All leggings are NOT created equally: 4 pairs you shouldn’t live without

Have you ever noticed how ride or die people are for their leggings?  Well I am no different.  Call me basic haha.  Good workout leggings — no no, not good, GREAT workout leggings — are INCREDIBLY hard to find.  I know people who will find a pair they like and then by 5 more sets so they never have to go without.  Like other legging addicts, I’m very picky about fabric, stretch, quality, durability, etc.  Before I moved to California I rarely found myself in leggings, but for some reason they’re a staple these days… so, here are my top choices and why…  don’t worry, I’ve done the leg work.

Oh… and if you don’t like high waist leggings, you will not like any of these options… because you will never catch my in any leggings that could release a love handle. Not that I have love handles… I’m only 3% body fat and I have washboard abs… just saying, high waists control the tummy and surrounding areas… **wink wink** Okay on the real, I should probably also mention, I have thick thighs and part of why I love high waists is that they keep the leggings from coming down despite the movement in the thigh region.

All item names are linked.

Live In Midi Leggings by Zella — $54

Well I mean… I like the price.  I also really like the length on these ones.  They’re not as long as regular leggings but they’re also not as short as capris.  They have a slight sheen to them which does give them a sporty feel (meaning I’m not sure you could dress them up.)  They have some give but never seem to lose their stretch, and they’re made of a thick enough fabric that they aren’t see-through but thin enough that I can wear them to the gym or out on a hot day without boiling to death.

Live In High Waist Leggings by Zella — $54

Again, the price is superb.  These leggings are SO comfortable.  They are stretchy and truly live up to their name, but they also are thick enough that they hold you in place.  The length of them is exactly correct, and they never shrink in the wash nor lose their stretch.  They’re seriously so comfy.  My ONLY complaint is that these ones do not stay up as well as the next two pairs that I’m sharing… I do notice myself pulling them up a bit.  However, because they’re made so well, I don’t mind tugging from time to time and because the fabric is not shiny, you can easily pair with a tunic and dress them up.

Legendary High Rise Capris by Nike — $85 but currently on sale for $54.98

When I got these I feel like they maybe didn’t have the best reviews, but I totally disagree with any of the negative ones I’ve read (but I think I’m just being protective because they do have 4 stars).  One thing you’ll notice about these leggings is that the seams are VERY tight.  And in the beginning — like for the first 5 times you wear them — you may even hear that terrifying popping sound that seams make as they’re popping open, but I’ve had 5 pairs of these babies and never once did a seam rip.  I too would feel better if that sound didn’t happen, but maybe just put them on when listening to music or something because I can pretty much assure you that if you got the correct size, nothing bad is happening.  That being said, these ones do NOT have a ton of stretch… like you can’t fake whatever size you’re supposed to be wearing.  If you’re normally a large but just thought you’d try a medium this time… don’t.  The fabric is high quality and the perfect thickness and even stretch if you ask me, but they’re not going to stretch more than what your size should be.  The high waist on these is TRULY amazing (like the highest of the high waists), and here’s the greatest part about that: the waist does NOT roll down and the leggings never have to be pulled up.  They stay put.  Which is AMAZING for working out, lounging, literally whatever you do in leggings.  Highly highly recommend.

Power Legendary High Waist Tights by Nike Plus Size  — $95

Okay, so I actually do not wear plus size but Nordstrom (my go-to) only has the High Waist Tights in Plus Size at the moment, so I still wanted to include these for my plus sized ladies! If you are not plus size, be on the look-out for these leggings in your own size.  Like I mentioned, Nordstrom is where I normally purchase these — let’s be real, any chance for Nordstrom Notes and I’m in — but they’re obviously not the only store that carries Nike.  These tights are the exact same as the capris right above (like literally exact same), they’re just full length instead.

So there you have it.  Perhaps I should have been reluctant to admit that I live about 90% of my life in leggings, but… at least I’m always prepared for my late night gym sessions.  Truth be told, I now feel like I failed if I made the conscious choice to pretend I’m Sporty Spice all day but couldn’t even get my legging-clad butt to the gym… so really, leggings should be seen as motivation (not laziness).  Haha.

What are your favorite leggings?  Any that you can’t live without?