If there is one clothing item that has truly stood the test of time, it is leggings. I have been wearing them for as long as I can remember and at this point, they are as much a part of my wardrobe as a good pair of jeans.
But the thing about leggings is that not every pair is going to serve every body type. The cut, the fabric, the rise, the waistband design, all of these things make a difference in how a pair of leggings looks and feels on your body.
I have done a lot of trial and error over the years and I have also done the research so you do not have to. In this article, you will find eight of the best leggings, each one chosen with a specific body type in mind.
So, whether you are petite, curvy, tall, plus size or somewhere in between, stick with me. There is a pair of leggings on this list that was practically made for you.
What to Consider When Choosing Flattering Leggings
Before we get into our top picks, here are the key things to look out for when shopping for leggings that will actually work with your body.
1. Rise
The rise of a legging refers to how high the waistband sits on your body and this is one of the most important factors when it comes to a flattering fit. High waist leggings sit above the belly button and are generally a preferred option because they provide coverage, support, and a smooth silhouette.
Mid rise leggings sit at the belly button and work well for some body types but can feel less secure during movement. Low rise styles sit below the belly button and while they have their place, they tend to require a lot more adjusting.
2. Fabric
The fabric of your leggings determines everything from how they feel against your skin to how well they hold their shape over time. You want a fabric that is thick enough to be completely opaque, soft enough to feel comfortable all day, and structured enough without feeling stiff.
Blends of nylon, elastane, polyester, bamboo and spandex tend to work really well because they offer both stretch and recovery.
3. Compression
Compression in leggings is not about being tight, it is about that firm hug that keeps the fabric sitting smoothly on the body. Light compression feels soft and relaxed and is great for everyday wear. Full compression on the other hand, offers a sculpting effect and is best for high intensity exercise.
When choosing your level of compression, always go for what feels supportive and comfortable. Always avoid sizing down to achieve a tighter fit.
4. Waistband design
The waistband is one of those details that makes or breaks a pair of leggings. A wide, flat waistband that sits securely at the waist without rolling or folding is what you want. It provides gentle coverage over the midsection, stays in place as you move, and avoids that uncomfortable digging sensation that thin waistbands can cause.
Completely avoid waistbands that are stringy or made from flimsy material because they are the first thing to twist up during activities.
5. Leg cut
The cut of the leg affects how balanced the overall look feels on your body. Fitted straight leg leggings are the most classic and work across most body types. Flared or wide leg options add balance and are particularly great for pear shaped and plus size women.
Cropped leggings that hit above the ankle create a light, elongating effect that works well for petite frames. Bootcut leggings balance out wider hips and create a streamlined silhouette from the waist down.
6. Size
Getting the right size is important when it comes to leggings. Leggings that are too small stretch beyond what the fabric was designed for. They may become see-through, and even cause camel toe. Leggings that are too large lose their shape and slide down as you move.
To find your correct size, measure your waist at the narrowest point and your hips at the fullest point, then compare those measurements to the size guide. Sizing varies between brands, so do not assume your usual size will always apply, especially when compression is involved.
8 Flattering Leggings for Every Body Type
We have done the searching for you, saving you the stress of endless scrolling. All that is left for you to do is go through the options below, find what speaks to your style, and pick your perfect leggings match.
1. Lululemon Align High Rise Pant – Great for petite body types
If you have a petite frame, the Lululemon Align High Rise Pant is one of the best leggings you can invest in. The clean, minimal design means there is no extra bulk or detailing to overwhelm a smaller frame. The buttery soft fabric feels almost weightless against the skin and drapes naturally without adding any unnecessary volume.
The high rise waistband sits smoothly above the belly button, creating a long, clean line from the waist down that visually elongates the legs, which is exactly what a petite frame needs.
Reviewer’s remark: “These are the most comfortable leggings I have ever owned. They feel like nothing.”
