These Flared Leggings Will Make You Ditch Tights and Sweatpants (2024)

These best-selling tights have everything we like about Lululemon leggings but with a high-rise compression. “I love that the cut allows for some airflow up my legs when I’m doing yoga, and that its high-waist cut covers my stomach completely,” says Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs. “They’re so smooth that I’ve worn them to bed.” If the amazingly soft Nulu fabric and wide range of colors on this pair of flares weren’t enough, there’s even a back pocket for your phone—a welcome update to the boot-cut yoga pants you loved in middle school. Just a word of warning: If you have short legs or a short torse, this pair might be too long.

Sizes: 0–20 / Colors: 12 options / Rise: High / Material: Nylon, Lycra

Pros: Supersoft fabric; back pocket; tons of colors
Cons: Not ideal for petites

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“Since I’m a true Taurus, loungewear is of utmost importance to me,” says Glamour commerce writer Andrea Navarro. “Being cozy is always a priority for me, and Skims’ Soft Lounge collection has some of my favorite pieces, including these ruched leggings.” With its supersoft ribbed fabric and a waistband that adjusts with a drawstring, you can really make these your own whether you’re just hanging at home or stepping out.

Sizes: XS–4X / Colors: 3 options / Rise: Adjustable / Material: Modal, spandex

Pros: Front ruched detail with adjustable drawstring; soft ribbed fabric
Cons: Limited availability for some sizes and colors

“These are hands-down the softest leggings I’ve ever worn in my life, and I don’t say that lightly,” says Navarro. “While they’re thicker than most leggings I own, they don’t make me overheat, even during my sweatiest workout.” The four-way-stretch material ensures a snug fit and a full range of motion, making them an ideal choice for any activity. “Plus, they dry so fast that I never have to worry about visible sweat stains.”

Sizes: XS–XXL / Colors: 2 options / Rise: High / Material: Polyester, elastane

Pros: Super soft fabric; quick drying; four-way stretch
Cons: Expensive

Amazon is a treasure trove of budget-friendly athleisure. Case in point: these pocketed high-waist leggings. They come in pretty much every color imaginable and are highly recommended by tens of thousands of shoppers. “What sold me on these pants was the pocket,” one reviewer raves. “If I could rate these pants more than five stars, I would.”

Sizes: S–XXL / Colors: 31 options / Rise: High / Material: Polyester, spandex

Pros: Tons of color options; two pockets; budget-friendly
Cons: Tiny pockets

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One of the most size-inclusive activewear brands on the market, Girlfriend Collective makes a point of designing clothes that fit a wide variety of body types. It’s the rare brand that offers true plus-size leggings, from XXS to 6XL, which can make all the difference when you’re looking for a pair that fits like it’s supposed to. These recyclable leggings caused quite a stir when they were first released, selling out almost instantly. The four-way construction is not only super comfy but also squat-proof and sweat-resistant. We suggest you snap them up ASAP.

Sizes: XXS–6XL / Colors: 5 options / Rise: High / Material: rPET, spandex

Pros: Squat-proof material; pockets; size-inclusive
Cons: Some colors sell out quickly.

If you prefer a lower cut than the super-high silhouette offered by nearly every other brand, this is about to become your favorite pair. “These leggings are made of substantial stretchy fabric that feels a tad compressive, and their midrise cut hits around my belly button,” says Glamour’s Griggs. “They’re just the right amount of length for my 5'4" frame (no drag), and I love that they have a pocket in the back that fits my phone.”

Sizes: XS–XL / Colors: 1 option / Rise: Mid / Material: Nylon, Lycra

Pros: Comparatively low cut; back pocket; UPF material
Cons: Limited sizing

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A prime example of the new wave of flared leggings, this casual pair has earned 3,200 perfect reviews and counting. Why? It’s an easygoing pick for yoga class, running errands, and pretty much everything else—and the unique waistband and kick-flare fit will keep you looking on trend the entire time. Plus, there are three inseam lengths to choose from—and a matching sports bra for good measure.

Sizes: S–XXL / Colors: 8 options / Rise: High / Material: Nylon, elastane

Pros: Lightweight, quick-drying material; trendy look; multiple lengths
Cons: Often sold out

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These budget-friendly leggings come highly recommended by Glamour’s Navarro, who often wears them when she’s working from home. Since they’re made mostly of cotton, they feel more like breathable sweatpants than leggings—a definite plus when you’re enjoying a movie marathon or taking a long walk.

Sizes: S–3X / Colors: 19 options / Rise: High / Material: Cotton, spandex

Pros: Budget-friendly; tons of colors; soft material
Cons: Might be too long if you have short legs

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With a leg-lengthening silhouette and a slim waistband, these Alo Yoga leggings offer a snug fit that won’t hug you too tight—it’s just enough to sculpt without constricting you. And the split-hem design is more than just an aesthetic choice: They offer extra ventilation for sweaty workouts (while also allowing you to show off your newest white sneakers).

Sizes: XXS–L / Colors: 7 options / Rise: High / Material: Nylon, elastane

Pros: Supersoft fabric; odor-resistant; highly breathable
Cons: Not ideal for short people

When you need to look dressed up but you can’t bring yourself to wear anything but leggings, reach for these Spanx bell bottoms. They look almost exactly like real leather, but they have way more stretch and are made with the brand’s shaping material. They’re machine-washable. Reviewers note that they run small, so be prepared to size up for the right fit.

