We love the commitment that comes with assembling a never-leaving-the-couch outfit — from trendy, coordinated sweatsuits to charming hair scrunchies paired with polished tops. But, while those fashion-forward efforts are worthy of applause, let’s be real: leggings are the true MVP, even when venturing out. That’s why we’re always on the lookout for the absolute best pairs to shimmy our legs into. Enter: the soft legging.
It’s all about the fabric here, though function should never fall by the wayside. Some leggings come with fun mesh panels, others with handy pockets. There’s the Saturday night faux-leather pair, the super-smooth compressive style for workouts, and the barely-there, airy option that feels like a second skin. But, if they’re not that “snuggle-next-to-these-legs” kind of soft? Well, we’re just not interested. So sit back, relax, and slip into one of the butter-soft bottoms ahead.
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Gym Shark Jogger
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Beach Riot Jogger
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Vuori Halo Vintage Legging
These Halo Vintage leggings give us all the cozy feels — perfect for a piping cup of coffee and a good book on a chilly morning. Made with a R29-loved silky soft DreamKnit fabric, we can’t wait to style them with a vintage rugby shirt or cable-knit sweater for the preppy vibes.
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Vuori Halo Vintage Legging, $, available at Vuori
Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 25″
Lululemon’s Align collection is pure bliss. Available in several lengths and styles, like this high-rise version, the line is made with four-way stretch and extra lycra for a feel that’s as close to nothing as you can get.
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Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 25″, $, available at Lululemon
FP Movement Never Better 7/8 Leggings
Breathable and sweat-wicking, these leggings are the real deal for working up a sweat — or lounging — in style. Oh, and the color options? *Chef’s kiss*
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FP Movement Never Better 7/8 Length Leggings, $, available at Free People
SpanxSmooth Soft and Smooth Active 7/8 Leggings
True to its name, these leggings are indeed very soft and smooth. Crafted from SPANXsmooth fabric, they’ll gently hug your body in a way that’s almost too buttery-soft to function. The high waist, center-seam-free, and no-dig waist design features are all for one top priority: your comfort.
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SPANX SPANXsmooth Soft and Smooth Active 7/8 Leggings, $, available at SPANX
Skims Cotton Rib Leggings
From the empress of loungewear herself, Kim Kardashian, these Skims leggings feature the brand’s signature cotton rib fabric, hugging the body while letting the skin breathe in the softest ribbed jersey blend.
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Skims Cotton Rib Legging, $, available at Skims
Girlfriend Collective Float Ultralight Leggings
Designed for both lounging and getting active, these leggings are made from super-soft recycled material that’s stretchy yet supportive enough for any workout.
Girlfriend Collective FLOAT Ultralight Legging, $, available at Girlfriend Collective
Zella Studio Luxe High Waist Flare Ankle Pants
Nordstrom’s activewear brand Zella gets it when it comes to workout gear, and this high-waisted, cropped flare pair is no exception. Designed for softness and function, they’re ready for whatever the day has in store.
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Zella Studio Luxe High Waist Flare Ankle Pants, $, available at Nordstrom
Athleta Elation Ultra High Rise Piping Legging
Your next yoga (or couch-lounging) sesh awaits in Athleta’s uber-soft Elation legging. Made from the brand’s much-loved Powervita fabric, this new release from the Fine Lines collection comes with coordinating top options for a put-together look, whether you’re perfecting yoga poses or checking shows off of your watch list.
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Athleta Elation Ultra High Rise Piping Legging, $, available at Athleta
Universal Standard Next-To-Naked Stirrup Legging
Celebrated for its comfort and inclusive sizing (00 to 40), Universal Standard’s stirrup leggings go from home to office without missing a beat (or looking out of place).
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Universal Standard Next-to-Naked Stirrup Legging, $, available at Universal Standard
Under Armour Meridian Rib Ankle Leggings
Crafted from a super-soft performance knit, these leggings promise lasting comfort — no matter what you’re doing (or not doing). And with two (!!) pockets, they’ve got storage handled.
