There are a few pieces in my wardrobe that can be considered true staples, but the one piece that people are always surprised to see crop up in my everyday outfit rotation is a pair of leggings. Once exclusively reserved for lazy sofa days and pilates classes, leggings have since evolved from something you run errands in to a sleek sartorial choice thanks to the ascent of capsule wardrobes. Now, leggings have even gone so far as to earn their place in fashion circles, too.
Don't believe me? Check out the myriad of influencers, editors and industry insiders have styled black leggings with everything from oversized blazers to slingback heels. That's right, the humble legging is now considered appropriate for the office, dinner outings, the runway and it still remains the backbone of many of our comfy, everyday ensembles. Not bad for a jersey basic, right?
It’s not just in London where leggings reign supreme. Over in Los Angeles, members of the Replica Handbags set are styling theirs with slipper shoes, while New Yorkers are layering stirrup leggings over dainty kitten heels or pointed-toe slip-ons. (If you're curious how to make these combinations work, look no further than our comprehensive guide to perfecting a chic leggings and flat shoe outfit.)
One of the most desirable factors about owning leggings is how the silhouette endures season after season. During the cooler months, especially when you're stumped on what to wear to work in the winter, pair them with a sumptuous cashmere sweater and knee-high boots for a sophisticated way to mitigate the elements. As temperatures increase, peel back the layers and match your leggings with Mary Janes and a polo shirt, wearing white socks and a matching headband to channel your inner Bella Hadid or Brigitte Bardot.
As they provide a foundation for an inexhaustible amount of pairings, it’s wise to invest in the best leggings available. Considering fit, stretch, support and fabric, I've done the legwork for you (pardon the pun) to ensure you’re stepping out in the most stylish and best-suited option.
While we've already outlined how to wear leggings, after searching the net, scrolling through social media and asking my fellow editors, I tried on all the leggings worth testing and came out with these nine worthy winners. So whether you're looking for leather leggings for an evening out or the best active pair to pack in your gym bag, keep scrolling for my tried-and-tested review of the leggings worth spending your hard-earned cash on.
The 9 Best Leggings to Buy, As Reviewed By A Fashion Editor
- Best Comfort Leggings: Adanola Ultimate Leggings, £40
- Most Affordable Leggings: H&M High Waisted Legging, £10
- Best Fashion Leggings: Commando Classic Legging, £195
- Best Workout Leggings: Lululemon Align™ High-Rise Pant 25", £88
- Best Seamless Leggings: Stretch-Ponte Leggings, £98
- Best Support Leggings: Vuori Inversion Rib Legging, £120
- Best Sculpting Leggings Wolford Scuba Stretch-Jersey Leggings, £155
- Best Stirrup Leggings Tibi Compact Ultra Stretch Knit Stirrup Legging, £362
- Best Split-Hem Leggings: Aje Athletica Split Hem Fashion Legging, £110
1. BEST FASHION LEGGINGS: COMMANDO
Style Notes: First things first, a brand that delivers on the kind of leggings you can wear for any occasion—Commando. The classic black leggings in stretch cotton are ultra-thick and have a built-in internal waistband (that doesn't roll down), but the star of the show is the brand's faux leather and patent leggings.
The leggings come in dozens of colours, styles, sizes and finishes, perfect for tucking into leather knee-high boots and pairing with chunky knit. If you've ever struggled with finding a pair of leather trousers that fit properly, start here.
Whether you're trying Commando leggings in jersey, denim, cashmere or even a maternity style, the fit around the waist is always impeccable, and there's a whole host of outfits you can build around this one key piece.
SHOP COMMANDO LEGGINGS:
Product Description: The quality of a pair of real leather leggings but with more flexibility.
Pro: This fabric is super stretchy.
Con: Fits small to size, so may need to take one size larger than normal for your preferred fit.
Product Description: A classic all-rounder for dressing up or down.
Pro: Made from Commando's signature firming fabric.
Con: An internal waistband may be slightly irritating after a long wear.
Product Description: The ultimate cosy, wardrobe staple.
Pro: Soft as butter.
Con: Features a raw-cut hem, which sometimes can appear less polished.
2. BEST ACTIVE LEGGINGS: LULULEMON
Style Notes: The first thing I notice when I pull these Lululemon leggings on is just how much they stretch, and believe me, that is a very good thing. The extreme elasticity means that these leggings behave like a second skin, and as the focus isn't heavy compression, you can really bend and move in these without restriction.
Where I would want a fashion legging to suck everything in, these feel like you're wearing nothing at all, and that is a testament to the soft, brushed finish and light, breathable fabric that is perfect for any workout from yoga to cardio, especially in the wintertime.
SHOP LULULEMON:
Product Description: Features a hidden pocket and shape-retaining fabric.
Pro: These come in 10 different sizes, no less.
