The Best Leggings for Curvy Women (Comfort + Style)

Growing up as a curvy girl, finding leggings or workout pants that actually fit felt like a struggle. That didn’t magically change in adulthood either. Even with more inclusive brands on the market today, I still caught myself trying pair after pair, wondering why nothing ever seemed quite right.

Then, a few years ago, it finally clicked, the problem wasn’t always the size. It was the quality, the fabric and whether the leggings were truly designed to flatter curves.

After countless (and I mean countless) trial and error moments, I eventually cracked the code. Once I understood which leggings features work best for fuller hips, shopping became so much easier.

So, if you’re tired of spending money on leggings that can’t keep up with your curves, you’re in the right place. In this guide, I’ll share what actually works, the key features to consider and of course, our honest recommendations for the best leggings for curvy women. Let’s get cracking.

How To Choose The Best Leggings

When shopping for leggings, it’s easy to get distracted by all the extra bells and whistles, from pockets to zippers and mesh panels. While those are nice bonuses, they shouldn’t be the first things you focus on. Here’s what you should be looking out for:

1. Good stitching

You don’t want leggings that will rip out at the seams the moment you pop a squat in the gym. If the threads look loose, uneven, or you can see gaps when you stretch the fabric lightly, it’s probably a bad purchase.

2. Quality fabric

For many of us with fuller thighs, low-quality fabric causes chafing after a few wears. Look for moisture-friendly materials that glide against the skin instead of dragging.

3. Compression

Compression shouldn’t feel like tightness or discomfort. The right pair of leggings should hug your body gently, feel supportive and move with you without digging in or cutting off circulation. Good compression leggings are also smooth to the touch.

4. Comfort

If they don’t feel good when you bend, walk, sit, or stretch, they’re not the right pair. The waistband, fabric, and seams should all feel comfortable for long wear. Make sure the waistband is wide enough and high-rise (or at least mid-rise).

5. Durability

Good leggings snap back after being stretched and they don’t lose their shape quickly. Durable fabrics also resist pilling and thinning, even with regular washing. A good way to check is if tiny white lines form when the material is stretched.

7 Best Leggings for Curvy Women

No one should have to stress about finding leggings that fit and flatter their body. We get it and we’ve already done the homework for you. After a detailed search, we put together some of the best leggings for thick girls.

1. Athleta Elation Ultra High Rise Legging

If you want leggings that feel soft, smooth and almost cloud-like, this pair is going to be your new obsession. The Athleta Elation Ultra High Rise Legging is made from their Powervita fabric, a material so buttery it literally feels like a gentle hug.

They’re also designed with minimal seams, which means fewer distractions and no rubbing. And yes, they included a back drop-in pocket for small essentials. These are the leggings you reach for when you want to move with confidence.

Reviewer’s reaction: “What I love most is the waistband. It stays in place and has a mesh lining that gives support and smooths the tummy. If you’re someone who loves leggings that feel like skin, this pair deserves a spot at the top of your list.”

2. Old Navy High-Waisted Fashion Layering 7/8 Legging

This Old Navy pair is one of those leggings you wear for on slow, easy days. Think lounging around the house, casual outings, or layering under long tops. They may not be built for those serious gym sessions and that’s perfectly fine, because their strength is pure comfort.

The high elastic waistband holds you in nicely without squeezing and the side pockets give them that practical everyday feel. Made from a soft blend of 96% cotton and 4% spandex, these leggings are breathable, stretchy, and ideal for relaxed wear.

Reviewer’s Reaction: “These surprised me in the best way. They feel soft and stay comfortable all day long. The waistband doesn’t dig in, the pockets are super handy and I love how simple they are.”

3. Alo High-Waist Airlift Legging

These leggings are the definition of sleek. The Airlift fabric has a smooth, shiny finish and stretches in every direction. The high-rise waistband is double-layered, which helps create a clean shape and the ankle-length cut makes them super easy to style with sneakers, sandals, or even an oversized hoodie.