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Under Armour Meridian Rib Ankle Leggings, $, available at Under Armour
Pact On The Go-To Cropped Bootcut Legging
These bootcut leggings are easy to love for their breathable and weightless fabric. Even better, they’re eco-conscious, made from organic cotton, and fair trade-certified — a feel-good choice in every way.
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PACT On The Go-To Cropped Bootcut Legging, $, available at PACT
Rhone Revive 7/8 Pocket Legging
Feel confident and comfortable in these cool-girl-coded leggings from Rhone. With four-way stretch and anti-odor technology, they are the ideal pick for gym-goers who value texture and functionality as much as aesthetics.
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Rhone Apparel Revive 7/8 Pocket Legging, $, available at Rhone Apparel
Splits59 Raquel High Waist Supplex Flare 30″ Legging
The four-way stretch Supplex fabric isn’t the only thing we love about these softies — the sporty stripes bring a fun athletic vibe to any activity.
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Splits59 Raquel High Waist Supplex Flare 30″ Legging, $, available at Revolve
Nylora Kai Leggings
Elevate your leggings game with this R29-editor-loved pair from Nylora. Hailed as “so super soft that they feel weightless,” it’s a versatile black style step above the rest.
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Nylora Kai Leggings, $, available at Nylora
Anthropologie Tailored Leggings
There’s lounging soft, and then there’s stepping-out-into-the-world soft. This tactile, tailored pair brings comfort with a moody print and a sleek vibe — equally suited for the office or after-work drinks.
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By Anthropologie Tailored Leggings, $, available at Anthropologie
Everlane The Perform 24/7 Legging
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Everlane’s Perform Legging is basically like a second skin, making it one of our most tried-and-true pairs for workouts. With a truly perfect stretch, they’re on point at the office, gym, or a coffee date.
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Everlane The Perform 24/7 Legging 25″ Inseam, $, available at Everlane
Varley FreeSoft High Waist Leggings
She’s olive green and most definitely the moment. Look luxe in Varley’s FreeSoft leggings, from a cozy polyester-elastane blend.
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Varley FreeSoft High Waist Leggings, $, available at Nordstrom
Year Of Ours Ribbed Two-Tone Veronica Leggings
While this isn’t Year Of Ours’ usual football-inspired designs, the minimalist graphic detailing on these crossover leggings is a win while featuring that signature comfy ribbed fabric we love.
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Year of Ours Ribbed Two Tone Veronica Legging, $, available at Revolve
Aerie Offline Real Me High Waisted Crossover Flare Legging
What’s better than a flare legging? One with a crossover waist! Aerie’s bootcut take on their best-selling supersoft crossover design comes in 11 different colors and three lengths. I can vouch — these are affordable, super-cute, and totally worth it.
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OFFLINE by Aerie Real Me High Waisted Crossover Flare L, $, available at Aerie
Alo Yoga Alosoft High-Waist Head Start Legging
With four-way stretch, flat seams, and Alosoft performance fabric, these bold leggings are the definition of velvety-soft perfection.
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Alo Yoga Alosoft High-Waist Head Start Legging, $, available at Alo Yoga
Beyond Yoga Spacedye Caught In The Midi High Waisted Leggings
Reviewers rave about the ultra-soft feel and universally beloved fit of these everyday leggings. With a five-inch waistband and no outside seams, they’re all about comfort — plus, they come in 14 (!) colors.
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Beyond Yoga Spacedye Caught In The Midi High Waisted Legging, $, available at Beyond Yoga
Parade Comfort Rib Leggings
Parade, a Refinery29 reader-favorite for fun, comfy underwear, also makes buttery-soft leggings that are exactly it for kicking back. You’re welcome.
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Parade Comfort Rib Leggings, $, available at Parade
Uniqlo Heattech Leggings
This one goes out to those who like to stay comfy and polished during the colder months. The full-length silhouette offers a superb fit while keeping your leggies and stomach so warm. Plus, they’re just under $20, so you may want to stock up.
