That’s right gals.. leggings season is officially on. And I, for one, welcome their return. (Seriously, and not just because denim doesn’t fit nearly as nice).
Now, some might say that leggings are leggings. But all leggings are not created equal. And not everyone likes every leggings. So I (a self-proclaimed leggings expert) have taken it upon myself to break down our different brands, styles, and fabrics in order to help you differentiate. Hope this helps!
Jump around using the handy-dandy links below:
Basic Leggings | So Low | Bordeaux | Majestic | HUE Footless Tights
Specialty Leggings | Zipper Leggings | Lace Leggings | Denim Leggings | Fleece-Lined Leggings

We <3 leggings too! (via Glamour)
BASIC LEGGINGS
So Low ($45-$49, Cotton-Polyester-Lycra)
The leggings equivalent of bread-and-butter. Substantial cotton with a low-rise waistband. Almost as much coverage as real pants, and enough spandex to keep any ‘wobbly bits’ from wobbling. Definitely the favorite round these parts.
Wear these if you: are athletic, don’t like your legs, think you just “can’t wear leggings,” (NO EXCUSES!) or prefer a thicker legging.
View all So Low
Bordeaux ($40-$48, Nylon-Spandex)
You know when you see those contortionists and they end up in a pretzel and you’re just left staring cause how does someone stretch like that? Yeah. Bordeaux’s offerings are the leggings version. Ultra-super-duper stretchy, nice to the touch with a subtle sheen and a smoothing high waist.
Wear these if you: do lots and lots of yoga, prefer a thicker legging, or think low-rise leggings cut you in funny places.
View all Bordeaux
Majestic ($86, Viscose-Spandex)
The Louboutins of the leggings world, except more French. Lighter and more luxurious than So Low, more cotton-y than Bordeaux, and somehow the softest leggings I have ever laid hands on. I wish I had sheets made of these. A little pricey, but think of it this way: that’s about 15 pints of ice cream you won’t need because all the boys will be drooling over your soft-and-sexy gams. See? Totally worth it.
Wear these if you: never want to take them off (and have an affinity for the finer things in life).
View all Majestic
($12.50-$18)
Available in semi-opaque or flat knit “sweater,” these babies are ultra-flattering. The semi-opaque has a tummy-trimming control top, and the sweater tights are ultra-soft, and comfy, and warm for Fall. However, because they are much lighter than a traditional legging (I’m not even sure how to categorize them!) these look best under shorts or with longer tunics and dresses.
Wear these if you: are a girly girl, want more of a “stocking” look, want dressier “leggings.”
View all HUE
SPECIALTY LEGGINGS
Zipper Leggings ($99, from Majestic & LNA)
Ankles feeling a little claustrophobic? Socks need an escape route? Have we got the leggings for you! Pretty much your basic legging, with a 6-8” zip at each ankle. Excellent for adding a little edge to your look, allowing room for an ankle bootie, or showing off your ankle tattoo.
Wear these if you: are a motorcycle chick, live on the LES, date a rockstar, or want to be awesome.
View LNA Zipper Leggings
View Majestic Zipper Leggings
Lace Leggings ($110 $83, LNA)
Nevermind claustrophobic ankles.. these are for the ladies who prefer their breathing space. Not for the faint of heart, they can be purtied up or punked down and will stay sexy-sexy the whole time. But I’d highly recommend wearing something of a respectable length so as not to give old ladies heart attacks. But hey, maybe you’ve got a nice tush.
Wear these if you: want instant sex appeal, are a girly-girl with an edge, aren’t shy (and have a nice tush).
View LNA Lace Leggings
Denim Leggings ($40)
Jeggings, if you will, are a bit of a phenomenon. And rightfully so. Skinny jeans aren’t ..exactly.. the most comfortable thing to happen to fashion. Jeggings (though I hate the contraction) are a supremely badass alternative in that you get the look of denim with the comfort of leggings. A damn good love-match, if you ask me.
Wear these if you: like tucking jeans into slim boots, or love leggings and hate jeans with a burning fiery passion.
View Bobi Faux Denim Leggings
Fleece Lined Leggings ($26)
In case you’ve forgotten since last year, Winter is cold. I know, it’s hard to believe - but I’m serious folks. However, for die hard fans of THE LEGGING there are two options for keeping your tuchus warm. You can layer like, three pairs (and make like you have thunder thighs) or you can buy a pair more suitable for freezing subway seats. ENTER: the fleece lined legging. All your problems have magically disappeared. You’re welcome.
Wear these if you: get chilly easily, like to wear leggings all year round (no matter how blue your knees turn) or like really cozy soft things on your skin.
View Plush Fleece-lined Leggings
And as a special bonus for those of you who made it to the end (and it was a hike, and thanks), Glamour magazine’s infamous “Do’s and Dont’s” featuring the leggings-clueless (Can we talk about check-tunic and striped-leggings lady? As if she wasn’t enough of a mess she’s wearing socks. And basketball sneakers. Really??):

1 month ago
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