If you’re new to the flare leggings game, it might be a bit daunting to find a pair that fits your body type, doesn’t roll down, and contours your legs and butt. That’s why WH editors tried and vetted a bunch of different pairs for you. From the best flare leggings for short legs, to the best high-waisted flare leggings, to size-inclusive pairs, and everything in-between, our team tried tons of styles on long walks, hot yoga classes, cozy couch days and more to find the styles we think will fit a wide range of needs and preferences.
Before you dive into our fave picks, though, here’s the lowdown on what to look for when shopping for the best flare leggings.
What to Consider
Material
Most flare leggings on this list are made out of nylon and spandex (otherwise known as elastane), but one pair is made from polyester. Keep reading to learn more about each material and why you should look for them in your flare leggings.
- Elastane/Spandex: This is a lightweight, stretchy fabric that will give your flare leggings that snappy, elastic feel that offers compression.
- Nylon: A soft, stretchy, and durable fabric that’s sweat-wicking—perfect for flare leggings when you want to keep sweat stains at bay during a high-intensity or heated workout.
- Polyester: A strong, water-resistant fabric that keeps you dry during exercise, but it’s not as breathable as elastane and nylon.
Inseam Length
If you’re super tall or petite, make sure you take an extra look at the length of the pants before clicking “add to cart,” so you don’t buy something too short or too long. There are some options, like our most affordable pick, that come with different inseam length options, so you can find what works best for you. Most flare leggings on our list have an average inseam length of 32 inches. However, if you’re on the shorter side, you might want to opt for a pair with a shorter inseam length of 24 inches.
Rise
The rise of your leggings is more of a personal preference, but it’s worth considering since it impacts how you style them, how supported you feel, and how much tummy is visible. If you’re into crop tops or longline sports bras, a super high-rise pair is a great choice—it offers tummy coverage while showing just the right amount of midriff. If you prefer something that sits lower and pairs well with T-shirts or hoodies, a high or mid-rise option might be a better fit.
How We Chose
There are tons of flared leggings out there, so even finding the absolute best pairs to test can be difficult. When I began the 2025 re-write of this article, I revisited our original version from July 2024 to see which of the picks our fashion and fitness team is still wearing. Some of them are still team favorites, but I went back to the drawing board and asked editors which flare leggings they were loving. From there, I removed the picks that both myself and the team are no longer wearing—I mean, we get so many products to try, we gotta keep up with the best of the best—and added the options we’ve been reaching for the most.
We made sure that the final picks on this list were options that we wear across all sorts of different activities, from tighter, more compressive options perfect for workout classes like barre and yoga to more lightweight, flowy options we like for lounging. The contenders on this list have multiple length options, come in tons of different colors and styles, and are made with the most high-quality materials for their price points.
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Best Overall Flare Leggings
Lululemon Groove Super-High-Rise Flared Pant
Pros
- Super high rise, which offers more coverage
- Love the longer length option
- Buttery soft fabric
Cons
- The seams at the waistband are thick
Lululemon has many modern iterations of its OG flare pants (did you also own a pair in middle school?), but this super high-rise style takes the cake for being the most comfortable—hence it being our best overall pick. The thick band and extra high rise offers full-coverage support without feeling constricting. Whenever we wear these pants, we feel super held-in and covered in all the right places. We can wear a sports bra to the gym with this legging and still feel like most of our stomach is covered, which is appreciated when we don’t want to show a ton of skin.
Unlike most flared leggings we tested, this pair stood out for how flattering it looks on the leg. Many other options were too tight at the waist and overly flared at the bottom, which can create a wider appearance. This pair, however, features a soft taper from the knee to the hem, so they don’t draw extra attention to the hips. The full length is designed to graze just above the ground, making them slightly longer than others on this list—a detail we love for its sleek look and its tall-girl-friendly fit. But, if you want a shorter length, you can opt for that, too.
These leggings are made for yoga, so you can rest assured knowing they’re super stretchy and breathable. Case in point: They’re made with the brand’s cult-classic, buttery-soft Nulu fabric, which is made of nylon and lycra elastane, the epitomes of comfort. We agree that these pants feel like a second skin—they’re not overly compressive that you feel constricted with every move, but they have just enough hug to keep you feeling secure. And, if things start to get sweaty during your workout, you can rest assured that there won’t be a ton of buildup, thanks to the moisture-wicking tech that’s built into the pants.
