Aemilia Madden
Like any good millennial, I spent the better part of the early aughts comfily clothed in a pair of flared leggings—or, as I knew them at the time, yoga pants. I still remember my first pair from Lululemon: long and black with a pink stripe at the waistband. I'd saved up from my babysitting gigs to buy them my sophomore year of high school. Meeting up with my friends on a Saturday afternoon, I still remember how cool I felt in my Lulus, as I called them, styling them with a pair of Ugg boots peeking out underneath.
I've come a long way in developing my sense of style in the 20 or so years since I first embraced flared leggings. In fact, I'd spent at least a decade forgoing flared pants completely, opting for skinny jeans and leggings that were tight from ankle to hip. As Gen Z continues its nostalgia-driven campaign to bring them back into the fashion conversation, I've slowly become convinced.
Though I stand by the fact that fitted workout gear is better suited for the gym (no clothes catching on machines, no stepping on hems), I've found a new place for yoga pants in my wardrobe, namely as a casual weekend staple for long walks and lounging on the couch. They're unfussy and comfortable, so I can see why the generation below me has decided to embrace them once again. Ahead, I've not only shopped out my favorite flared leggings, but I've also included outfit inspiration to help you embrace them if, like me, it'll take some convincing to get back on the wagon.
How to Wear Them
Celebrities have been styling flared leggings for everything from a night out to an early morning Pilates class. Add heels, sunglasses, and a fun statement top and you have the perfect glam look, but a matching sports bra and bolero will take you straight to the reformer.
My Top Picks
- Best Size Range: Skims Foldover Pants ($68)
- Best Rating: FP Movement Aced It Leggings ($78)
- Best Fit: Sweaty Betty Power Workout Flare Leggings ($118)
- Best for Sport: Adidas Flare Leggings ($50)
- Best for Personal Style: Norma Kamali Side Stripe Spat Leggings ($70)
The soft-brushed fabric feels great against the skin.
Materials: 89% recycled polyester, 11% elastane
Size Range: XS–XXL
Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Review: "I could live in these pants. And, in fact, I do. They are flattering and comfortable and not overly revealing."
A crop to show off your sneakers.
Material: 100% cotton
Size Range: XS–L
Rating: 3.7 out of 5 stars
Review: "The leggings are both lengthy and comfortable, and the same type of material and quality of [Lululemon] leggings."
Pants for relaxing in style.
Materials: 64% polyester, 35% nylon, 1% spandex
Size Range: XS–XXL
Stretchy without feeling loose.
Materials: polyester, spandex
Size Range: XS–XL
Grab Saturday coffee in these.
Materials: 62% polyamide, 28% elastane
Size Range: XXS–M
Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Review: "Wow. The fit on these is amazing. They are super flattering and the flare is just enough. I literally look a whole size smaller in these! The sculpt you hips and bum perfectly. I am usually at 8 to 10 in jeans and the medium fit perfectly. But at 5'4" these will have to be hemmed. But it's worth it."
Stripes add a sporty touch.
Materials: 79% recycled polyester, 21% elastane
Size Range: XS-XL
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Review: "You can wear them for whatever occasion! Absolutely love these pants!"
Casual leggings for relaxed days at home.
Materials: 95% cotton, 5% spandex
Size Range: XS–L
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Don't be afraid of a little color.
Materials: 87% nylon, 13% spandex
Size Range: XS–XL
The wide waistband will keep you comfy.
Materials: 62% polyamide, 38% elastane
Size Range: XS–XL
A 32-inch inseam is great for taller women.
Materials: 81% nylon, 19% spandex
Size Range: XS–XL
Try white leggings if you dare.
Materials: 87% nylon, 13% elastane
Size Range: XS–L
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Review: "They fit perfectly, length and all which is pretty rare!!! Perfect for taking my kids to school in the morning & running errands."
These fashionable leggings make a major statement.
Materials: 75% polyamide, 25% elastane
Size Range: XS–XL
Plan to master yoga class in these classic leggings.
Materials: 81% nylon, 19% Lycra elastane
Size Range: 0–20
Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars
Review: "So comfortable, flattering, and the rise is perfect as I have a longer torso. I do find these run a bit bigger compared to Align tights, so I size down one size in these."
Casual yet cool.
Materials: 97% polyester, 3% spandex
Size Range: XXS–4XL
Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Review: "These are my favorite pants I got another of them for a back up! Plus I own these in a beige as well. It's great for work and a night out with the girls. It's definitely a versatile piece. The best part is that it's has a stretchy waistband and it's so comfortable. I would so they're professionally looking/feeling yoga pants lol."
A high-fashion take on flared leggings.
Material: 100% leather
Size Range: XXS–XL
The fold-over waistband is a Bella Hadid signature.
Materials: 95% polyester, 5% elastane
Size Range: XS–XL
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviews: "I love these. It's my second pair. I have them in black and now in this pretty blue. They're great for the gym. The material (while it's not natural which I am not thrilled) is very soft and feels good."
Just the right amount of stretch.
Materials: 75% nylon, 25% Lycra
Size Range: XXS–3X
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Review: "These pants fit TTS and are so soft and comfortable. They hit at all the right places. Highly recommend."
Flared leggings that are great for working out.
Materials: 63% nylon, 37% spandex
Size Range: XS–XXL
Rating: 3.8 out of 5 stars
Review: "These are pricey but worth it! TTS, stretchy, comfortable & versatile! I'm curvy and these fit like a glove! I wear them running errands and to Pilates. Perfect buy!"
You'll fall for the super-soft material.
Materials: 87% polyester, 13% elastane
Size Range: XXS–XL
Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Review: "These are so perfect. Best athleisure pant I've ever gotten in terms of fit and function. I'm 5'4" and constantly have a tough time finding good athleisure bottoms that don't need to be tailored. These are them! I love the spacedye fabric; it gets me wanting to move."
An outside-of-the-box take on flared leggings.
Materials: 100% cotton
Size Range: XS–XL
Found: your go-to weekend pants.
Materials: 90% cotton, 10% elastane
Size Range: XXS–4X
Rating: 3.3 out of 5 stars
Review: "These remind me of a thinner, softer version of the VS yoga pants in the 2000s. I've already gifted a pair I love mine so much. They've washed well and I love that I can fold the waist up or down, depending on my outfit."
If you want to highlight your bum, these leggings do the trick.
Materials: 68% nylon, 32% elastane
Size Range: XS–M
Rating: 3.8 out of 5 stars
Review: "I was a little skeptical about the comfort, but I wore them all day and never felt squeezed. They were tight and held me together but there was no bulge. I will buy more. I am 5'3", 150 lbs and I bought the Petite XL. The length is perfect. I will look for booty boost in denim next time."
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