Leggings have become a wardrobe staple for many over the past decade, and it’s easy to see why. Their comfort and versatility make them a no-brainer for everything from working out to running errands to lounging at home. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which leggings are actually worth spending your money on?
Why Leggings Are So Popular
I’ve been a leggings lover for years. As someone who is always on the go between work, errands, and family life, I need clothing that can keep up with my busy schedule. Leggings check all the boxes – they’re cute, comfortable, and super easy to move around in. Here are a few reasons why I think leggings have become so popular lately:
- They’re crazy comfortable. The stretchy fabric hugs your body and moves with you. No need to constantly adjust!
- Endless styling options. Dress them up or down for any occasion. Throw on a tunic or long sweater for a casual look or pair them with heels and a blazer for night out.
- Fit for any body type. Available in high-waisted, mid-rise, full length – leggings can flatter all figures.
- Perfect for working out. Whether you’re doing yoga, running, or lifting, leggings stand up to sweat and allow free range of motion.
- Easy to care for. Most styles can be tossed in the wash and don’t require any special care.
With athleisure wear continuing to dominate fashion trends, it doesn’t look like the leggings craze will slow down any time soon. From celebrities to soccer moms, women of all ages have embraced this versatile garment. Now the question is, how do you find that perfect pair?
Different Types of Leggings (Yoga, Lounge, Jeans)
When I first started wearing leggings years ago, I thought they were pretty much one style fits all. Boy, was I wrong! Now there are so many options designed for different activities and styles. Here are some of the most popular types of leggings and how they differ:
- Yoga leggings – Made from a blend of spandex, nylon and sometimes polyester, these are designed for stretch and movement. They wick away sweat and often have contoured waistbands that stay put during downward dog.
- Lounge leggings – Extra soft and cozy fabrics like modal or rayon make these perfect for relaxing at home. More about comfort than compression.
- Active leggings – Leggings made for training and high intensity workouts often include moisture-wicking fabrics and breathable mesh panels. Reflective details are good for running outside.
- Faux leather/jeans leggings – The latest trend, these mimic pants in edgier fabrics. Great for nighttime looks.
Consider what you’ll primarily be wearing them for, and look for leggings designed with those activities in mind. While you can wear most styles interchangeably, choosing leggings with the right fabrics and features can make all the difference in comfort and performance.
Pros of Wearing Leggings (Comfort, Flexibility, Style)
From my personal experience, I can attest to many benefits of wearing leggings on a regular basis!
- They’re so darn comfortable. The stretchy fabrics move with you and don’t pinch or restrict.
- Endless styling possibilities. Leggings can be dressed up or down effortlessly.
- Flattering fit for all body types. Find the rise and length that suits your shape.
- Great for exercise and activity. The stretch allows free range of motion.
- Easy care and maintenance. Toss them in the wash and air dry.
- Budget friendly price point. Quality pairs can be found for under $50.
- Travel friendly and pack light. They fold up small and don’t wrinkle!
For me, leggings check all the boxes. They simply make getting dressed and feeling good about my outfit much easier, even on super busy days. I think that’s why they’ve become such a popular go-to item for women of all ages. When something is cute, versatile, comfortable AND functional – it’s bound to become a closet staple!
Cons of Wearing Leggings (Can Be Too Revealing)
As much as I love leggings, I’ll admit they aren’t without their downsides. Here are a few potential cons to consider:
- Some styles can be a little TOO revealing. Make sure to choose an opaque fabric that isn’t see-through!
- Certain fabrics pill easily and look worn out fast. Focus on quality over quantity.
- Not casual enough for some environments. Make sure to check your workplace dress code.
- Easy to overwear. Mix up your outfit formula to avoid fashion ruts!
- Sizing can be tricky. Different brands fit differently.
My advice? Be picky about the fabrics you choose and always do a “squat test” before wearing leggings in public! Have a pair suddenly become sheer? Save them for house lounge days rather than yoga class. With a little extra care and consideration, leggings can be a versatile closet addition.