If you’re questioning its durability, WH news and features editor Currie Engle will calm your nerves. “I have a pair of vintage (like 2009) Lulu flare leggings that I absolutely adore still—they’ve held up for legit over a decade,” she says. “They’ve carried me through so much.”
Our only gripe? The seams at the top of the waistband are a bit thick, which we’re not fans of. We prefer seamless designs that stay invisible, so they don’t add bulk or stand out under clothing.
Read More: Best Leggings With Pockets
| Materials | Nylon, elastane |
|---|---|
| Rise | Super high |
| Inseam Length | 29.5 in, 32.5 in |
| Colors | 4 |
| Sizes | 0—20 |
Most Affordable Flare Leggings
Sunzel Flare Leggings
Pros
- Super stretchy, but still offers compression
- Buttery soft and smooth
- Squat-proof
Cons
- Feels a bit thinner than other options on this list
Yes, these pants are extremely affordable (we’re talkin’ under $20), and they’re also one of the most flattering options on this list. For starters, they have no side or front seam, so they have that super sleek and smooth appearance. They’re also made with a high-stretch spandex, which adds compression to support your legs and stomach and keep you looking snatched. And, just when you thought things couldn’t get any better, this style features a subtle V-shaped front waistband and butt-flattering back waistband, so your curves are always complemented.
Speaking of the waistband, this one is double lined, which means it will stay locked in place during your workouts. During testing, we found that it doesn’t roll down, ride up, or add too much compression that it makes fat pop out of the top (huge no-no!). We also gave the leggings a squat test and agreed that it passes—even in our deepest squats and yoga moves like Downward Dog, we felt totally protected and never worried about our underwear showing through.
These pants are great for people of all heights, as they come in four different inseam lengths. So, whether you’re petite or on the taller side, we’re positive you’ll find a length that fits.
Our one note: During testing, we agreed that these flared leggings feel a bit thinner than others on this list, so they may not be the best option if you’re looking for warmer, thicker leggings for winter. We prefer this lighter, flowier fabric in the warmer months
| Materials | Nylon, spandex |
|---|---|
| Rise | High |
| Inseam Length | 28 in, 30 in., 32 in, 34 in |
| Colors | 14 |
| Sizes | XS—2XL |
Best Straight Leg Flare Leggings
Alo Yoga Airbrush High-Waist Bootcut Legging
Pros
- Don’t feel constricting
- Have a more fitted, straight leg style
- Seamless waistband
Cons
- Wish there were longer lengths available
Most flared leggings we’ve tried have a dramatic flare from the knee down, but this pair leans more toward a straight-leg style (even though the brand coins it as “bootleg”). They’re a chic and trendy option if you’re after something that feels more like a classic legging.
Although they err more on the fitted side, WH executive health and fitness director Jacqueline Andriakos says that the material—made out of nylon and elastane—is suuuper stretchy and soft, so it doesn’t feel constricting at all. We tested these leggings during all sorts of activities, from long walks to yoga, and found that they have just as much give as other, flowier pants on this list.
We also love that the Airbrush High-Waist Leggings are super high-waisted (not all pants are as high as we want them to look flattering!). We found that we can wear them with a crop top or sports bra without feeling overly exposed. Plus, the wide, seamless waistband is very flattering and doesn’t accentuate any unwanted lumps and bumps that can appear around the midline.
We wish these pants came in more length options. Currently, they’re available in a 24.5-inch and a 28-inch inseam, but some other options on this list offer longer lengths, which would be great for taller shoppers.
| Materials | 87% Nylon, 13% elastane |
|---|---|
| Rise | High |
| Inseam Length | 24.5 in, 28 in |
| Colors | 4 |
| Sizes | XXS—XL |
Best Butt-Lifting Flare Leggings
Spanx Booty Boost Flare Yoga Pant
Pros
- Flattering at the butt
- Moisture-wicking for higher intensity workouts
- Super stretchy and firm
Cons
- Curved waistband adds width to the hips
If you’re looking for something with less flare and more of a legging vibe, these Spanx pants are a super flattering choice. Both Andriakos and myself are huge fans—and for good reason. They feature the brand’s patented Booty Boost technology, which combines a contoured waistband with a targeted butt-shaping design to enhance your curves, lift your booty, and give your hips a sculpted, lifted look. Plus, the high-rise waistband keeps you feeling secure and smooth, preventing any muffin tops .
