Types of Leggings and How to Style Them in 2026

Leggings have gone from gym only to a wardrobe staple. With so many types out there, and plenty of talk about what is replacing them, it is fair to ask: are leggings still in style in 2026? The short answer is yes. Here is every type of legging worth knowing, plus how to style each one.

Are leggings still in style in 2026?

Yes. Leggings are not going anywhere, but the way people wear them has changed. Flared leggings, scrunch butt styles and ribbed textures have taken over from plain black basics, and leggings are now styled with oversized blazers, long cardigans and chunky sneakers rather than just gym tops.

Leggings did not go out of style. They just got more shapes.

What is replacing leggings in 2026?

Wide leg pants, yoga flares and matching knit sets are popular alternatives. Many of them are leggings in a new shape. Flare leggings give you the comfort of leggings with the look of trousers.

The main types of leggings

• High waisted leggings: sit at or above the belly button for support and smoothing.
• Scrunch butt leggings: a ruched back seam that lifts and shapes. Shop scrunch butt leggings.
• Flare leggings: fitted through the thigh, flared at the ankle.
• Seamless leggings: knitted without side seams for a smooth, sculpted fit.
• Ribbed leggings: textured fabric that adds interest and contour.
• Faux leather leggings: a glossy going out option.
• Capri leggings: cropped at mid calf. Still worn for workouts in 2026, less so for fashion.
• Leggings with pockets: the practical pick for runs and errands.

How to style leggings in 2026

• Gym: scrunch butt leggings with a matching sports bra.
• Everyday: high waisted leggings, an oversized sweatshirt and clean sneakers.
• Work from anywhere: ribbed or flare leggings with a long blazer.
• Going out: faux leather leggings, a bodysuit and heeled boots.

How to know if your leggings are too small

Look for see through fabric when you bend, a waistband that digs in or rolls down, or seams that pull sideways. If any of those happen, size up.

Where to buy leggings

You can shop every style above in our women's leggings collection, with new arrivals every month.

Are leggings going out of style?

No. Leggings are still a staple in 2025 and 2026. Flare, V waist and scrunch styles are trending, while plain black leggings remain the most worn.

Are printed leggings out of style?

Bold prints are less common than solid colors, but leopard, camo and tie dye still appear in gym and casual wear.

Leggings in winter

For winter, choose thicker, brushed or fleece lined leggings and layer with long knits and boots. Black leggings stay the most versatile in cold weather.

Best leggings for travel

Black leggings with pockets are the best travel leggings: comfortable for long flights and easy to dress up on arrival.

Best leggings for plus size women

Look for a wide, high waistband, thick compression fabric and an honest size chart. Size up if between sizes. See our size chart.

Best seamless leggings

Seamless leggings are knitted in one piece, so there are no seams to rub. Thick seamless styles stay opaque. Browse leggings for seamless styles.

Best leggings for obstacle races

For mud and obstacle races, choose full length, quick dry leggings with a snug waistband to protect your legs.

Leggings vs yoga pants and other leggings types

Yoga pants or leggings? Yoga pants are usually a little thicker and sometimes flare at the hem, while leggings are fitted all the way down. Today the names overlap, and many yoga leggings work for both.

Leggings by length

Full length leggings reach the ankle. Capri leggings, cropped leggings, 3/4 leggings and knee length leggings end higher up the leg, which is popular for hot yoga and summer. Footed leggings and leggings with a foot strap cover the foot, and tights are thinner.

Leggings by cut

Flare leggings and bell bottom leggings open at the hem, bootcut leggings open slightly from the knee, and straight leg, wide leg and baggy leggings are looser all the way down. Fold over leggings have a waistband you can roll down, and crossover leggings have a V cross waistband.

Leggings by rise and fabric

Low rise leggings sit on the hips, mid rise leggings sit just below the belly button, and high rise or high waisted leggings sit above it. Fabrics include nylon and lycra leggings, polyester leggings, cotton leggings, ribbed leggings, mesh leggings, shiny leggings and seamless leggings. Thick or warm leggings work for cold weather.

Patterned leggings

Leopard leggings, cheetah print leggings, striped leggings and other printed leggings add personality. See printed leggings.

Foldover leggings and foldover yoga pants

Foldover leggings, also written fold over, have a tall waistband you can roll down. Foldover yoga pants and foldover flare leggings are the most popular versions, and pink foldover leggings went viral on social media. Comfy yoga leggings and the most flattering yoga pants usually have a wide, high waistband.

More kinds of leggings explained

What does 7/8 leggings mean? 7/8 leggings end just above the ankle, shorter than full length. Athletic capris and capri athletic leggings end mid calf. Skinny leggings are fitted all the way down, bootleg leggings open slightly at the hem, and wide legged leggings and palazzo yoga pants are loose. Loose fit yoga pants, flowy yoga pants and drawstring yoga pants are relaxed, and Y2K yoga pants bring back the low rise flare.

Petite and tall leggings

Petite leggings and petite yoga pants have a shorter inseam, while tall leggings and tall yoga pants have a longer one, around 32 to 34 inches. Check the inseam on our size chart. If you are petite, 7/8 leggings often fit like full length, and flare leggings can be hemmed.

Common leggings questions answered

How tight should leggings be?

Leggings should feel snug but not squeeze. If the waistband digs in or the fabric turns see through when you squat, size up.

What are leggings that cover your feet called?

Leggings that cover your feet are footed leggings. Leggings with foot straps or straps under the foot are stirrup leggings.

What are loose leggings called?

Loose leggings are often called wide leg leggings, flare leggings or palazzo leggings.

Are leggings still in style and appropriate for work?

Yes, leggings are still fashionable. For work, choose thick black leggings with a long blazer or tunic. At any age, leggings look great with longer tops, so wearing leggings after 50 is simply about the outfit.

What to wear with leggings and yoga pants

What goes with yoga pants? Oversized shirts, cropped hoodies, bodysuits and trainers. For a yoga class, wear fitted leggings and a sports bra or tank, the basics of yoga attire.

Capri and exercise capris

Exercise capris, fitness capris and active capris end mid calf. Capri exercise leggings are popular for hot yoga and summer runs.

How to get lint off leggings

Wash leggings inside out with similar fabrics, and use tape or a damp hand to lift lint if you have no lint roller.

Guides by leggings type

Go deeper with our capri leggings guide, flare pants guide, crossover leggings guide and scrunch butt leggings guide.