Choosing the Right Leggings for Your Body Type
Finding that “perfect pair” of leggings has a lot to do with choosing a style that flatters YOUR unique shape. Here are some tips:
- CURVY – Look for leggings with contoured waistbands to cinch and hold in your waist. Full length styles help avoid gaping at the ankles.
- ATHLETIC – Compression leggings work great for muscular builds. Focus on stretch and performance fabrics.
- PETITE – Ankle length or cropped leggings help avoid bunching around the ankles. Mid and high-rise styles elongate your legs.
- PLUS SIZE – Elastic waistbands and structured fabrics smooth and slenderize curves. Darker colors are also slimming.
Take measurements of your waist, hips, and inseam then compare to size charts. Read reviews to see how a brand’s sizing runs. Investing in leggings suited for YOUR body means you’ll feel amazing when you wear them!
Mixing and Matching Leggings With Other Clothes
One reason I love leggings so much is that they make getting dressed easy! Here are some of my favorite ways to style leggings for different occasions:
- Weekends – Pair with oversized sweaters, tanks or graphic tees for running errands. Add sneakers or booties.
- Yoga – Match solid color leggings with a patterned sports bra or tank. Add a half zip pullover and tennis shoes.
- Traveling – Leggings with pockets paired with a moisture wicking tee and slip-on sneakers.
- Work – Layer fashion leggings under dresses and tunics for a polished look. Add heels or boots.
- Night out – Edgy faux leather or metallic leggings with a silky cami and moto jacket.
See what I mean about endless options? Have fun mixing and matching leggings with other pieces already in your closet for chic, comfy outfits!
Taking Care of Your Leggings (Washing, Avoiding Pills)
Like other delicate fabrics, leggings require a little extra TLC in the laundry room. Here are my top care tips:
- Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle. Hot water can damage the elasticity.
- Air dry when possible. High heat can cause leggings to shrink, pill or fade.
- Use a lingerie bag. This protects leggings from snags and friction damage.
- Don’t use fabric softener or dryer sheets. They can cause buildup on stretchy fabrics.
- Inspect seams and gussets regularly. Hand wash to remove odors as needed.
Being mindful of how you wash and dry leggings can make them last so much longer. Taking a few extra steps preserves the fit, feel and appearance of your favorites!
When to Wear Leggings (Casual, Working Out, Going Out)
One of the best things about leggings is their incredible versatility! Here are some of my favorite times to wear them:
- Air travel – The comfort can’t be beat when you’re stuck on a plane!
- Lazy weekend errands – An oversized tee and leggings is my go-to mom uniform.
- Working from home – So much better than sweats! I’m still cute on video calls.
- Working out – Whether it’s yoga, running or lifting, leggings allow easy movement.
- Night out dancing – Faux leather leggings look edgy for a nightclub or bar scene.
Truly, I wear leggings almost daily for something. They just make life easier! I don’t have to sacrifice comfort or style. What do YOU typically wear leggings for?
2023 Leggings Style Trends to Know
One thing I love about leggings is that they evolve with the times. Fresh trends and looks emerge each season that put a new spin on this classic item. For 2023, these stylish updates are on my radar:
- Bold prints, florals and tie-dye
- Retro high-waisted and tapered ankle silhouettes
- Moto leggings with edgy distressed details
- Luxe faux leather and liquid shiny fabrics
- Croc and reptile embossed textures
- Playful cut-outs, mesh insets and contrast side stripes
Trendy takes like these give your leggings wardrobe a modern upgrade! I have my eye out for fun statement pairs to elevate my usual rotation.
How do you keep your leggings looking stylish? Share your tips and go-to brands in the comments!
Leggings have become such a staple in our closets due to their versatility and comfort. With so many options out there, it can be tricky to figure out which styles work best for your needs and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular types of leggings and how they compare:
Different Types of Leggings (Yoga, Lounge, Jeans)
In the past, leggings were pretty much one-size-fits all. But these days you can find so many varieties designed for specific activities and looks. Some of the main categories include:
- Yoga leggings: Made with a blend of spandex, nylon and polyester, yoga leggings stretch and move with you. They’re designed to wick away sweat during long holds and inversions. Flat seams and contoured waistbands prevent digging in and rolling while you practice.
