A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Oct. 16, 2024
The best plus-size leggings are comfortable and made of quality materials, so I tried them for myself to help you find the right pair for you.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
In an ideal world, we’d be able to stay comfortable in our favorite pair of sweats or pajamas, no matter the time of day or occasion. Unfortunately for most of us, this isn’t a reality. Many days we’re forced to wear pants—even when we don’t want to. However, that doesn’t mean you must wear uncomfortable jeans or joggers. The best plus-size leggings can be dressed up or down to become staples in your wardrobe.
Finding the best plus-size leggings was not an easy search and took some extra time and consideration. That’s because for so long plus sizes have been so unfairly left out of the activewear market, which is why we’re committed to helping plus-size shoppers find athletic wear, like workout shorts, shapewear and leggings. Luckily, a few great size-inclusive brands make high-quality leggings, and I tested them to find the top standout picks. After testing, I can confirm that I still look forward to wearing many of these leggings, and I can assure you that you will, too.
COURTESY OLIVIA HANSON
Girlfriend Collective’s Float Ultralight Legging is the best plus-size leggings because it checks all our boxes. From comfort to design to price and size selection, these leggings did their job well whether I was working out or spending time on the couch. The TLDR? They’re compressive enough to be a workout legging while still soft, comfortable and aesthetic enough to wear on the go.
Another reason I gave these leggings top billing is that not only are they one of the most size-inclusive brands I’ve seen, but you can also choose between two different inseam sizes to customize to your perfect fit. One of the biggest size selections on the market I’ve come across, they come in sizes XX-small to 6X. You can also choose between a 28.5-inch inseam or a 23.75-inch, depending on your height and preference.
Both the material and fit of these leggings feel top tier. They’re made of 90% recycled plastic bottles and 10% spandex for stretch, making them an eco-conscious clothing pick, too. Whether squatting or sitting down to relax, these leggings moved with my body and felt smooth against my skin. I also loved how they compressed my stomach and thighs to make them appear a little more flattering. If I had one gripe about the leggings, it’s that they’re a little bit pricey, but frankly, I’d pay that price 10 times over for that kind of quality.
Pros
Cons
COURTESY OLIVIA HANSON
These Amazon Essentials mid-rise leggings are affordable, but don’t skimp on quality. They’re made of a polyester-elastane blend that feels as high quality as some of my more expensive leggings. They’re thick, yet lightweight enough not to feel like they were weighing me down. The fabric also passed the squat test, meaning they’re non-see-through.
During my workouts, they stayed put no matter what I was doing, were stretchy enough to move with me and wicked sweat away from the skin. While lounging, they were lightweight enough to be comfortable for cozying up in. I also love that they are mid-rise, so they cover my tummy just enough without being too high-waisted. For me, the bottom of the leggings sits just above my ankle, which feels like just the right height.
These best budget leggings come in a similar massive size selection as our Best Overall leggings: sizes extra-small to 6X. I’m a size 12 and got an XL, which turned out to be my perfect fit. They also come in various colors such as black, navy and pink. Though still a great option without breaking the bank, if I had one critical point about these Amazon leggings it’s that they’re less compressive, so they’re not as flattering as some other leggings I tried.
Pros
Cons
COURTESY OLIVIA HANSON
I tested Old Navy’s Extra High-Waisted PowerChill Leggings while running and walking. This was a strategic test because I wanted to see if the high waist would ever fall. Well, I’m here to confirm that the high waist did stay in place even when I picked up the pace on my run or bent over to sit down.
My walks and runs in these leggings proved that they wick moisture away and feel light and breathable, thanks to their cotton-polyester-tencel modal fabric. And though I loved the high waist of these pants, I also love how incredibly flattering they looked on me. The high waist pulled in my stomach without being too tight while the leg fabric helped to conceal some cellulite.
If I had one minor complaint, it would be that the lightweight fabric makes my legs feel slightly cold on winter days, however, I will most definitely grab them in the summer. The size selection isn’t as big, going from extra-small to 4X, so there’s room for growth in the size department. They’re available in black, charcoal gray and navy blue.
Pros
Cons
COURTESY OLIVIA HANSON
While I love the accomplished feeling of a high-sweat workout, I don’t want my leggings to show it. And, of course, if they did, it shows up in the worst places—aka under the butt and the crotch area—so it’s an absolute no-go. With these Spacedye midi leggings from Beyond Yoga, you’re guaranteed a pair of leggings that will wick away moisture from even your most high-intensity workout, leaving you worry-free about any sweat in unwanted places.
Upon first impression of the leggings, I noticed their super, buttery-soft fabric made of polyester-elastane blend that includes a four-way stretch. They have a 5-inch high waist that went right up to my belly button and flattered my curves. They also have a midi length, which frees up the ankle, and a convenient pocket should you need to carry any small items.
I tested these best plus-size leggings while doing a long workout on my downstairs elliptical, guaranteed to work up a sweat. By the time I was done with my workout, sure, the leggings had a little natural moisture but nothing major, and certainly not to the point where it was gathered in any unwanted places. Considering it was a 40-minute-long workout, I was impressed.
But beyond workouts, I also use these leggings for lounging or running errands since the fabric is so soft. You can find them in sizes XX-small to 4X and several muted tones, such as teal, dark green and purple. My main beef with these leggings is that they don’t come in any neutral colors, which is a preference for me, but the magenta I got them in was a nice change of pace.
Pros
Cons
Doesn’t come in neutral colors
COURTESY OLIVIA HANSON
While these plus-size leggings are seamless, they’re also quite flexible. As someone who wears leggings with seams, these were a huge upgrade. Knowing that seamless leggings are some of the most flexible on the market, I tested these Crisscross Hourglass leggings from Popflex on leg day and pilates day to see if this rang true. They were less restrictive during my workouts no matter which exercise I did, and I can say for certain that I will wear these for those workouts from here on out.
While the flexibility was the biggest benefit, these seamless leggings were also flattering. They feature a ribbed, criss-cross waistband that mimics the shape of the curves around the waist, helping to accent the area instead of covering it up like most other leggings. The brand also claims it is anti-camel toe, which was true in my testing.
And last but not least, these leggings’ unique sizing system is a major benefit to those of us who tend to fluctuate in weight. The leggings come in sizes Extra Smallflex, Smallflex, Midflex, Curveflex and Extra Curveflex. This may sound a little intimidating considering it’s something different. Look at their size chart to find which works best for you and voilà ! You’ll have a pair of leggings that’ll fit even when your weight fluctuates. As a size 12, I got a Curveflex, which provides a sculpting fit. These sizes accommodate everyone from a size 00 to a size 24.
Pros
Cons
Only available in three colors
COURTESY OLIVIA HANSON
