Style Fashion The Best High-Waisted Leggings That'll Make You Never Want To Put On Real Pants Again By Southern Living Editors Updated on January 19, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Spanx We bless the day that athleisure leggings became the hippest thing on the street since parachute pants. All that stretch, tummy control, and booty lifting without having to put on a rigid pair of pants? It's enough to make a woman go giddy. Not only do we trust leggings to keep everything rocking and rolling during a workout session, but we turn to them when we just want something other than pajamas to hang out at home or run to the grocery. That's the magic of a good pair of high-waisted workout leggings: the instant feeling of being put-together even when we're barely off the couch. We've rounded up the best high-waisted leggings on the market that cover all your pants-averse needs, from exercising to running errands to going on date night, while keeping everything shaped up and looking tight. (Ladies, you get it.) Shop the cult-favorite black leggings with thousands of five-star reviews, the not-your-coach's leather Spanx leggings, the trendy tie-dye movie-night leggings, and more. Then forget all about those boring pants in the closet. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Zella Leggings at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Cropped: Girlfriend Collective High Waist 7/8 Leggings at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Multitasker: Spanx Seamless Leggings at Spanx Jump to Review Best for Lounging: Free People Om Shanti Tie Dye Leggings at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Joggers: Kinesis High Rise Slim Sueded Jersey Joggers at Dillards.com Jump to Review Best Faux Leather: Spanx Faux Leather Leggings at Nordstrom Jump to Review Girlfriend Collective High Rise Pocket Bike Shorts at Girlfriend.com Jump to Review Best Overall Zella Live In High Waist Leggings Nordstrom View On Nordstrom You hear about these leggings before you see them—and that is because they're beloved enough to have garnered over 5,000 five-star reviews on Nordstrom. Comments boast everything from "best leggings ever" to "I'm on my fourth pair already." With just enough compression and a no-slip high waist, these are leggings worth living in. Best Cropped Girlfriend Collective High Waist 7/8 Leggings Girlfriend Collective View On Nordstrom Believe it or not, brightly colored leggings are hard to find. So when we found these eco-friendly leggings, we clicked add to cart faster than you can say hoppin' John. They offer a more snug, compressed fit for those who desire leggings that'll suck you in, while still being flexible enough to exercise in. Pick from ten different vibrant colors. (Our favorite is watermelon pink!) Best Multitasker Spanx Look at Me Now Seamless Leggings Spanx View On Spanx We can't get enough pairs of these super flattering patterned leggings, especially this charcoal leopard print. Spanx knows how to suck that tummy in and lift that booty without making us feel like a stuffed sausage, and that's huge for every woman out there. That's why we got very excited when the brand started coming out with wearable everyday leggings that can be dressed up or down for errands. Made in a stretchy knit with a perfect seamless fit, you'll never want to put pants on again. Best for Lounging Free People Om Shanti Tie Dye Leggings Free People View On Nordstrom View On Lyst.com If you want high-waisted, we'll raise you these tie-dyed lounge leggings that have an ultra-high ribbed waist that has just a touch of comfy sculpting power. Each leg is perforated down the side for ultimate breathability. Plus, who doesn't want a pair of cozy pink house leggings? They also come in black tie-dye. Best Joggers Kinesis High Rise Slim Sueded Jersey Joggers Dillard's View On Dillards.com Some days, you just don't want your leggings to be tight. Let those legs breathe with a slim high-waisted jogger in a stretchy material. You still get all the things you love in a legging, like moisture-wicking fabric and a tummy-smoothing ribbed waistband, but with total comfort and lounge potential. Best Faux Leather Spanx Faux Leather Leggings 4.8 Spanx View On Nordstrom View On Spanx View On Bloomingdales Whoever thought to make leggings that are cute enough to wear out on the town is a hero in our eyes. Oh yeah, Spanx did it again. These faux leather moto leggings can be worn with a white tee and sneakers for something casual or dressed up with a blousy top and heels for a weekend look. No matter your style, one thing's for certain: These babies will sculpt and lift everything like nothing you've ever worn. Worth every penny. Girlfriend Collective High Rise Pocket Bike Shorts Girlfriend View On Girlfriend.com Bike shorts are back, baby—but luckily this time, you've got a figure-sculpting, booty-lifting option that comes in a ton of bright colors. (Or black, if you're into the basics.) Made from recycled water bottles, these high-waisted bike shorts are a way to zhuzh up your workout routine in seconds, and let's be honest, we can always use the motivation. 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