I Walked 10,000 Steps in Over 100 Pairs of Leggings to Find the Best

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.

"Well-made leggings combine comfort, style, and function," explains Kristen Hars, Founder and CEO of Scandinavian activewear brand Sisterly Tribe. "Whether you’re doing Pilates, running errands, or heading out for lunch, they offer an effortless look from studio to street—a modern wardrobe essential. They provide a foundation for an inexhaustible amount of pairings, it’s wise to invest in the best leggings available." .

But what actually are the best leggings on the market. 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 options. 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

1. Best Comfort Leggings: Adanola Ultimate Leggings, £40
2. Most Affordable Leggings: H&M High Waisted Legging, £10
3. Best Fashion Leggings: Commando Classic Legging, £195
4. Best Workout Leggings: Lululemon Align™ High-Rise Pant 25", £88
5. Best Seamless Leggings: Stretch-Ponte Leggings, £98
6. Best Support Leggings: Vuori Inversion Rib Legging, £120
7. Best Sculpting Leggings Wolford Scuba Stretch-Jersey Leggings, £155
8. Best Stirrup Leggings Tibi Compact Ultra Stretch Knit Stirrup Legging, £362
9. 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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

SHOP MORE STIRRUP LEGGINGS:

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:

What are the Main Differences Between the Different Types of Leggings?

The leggings market is one of the most oversaturated in the industry. Between inseams, lengths, fabrics and finishes, it's a struggle to know where to begin when shopping for pants, let alone know what to look out for when buying a good quality pair. "The main differences lie in fabric feel, support level, and intended activity," explains Another Version founder Shelley Cook. "[The brand] designs leggings for real life—whether that’s a workout, a long walk, or a full day of errands," she continues.

"Our Second Skin Leggings are our all-time best sellers, and for good reason. These are buttery, lightweight, and made for all-day wear. Our Ribbed Sculpt leggings offer a compressive, stay-put fit more suited for high-intensity movement, but still maintain a good balance of structure and stretch."

The primary difference ultimately comes down to the level of exercise you're doing when wearing leggings. For pulse-racing HIIT classes, you'll want to look for something more sculpting, while low-impact workouts can benefit from a softer finish.

How Can you Find What Legging Length Suits you Best?

Finding the right legging length comes down to your "height, proportions and how you want them to fit and feel," explains Hars. Typically, legging lengths are one of the following: full length, 7/8, crop and capri. As the name suggests, full-length hits right at the ankle, while 7/8 falls between your joint and the bottom of your calf. Crop finishes right around your muscle, and capri is a true three-quarter length.

"Full-length leggings (28" and above) suit longer legs, while 7/8 length (typically 24" 26") flatter most people and hit just above the ankle," explains Cook. "If you’re unsure, start with 7/8—they’re the most universally flattering in our opinion.

What Specific Activities Suit Different Types of Leggings Best?

Whether you're running to the gym or heading to brunch after a boxing class, specific workouts benefit from wearing specific leggings. Just like you wouldn't wear jeans to a spin class, there are specific materials that complement best and can actually enhance performance.

"The right leggings depend on your activity and desired look and feel," Hars tells me.

"For Pilates, yoga, and gym workouts, a snug, supportive fit with light compression and four-way stretch fabric offers flexibility and stability," she adds. "For running or higher-impact workouts, more compressive fabrics can help reduce bounce and fatigue. For slower movement, recovery, or lounging, cotton blends prioritise breathability and comfort over compression."

If you're looking for just a general do-it-all pair, Hars explains that something like the brand's SoftSculp fabric is ideal. "[It] combines sculpting support with a buttery-soft, second-skin feel. It features four-way stretch and strikes the perfect balance between compression and comfort. Ideal for all types of workouts and everyday wear." Consider me sold.

What Should You Look Out for When Buying Leggings?

If you're not testing the stretch and sheerness of leggings in person, there are a few tell-tale signs that you can look out for when shopping for the best styles online. "When it comes to performance leggings, the fabric composition might look similar on paper, but quality can vary significantly depending on construction, weight, texture, and finish," Hars notes. "Even among polyester-spandex blends, key differences in weaving, thread types, and treatments greatly affect how the fabric feels, performs, and looks," she continues.

So, where to start? "Consider how you want the leggings to feel," she explains. "Some fabrics offer a brushed finish with a cosy hand feel, while others have a sleeker, more technical look—perfect for a sculpted, elevated appearance."

Compression is another key factor. "Do you prefer a held-in, sculpting effect or a softer, more flexible fit?" Hars asks. "High-quality leggings offer excellent stretch and recovery, move naturally with your body, and maintain their shape after wear. Look for flat seams and always ensure the fabric is squat-proof."

