There’s no denying that a great pair of leggings is probably the fashion essential of all fashion essentials—especially when it comes to busy moms. Your leggings get you through all stages of motherhood: from pregnancy to postpartum and from lounging with baby on the couch to chasing after toddlers in the park.
Leggings are a superior pant option for a lot of reasons, but I would argue that the top two are comfort and versatility. A comfy pair of leggings can be worn for lounging or everyday errands, a supportive pair can get you through the toughest workouts, and a dressier pair can be styled for everything from the office to date night.
We scoured the internet—and asked our editorial team—for the absolute best leggings in every category. Check out these 25 can’t-miss options:
Lounge and Everyday Leggings
Align High-Rise Pant
"Coming from someone who didn't get her first pair of Lululemon pants until she was 36, when I got these for Christmas, I suddenly wanted to live in them every day."
– Alaina, CEO
10+ colors available
sizes 0-20; 3 lengths
Midi High Waisted Leggings
"These are my ride-or-die, 'take on a deserted island' item. In my opinion, they are better than Aligns or any other leggings and worth every cent—and maybe even more than that. They have the perfect amount of compression and softness that can support you doing a workout and be enjoyable to lounge in. The material is crazy soft and the high-waisted band doesn't pinch and really flatters without feeling like compression."
– Ally, Chief of Sales & Marketing
10+ colors available
sizes XXS-4X
TnaCHILL High-Rise Leggings
These $25 leggings are made with cotton-soft, stretch jersey material, making them the perfect pair to lounge in. Plus, they come in more than 40 (!) super cute colors.
10+ colors available
sizes 3XS-3XL
High Rise 7/8 Pocket Leggings
"I love the Nordstrom Rack Z by Zella leggings better than my actual Zellas. The panel in my actual Zellas is just a little too compressing; these are more comfy."
– Kathy, Editor
10+ colors available
sizes XS-XXL
Buttery Soft Essential 7/8 Leggings
"I've tried a ton of Amazon leggings throughout the years, and these are my all-time favorites. They are the closest Align dupe I've ever found by far—the material is so soft but still compressive and doesn't slide down."
– Jessica, Associate Editor
10+ colors available
sizes XXS-XL
Athletic Leggings
Base Pace High-Rise Tight
"Unpopular opinion: I actually prefer Lululemon's Base Pace tights over the Aligns. But they definitely look more athletic than the Aligns, so they might not be as versatile style-wise."
– Anna, Graphic Designer
7 colors available
sizes 0-20; 3 lengths
7/8 High-Waist Airlift Leggings
"These are definitely the nicest pair of leggings I own. The silky-smooth material is super comfortable to wear, but it is also designed to lift and sculpt, making them ultra-flattering."
– Jessica, Associate Editor
10+ colors available
sizes XXS-XL
High Waisted Pocket Leggings
A longtime editor favorite, these under-$30 leggings provide the perfect amount of support (and convenient pockets) for workouts or long walks—and you won't be constantly adjusting them.
10+ colors/patterns available
sizes XS-XL
Salutation Stash Pocket II Tight
"These are my favorites! I love that they come in petite; they’re the perfect length for me at 5'3."
– Julia, Managing Editor
sizes XXS-3X; 2 lengths
Dressy Leggings
The Perform 24/7 Leggings
"I love these leggings for outings and also for working out. They have just the right amount of compression and are comfortable while providing a solid amount of support. I don't think they look particularly fitness-y, which is why they are perfect for everyday use, and if I happen to fit in a workout while wearing them, then great—I'm ready to go."
– Amanda, Senior Manager of Brand Partnerships
6 colors available
sizes XXS-XXXL; 2 lengths
Knit High-Rise Leggings
"I love these! They feel dressier and they are thick, so they are a bit more like pants."
– Alaina, CEO
sizes XXS-XXL
Maternity Leggings
Midi Maternity Legging
This maternity version of our editor-favorite leggings will get you through all stages of pregnancy. The soft-yet-supportive material is perfect for both lounging and working out.
10+ colors available
sizes XS-XL
Essential Stretch Secret Fit Belly Leggings
These super-soft leggings are already under $20, but you can also save when you buy multiple pairs. Plus, they're designed to be worn over the bump or folded under.
3 colors available
sizes XS-XL