Con: At £88, this style is certainly an investment.
Product Description: Boasts sweat-wicking fabric for on-the-go ease.
Pro: On style alone, I think these just replaced every pair of leggings in my gym bag.
Con: Certainly more sports-oriented than other options on this list.
Product Description: These leggings are comprised of Lululemon's stretchy Nulu™ fabric, a material that feels butter-soft and weightless.
Pro: Can take you from the studio to the streets.
Con: The stretchy fabric can potentially risk sagging after multiple use.
3. MOST COMFORTABLE LEGGINGS: ADANOLA
Style Notes: There's a reason that you'll always spot Adanola clothing out on the streets on weekend mornings or as an essential airport outfit. If you're looking for a pair of leggings that you can comfortably wear all day without even feeling like you're wearing them, these take the top spot.
Smoothing without constricting and with a flexible fit, these are the kind of leggings I want pull on the moment I get home, but it helps that they're elevated enough to wear out to brunch too. It's about time we had loungewear that looks as good as it feels.
SHOP ADANOLA:
Product Description: Think Adanola's best selling Ultimate Leggings, this time with pockets!
Pro: This dark grey colour might just be one of my favourites.
Con: Colour range is more limited than other styles.
Product Description: These leggings are specifically designed to contour to the body, with a four-way stretch fabric for the utmost support.
Pro: That's right, Kendall Jenner approved!
Con: These leggings require a little more TLC, as the brand recommends washing by hand to preserve shape.
Product Description: If you're still unsure of what to wear to the gym, reach for these stylish leggings with a ballet-style wrap-over waistband detail.
Pro: The inclusive size range extends from an XXS to an XXXL.
Con: Length may be hard to gauge without trying on.
4. BEST STRETCH AND SUPPORT LEGGINGS: VUORI
Style Notes: When I conducted a straw poll in the office for the best leggings for me to road test, Vuori got an immediate mention. My intro to the brand is the Daily Legging, and after wearing these adjustable leggings, it's clear why they're popular.
As someone who always struggles to find trousers and leggings that fit properly around the waist without the dreaded gap, Vuori has come up with the perfect solution—a tie-waist legging that grips and supports movement with a little added lift. Never again will you find yourself pulling up your leggings because of sag; these will hug your body for the perfect fit.
SHOP VUORI LEGGINGS:
Product Description: These leggings are built to last with an enduring performance-style rib knit fabric.
Pro: The no-slip fit is a must-try.
Con: The ribbed finish gives a slightly sporty feel.
Product Description: Arguably one of their most supportive pair of leggings, Vuori’s Evolve Legging style is made of a higher coverage V1 Uplift™ material.
Pro: This subtle shade of soft plum is just one of the many hues available.
Con: A hint of shine in the material may be a deterrent for those seeking a matte finish.
Product Description: These leggings are comprised of an innovative BreatheInterlock™ material that is both delicate to the touch and leaves an airbrushed quality.
Pro: Supportive, without being constrictive.
Con: Some customer reviews have flagged this style doesn't run as true to size.
5. BEST SCULPTING LEGGINGS: WOLFORD
Style Notes: If you've already tried Wolford's premium hosiery or stretch basics—arguably the best tights on the market—you'll have an idea of what to expect from the leggings, too. Before Skims was even a glint in Kim Kardashian's eye, Wolford set the agenda for smoothing, body-sculpting pieces to act as the foundation for an everyday wardrobe, and despite the brand's The W active range being the ideal workout clothes, the thick, waist-cinching, body-hugging fabric makes their leggings luxe enough for formalwear. Out of all the pairs of leggings on this list, these are the ones with the firmest support and are well worth paying a little more for to get the best silhouette.
SHOP WOLFORD LEGGINGS:
Product Description: Sitting high on the waist and flushed to the body's curves, these leggings are made from a soft stretch jersey with a subtle lustre.
Pro: Fashion editors agree—these are a worthy investment.
Con: This classic black style is more suited to going out than working out.
Product Description: Leather leggings are a wardrobe staple adored by stylish savants like Victoria Beckham and Claudia Winkleman. For the same effect without the environmental harm, shop this animal-friendly pair.
Pro: When vegan leather looks this good there's no need to shell out for the real thing.
Con: The raw edge could require hemming for a more tailored appearance.
Product Description: Elevate travel outfits and your errands with this softly knitted legging style, made with perforated edges along the sides and diagonally through the cuffs for breathability and comfort.
Pro: The subtle cutouts feel very Parisian.
Con: This gorgeous latte hue may feel a bit seasonal compared to other colourways.