- Lounge leggings: Who doesn’t love a super soft, comfy pair of leggings for relaxing? Lounge leggings are made of modal, rayon or other fabrics that feel amazing when you lounge on the couch. No compression here – just pure coziness.
- Active leggings: Leggings for training, running, hiking or high intensity workouts are all about performance. Look for moisture-wicking fabrics, mesh paneling for breathability, reflective details for visibility, and pockets to hold your phone.
- Fashion leggings: Going out tonight? Edgy faux leather leggings pair perfectly with heels and a silky cami. Or grab eye-catching printed leggings to make a style statement. Have fun with cut-outs, mesh insets and bold colors.
Consider what you’ll wear them for most, and look for leggings specifically designed for those needs. I love having yoga leggings for working out, soft lounge leggings for Netflix binging, and sleek leather leggings for date night. Having the right pair for each activity makes a huge difference in comfort!
With so many stylish options available today, leggings can truly work for any occasion or activity. We’ve come a long way from the basic black legging!
What’s your go-to style of leggings? Share how you wear them in the comments!
I’ve been a leggings lover for years now. Their comfort and versatility make them a staple in my wardrobe. But what exactly makes leggings so great? Here are some of the key pros I’ve experienced from rocking my favorite pair of leggings on repeat:
Pros of Wearing Leggings (Comfort, Flexibility, Style)
Leggings simply check all the boxes for me. Here are some of the key reasons they’re a wardrobe hero:
- They’re so incredibly comfortable! The stretchy fabric moves with you and doesn’t pinch, restrict or dig in.
- Endless styling possibilities – dress them up or down effortlessly. Leggings pair perfectly with tunics, sweaters, tees and more.
- Flattering fit for all. Leggings come in various rises, lengths and fabrics to suit every body type.
- Ideal for working out and being active. The stretch fabric allows complete freedom of movement.
- Easy care. Just toss them in the wash. No special treatment needed.
- Budget friendly. Quality leggings can be found for under $50 if you know where to look.
- Great for travel. They fold up without wrinkling and weigh next to nothing.
I also love how leggings make getting dressed so much easier on busy mornings. I don’t have to sacrifice comfort or style. I stay cozy while looking cute! For me, that’s the ultimate wardrobe win-win.
With so many perks, it’s no wonder leggings have become a popular staple. They check the boxes of fashion, function and comfort. What do you love most about wearing leggings?
Share your favorite leggings benefits in the comments!
While I sing the praises of leggings for their comfort and versatility, I’ll admit they aren’t without some potential drawbacks. Leggings do require a bit more care and consideration compared to other bottoms. Here are a few of the cons to keep in mind:
Cons of Wearing Leggings (Can Be Too Revealing)
As much as I love rocking leggings, there are a few things to watch out for:
- Sheerness can be an issue – make sure to do the “bend over” test before wearing a new pair in public!
- Some fabrics pill quickly and look worn out fast. Focus on quality over quantity.
- Not dressy enough for some environments. Know your workplace dress code.
- Easy to overwear. Mix up your outfits to keep it fresh.
- Sizing can be confusing across brands. Carefully check size charts.
The key is choosing opaque, quality fabrics and taking care to find pairs that fit your body type well. I also recommend having some tunics or longer tops to wear with leggings if you need more coverage.
While leggings do require some extra consideration, they are still one of the most versatile bottoms out there. Just be mindful of sheerness, fit and pilling. Take steps like hand washing or spot treating problem areas as needed. With a little extra care, leggings can work for all kinds of environments and activities!
Do you have any other leggings drawbacks to share? Join the conversation!
With so many leggings options out there, it can seem tricky to find the perfect pair for your unique body type. But having leggings that fit YOUR shape well makes all the difference in comfort, performance and style.
