How can you tell the quality of leggings?

There are a few steps you can take to determine the leggings quality. First, read the care instructions to see what type of fabric was used. Personally, I look for words like sweat-wicking so I know that I’ll always feel dry, as well as four-way stretch, which indicates that the leggings will hug my body and not slide down — but everyone’s priorities and preferences will be different. Next, put your hand inside the legging and tug. Can you see your hand through the fabric? If so, then it may not be as high quality or opaque as you’d like.

Is it OK to wear leggings as pants?

Just like any other piece of clothing, this is entirely up to you. Leggings are a wardrobe necessity, regardless of whether you want to dress them up with a blazer and heels, wear them with sneakers and a sporty jacket to run errands, or throw them on with a tank top for your spin class, the options are endless when it comes to styling leggings.

Are capri leggings flattering?

Capri leggings can be extremely flattering and it’s a style designed for everyone, says Schumacher, especially given that they’re available in a variety of colors and styles so you can select the option that’s best for your frame. If you need a little more shaping, choose a pair of capri leggings that have a compressive element for a bit of tummy control. If you’re petite, a longer capri will elongate your legs.

15 Best Capri Leggings of 2023

Best Capri Leggings to Wear All Year Long — Byrdie / Brian Kopinski

Whether you work from home, love to workout, or are constantly on the run (literally), you probably own at least one pair of these essential wardrobe pieces—the capri legging. Leggings are effortless and comfortable, to say the least, and thanks to the surge in athleisure, coupled with the trend of wearing workout clothes as an everyday style, you can now find your favorite pair of capri leggings in a wide array of colors and styles.

Meet the Expert

Casey Schumacher is the Senior Director of Design for Athleta.

Lorna Jane is the founder of Lorna Jane, an activewear brand whose mission is to inspire you to be active.

Katie Johnson is the founder of the athleisure-focused retailer Carbon38.

Capri leggings are a wardrobe staple. They’re perfect for the summer months when you want a little more length than a biker provides, but don’t want the warmth that comes with full length leggings. They are also a great option for winter if you aren’t quite ready to throw on your boyfriend's baggy joggers.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Lululemon High-Rise Crop at Lululemon

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Best with Pockets:

Lorna Jane 7/8 Leggings at Lornajane.com

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Best on Amazon:

THE GYM PEOPLE Thick High Waist Yoga Pants with Pockets at Amazon

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Best Plus Size:

Athleta Elation 2-in-1 Capri at Gap.com

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Best for Lifting Weights :

Lululemon High-Rise Crop Legging at Lululemon

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Best to Hide Cellulite:

Alo Yoga High-Waist Capri at Aloyoga.com

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Best for Under Dresses:

Year of Ours Ribbed Capri at Yearofours.com

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Best for Running:

Nike Mid-Rise Crop Pocket Running Leggings at Nike.com

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Best Budget:

Old Navy Cropped Leggings at Gap.com

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Best Splurge:

All Access Capri Legging at Bandier.com

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

Lululemon

View On Lululemon

These Lululemon leggings have a near cult following, and we totally understand why. Their trademarked Nulu fabric is not only breathable and sweat-wicking, but it’s so soft you’ll never want to take these capris off. The Lululemon Aligns are available in a variety of different colors, which change depending on the season, with sizes from 0 to 14, so just about everyone can wear them.

Fabric: 81% Nylon, 19% Lycra® elastane | Sizes: 0-14 | Colors: 19 | Care: Machine wash cold with like colors. Tumble dry on low

Price at time of publish: $88

Lorna Jane

View On Lornajane.com

One word: pockets. You don’t often find leggings with a sliver of space for your phone, keys or wallet, but this pair from Lorna Jane has space for all three. Plus, the nylon and elastane mix makes them stretchable, while the high-waisted fit still gives you a bit of compressive tummy control. The almost-navy shade also makes these leggings versatile to style and you won’t have to worry about them being sweat or squat-proof.

Fabric: 69% Nylon / 31% Elastane | Sizes: XS-XXL | Colors: One | Care: Machine wash cold with like colors

Price at time of publish: $105

THE GYM PEOPLE Thick High Waist Yoga Pants with Pockets

Amazon

View On Amazon

With more than 45,000 positive reviews, this pair of leggings is a reliable homerun. These high-waisted leggings from THE GYM PEOPLE fit like a second skin, while the design features two pockets to store your valuables while running or working out, and is available in 35 colors. The polyester and spandex blend make these highly-rated Amazon leggings squat-proof, so they’re perfect for lifting, yoga or even just your weekly Trader Joe’s shopping spree.

Fabric: 88% Polyester, 12% Spandex | Sizes: XS-3X | Colors: 41 | Care: Hand wash only

Price at time of publish: $24

Athleta

View On Gap.com

Want to wear a tennis skirt to the gym without sacrificing the modesty leggings can provide? Look no further. Stylish and breathable, the Elation 2 in 1 Capri from Athleta is cute and adds a bit of modesty as an option, says Casey Schumacher, Sr. Director of Design at Athleta. Additional features include a high-rise waistband to hold you in and the fabric is a sweat-quicking, fast dry material for continued comfort, no matter your workout. They also come in a wide range of sizes, from XXS to 3X.