6. BEST AFFORDABLE LEGGINGS: H&M
Style Notes: Seeing as many of the leggings on this list cost around the £80-£100 mark, I also have an affordable option to rival those premium offerings. H&M's activewear might not have been put through the same rigorous performance tests as the specialist sportswear brands, but I'm immediately impressed by just how good they look and feel. Whereas many high-street brands produce leggings that go sheer and stretch, H&M's are surprisingly thick, stretchy and cotton-soft. At under £15 for a pair, you might as well stock up.
SHOP H&M LEGGINGS:
Product Description: Coming in six colours and ranging in sizes from XS to 4XL, these are definitely the best-value leggings on this list.
Pro: Fits true to size.
Con: Less moisture-wicking than other legging options.
Product Description: For under £10, H&M's leggings come in a soft jersey featuring a high waist with a concealed elastic band.
Pro: These high-waisted leggings are perfect for bundling under cosy knits and oversized jackets.
Con: The cotton fabric is better suited to keeping cool on hotter days.
Product Description: Designed with movement in mind, these leggings feature an absorbent fabric and seamless finish for a more comfortable fit.
Pro: Seamless leggings, but with an athleisure feel.
Con: The hemmed fit could feel slightly tighter on the ankle than other styles.
7. BEST SPLIT-HEM LEGGINGS: AJE ATHLETICA
Style Notes: Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner both own a pair of split-hem leggings, so naturally I immediately wanted split-hem leggings. Such is the power of this stretchy trouser-loungewear hybrid. The sliced cut is a unique design trick that elongates the leg. These toe the line between casual and chic, and make leggings acceptable for evening dressing in the process.
SHOP AJE ATHLETICA LEGGINGS:
Product Description: A firming recycled nylon fabric makes these pants firming and shaped to your body's contours.
Pro: An internal mesh waistband adds core support.
Con: The fit is more of a mid-rise.
Product Description: Crafted to endure high levels of sweat, these leggings fuse streetwear codes with a studio setting for the ultimate stylish workout pants.
Pro: Control the level of leg revealed with this chic zip style.
Con: Sizing ranges from a 4 to 14, but the fit may vary.
Product Description: Elegant and off-duty, these leggings are crafted for on-the-go ease. Both technical and aesthetic, these pants are high-performing without compromising on style.
Pro: The cut is sleek and discrete.
Con: Slim fitting. The brand recommends taking one size up.
8. BEST STIRRUP LEGGINGS: TIBI
Style Notes: In the world of contemporary New York-based label Tibi, leggings are considered a "WOF" or a "without fail". This is a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with, which is why I've found myself completely enamoured with the brand's interpretation of stirrup leggings. This pair features a slimline side zip and a gorgeous buckle detail at the ankle to really drive the equestrian aesthetic home.
SHOP TIBI LEGGINGS:
Product Description: The stirrup accents are more experimental than other styles of leggings, but with the knitted fabric generous in stretch and comfort, these will soon be a fundamental piece you'll return to again and again.
Pro: The black hue means the leggings can easily harmonise with your existing wardrobe items. We love this colour combination of chocolate brown, jet black and cool navy.
Con: This pair is on the pricer side.
SHOP MORE STIRRUP LEGGINGS:
Product Description: At only £20, this heavy jersey legging boasts a concealed elasticated waistband and stretchy loop at the bottom.
Pro: Once again, styling stirrup leggings with loafers seems to be fashion's preferred method. These would equally look great with a pair of pointed heels.
Con: Less detailed than Tibi's leggings.
Product Description: For ease and polish, Leset's Rio leggings use a sleek soft ponte fabric that makes you feel like they're brand new—even after multiple wears!
Pro: Taylor Swift, Margot Robbie and Jennifer Lawrence all love this brand.
Con: This pair of leggings is only available in one colour.
9. BEST SEAMLESS LEGGINGS: SPANX
Style Notes: Of course, it would be remiss of me to not mention seamless leggings in this list. As this silhouette continues to grow in popularity outside of the gym floor, I've found myself gravitating towards the stylish offerings from Spanx. Each features the label's pioneering CoreSure Tech™ technology, fusing each of these high-performance pieces with a sculpting finish.
SHOP SPANX LEGGINGS:
Product Description: A true cross between a legging and a skinny jean, CoreSure Tech™ technology offers a a smoothing and compressive fit.
Pro: Customise this high-waisted style with the built-in zippered cuffs.
Con: The fabric can slightly gather in places because of the ultra-stretch finish.
Product Description: Equally chic and comfortable, these seamless leggings sculpt, firm and hold.
Pro: This style has our heart and sole.
Con: Slightly more expensive than other stirrup leggings available on the market.
Product Description: Glossy leggings can sometimes verge into indie sleaze territory, but this high-shine finish has the right amount of glaze to always impart a polished feel.
Pro: These are begging to be worn during a night out. We love the look of pairing these leggings with a blazer.
Con: The brand recommends those in between sizes to take the larger size
This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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