Choosing the Right Leggings for Your Body Type
Leggings come in a wide variety of rises, lengths and fabrics to flatter different figures. Here are some tips for finding your perfect match:
- CURVY bodies – Look for leggings with contoured waistbands to hold you in and provide support. Full length leggings help avoid gaping at the ankles.
- ATHLETIC builds – Compression leggings that cling to muscles work great. Focus on performance fabrics with plenty of stretch.
- PETITE frames – Ankle length or cropped leggings prevent bunching around your ankles. High-rise styles elongate legs visually.
- PLUS sizes – Structured, smoothing fabrics flatter in all the right places. Darker colors and bold patterns are also slimming.
Take your unique measurements, read reviews about brand sizing, and don’t be afraid to try several styles. Investing in leggings made for your body means you’ll look and feel amazing wearing them. When in doubt, go for more coverage and support.
The key is identifying your body’s shape and needs. Find leggings specifically engineered for your curves, height and proportions. With so many options today catering to all figures, you can definitely find your perfect match. Just focus on fit and flattery!
What tips do you have for finding great leggings for different body types?
One of the things I love most about leggings is how versatile they are to style. With the right mix and match pieces, you can take leggings from the gym to the streets effortlessly. Here are some of my favorite ways to pair leggings for different occasions:
Mixing and Matching Leggings With Other Clothes
Leggings make getting dressed a breeze thanks to the endless styling possibilities. Here are some of my go-to leggings outfit ideas:
- Casual weekends – Pair leggings with oversized sweaters, graphic tees or tank tops. Finish the look with sneakers or booties.
- Yoga – Match solid color leggings with fun patterned sports bras and tanks. Add a half zip pullover and tennis shoes.
- Travel days – Leggings with pockets are perfect paired with moisture-wicking tees and slip-on sneakers.
- Workwear – Layer fashion leggings under dresses, tunics and long sweaters for a polished office-ready look.
- Night out – Edgy leather or metallic leggings look amazing with silky camis and moto jackets.
See what I mean about options? I love taking basic leggings up a notch by mixing and matching them with other pieces in my closet. The possibilities are truly endless!
Leggings can effortlessly go from working out to running errands to date night with a simple wardrobe change up. Experiment with styling your leggings in new ways for the perfect outfit every time!
How do you style your leggings? Share your favorite pairings!
To keep your favorite leggings looking and feeling their best, it’s important to be mindful of how you wash and care for them. Here are my top laundry tips for avoiding pills, premature wear and tear, and other issues:
Taking Care of Your Leggings (Washing, Avoiding Pills)
Like other delicate fabrics, leggings require a gentle approach in the laundry room. Follow these simple steps for longevity:
- Wash in cold water on a delicate cycle. Hot water can damage elasticity over time.
- Skip the dryer when possible – air dry leggings to prevent shrinkage and pilling.
- Use a mesh laundry bag for washing. This prevents snags, friction and other damage.
- Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets. They leave buildup on stretchy fabrics.
- Inspect gussets and seams regularly. Hand wash problem areas to remove odors.
Also, remember to check for pilling between wears and gently remove with a fabric shaver. Air drying leggings on a flat surface can prevent those pesky fuzz balls.
Putting in that extra care while washing and drying goes a long way. It keeps the fabric feeling soft and looking like new. Your leggings are worth the small additional effort to extend their lifespan!
Do you have any other leggings laundry tips? Share your advice here!
One of the best things about leggings is how versatile they are. From casual weekends to nights out, leggings can work for practically any occasion. Here are some of my favorite times to break out my favorite pair:
When to Wear Leggings (Casual, Working Out, Going Out)
Leggings are my go-to bottoms for all sorts of activities and events. Here’s when I typically put them into rotation:
- Long flights: Nothing beats the comfort of leggings when stuck on a plane for hours!
- Running errands: An oversized tee and leggings is my weekend mom uniform for getting stuff done.
- Netflix binging: I’ll take soft, stretchy lounge leggings over real pants any day!
- Working out: Whether it’s yoga, HIIT training or lifting, leggings allow free movement.
- Night out: Edgy leather or metallic leggings pair perfectly with heels and silky camis.
