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Blog / Style & trends / From Workout to Leisure: 13 Types of Leggings for Every Occasion

Style & trends

From Workout to Leisure: 13 Types of Leggings for Every Occasion

From Workout to Leisure: 13 Types of Leggings for Every Occasion
Agnese Zimele

By Agnese Zimele

7 min read

Just a few decades ago, leggings were seen as strictly workout gear. They provided all the range of motion and flexibility needed to do aerobics, run comfortably, or lean into yoga poses. They weren’t, however, an appropriate choice of clothing for anywhere else.

But times have changed and leggings have stretched beyond fitness rooms. They’ve become an increasingly popular choice for everyday wear due to their versatility, comfort, and adaptability to different body types and personalities. Indeed, there are legging styles for every occasion.

Looking for the perfect pair to customize for yourself or to sell online? We’ll guide you through the vast legging industry and its trends, exploring the most popular types of leggings in 2024. 

Whether you’re looking for a new addition to your wardrobe or thinking about starting a fitness clothing line, this list will help you find the most relevant and fashionable pair for your needs.

13 types of leggings to add to your closet in 2024

There may not have been much variety when they first came out, but today leggings are available in tons of colors, lengths, and styles.

From super stretchy yoga pants to shaper leggings, knee-length to full-length, cotton or synthetic fabrics—the list is ever-growing. Keep reading to learn which types of leggings are best suited for particular occasions and designs.

1. Full-length leggings

Often referred to as ankle length, full-length leggings are the most common type of stretchy pants that fit a variety of situations and styles. You can choose timeless black for a classy look, or go for more vibrant printed leggings to give your outfit a more energetic vibe.

These leggings are great for layering during colder months and, because of their full-length style, give the illusion of longer legs. They can be paired with nearly anything in your wardrobe, including t-shirts, dresses, flannel shirts, and workout apparel.

a woman standing in a riverSource: Lorna Jane

2. Knee-length leggings

Warmer weather calls for lighter clothing, and that’s where knee-length leggings come in. Providing more coverage than regular shorts but less warmth than ankle-length leggings, they are perfect for gym sessions and everyday outings.

These leggings could be considered the ultimate performance wear as they provide the necessary comfort and ventilation for both indoor and outdoor activities.

a woman standing in the desertSource: Amazon

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3. Mid-calf leggings

Also called capri leggings, mid-calf leggings are in the sweet spot. They fall somewhere in between ankle-length and knee-length stretchy pants, striking the perfect balance between coverage and breathability.

Opt for capri leggings if you want a bit more coverage during workouts, or if you’re looking to create a more dressed up look. For example, mid-calf leggings work well with a pair of high heels—a great choice for a dance class, perhaps?

4. Footed leggings

Footed leggings were also initially designed with dancers in mind. They cover the entire leg and extend over the feet, resembling tights and establishing a seamless look.

Even if you don’t dance or do ballet, these leggings provide a great alternative to thick pantyhose under dresses and skirts in colder weather. They’ll look particularly fab with boots.

a woman sitting on a bench with her legs crossedSource: Parien House

5. Stirrup leggings

Similar to footed leggings, stirrup leggings provide full coverage and keep everything in place thanks to a convenient under-the-heel strap. Originally intended for equestrians, the design ensures that the leggings don’t roll up when wearing boots.

But stirrup leggings have gone beyond horseback riding and are a favorite among yogis, fitness enthusiasts, and dancers who like the fit and feel. Because of the strap, these stretchy pants are also usually made of lighter legging fabrics.

a woman walking on a streetSource: Fashionista

6. Flare leggings

Regarded by many as a full-on retro style, flare leggings have made a comeback in recent years. As the name suggests, they flare out from the knee providing less compression in the lower part of the leg.

Flare leggings are a great fit for festival settings when you’re striving for bohemian vibes. They’re also a stylish alternative to traditional full-length leggings for a fun fitness look. Just make sure to keep the intensity low as flares may get in your way when running or cycling.

a woman in black outfitSource: Popflex

7. Compression leggings

The opposite to relaxed flare leggings? Tight and sculpting compression leggings. Sometimes referred to as shaper leggings, they are designed to increase the blood flow to your muscles and may help improve circulation.

