Are leggings and yoga pants the same thing?

Leggings and yoga pants are not the same. Yoga pants are designed to move with your body and are typically made from breathable, moisture wicking materials. Leggings are a more broad category and can include yoga pants as well as any other type of workout or lounge pants.

Can you wear leggings to the office?

In some cases, you can wear leggings to the office. There is a wide variety of legging types and many are styled for professional use. It also depends on your office and the rest of your outfit. If a few other people at your office are wearing leggings, it's a good sign it's acceptable to do so. In most cases, it's best to refrain from wearing overly bright, patterned, or fitness leggings in a professional setting.

What should you wear with leggings?

Leggings for exercise use can be pared with any type of fitness top, such as tank tops, t-shirts, or sports bras. Casual wear leggings look fantastic with long cardigans, tucked t-shirts, boots, jean jackets, and scarves.

How do you wash leggings?

Follow the recommended washing instructions on the label of your leggings. In most cases, if you are concerned about harsh washing conditions, it's best to choose a gentle cycle on cold and use a mild detergent. Hang to dry. Avoid using a hot dryer on performance fabrics and do not iron.

The 13 Best Places to Buy Leggings in 2021

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

woman running up stairs wearing leggings — Getty Images

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Lululemon

"Taking a data-driven approach to design, the company focuses on how clothing affects both physical and mental performance."

Best Size-Inclusive: Universal Standard

"The founders imagined a world where a size 40 could shop for leggings at the same store as a size 00."

Best Sustainable: Girlfriend Collective

"All leggings are made from recycled materials that would otherwise clog landfills and endanger the planet’s precious wildlife."

Best Tall and Petite: ASOS

"The online retailer offers a wide range of picks for over 30 sizes, including tall, petite, plus, maternity, and more."

Best Affordable: Aerie

"With an average price of $50 or less per item, Aerie's durable leggings are known to fit and flatter without breaking the bank."

Best No-Slip: Outdoor Voices

"Outdoor Voices' leggings are engineered with an elastic no-slip waistband that stays put without constricting."

Best Athleisure: Athleta

"From classic leggings to workwear essentials, the designs are so sleek, no one will ever know you’re wearing activewear.”"

Best for Outdoor Winter Workouts: Kari Traa

"From runners to skiers, Kari Traa carries a variety of leggings and base layers designed for the outdoor enthusiast."

Best for Running: Title Nine

"Title Nine offers elite, technical running pants for beginning joggers to marathoners expertly tested by a team of women runners."

Best Squat-Proof: Gymshark

"The brand's signature leggings come with strategically placed contoured paneling aimed to accentuate your tush."

Arguably the most popular piece of workout clothing, leggings are super versatile for exercise of any type, loungewear, and even dressing up. With so many options in-store and online, the choices are endless. But before you buy, it's wise to know if the store you choose will suit your needs.

For instance, it's a good idea to understand the sizing, return policy, and materials used before you buy. As well, some types of leggings are designed more for relaxation than a proper sweat session.

Below are our 13 top picks for places to shop for leggings.

Best Overall: Lululemon

Lululemon leggings — Courtesy of Lululemon

With a seemingly cult-like following, Vancouver-based athletic apparel retailer, Lululemon, prides itself on the feel and function of its clothing.

Inside its headquarters, Lululemon has a research and development lab, Whitespace, where the team studies how different bodies move, feel, and interact with various levels of compression and textures—yielding an expansive catalog of proprietary fabrics.

Compared to some of its competitors, Lululemon leggings come at a steep price, but we think they're worth every penny. Made of 77% nylon, the brand's leggings are ultra-durable and won't lose their shape or color, even after many washes. A number of Lululemon's leggings have handy side pockets that are perfect for storing essentials, like phones and keys, while exercising.

The brand offers free alterations on any purchase, so it’s easy to find your fit. Also, new markdowns are added weekly to the company’s sale section, We Made Too Much.

