The best plus size leggings for every occasion, from working out to going out

When it comes to closet staples for curvy figures, the best plus size leggings are an essential. Now more than ever too, as the past few seasons have seen leggings championed by numerous fashion brands and positioned as a hero item in the contemporary everyday wardrobe. 

No longer reserved solely for loungewear, the best leggings can be worn for work, rest and play, making them a hardworking piece in your capsule wardrobe. 

Unparalleled in versatility, leggings are one of the best plus size clothing pieces because they can be dressed up or down for myriad occasions. Add a white shirt for the office, heels for dinner. They can be worn as trousers and teamed with jumpers and blouses, or layered underneath dresses and skirts in place of tights when extra warmth is required. Your fave jeggings are a comfortable and flattering alternative to your go-to jeans. It’s no small wonder that influencers, like plus size models Ashley Graham and Jada Sezar are keen leggings fans, often showcasing their latest leggings outfits online.

How to choose the best plus size leggings

Whether choosing a pair of leggings for the gym or cocktails with friends, the trick is to create a flattering streamlined silhouette, which celebrity stylist Ryan Kay says is all down to fabric and fit “high-waisted leggings will sculpt your body while still being incredibly comfortable, and compressive fabrics are perfect for hugging those curves.” 

The best plus size leggings as chosen by our fashion expert

Best plus size workout leggings

Heading to the gym as a plus size person can be daunting, but the right pair of leggings will give you a confidence boost, not to mention make your workout a whole lot more comfortable. These are the best leggings for women with curves that are worth adding to your gym bag.

Designed for high-intensity workouts, the High-Waisted Ultraluxe Contour ⅞ Leggings from Fabletics are made from breathable, chafe-resistant fabric to keep you cool and comfortable whilst getting sweaty in the gym, plus they have hidden pockets to safely store your cards and keys. Curve-contouring seams lend stylish appeal, as does the on-trend lilac hue. Fablectics cater up to a US 26/4X making them a go-to destination for plus size and curvy gym-goers. For the best shoes to wear with leggings, lean into the sporty feel with some new season sneakers.

Read our in-depth Fabletics leggings review

For low-intensity jogging and yoga, the Copper Motion Jogger from Universal Standard is available from a US size 00 all the way up to a 40. This brand is one of the most size-inclusive on the market, meaning almost every single body can find a garment to fit and flatter. This pair of comfortable and stylish black leggings come in a jogger style—perfect for plus size women who don’t want to wear tightly fitted yoga pants. Designed with a skimming fit that hugs rather than clings to curves, they are super soft and have a ‘next-to-naked’ feel when you move. The antimicrobial and sweat-wicking fabric keeps you dry and reviewers report that they don’t pill or shrink in the wash. 

The Zuda Regular Z-Move Tie-Dye Side Stripe Leggings from QVC are great for moderate activity such as pilates or dance thanks to the quick-drying, moisture-wicking fabric properties and streamline cut. The wide, high-rise waistband creates a flattering silhouette, while the on-trend tie-dye pattern is guaranteed to brighten up even early morning workouts. They’re also super soft while still remaining supportive.

When heading straight from gym class to brunch, Torrid’s Active Wicking Crop Leggings in Floral Cheetah Black make for a stylish athleisure outfit. Running from a US10-30, they feature a comfortable high-rise fit, moisture-wicking fabric and have a flattering cropped leg that hits just above the ankle bone. Team with the matching sports bra for a coordinated look. 

Best plus size sculpting leggings

Sculpting leggings are great for plus size women who want to define their figure and accentuate curves. Wear with a silky blouse when heading out for cocktails or layer over a classic shirt for the office. 

Available up to a US 3XL, Spanx Velvet Leggings are designed with the brand’s innovative The Slim is Built In™ contour waistband which shapes tummy and bum for a streamlined and perky silhouette. They have an anti-muffin top high rise, and no center seam meaning no camel toe. The plus velvet finish is super soft and adds luxe appeal to blazers and heels for the evening. Although Spanx is known for 'sucking in', these are surprisingly comfortable and keep you feeling comfy and fresh all day.

Coming in a classic black style, Style & Co Plus Size Tummy-Control leggings have a wide control waist band to flatter the stomach area and create a slimline look. Reviewers rave over the style’s high comfort factor and rate the premium quality fabric that doesn’t go sheer when moving around, and we agree. Perfect for plus size women with bigger bottoms, as they support and hold your curves in an effortless 'barely there' way.

Best plus size leather leggings

If you want to something to help you feel secure and comfortable then you can rarely go wrong with Spanx. With a blend of well-thought out materials, these leggings hold your waist, hips and tummy in place without feeling too uncomfortable or constrictive. The high waistband also helps you to feel secure and stops the leggings from rolling down. Just be careful when choosing your size, as this can come up small so might be best to size up by one size.

The comfiest of all leather leggings we've tested—we can't rate these leggings highly enough. Co-founded by Khloé Kardashian, Good American has become a go-to destination for plus size women seeking well-made, stylish clothes. The Leather Boss Pant Skinny comes with a high-rise waistband with hidden side zip for a smooth, bump-free finish. The front zips on the trouser cuffs can be worn closed and skinny-leg, or open to create a gentle flare. They run from a XS up to a 5XL. 