Since compression leggings are made to increase performance during exercise and limit fatigue afterward, you may not feel comfortable wearing them all day long. These leggings keep the skin tight, which reduces dimples while working out, but it may feel too constricted when sitting.

a woman stretching her leg on a roadSource: Nike

8. Crossover leggings

A cool alternative to traditional high-waisted leggings is crossover leggings. Featuring a v-shape waistband, they’re one of the trendiest design changes in the past few years that even turned into a viral sensation.

What makes crossover leggings so adored is that they provide a more flattering look by slimming the middle and highlighting curves. They look great with sports bras and crop tops and are perfect for different sports or running casual errands.

a woman in tight blue pantsSource: Offline

9. Nylon leggings

Most sports leggings are made of spandex and polyester, but nothing can beat nylon in terms of its durability, light weight feel, and zero wrinkles. This fabric is also extremely stretchy and has top-level moisture-wicking properties.

Nylon leggings are usually a mix of nylon and another synthetic material, making them the ultimate choice for workouts. If you’re dealing with a nylon blend, remember to follow the correct washing procedure as the wrong temperature may make your leggings shrink.

a woman wearing tights and sneakersSource: Pinterest

10. Jeggings

If you’re one of those people who don’t like to wear leggings outside of the gym because it’s just not your vibe, jeggings may be a great alternative. They’re a blend of jeans and leggings that look like real pants and provide the same level of comfort as traditional leggings.

Jeggings are also a fun substitute for regular jeans since they’re normally available in a lot more colors and are more elastic, which means a wider range of motion.

a collage of a woman sitting on a boxSource: American Eagle

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11. Treggings

Following the same pattern as jeggings, treggings are essentially a combination of leggings and trousers. It’s the perfect blend for people who don’t like overly tight pants but still prefer the flexibility of leggings.

Treggings are made of thicker fabrics than, for example, regular yoga leggings, and usually have functional or decorative buttons and pockets. Their stylish look makes treggings suitable for workwear or formal settings where you want to strike a balance between comfort and sophistication.

a woman in a white shirt and black pantsSource: Nykka Fashion

12. Leather leggings

Probably the most eye-catching fit on this list, leather leggings offer a sleek and edgy look. They’re usually produced using real or faux leather with a touch of elastic material, making these leggings a lot more comfortable to wear than 100% leather pants.

With tons of usage options, these are the ultimate in dressed-up leggings style. For example, you can combine them with a blouse and jacket for an office day or switch to a t-shirt and leather jacket for a concert look.

a woman sitting on a benchSource: US Weekly

13. Wool leggings

We couldn’t end this list of the best types of leggings without mentioning wool leggings. They are the ideal choice for anyone looking for a cozy and comfy outfit this winter.

Because of their thermo-regulating properties, wool leggings are also great for hiking or spending time outdoors in cold weather. They are completely natural, breathable, and easy to clean, which makes these leggings one of the most environmentally-friendly options on the market.

a person wearing grey pants and standing on a wooden porchSource: Warm&Weather

Things to keep in mind when choosing leggings

If you’re new to the leggings game, finding the perfect pair may take some time. As you try to identify the best options for yourself or put together your custom leggings business, consider these three things:

  • Fabric – cotton leggings may be good for lounging on a sofa but sweat-wicking materials like nylon or spandex are best for working out. Try to avoid black if you’re planning to spend a lot of time outdoors in hot weather.

  • Activity – treggings, jeggings, and leather leggings are designed for more fashionable casual wear, while mid-length and full-length leggings are more suitable for different physical activities.

  • Weather – leggings made of wool are a great choice in winter or colder weather but in summer, you’ll benefit from shorter, more lightweight, and highly breathable leggings.

Final verdict: which leggings are best?

With so many types of leggings available, there’s a suitable pair for every occasion. Selecting the right style and fabric largely depends on your intended activities and fashion choices. There are leggings fit for working out, concerts, the office, or everyday outings.

If you’re looking to start your own leggings business, try to offer a wide range of designs and legging types to reach a greater customer base. Not sure about the production, storage, and delivery of your products? Partnering with a print-on-demand company like Printful can help get your brand off the ground. 

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By Agnese Zimele on Jul. 19, 2024

Agnese Zimele

Guest author

Agnese is a seasoned content specialist with a passion for running and traveling. She discovered her love for writing in high school and has helped multiple brands and individuals craft their stories ever since.

Agnese is a seasoned content specialist with a passion for running and traveling. She discovered her love for writing in high school and has helped multiple brands and individuals craft their stories ever since.