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Flared leggings for women are back in style—though, for me, they never really went out. The fitted shape through the hips and thighs make your legs look longer and your curves curvier. You can wear them for a variety of occasions and situations as dress pants for work, yoga pants, workout leggings, or loungewear. The best thing about them is that you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort.
Since they are once again fashionable, like everyday black leggings, it seems as if every brand and label is making their own version, making it difficult to determine which might be best for you. We put together this guide of our top flared leggings picks to help you choose the best ones for you.
What to consider when buying flared leggings
There are so many versions and iterations of flared leggings out there, that choosing one pair can be overwhelming. To help you narrow things down, consider the following:
Length
Generally speaking, the bottom flare of your leggings should not hit the floor. To determine what length you need, measure the inseam on a pair of pants that fit you well. The inseam is from the crotch to the hem. Most companies will have a size guide on their website that lists inseam length for each size. While it's always possible to hem a pair of flared pants, keep in mind that shortening a flare will make it less wide.
Fit
Try on your new leggings and test them to make sure the waistband doesn’t roll while sitting or bending. Implement squat and lunge tests to check that the leggings remain opaque while stretching and to make sure they don’t bunch in weird places.
Material
If you plan to workout in your flared leggings, a moisture wicking fabric with medium compression will suit most people best. Make sure the flare isn’t too flowy, it might impede your workout if it is.
For casual situations you probably don’t want a compressive fit, but rather something made from lighter weight fabric with more stretch and give. Wide flowy flares give off a dressier look.
Our picks for the best flared leggings
Best budget flared leggings: Topyogas Casual Bootleg Yoga Pants
Available in a wide range of colors, these flared yoga pants from Topyogas are affordable enough that you can purchase one of each. The high waistband features a V shape in the front which is both flattering and versatile and they’re easy to dress up or down. The breathable, quick drying, thick fabric provides light support through work, play, exercising, and lounging.
Specifications:
- Fabric: 75% nylon, 25% spandex
- Fit: Compressive with tummy control
- Sizes: XXS-XXL
- Colors: Black, brown, gray, pink, khaki, and more
What we like:
- Only $20
- Comes in many colors
- V shaped high waistband
- Compressive fit
What we don’t like:
- Fabric a bit shiny
The bottom line:
These are excellent budget compressive leggings with a V shape waistband available in a variety of colors to fit every mood and style.
TOPYOGAS Women's Casual Bootleg Yoga Pants V Crossover High Waisted Flare Workout Pants Leggings Black
Best high waisted flared leggings: Beyond Yoga Spacedye Split Ankle Pant
With high rise with tummy control, the Spacedye Split Ankle Pant form Beyond Yoga is made from some of the softest fabric I’ve felt. The wide waistband holds you in without cutting into your stomach and the split ankle detail at the hem gives them extra style points—which is good because these are one of those pairs of leggings that you’ll never want to take off.
Specifications:
- Fabric: 87% polyester, 13% spandex
- Fit: Light support with tummy control
- Sizes: XXS-XL
- Colors: Chai, black
What we like:
- Incredibly soft
- Waistband has tummy control
What we don’t like:
- Not many colors
- High price tag at $99
The bottom line:
These are super soft and comfortable leggings with tummy control and a stylish split ankle hem.
Beyond Yoga Spacedye Split Ankle Pant
Best plus size flared leggings: Superfit Hero Pocket Flare Leggings
Made from a thick, soft, stretchy fabric with support, the Superfit Hero Flare Leggings are versatile and comfortable enough to wear to the gym, work, or around the house. They feature a full size pocket on either side and a high waist band that doesn’t roll or shift, no matter what you’re doing or how long you wear them. Plus, the company offers free returns and exchanges and has excellent customer service.
Specifications:
- Fabric: 88% polyester, 12% spandex
- Fit: Compressive
- Sizes: L – 7X
Colors: Burgundy, black
What we like:
- Two full size pockets
- Thick fabric
- No roll waistband
What we don’t like:
- Only available in two colors
- Pricier option at $98
The bottom line:
These are supportive, soft, and stylish flared leggings (with pockets!) from a company that offers great customer support.
Superfit Hero Pocket Flare Leggings
Best flared leggings for workout: Athleta Elation Flare Pant
Perfect for workouts because of their supportive fit and breathable, sweat wicking/quick drying fabric, these Athleta leggings have almost 2,000 reviews on the company website, most with a 5-star rating. They feature an ultra-high waistband that doesn’t pinch and a slimming compressive fit that offers support and body sculpting. They’re available in three different lengths, as well, including regular, tall, and petite.
Specifications:
- Fabric: Nylon, Lycra
- Fit: Supportive
- Sizes: XXS – 3X
- Colors: Navy, spiced cabernet, black, lazurite blue
What we like:
- Available in 3 lengths
- Compressive fit
- Pinch-free high waistband
What we don’t like:
- Only one small pocket in the back waistband
- Higher price point at $99
The bottom line:
These are wellell-made, comfortable, supportive flare leggings with a pinch free waistband for all your workouts and beyond.
