2023 Leggings Guide – Top 6 Must-Own Leggings
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Since I basically live in leggings, I wanted to share the 6 pairs that I constantly reach for in my closet. The quality is amazing on these – I’ve owned most for a few years now, and I know you will love them just as much as I do!
In today’s leggings guide, I will be sharing my review of 6 types of leggings: the best leggings for everyday, the best workout leggings for the gym, my favorite for high intensity workouts, fleece-lined leggings that will keep you warm in colder climates, flattering faux leather leggings and the best leggings brand for fun, printed and colorful leggings.
ALSO READ: 9 Best Tennis Skirts for Women
For size reference, I’m approximately 5’6″, 110 pounds and wear an XS in both bottoms and tops. Some sports bras I opt for the small, but I’ll make note of that below.
Shop the Leggings Guide below:
Best All-Around Leggings
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BRAND: CRZ YOGA | SIZE: XS | BEST FOR: Everyday activities, Yoga, Low-impact
Hands down, CRZ YOGA’s Butterluxe high waisted leggings are THE best leggings in terms of fit, fabric, stretch, comfort and price. The fabric is luxuriously soft and they have INSANE 4-way stretch! These are my go-to leggings for everyday activities, walking outside, running errands, and lounging around the house.
I love that they’re super high waisted (they fully cover your belly button and then another inch or two) and stay up all day long. I don’t have to worry about them slipping or having to constantly pull them up. They hug you in all the right places, but don’t feel tight or constricting, and have such a flattering fit! I almost feel like they’re second skin.
They’re also VERY, very similar to the lululemon align leggings. I own a few Aligns and their nulu fabric is definitely incredible. But to tell you the truth, I like the CRZ YOGA leggings better. They’re a third of the cost and I think they hold up better.
The lululemon leggings definitely feel a bit thicker – the CRZ leggings have more of a lightweight feel, with a seamless waistband and no pocket. If you don’t own a pair of these yet, I couldn’t recommend them enough! Both my sisters and my mom swear by these too!
Best for High Intensity Workouts
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BRAND: Third Love | SIZE: XS | BEST FOR: High-Intensity Workouts, Strength Training
This workout set is from Third Love’s Kinetic line, and it’s one of my favorites for high intensity workouts, running, boot camps or strength training. The leggings are super high-waisted (even more so than the previous pair) and do not move at all during your workouts!
They’re squat proof and lightly compressive, but they still have great stretch. They feel tight where they need to be, but also aren’t restricting. Both sides have drop-in pockets that fully fit your phone and the waistband is completely seamless.
The leggings are made of 12% Spandex and have that silky smooth performance feel to them. They’re literally SO smooth! And the matching sports bra that I’m wearing is equally as FABULOUS. Insanely supportive, wireless with built-in padding and adjustable straps.
It’s so easy to take on and off. Even after workouts when I’m drenched in sweat, the clasp closure on the back makes it simple to remove! I also really love that their sports bras come in so many different sizes. Their cup sizes range from A to H and bands from 32 to 44!
Best Fleece-Lined Leggings
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BRAND: CRZ YOGA | SIZE: XS | BEST FOR: Hiking, Outdoor Activities
These fleece-lined leggings are also by the brand CRZ YOGA and they’re incredible. I’ve worn them so many times this Fall and Winter (we live in WI so it’s pretty cold here) and they keep my legs very warm in 10-20 degree weather. Plus, you can’t beat the price. They’re only $30 on Amazon.
They’re extremely high waisted, probably the highest of all the leggings I’ve shared and they have a hidden pocket in the waistband that could fit your keys, credit card, etc. The thermal fleece material on these is SO SO soft too.
I’m wearing them in the color Melanite, but they also come in 15 different colors and range from size XXS to XL. If you’re between sizes, I’d suggest sizing down just so they have more of a tight fit. I know I’m wearing hiking boots in this photo, but these are definitely full-length leggings. They’re longer and hit right below the ankle so your legs won’t get cold.
Best For Gym Workouts
SHOP LOOK 1 | SHOP LOOK 2
BRAND: Linc Active | SIZE: XS | BEST FOR: Strength Training, Cardio, Running
I LOVE both of these leggings for my gym workouts! Both of these are literally SO cute and give me so much confidence. They have 4-way stretch, a hidden elastic drawstring (you can’t even feel it), moisture-wicking fabric so you stay cool during your workouts, and a pocket in the back that can fit your phone horizontally!
The phone pocket is probably my favorite feature! It’s so nice when I take Elsa for walks outside. I just slip my phone in there and it stays in place without weighing my leggings down.
The spotted set on the left has that silky smooth fabric and are a bit more cropped than the set on the right. The black leggings and matching zip-up sports bra are ribbed and ankle length.
What I absolutely love about these sports bras is that the padding is built-in, there’s great support and they’re so flattering. These are definitely the cutest sports bras I own!
Best Prints/Patterns
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BRAND: Fabletics | SIZE: XS | BEST FOR: Everyday, Low Impact, High Intensity Workouts
I own so many pairs of Fabletics leggings and they have the coolest prints and designs! There are so many different styles, fabrics and colors to choose from and the best part is.. they come out with new styles every month.
I’m wearing their Define PowerHold High Waisted Capri Leggings here! The PowerHold fabric is one of my favorites from Fabletics. It has high compression, so it holds everything in and you feel very secure. The PowerHold style is definitely made for working out, heavy squats, etc. because they are pretty tight. I wouldn’t necessarily reach for these for casual everyday wear.
But, if you’re looking for light compression, something for pilates or yoga classes, the PureLuxe fabric is buttery soft with a lot more stretch!
I wear my normal size (XS) in all Fabletics fabrics.
Best Faux Leather Leggings
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BRAND: SPANX | SIZE: Petite S BEST FOR: Daily Wear, Date Night, Office
The SPANX faux leather leggings are a Fall and Winter staple in my closet. I’ve had mine for such a long time and they still look brand new. Yes, they’re a little bit pricier, but they LAST and are 100% worth it. There’s truly no other leather leggings that compare.
They suck everything in, smooth everything out and can easily be dressed up or down. They’re a great option for date night, running errands, the office, really anything! I feel so much more put together when I wear these faux leather leggings versus any other pair of everyday leggings.
These do run small, so I definitely recommend sizing up. I wear a Small Petite in these leggings and they’re full length on me. I’m almost 5’6″ for reference.
If you’ve been wanting a pair but don’t want to pay full price, SPANX always runs a Black Friday sale in November. These leggings are usually part of Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale in July/August too!
Leggings Guide: How to Wash your Leggings
It’s important to properly care for your leggings so they stay in the best shape for as long as possible! Surprisingly, a lot of leggings are meant to be hand washed – just check the inside tag of each pair for instructions. I know that hand washing can be time consuming and isn’t always possible, so here are some quick and easy laundry tips for caring for your leggings!
- Hand wash if possible
- Wash in cold water
- Protect your activewear by washing in a mesh laundry bag
- Don’t use fabric softener
- Clasp your sports bras to prevent any pulling or snagging
- Air dry all activewear
I hope you enjoyed this leggings guide – I had so much fun putting it together! Leave a comment below, have you tried any of these leggings!?
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This Leggings Guide shared the best women’s leggings of 2023.