Fabric: Nylon and lycra blend | Sizes: XS-3X | Colors: Two | Care: Machine wash and dry

Price at time of publish: $89

Lululemon

View On Lululemon

When you think of Lululemon, you probably think of yoga, but don’t be fooled by the brand's yogi origins–their offerings are far more diverse. If you’re looking for a pair of leggings to last you years and hold up against tough use, keep an eye on the material and the activity they’re designed for. Lululemon’s invigorate High-Rise Crop was designed specifically for weight training. Made with a durable nylon and lycra elastane combo and offered in a variety of opaque shades, these leggings are guaranteed squat-proof. The high rise waistband and fast drying fabric make these leggings a foolproof choice for anything from deadlifts to snatch and cleans.

Fabric: 77% Nylon, 23% lycra® elastane | Sizes: 0-20 | Colors: Seven | Care: Machine wash cold with like colors. Tumble dry on low

Price at time of publish: $118

Alo Yoga

View On Aloyoga.com

Let’s be honest: Most of us have cellulite. It’s perfectly normal! However, if your cellulite bothers you and you’re looking for a pair of leggings to conceal dips and dimples, you can stop your search now. The High-Waist Airbrush collection of leggings from Alo Yoga are known for compressing and camouflaging such concerns, and the capri length is no different. Even the white leggings — which many of us may shy away from — sculpt and smooth your backside, making them a flattering choice for many shapes and sizes.

Fabric: Airbrush fabric | Sizes: XXS-L | Colors: Two | Care: Machine wash cold on gentle cycle, inside out, and with like colors. Tumble dry low

Price at time of publish: $88

Year of Ours

View On Yearofours.com

All leggings are not made to wear under dresses, but the Ribbed Capri from Year of Ours passes the test with flying colors. The nylon and spandex blend material is combined with a four inch triple-layer fabric waistband, so not only are they extremely comfortable, but they also have a slightly compressive waistband, which will help contour your silhouette as well. Layer these capris with a midi shirt dress or an oversized collared shirt and pair with a belt bag and heels and you’ll have a clean polished look in no time.

Fabric: 85% nylon, 15% spandex | Sizes: XS-2X | Colors: Four | Care: Machine wash cold, lay flat to dry

Price at time of publish: $99

Nike

View On Nike.com

It should come at no surprise that the Epic Luxe Mid-Rise Crop from Nike is number one on our list for runners. Leggings, specifically capri leggings “need to be versatile enough to transition from every day to workout with ease – so high waisted, have at least one pocket and definitely can’t be see-through,” says Jane. These lightweight and compressive leggings come equipped with a zippered pocket in the back to hold your phone or keys, a drop-in pocket on the side for your cards, and reflective detailing so you can safely run to the grocery store and in darker hours without having to worry about someone not being able to see you. According to reviewers, while these are great leggings, they tend to run small, so check your measurements before ordering to ensure you get the right size.

Fabric: 75-78% polyester/22-25% spandex | Sizes: XS-2X | Colors: Five | Care: Machine wash cold

Price at time of publish: $77

Old Navy

View On Gap.com

The High-Waisted Cropped Leggings from Old Navy are the perfect combination of style and comfort. Whether you are taking your pup on a morning walk or lounging around at home, these high-waisted leggings made with a combination of cotton, polyester, and spandex make them the perfect match for just about anyone. And if the comfortability didn’t make these great enough already, these leggings are also under $20, making them one of the best budget-friendly options on the market.

Fabric: 58% cotton, 38% polyester, 4% spandex | Sizes: XS-2X | Colors: Two | Care: Machine wash cold. Tumble dry low

Price at time of publish: $15

All Access High Waisted Center Stage Capri Legging

Bandier

View On Bandier.com

These splurge-worthy leggings are a pair you can wear effortlessly both inside the gym and out. Beloved by shoppers for their ability to withstand consistent use (which can be difficult to find with pieces like leggings), these leggings prove that it’s not a bad idea to invest in a wardrobe staple that you’ll reach for over and over again. Schumacher is all for wearing leggings as pants, stating that she “likes to wear my capris with an oversized tank or long line bra to create interesting proportions.” Plus, these leggings are seamless, so they look and feel extra smooth and sleek.

Fabric: 50% Nylon, 50% Spandex | Sizes: XS-2X | Colors: Four | Care: Machine wash cold. Tumble dry low

Price at time of publish: $100

Beyond Yoga

View On Amazon View On Beyondyoga.com

The Spacedye Walk and Talk High Waisted Capri Legging from Beyond Yoga is highly regarded in the world of yoga wear — and it’s easy to see why. Comfortable, form fitting, and compressive without ever feeling restrictive, you’ll be able to move, bend, and twist to your heart’s content. They come in several neutral hues as well as bright seasonal shades, in case you’d like to add a dash of color to your wardrobe.

