Tried and Tested: The Very Best Leggings on the Market, Reviewed by an Editor
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@remyfarrellStyle Notes: First things first, a brand that delivers on the kind of leggings you can wear for any occasion—Commando. The classic black leggings in stretch cotton are ultra-thick and have a built-in internal waistband (that doesn't roll down), but the star of the show is the brand's faux-leather and patent leggings. There are dozens of colours, styles and finishes perfect for tucking into knee-high boots and pairing with an oversized blazer or chunky knit. If you've ever struggled with finding a pair of leather trousers that fit properly, start here. Whether you're trying Commando leggings in jersey, denim, cashmere or even a maternity style, the fit around the waist is always impeccable, and there's a whole host of outfits you can build around this one key piece.
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@remyfarrell
The quality of a pair of real leather leggings but with more flexibility.
High-shine, high-impact leggings for elevating a simple look.
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@remyfarrellStyle Notes: The first thing I notice when I pull these on is just how much they stretch, and believe me, that is a very good thing. The extreme elasticity means that these leggings behave like a second skin, and as the focus isn't heavy compression, you can really bend and move in these without restriction. Where I would want a fashion legging to suck everything in, these feel like you're wearing nothing at all, and that is a testament to the soft, brushed finish and light, breathable fabric that is perfect for any workout from yoga to cardio.
I think these just replaced every pair of leggings in my gym bag.
These come in no less than 18 different colours.
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@remyfarrellStyle Notes: There's a reason that you'll always spot Adanola clothing out on the streets on weekend mornings or at the airport. If you're looking for a pair of leggings that you can comfortably wear all day without even feeling like you're wearing them, Adanola takes the top spot. Smoothing without constricting and with a flexible fit, these are the kind of leggings I want pull on the moment I get home, but it helps that they're Instagrammable enough to wear out to brunch too. It's about time we had loungewear that looks as good as it feels.
This dark olive colour might just be one of my favourites.
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@remyfarrellStyle Notes: When I conducted a straw poll in the office for the best leggings for me to road test, Vuori got an immediate mention. My intro to the brand is the Daily Legging, and after wearing these adjustable leggings, it's clear why they're popular. As someone who always struggles to find trousers and leggings that fit properly around the waist without the dreaded gap, Vuori has come up with the perfect solution—a tie-waist legging that grips and supports movement with a little added lift. Never again will you find yourself pulling up your leggings because of sag; these will hug your body for the perfect fit.
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@remyfarrellStyle Notes: If you've already tried Wolford's premium hosiery or stretch basics you'll have an idea of what to expect from the leggings, too. Before Skims was even a glint in Kim Kardashian's eye, Wolford set the agenda for smoothing, body-sculpting pieces to act as the foundation for an everyday wardrobe, and despite the brand's The W active range being geared towards gym wear, the thick, waist-cinching, body-hugging fabric is also luxe enough for formalwear. (In fact, pairing these with knee-high boots makes them feel more like jodhpurs than thin leggings). Out of all the pairs of leggings on this list, these are the ones with the firmest support, and are well worth paying a little more for to get the best silhouette.
When vegan leather looks this good there's no need to shell out for the real thing.
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@remyfarrellStyle Notes: Seeing as many of the leggings on this list cost around the £80-£100 mark, I also have an affordable option to rival those premium offerings. H&M's activewear might not have been put through the same rigorous performance tests as the specialist sportswear brands, but I'm immediately impressed by just how good they look and feel. Whereas many high-street brands produce leggings that go sheer, stretch and sag; H&M's are surprisingly thick, stretchy and cotton-soft, and at under £15 for a pair, you might as well stock up.
It's a tough decision between charcoal grey, red, spring green, black and light grey.
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@remyfarrellStyle Notes: I saw Hailey and Kendall in split-hem leggings, and I immediately wanted split-hem leggings. Such is the power of this stretchy trouser-loungewear hybrid. Those who already follow Sarah Tankel Ellis and Philippa Bloom, the brains behind We Are Twinset, will know their affinity for easily-accessible yet polished looks, and their clothing label WATT the brand focuses on elevated wardrobe staples like these split-hem trousers, which have a stretch waistband. Ideal for days when you want more comfort than jeans provide, these toe the line between casual and chic, and make leggings acceptable for evening dressing in the process.
An ultra high-rise pair perfect for tucking tops into.