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Uniqlo HEATTECH Leggings, $, available at Uniqlo
Just My Size Plus Stretch Jersey Full Length Leggings
While the form-fitting silhouette will give you aerodynamic movement, a sewn-in gusset allows for ultimate ease in movement. Plus, a smooth elastic inside means these fit the bill for a quality soft legging.
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Just My Size Plus-Size Stretch Jersey Full Length Legging, $, available at Amazon
Adidas Originals 3-Stripes Leggings
With an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars and about 200 reviews, the world of opinionated shoppers seems to be largely in agreement that these are a solid (yet soft!) purchase.
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Adidas 3-Stripes Leggings, $, available at Adidas
Under Armour Links Leggings
The super-soft performance knit makeup of these leggings promises lasting comfort, no matter what you’re doing (or not doing). Plus, they’ve got mesh calf panels for extra breathability.
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Under Armour Links Leggings, $, available at Amazon
Universal Standard Minimalist Moro Pocket Signature Ponte Pants
This pair skates the line between pants and leggings in the best way. Lauded for its comfort and inclusive size range (00-40), this pair of Ponte leggings/pants can go from home to office without ever looking out of place.
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Universal Standard Minimalist Moro Pocket Signature Ponte Pants, $, available at Universal Standard
Sanctuary Runway Leggings
The casualness of athleisure isn’t for everyone — these Runway leggings allow you the comfort of leggings with an office-ready look.
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Sanctuary Runway Leggings, $, available at Anthropologie
Vuori AllTheFeels Legging
Feel like Barbie all the time in these pink leggings from Vuori’s AllTheFeels line. Seriously, I’ve tried running in them, and they’re almost so soft that they slide right off my skin. Talk about silky!
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Vuori Vuori AllTheFeels Legging, $, available at Vuori
Year Of Ours Ribbed Football Leggings
For those who prefer a super-high-rise waist, an extra-long leg, comfy ribbed texture, and stylish lace-up detail, these body-conforming leggings may be the pair for you.
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Year of Ours Ribbed Football Legging, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Wild Fable High-Waisted Ultra Soft Leggings
The adjustable waistband, back pockets, and banded cuffs make this pair of leggings a loungewear staple.
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Wild Fable High-Waisted Ultra Soft Leggings, $, available at Target
Summersalt The Cross-Waist Straight-Leg Leggings
These leggings by Summersalt are both functional and comfortable. They’re made from soft, moisture-wicking fabric crafted from recycled plastic water bottles and feature an extra-wide waistband and four-way stretch for unrestricted movement.
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Summersalt The Cross-Waist Straight-Leg Leggings, $, available at Summersalt
Anthropologie Legging Trousers
A pair of trousers that are actually leggings? Yes, please. These leggings in disguise have another secret: ankle zippers that add a little flair.
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By Anthropologie Legging Trousers, $, available at Anthropologie
Skims Cotton Rib Thermal Leggings
Brought to you by the new empress of loungewear, Kim Kardashian, these thermal leggings hug the body while still allowing the skin to breathe through a ribbed stretch cotton fabric.
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Skims Cotton Rib Thermal Leggings, $, available at Nordstrom
Everlane The Perform Leggings
We’ve said it once before, and we’ll say it again: The stretchy factor on these is unreal — they’re basically like a second skin. Talk about soft leggings.
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Everlane The Perform Legging®, $, available at Everlane
Pact Purefit Leggings
These leggings are already lovable for their breathable, next-to-skin fabric, but they’re also made from organic cotton and are fair trade-certified.
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PACT Purefit Legging, $, available at PACT
FP Movement Kyoto High-Rise Ankle Leggings
These high-rise, adjustable leggings are just the things to lounge in for some extra-cozy relaxation.
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FP Movement Kyoto High-Rise Ankle Legging, $, available at Free People
Lululemon Align Jogger
Thanks to an R29 reader for reminding us of the wonder that is the Align collection. There are several lengths and styles to choose from, including this comfy jogger version. The Align collection is designed with four-way stretch and extra lycra, so it feels almost like you’re wearing nothing at all.