For those who want the leather-look without the price tag, the Ultimate Regular Faux Leather Legging from the All Worthy collection by Hunter McGrady are made from coated fabric to give a realistic-looking matte finish with plenty of stretch. The curve-hugging silhouette has a slim leg that pairs easily with every shoe style, from trainers to boots and sandals. They come with a wide non-slip waistband and in five versatile colorways that would work all year round. Although these leggings look great, they're not the most comfortable leggings we've ever tried out—but nonetheless, they're stylish and bearable, so we'll still be wearing them this fall/winter!

Best plus size jeggings

On days when only comfort will do, switch jeans for jeggings and team with a cashmere sweater and flats for an effortless yet put together look.

These extremely popular Yours Clothing Black Pull On JENNY Jeggings are available in an array of sizes up to a US 32. Available in the US and the UK, these jeans are accessible to all of our readers. Extremely comfortable and easy to style up, these jeggings feature a pull-on style, which accommodates for bigger hips and smaller waist ratios. They're also incredibly comfy too—almost like a second skin. Team with chunky knits in the fall and scrappy camis in the summer, for effortless looks that will see you through many seasons.

Coming in four classic denim washes, Style & Co’s Plus Size Jeggings are a great alternative to your skinny leg jeans. They have a mid-rise waistband that sits on your natural waist and back pockets that are angled to flatter the bum. Faux pockets on the hips keep the silhouette streamline. 

For jeggings that fit your figure and hug every curve, Just My Size Distressed Jeggings fit the bill. The pull-on style is made from denim with just a touch of stretch and has an elasticated waist for added comfort. The rips, faux zippers and fade marks give an authentic jean look. Real back pockets make for a practical touch. 

Best plus size black leggings

Black leggings are an essential in every closet. Easy to style for day-to-night wear (just add heels and a pair of statement earrings), black leggings needn’t be boring. 

New to the market, Snag’s Black Leggings were formulated by founder Brie Read who is on a mission to create the perfect pair plus-size leggings. “There has always been a significant gap in the market for leggings that look and feel great to wear as a plus size person. We knew we had to create a pair of truly opaque leggings with a comfortable high waist.” says Brie, who has taken the classic piece to new practical heights by adding pockets. As well as the super soft, high-stretch feel, we love that the style is made from recycled polyamide and eco-responsible viscose in factories where staff are paid a fair wage. 

These brilliant and inclusive leggings are an absolute wardrobe essential. The high-rise fit will keep you comfortable all day without digging and the soft material feels super comfortable and premium. They're also a great option for winter as they're relatively thick and good at keeping you warm—although they can get a bit hot during workouts (but there is a lighter version if you'd prefer something cooler). And with a wide selection of stylish colors and two different lengths to choose from (either full- or three quarter-length) you can really customize these to suit your personal preferences.

For a twist on the classic, Eloquii’s Miracle Flawless Legging with Sequin Front delivers high on glam-factor for the evening. The high-rise waist comes with double elastic to cinch and smooth, while the narrow-cut leg stylishly crops at the ankle. The back panel has been kept plain meaning there’s no crunch of sequins when you sit down. They run from a US14 to 28. 

Best plus size patterned leggings

Patterned leggings add a statement twist to any outfit, and are the perfect piece to add wow-factor to your wardrobe basics. Team with a plain sweatshirt, a scruffy t-shirt or even your best t-shirt for an effortlessly chic daytime look, or add a silk shirt and heels for cocktail o’clock. 

Ageless and timeless, leopard print is one of the most easy-to-wear prints to have in your closet and will add wow-factor to plain basics, or can be clashed with florals and polka-dots. Available up to a US 4XL, Style & Co Plus Size Printed Leggings in leopard spot can be styled just as easily for summer with sandals and a cami, as they can for fall—add a chunky knit, biker jacket and chelsea boots. They fit true to size, are super soft and stretchy too.

Victoria's Secret Incredible Essential Leggings are a godsend when you're after comfort and style. They can be worn from the gym to the bar and vice versa, these gorgeous leggings are supersoft and have an almost brushed cotton feel to them. They are made from high-stretch fabric they have a super smooth-fit. With 4-way stretch and a waistband that stays in place for total comfort, these leggings also feature a high rise fit which is perfect for hiding a multitude of sins. Great for the gym or for yoga, the wicking fabric keeps you cool and dry.

Single Thread’s Plaid Ponte Leggings are available up to a US 24/3XL. Made from high-stretch fabric they have a smooth-fit and create a flattering streamlined silhouette, not to mention are extremely comfortable. If you're after a comfy alternative for your 'in the office' trousers, you've just found them. The classic plaid motif comes in grey and burgundy colorways, both of which would compliment autumnal tones making them a stylish addition to your fall wardrobe. Pair them with a blazer and loafers for days in the office, switching to a chunky cable knit and boots for off-duty wear. 

For leggings that make an entrance, look to the Define High-Waisted Capri from Fabletics in striking python print. Coming in an on-trend red and pink colorway, they are a contemporary twist on the classic snake motif, and have enough wow-factor to transform a simple outfit of t-shirt and trainers into something special. The full-stretch, chafe-resistant and moisture-wicking fabric render them perfect for a high-intensity workout, while innovative InstaBoost technology offers compression and hold. Available up to a US 24/4XL, wear for a spin session, then throw on a stylish knit and head to brunch. 

How to care for your leggings 

Take care when washing your leggings to make sure they maintain the perfect fit. 

Machine wash them at a cool temperature and avoid using the tumble dryer as heat can warp fibres and damage stretchy fabrics leading to leggings that sag and slip.