There are a few pieces in my wardrobe that can be considered true staples (namely, jeans, blazers, white T-shirts and midi dresses), but the one piece that people are always surprised to see crop up in my everyday outfit rotation is a pair of leggings. It's important to note that in the post-pandemic, post-loungewear world, leggings are no longer reserved for lazy sofa days and yoga; they've earned their place in fashion circles too. Don't believe me? Check out the myriad of ways that influencers, editors and industry insiders have been styling black leggings with everything from oversized blazers to slingback heels. That's right—the humble legging is now considered appropriate for both the office and the evening, and is still the backbone of many of our comfy, everyday ensembles. Not bad for a jersey basic, right?
The beginning of autumn is the perfect time to start planning your new-season wardrobe, and easy layers like throw-on dresses, cosy knits and comfy separates come into their own at this time of year. That's why leggings deserve a place in your wardrobe; they're just as comfortable as your favourite summer dress, and just as easy to build outfits around as your trusty jeans. But where do you find the best leggings on the market? Well, I've done the legwork for you (pardon the pun).
After searching the net, scrolling through socials and asking my fellow editors, I put together a list of all of the leggings worth testing, and came out with these seven 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.
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. There are dozens of colours, styles and finishes perfect for tucking into knee-high boots and pairing with an oversized blazer or 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:
The quality of a pair of real leather leggings but with more flexibility.
A classic all-rounder for dressing up or down.
High-shine, high-impact leggings for elevating a simple look.
BEST ACTIVE LEGGINGS: LULULEMON
Style Notes: The first thing I notice when I pull these 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.
SHOP LULULEMON:
I think these just replaced every pair of leggings in my gym bag.
There's a version with pockets, too!
These come in no less than 18 different colours.
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 at the airport. If you're looking for a pair of leggings that you can comfortably wear all day without even feeling like you're wearing them, Adanola takes 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 Instagrammable enough to wear out to brunch too. It's about time we had loungewear that looks as good as it feels.
SHOP ADANOLA:
This dark olive colour might just be one of my favourites.
That's right, more pockets!
The inclusive size range extends from a 4 to a 20.
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:
The no-slip fit is a must-try.
How chic is this shade of mink?
No gaps or sagging here.
BEST SCULPTING LEGGINGS: WOLFORD
Style Notes: If you've already tried Wolford's premium hosiery or stretch basics 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 geared towards gym wear, the thick, waist-cinching, body-hugging fabric is also luxe enough for formalwear. (In fact, pairing these with knee-high boots makes them feel more like jodhpurs than thin leggings). 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:
Fashion editors agree—these are a worthy investment.
When vegan leather looks this good there's no need to shell out for the real thing.
A bum-lifting secret weapon.
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, stretch and sag; H&M's are surprisingly thick, stretchy and cotton-soft, and at under £15 for a pair, you might as well stock up.
SHOP H&M LEGGINGS:
It's a tough decision between charcoal grey, red, spring green, black and light grey.
The fit of leggings but with trouser detailing.
Yes, you read that correctly—these really are £10.
BEST SPLIT-HEM LEGGINGS: WATT THE BRAND
Style Notes: I saw Hailey and Kendall in split-hem leggings, and I immediately wanted split-hem leggings. Such is the power of this stretchy trouser-loungewear hybrid. Those who already follow Sarah Tankel Ellis and Philippa Bloom, the brains behind We Are Twinset, will know their affinity for easily-accessible yet polished looks, and their clothing label WATT the brand focuses on elevated wardrobe staples like these split-hem trousers, which have a stretch waistband. Ideal for days when you want more comfort than jeans provide, these toe the line between casual and chic, and make leggings acceptable for evening dressing in the process.
SHOP WATT THE BRAND LEGGINGS:
Thick, stretchy trousers with a slight flare.
SHOP MORE SPLIT-HEM LEGGINGS:
An ultra high-rise pair perfect for tucking tops into.
Make the most of good-looking boots with a higher split.
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