Skip to content

Top Navigation

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Food and Recipes
  • Culture and Lifestyle
  • Style
  • Holidays & Occasions
  • Home
  • Gardening Ideas
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Southern Living

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      Here are the haircuts you'll be seeing everywhere this year. Read More
    • How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet

      How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet

      Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple in five easy steps. Read More
    • 50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      Not sure what to write in a thank you card? Here's how to show your gratitude with a handwritten note. Read More
  • Food and Recipes

    Food and Recipes

    See All Food and Recipes
    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    It’s not all in the senses, but they sure can help.
    • Recipes
    • Quick and Easy Dinner
    • Kitchen Assistant
    • Casserole
    • Holiday and Occasion Food
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Healthy and Light
    • Side Dishes
    • Party Food and Drink
    • Appetizers
    • Meat
    • Breakfast
    • BBQ
    • Drinks
    • What's Cooking
  • Culture and Lifestyle

    Culture and Lifestyle

    See All Culture and Lifestyle
    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    Let your besties know how much they mean to you with these unique nicknames.
    • Quotes and Sayings
    • Biscuits and Jam Podcast
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Healthy Living
    • Coastal Living
  • Style

    Style

    See All Style
    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The beginning of a new year often has us all feeling like starting off fresh by taking on better habits, getting rid of old ones, and—most commonly—changing up our look. While others are hitting the squats and going into the salon for a pixie cut, why not start slow and steady with a cozy winter manicure in a color that feels new to you? It takes only a little courage to step outside your usual OPI Lincoln Park After Dark or Essie Bordeaux, which is all you need to kick 2022 off on a fanciful foot.  From new wintry takes on classic dark nail colors to unique pops of color that'll have you feeling the opposite of boring, these are the best nail colors to try this January and tick off all the way into spring. 
    • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Fashion
    • Short Hairstyles
    • Nails
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Skincare
    • Long Hairstyles
  • Holidays & Occasions

    Holidays & Occasions

    See All Holidays & Occasions
    • Thanksgiving
    • Gifts
    • Christmas
    • Mother's Day
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Easter
    • Mardi Gras
    • 4th of July
    • Weddings
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    There's no denying how the pandemic fundamentally changed the world—including how we live (and work) inside our homes. An overall trend toward celebrating the history and originality of our homes is displacing ultramodern aesthetics and sharp lines as we all look to create cozier, colorful, more personalized spaces that better suit our lifestyles. We're turning away from big-box stores and toward vintage items—first, out of necessity due to supply-chain issues, and now, for design reasons—to add charm and character to every room in the house, including the kitchen. Here, interior designers from around the South share their predictions for what's trending in kitchen design for 2022 and beyond.
    • Home Decor Ideas
    • Idea Houses
    • Kitchen Design
    • Before & After Photos
    • Bathroom Design
    • Curb Appeal
    • Bedroom Design
    • DIY Home Decor
    • Color Palettes & Paint
    • House Plans & Builders
    • Inspired Communities
  • Gardening Ideas

    Gardening Ideas

    See All Gardening Ideas
    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    Plus a few strategies for keeping them out-of-doors
    • Container Gardening
    • Gardening Flowers
    • Fruit, Vegetable & Herb Gardens
    • Garden Pests
    • Plant Guides A-Z
    • Indoor Plants
    • Fall Plants
    • Landscaping Ideas
    • The Grumpy Gardener
  • News

    News

    See All News
    • Celebrities
    • Local News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Southern Living
  2. Style
  3. Fashion
  4. The Best High-Waisted Leggings That'll Make You Never Want To Put On Real Pants Again

The Best High-Waisted Leggings That'll Make You Never Want To Put On Real Pants Again

Southern Living May 2021 Cover
By Southern Living Editors
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
FB
Spanx Faux Leather Moto Leggings
Credit: 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.

Start Slideshow

1 of 10

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Best Overall: Zella Live In High Waist Leggings

Zella Live-In High-Waist Leggings
Credit: 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. 