Athleta Elation Flare Pant
Best flared leggings for long legs: Lululemon Groove Super High Rise Flared Pant Nulu
With a super high rise and a 32.5 inch inseam, Lululemon’s Groove flared pant provides an excellent fit for anyone with long legs. They’re made from Lululemon’s Nulu 4-way stretch fabric which is soft, breathable, sweat wicking, and extremely comfortable. As one reviewer asked, “What magic is this fabric?”
Specifications:
- Fabric: 81% nylon, 19% Lycra
- Fit: Light support
- Sizes: 0-20
- Colors: Grey, espresso, forest, black, and more
What we like:
- So many colors
- Luxurious feeling soft and supportive fabric
- 32.5-inch inseam
What we don’t like:
- On the expensive side at $118
The bottom line:
These super comfortable and stylish yoga pants are made from Lululemon’s legendary, light as air stretch fabric in a large variety of colors.
Groove Super-High-Rise Flared Pants Nulu Regular
Most comfortable flared leggings: Lululemon Groove High Rise Split Hem Flared Pant Nulu
These pants are Lululemon’s Groove leggings, but with a split hem for added style, making them perfect for travel or errand days. Designed for movement, the fabric is soft, breathable, and sweat wicking. These leggings are easy to dress up or down and an excellent pant to pair with all your cropped tees and sweaters.
Specifications:
- Fabric: 81% nylon, 19% Lycra
- Fit: Light support
- Sizes: 0-20
- Colors: Black
What we like:
- Soft, buttery fabric
- Split hem makes them easy to dress up
- High rise
What we don’t like:
- No petite option
- Lululemon’s high price point at $118
The bottom line:
These leggings are comfy and stretchy with a split hem that can easily be dressed up or down.
Lululemon Groove High Rise Split Hem Flared Pant Nulu
Most flattering flared leggings: Sunzel Flare Leggings
With a second skin feel and compressive fit, these flared leggings from Sunzel are some of the most flattering I’ve tried—and they’re super affordable. The wide waistband features a V shape dip in the front and the back contours and sculpts your legs, showing off your curves. To make them even better, they have a pocket on either side for your phone, keys, and money.
Specifications:
- Fabric: 80% nylon, 20% spandex
- Fit: Compressive
- Sizes: XS-XXL, 3 lengths
- Colors: Black, peach, brown, gray, and many more
What we like:
- Pockets
- Snug, compressive fit
- Color variety
- Only $28, great value
What we don’t like:
- Material may be too lightweight for some
The bottom line:
These are compressive, flattering leggings with a V-shaped wide waistband and pockets.
Sunzel Flare Leggings for Women with Pockets, Crossover Yoga Pants with Tummy Control, High Waisted and Wide Leg 30" Inseam Black X-Large
Best maternity flared leggings: Old Navy Full Panel Flare Leggings
Made from a soft cotton jersey, these leggings from Old Navy feature a full panel waistband that stretches over your stomach for maximum support and comfort while not being too tight. You can wear them throughout your pregnancy, folding down the waistband panel when your bump is less prominent.
Specifications:
- Fabric: 96% cotton, 4% spandex
- Fit: Light support
- Sizes: XS - XXL
- Colors: Red wine, heather gray, black
What we like:
- Very reasonable price at just $24.99
- Soft, comfortable fabric
- Lightly supportive
What we don’t like:
- Fabric on the thinner side
The bottom line:
These are super soft and comfortable maternity flared leggings at an excellent price.
Maternity Full Panel Flare Leggings
Best shapewear flared leggings: Spanx Booty Boost Flare Yoga Pant
These flared leggings from Spanx feature a shaped, wide waist panel that gives your booty a boost. The one thing they do lack is a center front seam which eliminates the possibility of camel toe. The sweat wicking, breathable fabric offers shape and support for a smoothing, sculpting fit you can pair with heels for the office, sneakers for the gym, or wedges for a coffee date.
Specifications:
- Fabric: 68% nylon, 32% elastane
- Fit: Sculpting with booty boost
- Sizes: XS-3X, petite, regular, tall
- Colors: Black, midnight navy, dark palm
What we like:
- Supportive and sculpting
- Waistband pocket fits a phone
- Contoured waistband really does give your booty a bust
What we don’t like:
- Run small
- Pricey at $110
The bottom line:
These are supportive and sculpting flared leggings that make your butt look great for all occasions.
Best compression flared leggings: Girlfriend Collective Compressive Flare Legging
Available in a wide range of sizes, these high rise, compression leggings from Girlfriend Collective check all the boxes; sweat wicking fabric, squat proof fit, sturdy compression, a hidden pocket, and, made from recycled plastic bottles. If you ever find yourself ready to get rid of them, send them back to the company where they’ll be recycled. There’s also a pocket in the back waistband to stash your keys and valuables.