They come in plenty of colors, and the fit stays snug, secure and great for both everyday wear and workouts. If you like leggings that hold everything in place without feeling heavy, these are worth adding to your lineup.

Reviewer reaction: “I’m obsessed with these. They feel so lightweight but still give that smooth, sculpted look. The waistband doesn’t roll, the fabric doesn’t show everything, and they make my outfits look put-together even when I’m just running errands. I’ve washed them several times already and they still look brand new.”

4. OFFLINE by Aerie Real Me High Waisted Crossover Flare Legging

These leggings have a beautiful matte look. Aerie’s signature crossover waistband instantly gives your waist a snatched, hourglass vibe. The flare at the bottom adds a cute finish and those are trendy right now. Plus, it makes your butt look great.

It’s the type of material you forget you’re wearing because it’s soft and breathable. Aerie also added thoughtful touches like tagless labels to reduce irritation. This is a tiny detail that makes them extra comfortable.

Reviewer’s reaction: One reviewer said they didn’t expect flare leggings to be this flattering and the waistband fits perfectly without rolling down.” Another loved how lightweight they felt, saying it was “like wearing air.”

5. Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight

The Wunder Train High-Rise Tight is all about letting you move freely while keeping you cool, dry and confident. Made with Everlux™ fabric, these leggings feel sleek against the skin, wick sweat away, and dry quickly. Perfect for sweaty sessions without leaving marks behind.

The high-rise waistband stays above your hips, giving you coverage as you squat, lunge, or stretch. It also has a bonus, which is a hidden waistband pocket that keeps small items like keys or cards so they are completely out of the way when you exercise.

Reviewer’s Reaction: “Probably the most comfortable leggings I’ve ever worn. They stretch easily and don’t chafe anywhere. It’s taken me 15 years to try Lululemon because I usually hate overhyped leggings and I have to admit, these are on another level.”

6. Superfithero Superhold Pocket Ankle Leggings

These leggings are a game-changer for anyone looking for flattering plus-size activewear. The SuperHold™ compression fabric is sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and fully squat-proof, so you can move confidently in any workout.

The high waistband stays in place all day, while a triangle gusset adds extra comfort. There are two full-size pockets, one on each hip. Superfithero focuses exclusively on plus-size fit, so you know you’re getting leggings designed with you in mind.

Reviewer’s Reaction: “Amazing comfort. These were my first compression leggings and the material is excellent. I’m so happy with the size options.”

7. Nike Yoga Dri-FIT Luxe

This is one of those pairs you slip into and instantly feel the difference. What really sets them apart is Nike’s Infinalon fabric is which has a gentle feel. Unlike regular performance fabrics, Infinalon is lighter, thinner, and stronger, so it feels almost weightless while still offering some compression.

Whether you’re stretching, running, or holding yoga poses, these leggings will serve their purpose. Sweat isn’t an issue either. Thanks to Dri-FIT technology, the material pulls moisture away from your skin so you stay dry and cool from your warm-up to your final weight lift.

Reviewer’s Reaction: “These pants actually give me life. I would live in them if I could. They’re the most wonderful pants in the world, honestly, probably the best clothing item I own.”

Extra Tip: Get anti-camel-toe products for backup. When you’re shopping for new leggings, it helps to throw a camel-toe prevention product in your cart too. Leggings have a funny way of outlining the crotch, so a concealer pad works great for a quick fix, while a camel-toe-proof thong is perfect for longer gym sessions.

Final Thoughts

Leggings are such a staple in our everyday wardrobes that getting the right fit makes all the difference. These stretchy little essentials are with us through errands, workouts, cozy days and everything in between, so it’s only fair that we choose pairs that make us look good and feel amazing.

Now that you know what to look for and which brands deliver, you can pick the leggings that actually work for your body and enjoy every moment you wear them.