"Ultimately, it’s about finding a pair that fits how you want to move, feel, and look," she reminds me. This is something Cook agrees with: "When leggings feel comfortable and luxurious but hold you in, that’s a sign of quality. We stand by feeling like the best, most confident version of yourself when you put on a pair of our leggings."

How Can you Tell If a Pair of Leggings are Good Quality?

There are also small indicators that give away whether a pair of leggings are good or bad. According to Cook, these pointers include: "A waistband that stays up, fabric that doesn't go sheer when stretched, and seams that don’t dig in or chafe. If it feels good from the moment you put it on, you're on the right track." Hars mentions a few other factors.

"High-quality leggings feel smooth and balanced in weight, not flimsy or overly shiny," she adds. "When stretched, the fabric should hold its shape without becoming see-through or loose. Examine the stitching and waistband. The seams should be clean, flat, and reinforced, and the waistband should hold without digging in or rolling down. Good leggings recover well after wear, returning to their original shape. Most importantly, try them on to experience comfort and support."

What are the Best Materials for Leggings?

You may notice that a lot of leggings brands use a lot of synthetic materials, but fear not. It's often the case that hybrid material blends make for the best leggings fabrics for a few reasons. "A blend of nylon and elastane is a top choice because it offers durability, stretch, and a smooth finish," Cook advises. "Nylon is breathable and resists wear, while elastane adds that perfect stretch-and-recovery."

If you're planning on working up a stretch, activewear leggings can also benefit from being made of "high-quality recycled polyester blended with spandex". According to Hars, this combination offers "durability, sweat-wicking properties, shape retention, and the right level of sculpting and stretch". "It’s technical enough to support movement while feeling smooth against the skin, perfect for that elevated, performance-meets-comfort feel," she adds. "For low-impact or lounging activities, organic cotton blends with a touch of elastane offer softness and breathability, though less sculpting."

What is the Best Way to Wash Your Leggings?

To preserve and extend the life of your leggings, Hars suggests "turning them inside out before washing to protect the fabric and maintain colour and stretch." You should also avoid using water that is scorching hot. Rather, she explains to "use a cold, gentle cycle and avoid fabric softeners, which can break down performance fibres over time." Once all washed, Cook tells me that letting them to air dry will help leggings keep their shape better. "Skip the dryer and lay flat or hang to dry. This protects elasticity, colour, and shape, keeping them looking newer for longer."

What is the Difference Between Leggings and Yoga Pants?

Yoga pants are an alternative to leggings that many celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber have begun gravitating toward to. But what actually are they, and how are yoga pants different to leggings? "Leggings are typically tighter throughout and come in various fabrics and fits for both lifestyle and athletic wear. Yoga pants traditionally have a flared or bootcut leg and are made for movement with softer, brushed fabrics," Cook outlines. "These days, the lines blur, but leggings tend to be more versatile for both workouts and streetwear."

Is it Okay to Wear Leggings Every Day?

One of the biggest questions I get asked as a fashion editor is whether it's truly fine to wear leggings every day. When I sounded this question off around theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing team, the responses were varied. To some, this look feels a little too relaxed, while others think it's perfectly fine, as long as some consideration and care is put into elevating a staple part of the activewear uniform. The subject that is so polarising that it's often espoused that French women conspicuously change into leggings once they get to their workout class to avoid being seen in public wearing them. But we let the experts weigh in on this topic to get a full rounded answer.

"[Wearing leggings everyday is a hill we die on!" says Cook. "Today’s leggings are designed to move with you, support you, and keep you comfortable all day. A good pair of quality black leggings is an essential in any capsule wardrobe and can be endlessly styled." Hars, not too unsurprisingly, also agrees. "Well-made leggings combine comfort, style, and function. Whether you’re doing Pilates, running errands, or heading out for lunch, they offer an effortless look from studio to street—a modern wardrobe essential." Well there you have it.

How We Chose the Best Leggings

The best leggings were chosen after meticulous testing and trialling. Who What Wear UK's fashion editor, Remy Farrell, has tested numerous leggings over her expansive career, so when it came to this assignment, she revisited her former favourites along with new launches and exciting market innovations. She ensured that each pair of leggings was tested under the same methodology, factoring in pilling, endurance, stretch, comfort and finish. After wearing them to workout classes, into the office, through her daily commute and on long walks, Farrell determined the nine best leggings that women will want to live and move in.

Why Trust Us?

AtBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.

We regularly try pieces ourselves, everything from bestselling jeans to designer shoes, speak to external experts and fashion insiders and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.