love the soft cotton. Best of all, in addition to classic black, they're available in six fun, colorful patterns, so purchase a few pairs!
One happy customer was thrilled to find such high-quality leggings at such a low cost point, and said she even planned on buying some as gifts to give to friends! Best of all, she said the material was “thick enough” without having to be too constricting.
HUE Ultrasoft Denim Leggings
Best plus size jean leggings
Buy from HUE, $48
Why we like them:
- Functional back pockets
- Sleek indigo wash
- Soft and stretchy cotton-blend fabric
Available in sizes 1X to 3X, these soft and stretchy jeggings possess a gorgeous tapered silhouette, having a dark indigo wash that makes them look just like real jeans, only you knows the truth! They even have functional back pockets, though the pull-on styling and cozy cotton-spandex-blend fabric make these a lot more comfortable compared to real thing. Pair all of them with heels and a sleek top for any evening out, or keep things casual having a tee and sneakers – in either case, just throw them into the dryer and washer for effortless cleaning.
According to many reviewers, these jeggings offer the better of all possible worlds, as they are incredibly soft but still records structure. One fan noted that she appreciated having the ability to dress them up or down.
Spanx Velvet Leggings
Best plus size velvet leggings
Buy from Zappos, $98
Why we like them:
- Available in sizes 1X to 3X
- Great for layering
- Medium support
Is there anything more luxe than the usual set of fabulous velvet pants? These gorgeous leggings by Spanx come in sizes 1X to 3X, and offer medium support so that you can be assured they'll stay put all day long. While they're hand-wash only, it's of great benefit for that endless looks you'll be able to create together; they're begging to be worn with everything from ankle boots and classic tees, to heels and superb. On top of that, they'll help elevate any outfit with absolutely no effort.
These leggings appear to make very popular holiday outfits, as several reviewers mentioned putting them on to Thanksgiving and other festive gatherings (and located these to be super comfortable). One even said she would give them “10 stars” if she could!
Homma Premium Thick High Waist Compression Leggings
Best Affordable leggings
Buy from Amazon, $19.95
Why we like them:
- Available in 10 colors
- Less than $20!
- Strong compression
Amazon is a superb spot to find cheap leggings, like this pair from Homma. With more than 14,000 five-star ratings, these compression leggings are an absolute hit on Amazon, and it's easy to see why. The seamless knit and four-way-stretch offer flexibility and movement, while sweat-wicking and ventilation properties be sure you stay dry and comfortable. For added support, our prime waist fits snugly, so you won't have to worry about readjusting throughout the day. On top of that? These leggings come in 10 colors, therefore we recommend stocking up!
One reviewer appreciated that, while these leggings offer ample compression, “it doesn't take a year to match them.” She also loves the fabric is “thick but nonetheless breathable.”
