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The seemingly impossible quest to find the perfect pair of leggings is not unlike trying to find the perfect pair of jeans — and it can feel even more exhausting with inclusive sizing. Waistbands can dig in or will constantly roll down, fabrics can be totally see-through (not a bad thing if you want to wear leggings as tights), and there’s a fine line between their being compressive and restrictive or more relaxed and straight-up saggy. Luckily, Cut contributor Sarah Caldwell, writer Tyler McCall, and model Morgan Louise shared their recommendations for the best plus-size leggings, and there are plenty of other top-rated, best-selling styles in the mix based on impressive customer reviews.
Whether you’re looking for leggings to work out in, ones that are appropriate to wear to work (or just beyond the confines of your apartment), ones you want to lounge all day in, or ones that double as tights or a base layer, keep scrolling to find the pair that speaks to you. Fingers crossed that your journey to find some leggings that feel tailor-made ends today.
Leggings to Work Out In
McCall is a huge fan of Girlfriend Collective’s styles. “I literally do not buy leggings anywhere else,” she says. “These keep everything feeling secure, and they’re thick — you will never once have the issue of bending over and having something go see-through — but they’re also very comfortable. The waistband is wide enough that it won’t roll or dig, and they always have the best colors. Plus, they’re made out of recycled water bottles, and when you’re done with them, you can send them back in for upcycling!” McCall’s rave review is just one of more than 17,000 on the site.
Sizes: XXS–6XL | Colors: Available in 7 | Materials: 79 percent recycled plastic bottles (RPET) and 21 percent spandex
Louise’s all-time favorite pair is this one from Beyond Yoga. “These go up to a 4XL, and the spacedye fabric feels like butter,” she says. “I love that they feel so breathable because most athletic leggings have a sort of plasticky feeling that isn’t very pleasant.” These have a 4.9 rating out of five stars, and the ultrasoft, moisture-wicking stretch material will change the way you think about leggings.
Sizes: XXS–4XL | Colors: Available in 7 | Materials: 87 percent polyester, 13 percent elastane
If you’re looking for a workout onesie, Louise says this is basically a full-body legging and is the most comfortable thing she has ever worn. “It has become my go-to outfit for almost everything: airport, yoga, errands, and working from home.” The adjustable straps ensure that it stays secure through anything.
Sizes: XS–4XL | Colors: Available in 2 | Materials: 87 percent polyester, 13 percent elastane
For fans of very high-waisted leggings, opt for this top-rated Athleta pair. It comes in regular, tall, and petite sizing so you can find the perfect length. The 3,000+ five-star reviews say these are soft yet compressive enough to hold you in and stay put — i.e., there’s no need to constantly pull up a sagging waistband.
Sizes: XXS–3XL | Colors: Available in 3 | Materials: Nylon, elastane
This pair is made with 50 percent recycled polyester fibers and comes in regular, short, and tall options for varying heights. These will keep you dry during even the sweatiest of workouts and are compressive without restricting your movement.
Sizes: 0XL–4XL | Colors: Available in 6 | Materials: 78–79 percent polyester, 21–22 percent spandex
Leggings to Wear As Pants
The Universal Standard saleswoman gave Caldwell these when she asked for “work leggings,” even though they’re officially billed as pants. Caldwell says they checked every box for all the features she was looking for: They’re stretchy, light, and not constricting. The side zipper also makes them look professional and not like you’re on your way to SoulCycle.
Sizes: 0–40 | Colors: Available in 4 | Materials: 60 percent rayon, 35 percent nylon, 5 percent elastane
This popular Eloquii style fits like a glove and has strong panels of elastic that grip your waist without suffocating you. The flared silhouette makes these stand out from your typical leggings, but the hem can run long. If you’re on the shorter side, these are probably best to wear with a heel to avoid any pooling fabric.
Sizes: 14–28 | Colors: Totally Black | Materials: 68 percent rayon, 27 percent chinlon, 5 percent spandex
Spanx’s faux-leather leggings are a cult favorite for their liquidlike look and feel. They make any outfit dressier even if you wear them with sneakers. A heads-up: Reviewers say they can run small, so just make sure to size up.
Sizes: 1XL–3XL | Colors: Very Black| Materials: 87 percent nylon, 13 percent spandex with polyurethane coating
It’s hard to beat the price of these popular thick-knit leggings that have stylish seams at the back of each leg. Add a suit vest or a luxe button-down to bring them from your sofa to your office chair. A couple of reviewers said these run large, but most found them true to size.
Sizes: 1XL–3XL | Colors: Black | Materials: 67 percent viscose, 28 percent nylon, 5 percent elastane
Leggings to Lounge In
These popular ribbed leggings have more than 1,500 reviews and nail the cozy-chic vibe. They hug your body yet are still breathable for those lazy stay-at-home days.
Sizes: XXS–4XL | Colors: Available in 4 | Materials: 95 percent cotton, 5 percent spandex
If you’re the type of person who values airflow and stretch, this is the silhouette for you. These high-rise babies have more than 1,700 ratings, and even reviewers who don’t care much for flares said they were compelled to buy a pair — or two — and now wear them all the time. You can really envision yourself lying on the sofa all day in this durable pair.
Sizes: XS–4XL | Colors: Available in 3 | Materials: 96 percent cotton, 4 percent spandex
There’s something about heather gray that just screams “loungewear.” Target reviewers are obsessed with the comfort and fit of these high-waisted ones, and the price isn’t too shabby either.
Sizes: XXS–4XL | Colors: Heather gray | Materials: A cotton blend with a touch of spandex
With more than 600 five-star ratings, these black ribbed leggings are simple, sleek, and made for those days when you don’t want to put on real pants. They don’t have side pockets or side seams, which adds to the laid-back aesthetic, and the wide waistband will feel like a dream.
Sizes: XXS–3XL | Colors: Black | Materials: Made with recycled nylon
Leggings to Wear As Tights Replacements
The compression here is no joke, and while these are slightly see-through, according to some reviewers, that just makes them a great option to wear as footless tights when the colder weather hits. Plus, these have zero seams for the smoothest fit.
Sizes: XXS–4XL | Colors: Available in 6 | Materials: 93 percent nylon, 7 percent spandex
Caldwell admits that these are see-through when you bend over, but she insists the comfort makes up for it. “I actually think these did the best job of hugging my calves and making them look strong,” she says. “They make my butt look high and tight, and I like how long they are, too, so that they could pass for thick tights with a boot.” They come in two lengths — 23 and 27 inches — and you can get them with or without pockets so you have plenty of options.
Sizes: 0–40 | Colors: Available in 3 | Materials: 44 percent pima cotton, 44 percent modal,
12 percent spandex
These are some super-breathable leggings thanks to the lightweight material, and the wide waistband hugs you just right without digging in. They can be sheer, similar to tights, and are made to wear as a base layer to stay toasty during the winter. They come in all sorts of fun colors and more basic black and navy if those are more your speed. Plus, they are currently 70 percent off.
Sizes: XS–3XL | Colors: Available in 8 | Materials: 95 percent Tencel Lyocell, 5 percent elastane
Our experts:
- Sarah Caldwell, Cut contributor
- Tyler McCall, writer and former editor-in-chief of Fashionista
- Morgan Louise, model