Best Size-Inclusive: Universal Standard

Universal Standard Leggings — Courtesy of Universal Standard

Universal Standard defies fashion norms, paving the way for inclusive, accessible styles for all. Founders Alexandra Waldman and Polina Veksler imagined a world where a size 40 could shop for leggings at the same store as a size 00. The size-inclusive company aims to make the shopping experience less anxiety-inducing for all.

The online retailer carries leggings in sizes 4XS through 4XL in a variety of styles and cuts. The machine-washable leggings are made from a special cotton blend that prevents piling and won't fade in the wash.

No matter your size, we all fluctuate. To help with bouts of weight loss and weight gain, the brand pioneered their Fit Liberty Initiative, which allows any piece in the Fit Liberty collection to be exchanged for a new size, for up to one year.

Like Lululemon, Universal Standard is also an omnichannel retailer with a unique in-store model. In select cities, the company operates 1:1 showrooms. These multipurpose spaces are not only used for styling appointments, but also hold events and networking opportunities for the surrounding community.

Best Sustainable: Girlfriend Collective

Girlfriend Collective is all about transparency. The Seattle-based company prides itself on producing eco-friendly activewear and building a community of conscious, engaged consumers.

All of Girlfriend Collective’s pieces are made from recycled materials that would otherwise clog landfills and endanger the planet’s precious wildlife. Notably, the brand’s famous Compressive High-Rise Leggings are composed of 25 recycled post-consumer water bottles.

The brand's leggings come in various eye-catching colors and cuts, from three-quarter to full-length, and their no-slip fit is perfect for yogis and weightlifters alike.

Girlfriend Collective offers sizes XXS to 6XL in three different inseams, plus maternity sizes. The company urges customers to “Recycle. Reuse. ReGirlfriend” with its program that collects the brand’s old leggings and upcycles them into new pieces.

Best Tall and Petite: ASOS

The U.K.-based online retailer has reached global heights, with a seemingly infinite catalog of brands—including its lineup of in-house ASOS brands.

Under the brand's corporate responsibility program, Fashion with Integrity, ASOS has committed to prioritizing ethical trading, sustainable sourcing, and animal welfare. The company offers leggings at a wide range of prices, from $9.50 to $70+. Inventory is refreshed on a daily basis so there’s always a reason to come back.

Our favorite part about the company is that they carry leggings for all shapes and sizes. The online marketplace carries over 30 sizes, including tall, petite, plus, and maternity. ASOS leggings are known for their form-hugging fit and bold patterns, making them perfect for both the gym and everyday athleisure wear.

Open the ASOS app to streamline your shopping journey. Using their Style Match tool, upload a photo of you in your favorite pair of leggings, and the company will quickly match your picture with similar products from its collections.

Best Affordable: Aerie

Owned by American Eagle Outfitters, Aerie has made waves in recent years as an inclusive, relatable brand. The brand operates both physical retail stores and has an online presence, offering intimates, apparel, activewear, and swimwear.

Most importantly, Aerie practices what it preaches. With body-positivity and authenticity at the forefront, the #AerieREAL campaign vows to use airbrush-free imagery and represent all women in its marketing.

With an average price of $50 or less per item, Aerie's leggings are known to fit and flatter without breaking the bank. The brand's yoga pants may be cheaper than most, but they're not cheaply made and hold up well in the washing machine. With mesh and cute cutouts, these leggings stand out in a crowd.

The supportive, high-waistbands are made to uniquely hug each individual curve with lasting quality. Another major selling point is that Aerie offers three different inseams—short, regular, and long—so everyone can find their fit.

Best No-Slip: Outdoor Voices

Outdoor Voices leggings — Courtesy of Outdoor Voices

Nothing can ruin a workout more than constantly having to readjust and pull up your leggings. We love the leggings from Outdoor Voices because they're engineered with an elastic no-slip waistband that stays put without constricting, allowing you to stay focused on your workouts.

What's more, their made with breathable TechSweat fabric that'll keep you cool throughout even the most intense sweat sessions. The leggings come in a variety of standout, eye-catching colors and designs, and have conveniently-located pockets. Available in a range of sizes and inseam lengths, there's a pair for every health nut.