Specifications:
- Fabric: 79% recycled plastic bottle, 21% spandex
- Fit: Compressive
- Sizes: XXS-6XL
- Colors: Black, navy, green, brown, plum
What we like:
- Made from recycled plastic bottles
- Inclusive sizing
- Sturdy, compressive fit
- Priced somewhere in the middle at $78
What we don’t like:
- Thick material makes them a bit difficult to get into
The bottom line:
These are snug, compressive fit leggings that are earth friendly and attractive.
Girlfriend Collective Compressive Flare Legging
Most stylish flared leggings: Aerie Offline Real Me High Waisted Leggings
One of the best things about these flared leggings from American Eagle is the crossover style waistband that creates a flattering front V shape. Available in three lengths (short, regular, and long) they provide a supportive fit that hugs you in all the right places. These are one of the company’s most popular styles. Once you try them, you’ll see why (hint: it’s the waistband and the super soft fabric).
Specifications:
- Fabric: 88% nylon, 12% elastane
- Fit: Light support
- Sizes: XXS-XXL, short, regular, and long
- Colors: Black, gray, cobalt, pink
What we like:
- Flattering v shaped waistband
- Available in 3 different lengths
- Super soft
- Affordable at $55
What we don’t like:
- Some may find them too thin
The bottom line:
These are flattering, supportive flared leggings with a crossover V shaped waistband.
OFFLINE By Aerie Real Me High Waisted Crossover Flare Legging Women's True Black XL Short
Best flared leggings for cold weather: Outdoor Voices Frostknit Flare Pant
Frostknit is Outdoor Voices warmest performance fabric. It dries quickly and wicks away any sweat you might break while hiking, cross country skiing, walking, or just running for the train. They feature a wide waistband, a compressive fit, and a high rise fit. The flare on these is not as aggressive as some others—which works in their favor, making them a versatile pant appropriate for all sorts of activities.
Specifications:
- Fabric: 36% Lycra, 34% Nylon, 30% Polyester
- Fit: High rise, compressive
- Sizes: XXS - XXXL
- Colors: Dark sky, Mojave, black
What we like:
- Flattering fit and flare
- Sweat wicking fabric
- Compressive fit
What we don’t like:
- Run small
- On the expensive side at $98
The bottom line:
These are heavy weight leggings for cool weather activities without an aggressive flare getting in your way.
Outdoor Voices Frostknit Flare Pant
Best sustainable flared leggings: Gapfit Recycled Sky High Rise Power Flare Leggings
Made from recycled material, not only do these leggings from Gap look great, they also allow you to feel great knowing you’ve done your own small part in reducing waste in the world. They feature a high, smooth waistband and elongated, contouring seams for an exceptional fit and a gentle flare so you can wear them while running or cycling.
Specifications:
- Fabric: 79% recycled polyester, 21% spandex
- Fit: Light support
- Sizes: XXS-XXL
- Colors: Black, navy blue, huckleberry purple
What we like:
- Wide waistband
- Made from recycled material
- Fair price at $70
What we don’t like:
- Fabric a bit shiny
The bottom line:
These are quality, sustainable leggings made from recycled fabric without comprising fit or style.
GapFit Sky High Rise Power Flare Leggings
Best flared leggings for going out: Commando Faux Leather Fared Leggings
When I worked on the Starz television show “Power”, the costume designer used these on one of the main characters and they were absolutely amazing. They feature Commando’s signature inner waistband that smooths and holds everything in place for a striking silhouette that never bags or sags. The faux leather has a soft four way stretch with excellent recovery and they’re machine washable.
Specifications:
- Fabric: 55% polyurethane, 44% viscose, 1% elastane
- Fit: Light compression, high waist
- Sizes: XS - XL
- Colors: Black, sand, cadet
What we like:
- Machine washable
- Supportive waistband
- Soft comfortable feel
What we don’t like:
- Aren’t available in a petite version; vertically challenged wearers will need to hem them
- Expensive at $148
The bottom line:
A sexy, chic, and sophisticated silhouette with a firming waistband means these are likely to become your favorite going out pants.
Commando Faux Leather Fared Leggings
How we selected the best flared leggings
We selected the best flared leggings based on personal experience, as well as countless online reviews. I’m also a tailor, pattern maker, and stylist for film, television, theater, and fashion with 32 years of experience. I’m well-versed in fashion brands and what styles, shapes, and fabrics work best for the largest number of people.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What body type should wear flare pants?
Flares make you look taller and slimmer no matter what your body type. Flare pants work well on hourglass and triangle body shapes as they mimic the natural top curves. Even if you are neither of those body shapes, don’t let that stop you. Flare pants flatter the majority of people. If you are petite, consider avoiding super wide flares as they can be overwhelming.
How do I style flared leggings?
Flared leggings are easy to dress up or down. For a sophisticated look forthe office, pair a blazer and t-shirt with your flared leggings. For a relaxed, lounging around vibe, don an oversized button front shirt, a chunky sweater, or a cute cropped sweatshirt. The possibilities are virtually endless.
What shoes do I wear with flared leggings?
Most flared leggings tend to be on the long side, so thick soled athletic shoes are a great choice. You can also pair them with a short heeled ankle boot or a strappy sandal.
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