13 Pairs of Leggings (and Bike Shorts) I Constantly Get Compliments On
I'm always a bit surprised when people compliment my leggings (and now bike shorts too since they're such a thing). They're always kind of an afterthought for me and usually chosen at 6 a.m. in the dark while running late for a workout class, but I digress. I'm not really sure why I'm surprised about the compliments, as I scope out other people's leggings too. Truth be told, I often wear somewhat boring black leggings, but whenever I wear a pair that's a pretty color or has an interesting feature, people notice, and many even ask where I got them.
I think we can all agree that receiving compliments is lovely, and it validates that something you chose to buy and wear is really great, especially when it comes to something somewhat polarizing like leggings. I own quite a few pairs of leggings and bike shorts, but the 13 below get me the most compliments by far. Keep scrolling to shop those, along with eight other pairs that I don't own but I'm 100% confident are compliment bait.
1. Year of Ours Samba Ruffle Leggings
These are so good. Just be sure to wear with a cropped top to get the full effect. The ruffled waist is such a fun way to add a little punch to black leggings.
2. Lululemon In Movement 7/8 Tights
I honestly think a Lululemon logo gets people's attention, and the color of these is too pretty for words.
3. Outdoor Voices TechSweat 7/8 Leggings
I often get compliments in general when I wear Outdoor Voices. I think people are intrigued by the cool space-dyed look and interesting colors and that they don't usually have any logos.
4. Beyond Yoga In the Mix Bike Shorts
These are insanely comfortable, and it's an added bonus that people are obsessed with them.
5. Lululemon Wunder Under High-Rise 7/8 Tights
I own these leggings in burgundy and always get questions about them. They're so soft that they feel like you're wearing nothing, and I think people can just sense that or something, so they want to own them too.
6. Alo High-Waist Alosoft Goddess Legging
Alo's Goddess Leggings are already pretty recognizable, so the different fabric that this pair is made of is definitely a conversation starter.
7. Spanx Camo Faux Leather Leggings
These were sort of a departure for me, but I love that about them. They make me feel tough, which is good for a workout.
8. Beyond Yoga High Waisted Midi Leggings
This is another pair that I think people can just tell are really soft and comfortable. Plus, they're neutral but more interesting than black.
9. Alala Seamless Leggings
10. Beyond Yoga High Waisted Biker Shorts
Bike shorts are still enough of a novelty for people to notice them. This is the pair that I reach for the most.
11. Alo High Waist Gaze Leggings
Everyone loves a cool waistband. This pair is especially chic.
12. Core 10 All Day Comfort High Waist 7/8 Crop Yoga Legging
People love these even more when I tell them they're from Amazon.
13. Beyond Yoga Alloy Ombré Leggings
These pretty leggings have basically flown out of stock (perhaps because J.Lo wore them in black).
Shop More Compliment-Bait Leggings and Bike Shorts
These are a great option if you want to try a print but still want to play it safe.
The legging version of these is a huge hit, and I have a hunch that these will be too.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.
-
4 Anti-Trend Outfits I Spot Every Time I'm in Europe
Classic looks that are always in style.
By Natalie Cantell
-
3 Non-Holiday Ways to Wear Velvet This Winter
You're welcome.
By Eliza Huber
-
Hailey Bieber Just Used the TikTok Styling Hack That Will Actually Go the Distance
I'm going to use it this weekend.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
After 15 Years as a Fashion Writer, I Know These Free Style Tweaks Will Make a Big Impact
How to give your wardrobe a new lease on life.
By Emma Spedding
-
5 Fresh Ways to Wear Basic Black Leggings This Winter
Some extremely relatable outfit inspo.
By Natalie Cantell
-
I Didn't Think Leggings With Heels Were My Thing Until I Saw How Katie Holmes Just Wore Them
Mind changed.
By Allyson Payer
-
4 Dated Sweater Trends I'm Purging From My Small NYC Closet by the Year's End
And the chic knitwear I'm making room for.
By Natalie Cantell
-
Katie Holmes Made This Outdated Leggings-and-Boots Outfit Feel Just Right for 2025
A combo I will live in.
By Nikki Chwatt