We love the commitment that comes with assembling a never-leaving-the-couch outfit — from trendy, coordinated sweatsuits to throw-on-and-go jumpsuits. But, while those fashion-forward efforts are worthy of applause, let’s be real: leggings are the true wardrobe 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 are the flared yoga pants for a flattering fit, 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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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.
Rhone Revive 7/8 Pocket Legging, $, available at Rhone
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 16 (!) colors.
Beyond Yoga Spacedye Caught In The Midi High Waisted Legging, $, available at Beyond Yoga
The Align legging already had a cult following for its buttery feel and second-skin fit, but Lululemon just took it a step further. This new seamless version ditches the crotch seam for a sleeker silhouette that’s even smoother (and yes, Team R29 is obsessed).
Lululemon Align No Line High-Rise Pant 25″, $, available at Lululemon
What’s better than a flare legging? One with a crossover waist! Aerie’s bootcut take on their best-selling super soft crossover design comes in nine different colors and three lengths. I can vouch — these are affordable, super-cute, and totally worth it.
OFFLINE by Aerie Real Me High Waisted Crossover Flare L, $, available at Aerie
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.
Everlane The Perform 24/7 Legging, $, available at Everlane
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.
Vuori Halo Vintage Legging, $, available at Vuori
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.
Athleta Elation Ultra High Rise 7/8 Legging, $, available at Athleta
With four-way stretch, flat seams, and Alosoft performance fabric, these bold leggings are the definition of velvety-soft perfection.
Alo Yoga Alosoft High-Waist Head Start Legging, $, available at Alo Yoga
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*
FP Movement Never Better 7/8 Length Leggings, $, available at Free People
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 Mariposa Float Ultralight Legging, $, available at Girlfriend Collective
For all our earthy-toned friends, look luxe in Varley’s FreeSoft leggings, from a cozy polyester-elastane blend.
Varley FreeSoft High Waist Leggings, $, available at Nordstrom
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.
Shop Spanx
SPANX SPANXsmooth Soft and Smooth Active 7/8 Leggings, $, available at SPANX
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.
Shop Nordstrom
Zella Studio Luxe High Waist Flare Ankle Pants, $, available at Nordstrom
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).
Shop Universal Standard
Universal Standard Next-to-Naked Stirrup Legging, $, available at Universal Standard
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.
Shop Under Armour
Under Armour Meridian Rib Ankle Leggings, $, available at Under Armour
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.
Shop Pact
PACT On The Go-To Cropped Bootcut Legging, $, available at PACT
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.
Shop Splits59
Splits59 Raquel High Waist Supplex Flare 30″ Legging, $, available at Revolve
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.
Shop Nylora
Nylora Kai Leggings, $, available at Nylora
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.
Shop Anthropologie
By Anthropologie Tailored Leggings, $, available at Anthropologie
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.
Shop Year of Ours
Year of Ours Ribbed Two Tone Veronica Legging, $, available at Revolve
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
We Tried Lululemon’s New Seamless Align Leggings
The 27 Best Travel Pants That Aren’t Leggings
The Best Matching Sweatsuit Sets To Live In
This article was originally published on refinery29.com.
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