When our minds conjure up images of leggings, we automatically think of athleisure wear. In recent years, that stretchy lycra has become synonymous with wellness culture, contouring the bodies of Pilates devotees clutching matcha lattes post-class.
But before leggings were claimed by the wellness space, they were a hallmark of Noughties indie sleaze style codes. Think slouchy vintage tees, black leggings, and Isabel Marant trainers – the complete antithesis of today's polished 'clean girl' Lululemon aesthetic. Now, it's that same grungy sense of rebellion that’s beginning to pepper the sartorial sphere once again.
© Getty Images
© Gamma-Rapho via Getty ImagesIn the 2000s, leggings reigned supreme over jeans. They were typically black, unlike the candy-coloured iterations dominating the market today. But rather than being styled with Alo gym socks or cropped trench coats, they were the uniform of It-girls clutching Blackberrys mid-paparazzi snap – think peak Lindsay Lohan-core.
That’s not to say the skin-tight staple hasn't long been one of fashion's most divisive garments. "If I had the power, I would ban leggings," Jil Sander declared in 2011. While some styles offer comfort and versatility, others have often been criticised for being less than flattering, not least because of the ever-looming threat of the dreaded camel toe.
© GC ImagesBut that’s precisely why a new wave of styles are emerging, offering greater versatility for different body types and fashion codes. Moving beyond their purely utilitarian roots, leggings are now paying homage to their Noughties peak, this time with a more daring twist.
© GC ImagesMuch of this resurgence can be credited to designers embracing leggings on recent runways, elevating the casual staple with a sense of luxury. Celine styled them with oversized blazers, while Balmain paired them with contrasting knitwear and The Row leaned into a polished trench-coat aesthetic. During the autumn/winter 2025 collections, leggings appeared at Versace, Acne Studios and Max Mara. The grungier interpretation emerged on the spring/summer 2026 runways, from the maroon leggings at Dries Van Noten to the oversized T-shirts and leggings showcased in Conner Ives' collection. Meanwhile, patterned iterations surfaced at Fashion East and Off-White.
From classic gymwear to stirrup styles, split hems, capris and even bootcut silhouettes, there's no shortage of leggings to choose from this season. We've rounded up our favourite styles to shop now.
Best leggings for 2026:
© AdanolaUltimate Leggings - Mulberry Red
Adanola
If you're on the hunt for those pilates-perfect leggings, Adanola is your best choice. These leggings are designed without a front seam and rather offer a higher waistline for extra support. They also have a four-way stretch to contour your figure.
© Roberto CavalliZebra-Print Leggings
Roberto Cavalli
Blend two of the season's hottest trends with these zebra-print leggings. They feature stirrups on the hem for a bold look.
© CSBForm Invisible Scrunch Capri Leggings
CSB
Lean into the capri trend with these cropped leggings. You can elevate them for a night out with a kitten heel or wear them in the day with a simple tank top.
© The RowEssentials Woolworth Stretch-Ponte Leggings
The Row
These leggings are crafted from black stretch-ponte with a figure-hugging silhouette. They have an elasticated mid-rise waist and are cut just above the ankles.
© SkimsHight-waisted Stirrup Leggings
Skims
These leggings feature an elastic waistband and stirrup details on the hem for an elegant finish to an otherwise classic staple.
© House of CBCream Cashmere Blend Trousers
House of CB
If you're looking for a thicker material, this style is perfect. They are knitted from a cream cashmere blend and have a deep ribbed waistband. The leggings fall into a flared hem.
© AloSoftsculpt High-Waist Legging
Alo
There's a reason all the It-girls are wearing Alo. This Barbie-inspired pair are crafted from medium-compression fabric that sculpts and smooths the figure.
© PucciIride Jersey Leggings
Pucci
Embrace a bold look with these printed Pucci leggings. Crafted from stretchy jersey, they feature a psychedelic swirling motif.
How we chose:
Price: Our list boasts a myriad of prices, from beloved retail brands to luxury labels.
Style: Ranging from cutting-edge The Row designs to trendy high street gems, this round-up offers an array of cute styles to note.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