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Lululemon Align™ High-Rise Jogger, $, available at Lululemon
Good American Scuba Pull-On Leggings
If it’s seamless in construction, it’ll be seamless to wear as well. These bottoms are made from a lightweight but compact double-knit stretch fabric that’s curve- and confidence-boosting.
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Good American Scuba Pull-On Leggings, $, available at Good American
Felina Velvety Super Soft Lightweight Leggings
Our shopping director swears by these leggings she found on Amazon. According to her, they are indeed velvety soft, as promised, and run long, so they’re great for taller people.
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Felina Velvety Super Soft Lightweight Legging 2-Pack, $, available at Amazon
Splendid Terry Leggings
Made from what the brand describes as a “buttery soft tri-blend,” these everyday leggings are a slim fit with just the right amount of stretch. But, honestly, they had us at “butter.”
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Splendid Terry Legging, $, available at Splendid
Honeydew Intimates Kickin’ It Jogger Pants
This jogger/legging hybrid is soft enough to sleep, gym, and lounge in, according to some reviewers.
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Honeydew Intimates Kickin’ It Jogger Pants, $, available at Shopbop
Lunya Cozy Cotton Silk Ribbed Leggings
This dreamy pair of investment leggings is made from plush cotton and silk, and it features a thick, no-twist waistband and additional lining.
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Lunya Cozy Cotton Silk Ribbed Legging, $, available at Lunya
HUE Plus Wide Waistband Cotton Leggings
If these bottoms were designed to accompany you around the globe, they can definitely keep you feeling fine set up at the kitchen bar. The stretch-cotton construction and high-and-wide waistband is a winning combo.
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HUE Plus Size Wide Waistband Blackout Cotton Leggings, $, available at HUE
Baum Und Pferdgarten Leggings
A bold print does not have to come at the expense of comfort. This lightweight mesh option is made from recycled polyester and is completely unlined. Easy on, easy off.
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Baum Und Pferdgarten Leggings, $, available at Yoox
Cuddl Duds Soft Knit Leggings
With a company name like Cuddl Duds, it’s hard to imagine the leggings they make would be anything other than the ultimate snuggle fest for your legs. Considering this particular pair is made from a lightweight, lightly brushed, ultra-soft knit, the product lives up to its brand name.
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Cuddl Duds Soft Knit Leggings, $, available at Kohl’s
Lyssé High Waist Denim Leggings
After a few months at home, it’s come to everyone’s attention that jeans simply are “hard pants.” Another realization, jeggings might not be so bad after all.
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Lysse High Waist Denim Leggings, $, available at Nordstrom
Good American The Icon Leggings
If it’s seamless in construction, it’ll be seamless to wear as well. These bottoms are made from a breathable cotton and lightweight ribbed fabric so you’ll never feel restricted.
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Good American The Icon Legging, $, available at Good American
Eleven by Venus Williams Advantage 7/8 Leggings
How could we not trust a five-time Wimbledon champion to make the most versatile leggings we could find? This smooth, sleek pair feels like, as one reviewer puts it, “a second skin.”
Eleven by Venus Williams Advantage 7/8 Legging, $, available at Eleven by Venus Williams
Les Girls Les Boys Fine Rib Leggings
Because these leggings are made from a silky and gentle fine-rib fabric, they work as pjs, lounge pants, even breathable bottoms on a hot summer’s day. It’s a finer rib than most ribbed garments, adding a touch of delicate glamor to this loungewear staple.
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Les Girls Les Boys Fine Rib Leggings, $, available at Les Girls Les Boys
Hanes Originals Stretch Jersey High-Rise Leggings
These high-rise soft jersey leggings still feature a touch of spandex for some added move-with-you comfort. And with 5 out of 5 stars, customers are pleased with the mix.
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Hanes Originals Stretch Jersey High-Rise Leggin, $, available at Hanes
Z By Zella High Waist Daily Leggings
Soft-knit but solid in construction, these leggings strike the perfect balance between comfort and support for those who want a little extra something holdin’ them in.
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Z By Zella High Waist Daily Leggings, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Calvin Klein Modern Stretch Leggings
Of course, you can count on the OG brand of the covetable underwear world to make an ultra-stretch, ultra-soft pair of leggings, too.