Fabric: 87% polyester, 13% elastane | Sizes: XXS-4X | Colors: Six | Care: Machine wash cold. Tumble dry low

Price at time of publish: $88

Courtesy of Outdoor Voices

View On Outdoorvoices.com

Leggings that don’t make you feel suffocated in the summer months are hard to come by. Yet, the TechSweat Core Leggings from Outdoor Voices somehow manage to feel cool to the touch, no matter how hot it is outside or how sweaty your body becomes during high-intensity workouts. They’re designed to be lightweight and breathable, making them a great option for a wide range of heart pumping activities.

Fabric: 72% nylon, 17% lycra, 11% polyester | Sizes: XXS-4X | Colors: Two | Care: Machine wash cold. Tumble dry low

Price at time of publish: $44

Yummie

View On Shopbop.com

The Talia Cotton Stretch Shaping Capri from Yummie provides you with all the coziness that comes with cotton leggings along with the brand’s beloved 'hug' technology for a fit that not only feels great but smooths and shapes the legs, hips, and tummy.

Fabric: 88% cotton, 12% spandex | Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: One | Care: Machine wash cold

Price at time of publish: $38

Allbirds

View On Allbirds.com

The Allbirds brand is known for making sustainable sneakers out of natural materials, but what’s less known is the fact that they also make workout clothes, too. Their Natural Legging Capri is made with a blend of sustainably sourced materials, like merino wool and eucalyptus tree fiber, so you will stay dry and warm without worrying about where your clothes came from. The capris are offered in four different colors and are available in a size-inclusive range of XS to XXXL, so not only will you be comfortably dressed, you’ll also be reducing your carbon footprint.

Fabric: 43% TencelTM lyocell, recycled nylon, merino wool, elastane | Sizes: XS-3X | Colors: Four | Care: Machine wash cold. Air dry

Price at time of publish: $44

Spanx

View On Nordstrom View On Lyst.com View On Revolve

No brand is more well-known for their tummy control pieces than Spanx, and their activewear collection is just as slimming and smoothing as their famous shapewear. The Booty Boost® Active Cropped Leggings works to contour your waist and sculpt your lower half, while providing you with the comfort of a workout legging. Plus, the snatching effect of the built-in booty lift ensures your glutes will look rounder, too — in the absolute best way possible.

Fabric: nylon, elastane | Sizes: XS-3X | Colors: One | Care: Machine wash warm with like colors. Do not use fabric softener. Tumble dry low

Price at time of publish: $88

What to Look For in Capri Leggings

Material

When looking for capri leggings that will last, you’ll want to pay particular attention to its fabric. Many leggings are designed for specific activities, meaning that it’s important to also consider how you’ll be wearing them to maximize your comfort. If you want something you can wear to run errands or meet friends for brunch, then cotton, which is not known for its breathability, is a solid route, while you’d definitely want a sweat-wicking fabric like polyester for a spin class or a jog around the neighborhood.

Style

The very best leggings can be worn to work out or lounging around — and these days, you certainly don’t have to sacrifice style. “The consumer has changed in the sense that we now wear activewear everywhere,” says Katie Johnson, founder of Carbon38, of the recent revolution of leggings and athleisure. “It’s no longer siloed as a separate category, and now it’s really hit the mainstream.”

Black leggings are infinitely versatile as an everyday-wear favorite and can be paired with a boot just as easily as a sneaker. Or if you’re looking for bold prints or colorful fabric shades, you can find those leggings, too. Before purchasing, think about how you’re going to wear them most of the time, but rest assured that a great pair of leggings regardless of the style is always going to look effortlessly cool with a sports bra or a white button-down.

FAQ

How can you tell the quality of leggings?

There are a few steps you can take to determine the leggings quality. First, read the care instructions to see what type of fabric was used. Personally, I look for words like sweat-wicking so I know that I’ll always feel dry, as well as four-way stretch, which indicates that the leggings will hug my body and not slide down — but everyone’s priorities and preferences will be different. Next, put your hand inside the legging and tug. Can you see your hand through the fabric? If so, then it may not be as high quality or opaque as you’d like.
Is it OK to wear leggings as pants?

Just like any other piece of clothing, this is entirely up to you. Leggings are a wardrobe necessity, regardless of whether you want to dress them up with a blazer and heels, wear them with sneakers and a sporty jacket to run errands, or throw them on with a tank top for your spin class, the options are endless when it comes to styling leggings.
Are capri leggings flattering?

Capri leggings can be extremely flattering and it’s a style designed for everyone, says Schumacher, especially given that they’re available in a variety of colors and styles so you can select the option that’s best for your frame. If you need a little more shaping, choose a pair of capri leggings that have a compressive element for a bit of tummy control. If you’re petite, a longer capri will elongate your legs.

Why Trust Byrdie

Madison Freeman has a bachelor’s degree in multimedia journalism and has been working in the ecommerce and fitness space for several years. Her work can be seen in Garage Gym Reviews, Verywell Fit and more. An avid weightlifter and lover of all things fitness, she is always on the hunt for the latest fitness fashion trends.