From casual hangs to dressed up events, leggings truly do work for nearly any activity. I especially love wearing them while traveling, running errands, or just relaxing at home. So much more comfortable than jeans or other stiff bottoms!
Leggings can effortlessly transition from working out to working from home to date night. That versatility makes them a year-round staple in my closet. When do YOU get the most wear out of leggings?
Share when you find leggings most useful in the comments!
One of the things that keeps leggings feeling fresh and fun each year are the new style trends that emerge. For 2023, these are some of the hottest leggings looks I have my eye on:
2023 Leggings Style Trends to Know
Leggings trends are always evolving with the seasons. Here are some of the key looks I’m excited to try out this year:
- Bold prints – Vibrant florals, psychedelic tie-dyes and abstract patterns make a statement.
- Retro silhouettes – High-waisted leggings with a tapered ankle are so chic right now.
- Distressed details – Moto leggings featuring shredded elements and edgy damage.
- Liquid shiny fabrics – Sleek, glossy leggings that mimic leather or satin.
- Croc and snake prints – Reptilian embossed textures for an exotic vibe.
- strategic cut-outs – Legging with peek-a-boo slashes or mesh insets.
Fun details like these give basic leggings a fresh, modern upgrade. I love incorporating trendy accents into my leggings rotation each season. It keeps my look feeling current!
Leggings styles may come and go, but their versatility never goes out of fashion. I can’t wait to try out some of 2023’s hottest trends. How about you?
Which leggings trends are you eyeing this year? Share your wish list!
With so many leggings options out there, it can be tricky finding affordable pairs that are still high quality. Here are some of my go-to online retailers for scoring budget-friendly leggings:
Best Places to Buy Affordable Leggings Online
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get great leggings. Here are the online stores I shop for quality pairs under $50:
- Old Navy – Their Powersoft and Stevies collections offer leggings under $30 with tons of styles and prints.
- Amazon Essentials – Find basic leggings in neutral shades starting at just $10-15 per pair.
- Target – Brands like JoyLab and All in Motion have premium workout leggings under $25.
- TJ Maxx online – Sort by price low to high and you’ll find name brand leggings deeply discounted.
- Walmart – The Avia and Danskin lines have affordable, stylish options under $20.
I’m able to find so many cute leggings for everyday wear at these retailers without breaking the bank. Sites like Old Navy and Target carry trendy prints and colors too.
Don’t think you have to pay designer prices for great fitting leggings. Check out these budget-friendly e-tailers – you’ll be amazed at the selection and savings!
Where are your favorite places to shop for cheap leggings online? Share your tips!
Plain leggings can get a little boring after a while. Luckily, it’s easy to customize your own pairs with some simple DIY techniques. Get creative with these fun ideas for personalizing leggings to match your unique style:
DIY Ideas for Customizing and Personalizing Leggings
Make even basic leggings feel special again using these DIY customization tips:
- Use fabric paint to draw designs, shapes or words. Let dry fully before wearing.
- Cut colorful heat transfer vinyl into fun phrases or images with a Cricut. Iron onto leggings.
- Stencil on patterns with fabric paint. Geometric shapes, florals and animals are cute.
- Add patches featuring bands, sports teams or city pride using fabric glue.
- Embellish with rhinestones, studs or sequins using a glue gun for some sparkle.
- Tie-dye leggings at home for a colorful, psychedelic look.
The possibilities are endless when you DIY! Have fun and get creative making each pair feel special. Custom leggings also make great homemade gifts.
Putting your own personal spin on plain leggings is so rewarding. And it lets you sport designs and looks you won’t find anywhere else. What custom looks would you DIY?
Share your ideas for unique leggings styles in the comments!
Taking steps to properly store your leggings can go a long way towards increasing their lifespan. Here are my top tips for keeping leggings in great condition between wears:
How to Store Leggings Properly to Increase Longevity
Extend the life of your favorite leggings using these storage strategies:
- Fold (don’t hang!) leggings to prevent stretching out the elastic over time.