Buy It: $59; nordstrom.com

1 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 10

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Best Full-Coverage: Beyond Yoga Ombré High Waist 7/8 Leggings

Beyond Yoga Ombré Leggings
Credit: Nordstrom

We love a little flair, y'all. These leggings come in two pretty ombré colors—charcoal gray and ballet pink—and are speckled in gold flecks. Flair for days. An ultra-high waist and buttery-soft stretch ensures you can do everything from yoga to grocery shopping with just a touch of glamour. 

Buy It: $66 (on sale!); nordstrom.com

2 of 10

3 of 10

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Best Cropped: Girlfriend Collective High Waist 7/8 Leggings

Girlfriend Collective Cropped 7/8 Leggings
Credit: Girlfriend Collective

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!) 

Buy It: $68; nordstrom.com

3 of 10

Advertisement

4 of 10

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Best Multitasker: Spanx Look at Me Now Seamless Leggings

Spanx Seamless Leggings
Credit: 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. 

Buy It: $68; nordstrom.com

4 of 10

5 of 10

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Best for Exercising: Nike Floral Side Detail Training Dri-FIT Tights

Nike Dri-FIT Training Tights
Credit: Nike

Don't worry about anything slipping while you work out—these Nike leggings have you covered with all the sweat-wicking, figure-hugging, Dri-FIT technology. That doesn't mean we have to be boring, though. Candy-red leggings with a floral print detail down each side makes that morning walk feel a little less monotonous. 

Buy It: $45 (on sale!); dillards.com

5 of 10

6 of 10

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Best for Lounging: Free People Om Shanti Tie Dye Leggings

Free People Tie-Dye Lounge Leggings
Credit: Free People

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. 

Buy It: $52.80 (on sale!); nordstrom.com

6 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 10

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Best Knee-Length: Kinesis High Rise Knee Leggings

Kinesis High-Rise Knee Leggings
Credit: Dillard's

When you want the breathability of shorts—it's hot out there!—but prefer more coverage, try a cropped legging that hits at or just below the knee. These lavender leggings come in a sueded jersey fabric that is oh-so buttery-soft and perfect for neighborhood walks and lazy afternoons alike. Plus, the high waist gives just enough tummy control. 

Buy It: $35.40 (on sale!); dillards.com

7 of 10

8 of 10

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Best Joggers: Kinesis High Rise Slim Sueded Jersey Joggers

Kinesis Slim Jersey Joggers
Credit: Dillard's

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.

Buy It: $59; dillards.com

8 of 10

9 of 10

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Best Faux Leather: Spanx Faux Leather Moto Leggings

Spanx Faux Leather Moto Leggings
Credit: Spanx

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. 

Buy It: $110; nordstrom.com

9 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 10

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Best Bike Shorts: Girlfriend Collective High Waist Bike Shorts

Girlfriend Collective Bike Shorts
Credit: Girlfriend Collective

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. 

Buy It: $48; nordstrom.com

10 of 10

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Southern Living Editors

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 10 Best Overall: Zella Live In High Waist Leggings
    2 of 10 Best Full-Coverage: Beyond Yoga Ombré High Waist 7/8 Leggings
    3 of 10 Best Cropped: Girlfriend Collective High Waist 7/8 Leggings
    4 of 10 Best Multitasker: Spanx Look at Me Now Seamless Leggings
    5 of 10 Best for Exercising: Nike Floral Side Detail Training Dri-FIT Tights
    6 of 10 Best for Lounging: Free People Om Shanti Tie Dye Leggings
    7 of 10 Best Knee-Length: Kinesis High Rise Knee Leggings
    8 of 10 Best Joggers: Kinesis High Rise Slim Sueded Jersey Joggers
    9 of 10 Best Faux Leather: Spanx Faux Leather Moto Leggings
    10 of 10 Best Bike Shorts: Girlfriend Collective High Waist Bike Shorts

    Share & More

    Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print
    Southern Living

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Southern Living
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    MeredithSouthern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. Southern Living is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab All Rights Reserved. Southern Living may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Southern Living. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.southernliving.com

    Sign in

    View image

    The Best High-Waisted Leggings That'll Make You Never Want To Put On Real Pants Again
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.