Sizes: XS–3X / Colors: 1 option / Rise: High / Material: Polyester, elastane, polyurethane

Pros: Size-inclusive; three lengths available
Cons: Run small; no pockets

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This is another pair that Glamour’s Navarro keeps in rotation. The not-too-wide flare, stretchy fabric, and sizable side pockets make these into truly exceptional tights.

Sizes: XXS–3X / Colors: 5 options / Rise: Ultra-high / Material: Nylon, Lycra

Pros: Size-inclusive; three inseam lengths; two side pockets
Cons: Limited sizing in petite and tall

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These Nike leggings are ideal for your day off; the mostly cotton fabric is thick, stretchy, and satiny. While black is available, we especially love the chestnut brown, which looks almost exactly like something we’d have worn back in the early ’00s. The wide waistband resists rolling, while the thick fabric is ideal for cold-weather ’fits.

Sizes: XXS–XXL / Colors: 2 options / Rise: High / Material: Cotton, polyester, elastane

Pros: Retro look; supersoft fabric
Cons: No pockets; might be too long

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Available in sizes large through 7XL, these plus-size leggings give the flared look a great touch without having to worry about hemming baggy bottoms. “These flares have become my everyday pants,” one reviewer writes. “Love the supportive comfort. The look is pleasing, and the pocket is deep enough to keep my phone fully contained.”

Sizes: L–7X / Colors: 2 options / Rise: High / Material: Polyester, spandex

Pros: Size-inclusive; squat-proof material; side pockets
Cons: Waistband might roll down.

Crafted from the brand’s signature Spacedye fabric, these leggings are silk-like and stretchy, with a flattering high-waisted fit. “Beyond Yoga makes my favorite leggings and bike shorts of all time, and this pair is at the top of my list,” says Glamour tester Rosi Norton. “I even wear them to hot yoga, where I’m sweating up a storm, and don’t have to worry about being covered in moisture for more than a few minutes after class.”

Sizes: XS–4X / Colors: 3 options / Rise: High / Material: Supplex, spandex

Pros: Super-soft fabric; UV protection; four-way stretch; quick drying
Cons: Expensive

“Abercrombie was probably one of the last places I would’ve thought to shop for activewear, but the color of these flared leggings immediately grabbed my attention,” says Norton. “They’re super stretchy and have a compressive fit that supports my movements without feeling restrictive.” And on days when you’re not hitting the gym, they make a great casual bottom to wear just about anywhere.

Sizes: XS–XXL / Colors: 1 option / Rise: High / Material: Polyester, elastane

Pros: Sculpting; hidden waist pockets; no top seam
Cons: Limited color options

These high-waist leggings are plenty flexible for serious workouts, but the real draw is that the bottom of each leg has an opening in the back, to accommodate a variety of different leg shapes and make it easier to move freely. They also have a long pocket on each side that can comfortably fit your phone and keys.

Sizes: XS–XL / Colors: 3 options / Rise: High / Material: Nylon, elastane

Pros: Bottom back openings; pockets; wide waistband
Cons: Expensive

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“My ideal leggings are supportive enough for my sweaty-ass yoga flows and drapey enough for bed—and these Prana leggings deliver on both fronts,” says Glamour’s Griggs. “They are extremely comfy, thoughtfully include a hidden pocket for my credit cards, and are made of stretchy sun-protective fabric.” She also adds that its moisture-wicking properties combined with the airiness of the flared leg make it just right for whatever she gets up to do.

Sizes: XS–XL / Colors: 5 options / Rise: High / Material: Nylon, Lycra elastane

• Pros: Hidden pocket; UV protection
• Cons: Expensive

“When I say I live in Aerie’s leggings, I truly mean it,” says Allure commerce writer, Jennifer Hussein. “This split flare pair is oh-so-cozy without feeling too hot, so you can wear them during chilly winter days and warmer temps alike.” Plus these are opaque, so you can freely move and bend in these pants without worry.

Sizes: XS–XXL / Colors: 5 options / Rise: High / Material: Nylon, spandex

Pros: Opaque; split hem bottoms
Cons: Limited availability in some sizes

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Gymshark is one of the few brands with options for taller people—and these flared leggings are a score. “The Gymshark Crossover Flared Leggings are my newly found obsession,” says British Glamour beauty commerce writer Denise Primbet. “Ever since I started wearing them to yoga and Reformer Pilates, I was hooked. I love the flattering fit as well as the ultrasoft fabric, which feels insanely comfortable on the skin.” They cross over at the waistband to accentuate your body’s natural shape, and the black and dark teal shades are versatile enough to pair with other pieces in your closet.

Sizes: XXS–XXL / Colors: 3 options / Rise: High / Material: Polyester, spandex

Pros: Currently on sale; multiple inseam options
Cons: Limited availability

These flared yoga pants don’t have the bells and whistles that some other activewear brands add on, but they make up for it with high-quality fabric, a high sculpting waistband, and a just-right flare leg that comes in various inseam lengths. “I have the shortest ones,” says Vogue senior commerce editor Talia Abbas. “They hit me just above the ankle, which is great for my 5'1" frame, since most boot-cut leggings tend to puddle and are unwearable outside the house. The fabric is on the thicker side, though, so I wear these in the fall and winter.”

Sizes: XS–XL / Colors: 15 options / Rise: High / Material: Nylon, spandex

Pros: Sculpting waist; four inseam lengths; tons of colors
Cons: No side pockets

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