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Calvin Klein Modern Stretch Leggings, $, available at Macy’s
Aerie OFFLINE Warmup Drawcord Leggings
According to AE, these leggings are so smooth that there are “no limits to their amazingness.” Extra points for the stretchy-yet-supportive cloud-like fabric and drawstring waist.
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OFFLINE by Aerie Warmup Drawcord Legging, $, available at Aerie
Lou & Grey Signature Softblend Leggings
This flexible, high-waisted iteration of the legging trend features stretch cotton fabric fit for all-season wear.
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Lou & Grey High Rise Essential Leggings, $, available at LOFT
Good American Seamless Chunky Rib Legging
If it’s seamless in construction, it’ll be seamless to wear as well. These bottoms are made from a breathable cotton and lightweight ribbed fabric so you’ll never feel restricted.
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Good American Seamless Chunky Rib Legging, $, available at Good American
Parade Lush Rib Warm Base Legging
Refinery29 reader-favorite brand Parade is known for its fun yet comfortable underwear, but did you know it also makes buttery-soft leggings?
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Parade Lush Rib Warm Base Legging, $, available at Parade
Vuori Vibe Elevation Leggings
These stylish leggings from Vuori are made from recycled performance material and have a smooth suede-like feel. One reviewer states that they’re “the most comfortable yoga pants I’ve ever worn. They’re like a hybrid of sweatpants and yoga pants.”
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Vuori Vibe Elevation Legging, $, available at Vuori
Zella Restore Soft Pocket Leggings
We love these for the high ribbed waistband and ankle cuffs, but the perfect pockets are the extra detail we can’t get enough of.
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Zella Restore Soft Pocket Leggings, $, available at Nordstrom
Universal Standard Moro Pocket Ponte Pants
This pair skates the line between pants and leggings in the best way. Lauded for their comfort and inclusive size range of 00-40, this pair of Ponte legging/pants are an investment for at-home wear now and polished office dressing later.
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Universal Standard Moro Pocket Ponte Pants, $, available at Universal Standard
Capezio Ribbed Sweater Leggings
The name says it all! These super comfy leggings have a fold-over waistband and are as cozy as your favorite unrestrictive oversized sweater.
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Capezio Ribbed Sweater Legging, $, available at Amazon
TKEES The Ribbed Legging
These luxurious cashmere leggings from TKEES are constructed with a little extra wiggle room and a stylish slight drop crotch.
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TKEES The Ribbed Legging, $, available at Tkees
Champion Soft Touch Eco High-Rise Tights
These light-weight Champion leggings are brushed for extra softness and offer plenty of stretch.
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Champion Soft Touch Eco High-Rise Tights, $, available at Champion
Alo Urban Moto Sweatpant
This legging jogger hybrid features moto ribbed detailing and zippered front pockets. Hot tip: reviewers say the length of these pants is perfect for tall girls.
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Alo Urban Moto Sweatpants, $, available at Zappos
Uniqlo Heattech Ultra Stretch Legging Pant
This one goes out to anyone that likes to get be comfy and put-together during the colder months — these full-length Uniqlo leggings feature a superb fit while keeping your legs and stomach super warm. Plus, they’re just under $40 so you may want to stock up for the fall and winter.
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Uniqlo HEATTECH Ultra Stretch High-Rise Leggings Pants, $, available at Uniqlo
Girlfriend Collective Compressive Mid-Rise Legging
The name of this product may sound like anything but soft, but it features a smooth, easy fit that’s true to size and “holds you in without constraining movement,” as one reviewer puts it. They’re great for days divided between IG Live workout videos and Zoom calls from the couch.
Girlfriend Collective Compressive Mid-Rise Legging, $, available at Girlfriend Collective
Hanes Women’s Stretch Jersey Leggings
These soft jersey leggings still feature a touch of spandex for some added move-with-you comfort. And with 4.2 out of 5 stars and more than 300 reviews, customers are pleased with the mix.
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Hanes Stretch Jersey Leggings, $, available at Hanes
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This article was originally published on refinery29.com.