The Best High-Waisted Leggings for Women

Leggings make working out more comfortable and can offer a cute look for almost any occasion. Paired with boots in the cold or a tank top in the heat, leggings don’t have to be packed away and only worn for a season. No, they are weekly wardrobe warriors fighting for our comfort and style, and there’s an unlimited number of ways and places to wear them. High-waisted leggings just might be the absolute best of the bunch, giving you extra support and coverage where you need it most.

Buying Guide for High-Waisted Leggings

Why buy high-waisted leggings?

Not only are high-waisted leggings ultra-soft and comfortable, but they’re also versatile and extremely flattering! They’re durable enough to be worn during workouts and cozy enough to pair with a shacket for everyday wear! The high waist conceals the tummy while providing compression and support throughout the leg for a flattering look.

What should you look for in high-waisted leggings?

• Pockets: Keep your phone, keys, credit card, or chapstick handy and easily accessible as you’re out for a jog, running a quick errand, or lounging around the house.
• Material: Spandex is obviously one of the most popular materials for leggings since it offers stretch, comfort, and conformity to your figure. Spandex will often be combined with several other materials like polyester for a smooth “buttery-soft” feeling.
• High Waistband: Why is that even so important, do you ask? High-waisted leggings stay in place better during workouts (think about squatting—don’t want a low rise for that). They also hug you tighter to give you that hourglass shape. High-waisted leggings are even known to help with the postpartum belly, giving a little extra support around the midsection. Plus, the high waist looks great with cropped or tucked-in shirts or sports bras.

What can you expect to spend on high-waisted leggings?

High-waisted leggings are cozy, versatile, and affordable! You can typically find a great pair of high-waisted leggings for $30 or less. Because most high-waisted leggings are also machine washable, you should be able to get maximum wear out of them without having to worry about them stretching or losing their structural integrity over time. They’re a great no-fuss staple for your closet.

Our Picks for the Best High-Waisted Leggings

Pros: These durable leggings, made of 92% polyester and 8% spandex, are for high-intensity workouts, quick errands, or simply lounging around. They’re ultra-soft and offer minimum friction with your skin. They fit incredibly well and work to control your tummy with a 5.3-inch wide compression waistband that hugs everything in to give you a smooth hourglass shape. These four-way-stretch, non-see-through leggings offer compression and support and are suitable for all seasons.

Cons: These leggings have a limited size range.

Bottom Line: These buttery soft leggings are capri length. They offer a high waistband while ending higher up on your legs (about mid-calf), so they’re great for keeping you a little cooler in the warmer months. The durable, stretchy material is machine-washable, so you can enjoy wearing them over and over without waiting too long between washes.

 

Pros: These leggings offer a wide selection of fade-resistant prints and colors. Buttery-soft, stretchy, comfortable material conforms to your body while maintaining breathability. They are machine washable, durable, and practical while still showing personality. They have an elastic waist and are thick enough that you don’t have to worry about see-through embarrassment. These leggings are also ideal for workouts, comfy enough to serve as pajamas, and versatile enough to pair under your favorite dress or blouse for an office dress code.

Cons: These leggings don’t have a petite option, so you may find that the length of the leg is too long if you have shorter legs.

Bottom Line: These fun printed leggings are slimming and affordable. They’re super comfortable, so they’re great for those on the go.

 

Pros: With a polyester and spandex blend for stretch, comfort, and overall softness, these leggings are suitable for just about any activity. They’re available in multiple colors to match your clothing or shoes flawlessly, but the basic black color will go with most outfits well. Featuring a high-rise silhouette, a slim fit, and an elasticized waistband for tummy control, these leggings will be a reliable pair to throw on each day. They’re machine washable for your convenience.

Cons: These leggings don’t offer as much compression as the other leggings on this list.

Bottom Line: These affordable leggings are designed to feel like a second skin and are incredibly comfortable and breathable. You can buy these as a set so that you’ll have several pairs to cycle through before the next laundry day.

 

Pros: These fleece-lined leggings are sure to keep you warm and cozy during the cold months. They’re completely opaque, so they’re squat-proof for yoga or high-intensity workouts. They have convenient hidden pockets so that you can easily carry your valuables, and they offer tummy control for a flattering fit.

Cons: These leggings claim to be squat-proof; however, this won’t be true for everyone. Some found them to be more see-through than desired when bending over.

Bottom Line: These warm and cozy leggings are ideal for those who want a classic pair of leggings to slip on when it’s cold outside. They’re incredibly durable and seamlessly conform to the body’s contours. The convenient pockets also keep your necessities close.

 

Pros: These leggings offer one of the softest materials around. The fabric with 10% spandex allows you to show off your curves in comfort. They hug your tummy in and prevent sagging, thanks to the high waistband and lifting effect on your rear. They’re machine washable and durable so that you can continue to wear them time and time again.

Cons: These leggings are made of a thick knit material, so they’re not as breathable as other leggings on this list.

Bottom Line: These body-hugging leggings are designed to make you look and feel your best. The butt-lifting technology shapes and supports your glutes while being opaque and squat-proof. The anti-cellulite technology celebrates your curves while making the legs appear as smooth as possible.

Final Thoughts

High-waisted leggings are a must-have for most women. They’re stretchy and body-hugging, so they’re great for almost any physical activity or casual outfit. You’re sure to get maximum wear and use out of these classic high-waisted leggings.