I get the question all the time, “What are your favorite leggings?” and this is the HARDEST question to answer because it totally depends on what you are wearing them for! Today I’ve rounded up my favorites in three categories WORK, CASUAL and FANCY.
WORK
L: Faux Suede Jacket (whiskey color sold out) tts, L // Spanx perfect black pant tts, L // Gibson Double V Tank tts, M // Hazel pump tts // Kendra Scott Fabia earrings 20% off today| R: Kendra Scott necklace // Tunic tts, M // Liverpool Seamed High Waisted Leggings tts, L // Feather Leather Loafers size up 1/2 camel color
This might be the hardest category because my work never had a dress code where leggings were appropriate. Although I know there are a ton of occasions when you want NICE leggings. If that’s work or a nice dinner either way these fit those occasions. Here are the three I tried, and one that’s on the try next list.
- Liverpool Seamed High Waisted Leggings
- Spanx The Perfect Black Pant Back Seam Legging
- Loft High Waisted Leggings in Seamed Ponte
- Spanx Look At Me Now Seamless Legging (need to try)
WINNER– Liverpool Seamed High Waisted Leggings are hands down my winner! These have a high waist with no band so nothing to flip or tighten around the belly. They are a silky Ponte knit that has enough stretch but thick structure to them as well. These were a bit long on me (28″ inseam) at 5’5 so they are getting hemmed as I write this! Size down if in-between in a 10
RUNNER UP– Spanx The Perfect Black Pant Back Seam Leggings. On Oprah’s Favorite things list this year. Let me first say there are like 500 Spanx legging versions I tried the ones that sounded like they would be most “work appropriate”. These have faux back pockets and about a 1″ thick waistband. They have the same sucking in and slimming effect you would expect from Spanx but that waistband is what put it in the ok territory. These are definitely thick enough to wear to work and the back leg seam dresses them up a bit. Out of the box these were the best length for me at a 26″ inseam and hit right at my ankle. True to size in L for 10/12
LOSER– I first tried the Loft seamed leggings and had such high hopes because of how well their velvet and faux leather fit but after a day of wearing them the band at the top flipped around and made them SUPER uncomfortable! Then I looked at my other pairs and realized in the other styles they stitched the band to stay in place. Size up if in-between in L (12/14)
WORTH TRYING– Now since the only factor that pulled the Spanx perfect black pant out of the top spot was the 1″ thick waistband that was slightly uncomfortable so it’s worth trying the Spanx Look at me Now Seamless Legging but I’m afraid they will fall into the casual category.
velvet loft leggings that are stitched to keep the band in place
CASUAL
L: LL Bean Quilted pull-over tts, M // Aerie Play Pocket High Waisted Legging size down if in-between M Short // Sorel Joan of Arctic Boots size up 1/2 | R: BP Nice Cozy Top size up for oversized feel, L runs tts // Amazon fashion sneakers tts
Call these athlesuire, mom uniform, everyday, whatever but these are the leggings I pull out when I want to be comfy but not really needing “workout” leggings. I pair them with tunics, jackets vests you name it! Here are the four I tried.
- Aerie Play Pocket High Waisted Legging
- Zella Live in High Waist Leggings
- Soma Slimming Leggings
- Target Assets by Spanx Ponte Shaping Leggings
WINNER– Aerie Play Pocket High Waisted Leggings are my winner! When I’m dressed casual in leggings that most of the time means I’m in mom go mode which also means I want a POCKET! I found these leggings last year and nearly every single person that bought them said they went back for another pair (or two). They have a soft brushed interior that keeps them thick enough to not show all the bumps but thin enough where you are not sweating. They are decent for a low impact workout but also look cute with a tunic. Also BIG WIN these come in lengths so short, regular and long all the legs are covered!
RUNNER UP– Zella Live in High Waist Leggings came in as my number 2 really because the length on these (28.5″ inseam) is way too long on me. I have the cropped version so looking back the 7/8 with a pocket is my next pair to try and I bet it will be a winner. These have a nice wide waistband (so no pinching) and it does not fold over on me.
HONORABLE MENTION– The Soma slimming leggings came in 3rd place because as much as I LOVE them I have had several readers complain that the waistband folds over. When I wear them I do hike them up pretty high (to smooth out all the belly jiggle) and they don’t fold on me but I can see where that would happen. These are mostly nylon so these have a bit different texture and feel to them versus others, I like this style the best under a dress versus wearing alone.
HORRIBLE– Target Assets by Spanx Ponte Shaping Leggings I tried these on looking for the faux leather ones that I had heard good things about. These were super thin, uncomfortable and way too long. I would not recommend these at all.
FANCY
L: Loft tunic sweater, tts M // Loft Velvet Leggings tts, L // Hazel pumps tts | R: Halogen lace top tts, M // Loft Faux Leather Pants tts, L // Similar Tory Burch Crossbody
This year velvet and faux leather leggings have come back with a vengeance and it seems like you can get a pair of pleather leggings just about anywhere! Here are the three I tried and one pair that I still need to!
- LOFT Velvet Leggings
- LOFT Faux Leather Leggings
- Spanx Faux Leather Leggings
- Assets by Spanx Faux Leather Leggings (need to try)
WINNER– LOFT Velvet Leggings are my fancy pant winner! Now I know so many people that love the faux leather look but these are so comfortable, not too constricting but still slimming. They have a 1″ thick waistband but it doesn’t twist because it’s stitched in the middle (see above pic) and with regular, petite and plus sizes these fit a variety of women. Size up if in-between I’m in L
RUNNER UP– LOFT Faux Leather Leggings are my my runner up because although I love that they are thick (unlike the spanx) and have a great length the are HOT!! Like I’m sweating as soon as I put them on kind of hot. Also these are a perfect length for me (hitting right above my ankle) if you are taller than 5’5 the regular length will be short. Size up if in-between I’m in L
HONORABLE MENTION– I KNOW there is a cult following for the Spanx faux leather leggings and although I like them the size large are way too long on me. I like that they have a very wide waistband that doesn’t seem to move or slip but they are also very compressive and sometimes I like to breathe. Also I am happy that these now come in a petite but that does change the rise and fit to them so overall they just haven’t been my winners. True to size, L (but long)
WORTH TRYING– Now I’ve heard A LOT of people rave about the Target Assets by Spanx Faux Leather Leggings for an inexpensive option. I have not tried these because the inseam is a 29-30″ and just way too long for me.
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