Best Athleisure: Athleta

Bringing its mission to life, Athleta celebrates the power of sisterhood and the core belief that "alone we are strong, but united we thrive."

Its signature "tights," "city pants," and "joggers" collections are great for a variety of activities, from rock climbing and yoga to meetings and happy hour. Athleta caters to all shapes, offering tall, petite, and plus sizes. Many of the brand's leggings are made of UPF-proof fabric, making them ideal for outdoor summer exercise.

Say goodbye to stiff dress pants: Athleta’s Travel and Commute collection also offers workwear essentials, from dresses and pants to button-downs and blazers. The designs are so sleek, no one will ever know you’re wearing activewear.

Best of all, Athleta offers a "Give-It-A-Workout Guarantee.” Take your new gear out for a test-drive. If you don’t love it, Athleta will take it back—no questions asked.

Best for Outdoor Winter Workouts: Kari Traa

Kari Traa leggings — Courtesy of Kari Traa

Founded by Kari Traa, Norwegian freestyle skier and three-time Olympic medalist, the European sportswear brand has made its mark globally as high-performance training gear made to withstand harsh weather.

From running to skiing, Kari Traa carries a variety of leggings and base layers designed for the outdoor enthusiast. Compared to other outdoor and sporting goods brands, Kari Traa specifically uses bright colors and feminine silhouettes inspired by Scandinavian traditions and growing up on the slopes.

Most of the brand's leggings offer medium impact support and are perfect for layering under ski pants or other activewear when it gets cold. They're made with moisture-wicking fabric that'll keep your sweat from lingering after a tough workout. The brand is available online as well as at select outdoor sporting goods retailers.

Best for Running: Title Nine

Title Nine leggings — Courtesy of Title Nine

Nearly 17 years after the pivotal amendment that changed the course of history for women—Title IX—women’s athletic gear company, Title Nine, was born.

Missy Park launched the company selling activewear out of her garage. Today, Title Nine has grown into an omnichannel retailer, operating 19 retail locations across the country, and offering top-quality sportswear to active women of all shapes and sizes.

Title Nine leggings are expertly crafted for runners of all levels, from beginning joggers to marathoners. The leggings line offers a wide range of cuts and styles—from capri, to full-length leggings and boy shorts. All leggings have an elastic waistband that ensures they won't fall down while you run, but also won't jab into your skin.

Choose from a variety of colorful patterns and compression levels, expertly tested by a team of women runners.

Best Squat-Proof: Gymshark

Maybe you've seen the brand’s leggings on Instagram or heard the hype from a friend. Gymshark, a U.K.-based fitness apparel and accessories brand, has recently taken the internet by storm.

Popular among millennial gym rats, Gymshark leggings are specifically designed to enhance your “ASSets,” literally! With sculpting, glute-enhancing patterns, the clothing line is designed for both style and performance

Coming in a variety of colors—from neutrals to neons—the brand's signature leggings have strategically placed contoured paneling aimed to accentuate your tush. The durable, figure-flattering performance wear brand is surprisingly affordable, and available exclusively online.

The seamless fit and thicker material of these leggings ensure you can squat without worrying about see-through pants. Sizes range from XS to XL.

Best Bold Designs: Goldsheep

Goldsheep leggings — Courtesy of Goldsheep

Talk about a showstopper. Goldsheep, a California-based leggings company, is known for its electrifying prints. Inspired by founder Keri Wilson’s grandmother, Goldsheep’s designs celebrate individuality and embrace our unique differences. Featuring everything from star-studded to sushi covered prints, there’s a leggings pair for every occasion.

Looking for themed leggings for an upcoming holiday, the next Star Wars premiere, or even to show off your love for pizza? Look no further. The company even offers a custom option, so you can proudly sport anything from your crush’s face to your dog, all over your next pair of leggings.

Each pair of Goldsheep leggings is handmade in the company's Orange County warehouse. Goldsheep can be found online as well as at select fitness studios and boutiques nationwide.

Best Fast and Free Shipping: Revolve

The Los Angeles-based online clothing company features a mix of designer and lower-priced collections that cater to its millennial and Gen Z customer base. Revolve carries over 500 brands, including its in-house collections.