“These flare leggings from Spanx are super flattering, with seams that really contour the butt and legs,” says Andriakos. “I’ve found that not all flare leggings are the right fabric for exercise, but this pair is super high-waisted and sweat-wicking, perfect for training days.” During workouts, she felt super secure and held-in, as the nylon and elastane blend fabric is super stretchy yet firm, offering just the right amount of balance and support.
We don’t always want to work out in flared leggings as they’re not as tight and sculpting as a pair of regular leggings. However, this pair is not only tighter, but also super moisture-wicking, which makes them easier to sport at the gym. While there were some sweat stains after a high-intensity workout, I thought they dried up super fast.
If you’re after regular leggings, Spanx offers this style in legging form too—and it even won the title of “Best Body Contouring Compression Leggings” in our roundup of the best compression leggings. Our only note for both versions? The curved waistband seam can add a bit of width to the hips compared to a straighter waistband
| Materials | 68% nylon, 32% elastane |
|---|---|
| Rise | High |
| Inseam Length | 30 in, 32 in, 35 in |
| Colors | 5 |
| Sizes | XS—3XL |
Best Wide-Leg Flare Leggings
Promover Wide-Leg Yoga Pants
Pros
- Looser, wide leg fit
- Deep side pockets
Cons
- Not the best option for the gym
These pants have the widest leg on our list, making them the perfect pick if you’re looking for something that doesn’t taper. Since they’re not too tight around the thighs, they’re also one of the most flattering options we’ve tried. The compressive waistband adds a nice contour around the tummy, giving these pants great shape—they’re not just straight from the waist down.
Similar to the Spanx pair, these wide-leg flared leggings come in a wide range of sizes (from XS to 3XL) and offer petite, tall, and regular length options. We love the variety, as it makes it easy for shoppers to find their perfect fit, no matter their size.
A welcome (and unique) addition to the pants is the deep side pockets, which we love for convenience when we’re running out the door and need space for a credit card or key. If you need to throw your phone in there, the pockets are deep enough! Quite the game changer.
One note: The pants aren’t as compressive as other styles, so anticipate the bottoms feeling a bit more flowy. That said, we don’t really recommend them for the gym. Instead, we prefer this option for lounging, errands, and casual lunch dates.
| Materials | Polyester, spandex |
|---|---|
| Rise | High |
| Inseam Length | 28 in, 30 in, 32 in |
| Colors | 28 |
| Sizes | SX—3XL |
Best Lightweight Flare Leggings
Offline By Aerie Real Me High Waisted Crossover Flare Legging
These flare leggings from Aerie are similar to the Sunzel pair with the flattering Crossover design in the front, but WH fashion director Kristen Saladino loves this pair in because of the buttery-soft, skin-like fabric—it’s made out of a nylon and elastane blend—that she says “feels like a dream.” Plus, they have four-way stretch, so it’s perfect for yoga, barre, Pilates, stretching, lounging, and the list goes on.
Lightweight leggings are great when you need maximum mobility with minimal heat retention. Think warm weather workouts, heated yoga or Pilates, or as a comfortable base layer under your pants. While they’re awesome for low-impact activities, this lightweight pair doesn’t have a ton of compression, so we don’t recommend them for higher intensity workouts. However, they do have sweat-wicking technology, so if you get sweaty you don’t have to worry about dealing with a ton of buildup.
Another pro? This legging runs true-to-size. Saladino is typically a medium and says this one fits her perfectly. However, one of our notes is that the band of these pants rolls down quite easily. During testing, we found that when we bend down, the stomach band rolls over rather than holds us in, which knocked it down a few points in our book. Lastly, They might not be the best option for shorter people, as the shortest inseam length is 30 inches.
| Materials | 88% nylon, 12% elastane |
|---|---|
| Rise | High |
| Inseam Length | 30 in, 32 in, 34 in |
| Colors | 9 |
| Sizes | XS—2XL |
Lily Wohlner is the associate style & commerce editor at Women’s Health. A sneakerhead, shopping enthusiast, and beauty expert, she’s mastered the art of testing, reviewing, and recommending standout products across every style category. Lily started her career as a freelance makeup artist before diving into the editorial and copywriting world, creating content for brands like Oribe, NewBeauty, and Dermstore. When she’s not training for her next half marathon, you’ll find her in the Lower East Side whipping up high-protein recipes with her roommate or thrifting for the ultimate pair of low-rise jeans.
Kristen Saladino is the Executive Fashion Director for the Hearst Fashion Group. She styles covers + fashion stories for various Hearst brands.
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