- Use pant hangers for leggings you want to hang, placing the hanger at the waistband rather than the crotch.
- Store folded leggings in breathable fabric bins, not air tight plastic. Cotton and mesh help prevent moisture buildup.
- Don’t overstuff drawers. Crowding can lead to pilling and misshaping.
- Keep leggings away from direct heat and sunlight which can fade colors.
- Consider sizing up so leggings aren’t stretched tightly when folded and stored.
A little extra TLC makes a difference! Proper storage keeps the elastic and fabrics from wearing out quickly. And preventing damage from sunlight, heat and crowding maintains the color, shape and texture.
With the right storage methods, your leggings can maintain their fit, feel and appearance for many seasons. Follow these simple tips to increase longevity of your favorites!
How do you store your leggings? Share your tips and tricks here!
Even the best leggings can run into some issues now and then. Luckily there are some clever hacks and tricks for solving common leggings problems!
Clever Leggings Hacks for Solving Common Problems
Don’t toss out your favorite leggings just yet – try these crafty solutions first:
- Pilling – Carefully shave pills using a fabric razor or pumice stone. Avoid razors with blades.
- Baggy knees – Sew folded ribbon or elastic inside each pant leg as knee reinforcement.
- Slipping down – Sew a wide strip of elastic inside the waistband for a tighter fit.
- Static cling – Rub dryer sheets lightly over leggings to reduce static electricity.
- Pet hair magnet – Wrap masking tape around your hand to lift pet hair off the fabric.
- Pills in dryer – Place leggings in a mesh wash bag to prevent friction damage.
With some simple supplies and a bit of handiwork, you can often fix minor issues and get more wear out of beloved leggings. Pretty clever!
What other leggings dilemmas have you solved with crafty tricks? Share your life hacks in the comments!
Help a fellow leggings lover out with your fix-it tips and tricks!
Discovering a small hole or run in your favorite leggings is so frustrating! But don’t despair – here are some tips for repairing minor leggings damage to extend their life:
How to Repair Small Holes or Runs in Leggings
Before you trash leggings with minor flaws, try these easy fixes:
- Turn them inside out and apply clear nail polish to snags or runs. Let dry fully before wearing.
- For tiny holes, place a small piece of matching fabric behind the hole and seam seal around the edges with fabric glue.
- Use a needle and coordinating thread to sew closed small holes or tears. Weave the thread over the hole in an X shape.
- Iron-on adhesive patches come in tons of colors/patterns. Follow package directions to patch over flaws.
- Liquid stitches like Fray Check are quick fixes for stopping runs – just dab on and let dry.
With the right supplies, a steady hand, and a little patience, you can give your damaged leggings new life! I find sewing or gluing patches on the inside of leggings works great for holes along seams or the inner thigh.
What clever fixes have you tried for broken leggings? Share your handiwork in the comments!
Help a fellow leggings lover out with your repair tips and tricks!
When it comes to leggings, you can definitely find quality without breaking the bank. But are pricier designer brands actually worth the splurge? Here are some things to consider when deciding whether to invest in luxe leggings.
Are Expensive Brand Name Leggings Worth the Price?
Higher end athletic brands like Lululemon, Alo Yoga, and Athleta offer leggings typically ranging from $90-120. Here are some potential pros of splurging:
- Innovative fabrics like Softstrech and Luon that offer smoothing and bounce control.
- Trend-forward colors, prints, and style details each season.
- Flattering cuts crafted for workout and everyday wear.
- Excellent durability even after repeat wears and washes.
- A more polished look for workouts and everyday wear.
However, the higher price tag isn’t necessary for basic leggings. Factors to consider include budget, how often you wear leggings, and how much wear and tear they receive. For lounge and casual everyday style, affordable brands are probably sufficient.
At the end of the day, choose quality over quantity when buying leggings. Prioritize fit and fabric over the label. Mix in a few splurge pairs only for styles you know you’ll wear frequently. As long as you feel good rocking them, any leggings can be worth the price!
What do you think – are brand name leggings worth splurging on? Share your thoughts!