2. Spanx Booty Boost Active Leggings – Great for athletic body types
For women with athletic builds who want a little more shape and definition, the Spanx Booty Boost Active Leggings do exactly what the name promises. The unique seam is nicely sewn in a curve to lift the butt and as a bonus, this placement also gets rid of camel toe.
The fabric is thick and it holds its shape through any kind of movement. The wide waistband sits flat and smooth and does not dig in, which keeps the look polished. Reviewers praise how defined they feel without any extra effort.
Reviewer’s remark: “I did not expect leggings to make this much of a difference to my shape, but here we are. Obsessed.”
3. Gymshark Vital Seamless Leggings – Great for curvy body types
Curvy women need leggings that move with their shape and that is what the Gymshark Vital Seamless Leggings are designed to do. The fabric has a beautiful, snatched quality that hugs curves evenly without clinging in the wrong places.
The high waist provides coverage and gentle compression around the midsection, while the seamless finish keeps the overall look smooth. Because they are so flattering, these gym shark beauties have become a favourite among women with fuller figures.
Reviewer’s remark: “Finally, a pair of leggings that fits my waist and my hips.”
4. Sweaty Betty Power Leggings – Great for plus size body types
Another choice for curvy ladies is the Sweaty Betty Power Leggings. The firm compression fabric provides good stretch without making the fabric see-through. With extra coverage and a smoothing effect all the way from the waist to the ankle, it’s easy to see why many women love these leggings.
The wide, structured waistband is one of the best features of this pair because it does not roll or fold, and provides just the right amount of tummy control to give you a flattering fit.
Reviewer’s remark: “These leggings are flexible and so comfortable. They hold everything in without feeling like a corset.”
5. Nike Go Firm Support High Waist Leggings – Great for apple body types
For women who have folds around the midsection, the Nike Go Firm leggings might just be what you have been looking for. What I love here is the wide waistband that wraps around the tummy and provides support. The fabric itself is quite similar to shapewear, with enough firmness to hold the silhouette from the waist down. In addition to that, Nike’s Dri-Fit™ technology keeps the material breathable during workouts and warm weather.
Reviewer’s remark: “So stretchy, not see through and very comfortable.”
6. Adanola Ultimate Leggings – Great for pear body types
Pear shaped women, those who carry more volume in the hips and thighs compared to the upper body, often struggle to find leggings that fit well in both areas at the same time. The Adanola Ultimate Leggings are a brilliant solution. A defined waistband flushes the fabric to the body and that helps to visually balance out wider hips and thighs.
Reviewer’s remark: “They were soft and comfy to wear and the fit is absolutely perfect for my shape.”
7. Fabletics PowerHold High Waist Leggings – Great for hourglass body types
An hourglass figure needs leggings that follow and enhance the natural curve of the waist, hips, and thighs without squishing the shape. It’s a good thing these Fabletics PowerHold Leggings do the job well. The PowerHold™ fabric has a sculpting quality without bunching anywhere.
The high waist design highlights the hips and defines the hourglass shape even more. The waistband also stays firmly in place, which makes these leggings amazing for either exercise, lounging or running errands.
Reviewer’s remark: “These are the only leggings that actually fit my waist and hips at the same time without gaping.”
8. Vuori Performance Leggings – Great for tall body types
Tall ladies assemble, I‘m sure you are sick and tired of those leggings that stop awkwardly above your ankles. These Vuori leggings are just what you need because they come in longer inseam options that are designed to hit at the right point on a taller frame.
Of course, many have reported that the fabric is incredibly soft and lightweight with a velvety finish. Tall women love how these leggings actually fit the length of their legs without losing out on comfort or style.
Reviewer’s remark: “Finally, leggings that are actually long enough. They look as good as they feel.”
Final Thoughts
Every woman deserves a pair of leggings that fits her body. The right pair is out there for every shape and size and hopefully, this list has pointed you in the right direction. Take your measurements, consider the features that matter most for your body type, and invest in a pair that actually works for you.