Revolve’s activewear collection features a wide variety of designer leggings, fit for every occasion. The online retailer is known for leggings with strategically-placed cutouts that are perfect for both the gym and a night out on the town. Colors range from simple black and white to snakeskin and leopard print.

Our favorite thing about shopping Revolve is that new items are added daily, with emerging designers you won’t find elsewhere. Better yet, Revolve offers free two-day shipping and free returns to U.S. customers, as well as a 30-day price match guarantee.

Best Return Policy: Nordstrom

Nordstrom Leggings — Courtesy of Nordstrom

When it comes to women's fashion, Nordstrom is the holy grail. Along with clothing, shoes, and accessories, the fashion retailer carries a variety of activewear and athleisure, including its house brand, Zella.

The active rave about Zella leggings, with special mention of its top seller, Live In High Waist Leggings. Fitted with a no-slip waistband, the stretchy, figure-sculpting leggings won't fall down on your runs. The exercise pants are also made with moisture-wicking fabric so they'll keep you cool, even during hot yoga class.

When it comes to customer service, Nordstrom wins the gold. Whether shopping online or in-store, you’re sure to have a personalized experience. From free shipping and returns to onsite tailoring and alterations, Nordstrom is all about the customer.

Most notably, the retailer has a famously liberal return policy. If you’re guilty of the occasional impulse buy, leaving a closet sprinkled with freshly tagged clothing, Nordstrom has you covered. In fact, the company likes to say it doesn’t actually have a formal return policy. Instead, Nordstrom handles returns on a case-by-case basis.

What to Look for in a Leggings Shop

Size Inclusiveness

Now more than ever, brands are beginning to offer more inclusive sizing in their clothing. If you need sizes outside the typical range, look for a store that offers a broader availability of sizes for big and small.

Exercise Type

Choose a shop that offers leggings meant to withstand the type of training you will do. Compression gear might not be the best choice for yoga, while the soft buttery fabrics of some leggings might not stay up when performing squats or other weight lifting activities.

If you train outdoors, you'll need to consider the elements and choose leggings that offer more protection against the cold, wind, or rain.

Material

If sustainability is important to you, you might want to look for stores and brands that carry eco-friendly materials. If you sweat a lot, you'll need leggings that offer moisture-wicking and do not show sweat marks as readily as some other brands. Knowing whether or not your leggings will show through when performing squats is also a concern for many, so being sure your leggings are thick enough is wise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are leggings and yoga pants the same thing?

Leggings and yoga pants are not the same. Yoga pants are designed to move with your body and are typically made from breathable, moisture wicking materials. Leggings are a more broad category and can include yoga pants as well as any other type of workout or lounge pants.
Can you wear leggings to the office?

In some cases, you can wear leggings to the office. There is a wide variety of legging types and many are styled for professional use. It also depends on your office and the rest of your outfit. If a few other people at your office are wearing leggings, it's a good sign it's acceptable to do so. In most cases, it's best to refrain from wearing overly bright, patterned, or fitness leggings in a professional setting.
What should you wear with leggings?

Leggings for exercise use can be pared with any type of fitness top, such as tank tops, t-shirts, or sports bras. Casual wear leggings look fantastic with long cardigans, tucked t-shirts, boots, jean jackets, and scarves.
How do you wash leggings?

Follow the recommended washing instructions on the label of your leggings. In most cases, if you are concerned about harsh washing conditions, it's best to choose a gentle cycle on cold and use a mild detergent. Hang to dry. Avoid using a hot dryer on performance fabrics and do not iron.

Why Trust Verywell Fit?

As a tall girl and leggings enthusiast, Emily Stone has tried almost every brand on the market. After many years of trial and error—and money down the drain—she finally found the brands that fit her height and active lifestyle. From the discontinued Tall Groove Pant to the new Align Pant, she's a longtime Lululemon supporter.

Emily also swears by Athleta’s Travel and Commute collection. Her uniform consists of the Wander Stash Skinny Pant, paired with the Cosmic Blazer. Pro tip: Activewear disguised as workwear will change your life!

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