The 15 best flare leggings of 2024

Side by side images of models wearing sports bra and flared leggings. On the left, a person does a tree pose in a black matching set. On the right, a person sits wearing a maroon matching set.
Beyond Yoga; Girlfriend Collective

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Flare leggings look as good as they feel, and support you in all the areas of life you require them to. They're soft like a second skin, secure enough for squatting — plus, they smooth and accentuate in all the right places. It may sound like a tall order, but ahead we've curated a list of styles that meet the criteria for those of us who remember calling them "yoga pants."

Our top pick is the Carbon38 Split Bootcut Legging. "I love the high-waisted cut on these pants, which was tummy-smoothing and figure-flattering," writes Talia Ergas in her guide to the best travel pants. "It also helps elongate the look of your legs. The light support was comfortable but not compressing, which is better for travel and long hours spent sitting."

For an affordable option, we recommend the OG High Waisted Flare Legging from Offline by Aerie. It's a sister design of the brand's top-performing legging and has proven itself just as beloved, with a medium-weight fabric that's incredibly soft and made for chilling or flowing.

Advertisement

Best overall: Carbon38 Split Bootcut Legging

The author wearing black flared leggings.
Talia Ergas/Business Insider

Pros: Lightweight sculpting fabric

Cons: Light support not suitable for high-intensity workouts, not safe for dryer machine

The Carbon38 Split Bootcut Legging is part of the brand's Melt collection, which promises a fit and feel that's melt-in-your-skin comfortable. It boasts a split below the knee, giving the bottom some extra flare and style that can be worn casually with sneakers, or dressed up with comfortable heels and a nice blouse.

"I wore these during the daytime with sneakers and an oversized sweater. For dinner and drinks, I threw on a blazer, changed into pumps, and swiped on a red lip. The pants looked polished in both scenarios," writes freelance style reporter Talia Ergas.

"Even though they look elegant enough to wear out, I love that these versatile leggings still have everything you'd want in workout pants. I recently wore them to a workout class and they didn't budge through squats and kicks. My one caution is for pet owners: These attracted hair from my cat. I will carry a small lint roller next time I wear these."

Advertisement

Best budget: Offline by Aerie OG High Waisted Flare Legging

Side by side images of people shown from the waist down wearing brown and black leggings.
Aerie

Pros: Inclusive size range, comfortable waistband

Cons: Limited color variety, not ideal for HIIT workouts

The creation of the OG High Waisted Flare Legging is a testament to just how closely Aerie listens to its customer feedback. The brand's beloved Chill Feel Comfy legging inspired the flare style, which, as the comments prove, is just as beloved. It's a no-frills legging that's incredibly soft, comfortable for all-day wear and offers light support around the waistline, so your middle doesn't feel compressed. The pair is the best because it's not restrictive and can move with you throughout the day's events, whether that includes lounging on the couch or hitting the mat for a restorative yoga flow.

Read more about the collection in our full Aerie Offline activewear and loungewear review.

Advertisement

Best Amazon: Tnnzeet Flare Leggings

Side by side images of people shown from the waist down wearing black and white flare leggings.
Amazon

Pros: Available in high-rise, crossover waistband, or with pockets

Cons: May not suit all petite sizes

For those shopping on a budget, Tnnzeet's style is one of the best flare leggings you can get for under $20. These flare leggings come in eight color options and sizes XS to XL. Though the product description claims the bottoms are best suited for anyone 5'7" and taller, reviewers say the fit works on shorter frames, too.

Advertisement

Best petite: Lululemon Align Ribbed Mini-Flared Pant Extra Short

Side by side images of people shown from the waist down wearing green and brown leggings.
lululemon

Pros: Extra short inseam, soft stretchy fabric, includes back pocket

Cons: Expensive

Speaking from experience, finding a pair of pants — let alone leggings — that fit without tailoring is a struggle. Lululemon's Align Ribbed Mini-Flared Pant in Extra Short makes our best flare legging list because their pair for petite and extra petites fit just right on us shorties. They extend just above the floor, so you don't have to worry about stumbling over extra material, and the fabric is designed with sweat-wicking and fast-drying features, as well as a four-way stretch so you can move at your own pace and feel comfortable doing so.

 

Advertisement

Best plus size: SuperFit Hero Superhold Pocket Flare Leggings

Three models wearing plus size flare leggings.
SuperFit Hero

Pros: Breathable fabric, includes side pocket

Cons: Only one inseam avaiable

SuperFit Hero has an inclusive range of cute plus size workout clothes for whatever your exercise routine looks like. These flared leggings feature full sized hip pockets, plus a smoothing waistband that won't roll down. The thick, squat-proof fabric is non-see-through and has flat lock seams to avoid chafing.

Advertisement

Best tall: Athleta Elation Flare Pant

Side by side images of people shown from the waist down wearing flare leggings in maroon and green.
Athleta

Pros: Extra long inseam available, three-layer waistband, includes back pockets

Cons: Limited color options

If you often have trouble finding flare leggings with a hem that hits the floor, this pair has a 33-inch inseam so they'll fit correctly over your sneakers. According to reviews, the Elation Flare Pant is one of the best flare leggings Athleta offers for people with long legs. While the fit is snug, the style fits smoothly without side seams. 

Advertisement

Best with pockets: Athleta Salutation Stash Flare Pant

Side by side images of people shown from the waist down wearing flare leggings in black and tan.
Athleta

Pros: Two stash pockets, high-waisted fit that hits at the natural waist, buttery-soft fabric

Cons: Some reviewers report this pair runs small

Athleta;s Salutation Stash Flare Pants are our top pick for flare leggings with pockets because they feature two deep pockets, which reviewers report are roomy enough for all of your everyday essentials. They comfortably fit items like smartphones, keys, cards, or a wallet, and because the fit is so sleek and the style comes in solid dark shades, they're just as great for a workout as they are for a day of running errands.

Advertisement

Best sculpting: Alo Airbrush High-Waist ⅞ Bootcut Leggings

Side by side images of people shown from the waist down wearing black and white flared leggings.
Alo

Pros: Front smoothing panel, medium compression, flat-locked seams

Cons: Not inclusive to larger sizes

For those on the hunt for a legging that smooths and accentuates in all the right places, this slightly cropped Alo Airbrush Legging gives you an ample lift in the rear. It's called "Airbrush" for a reason: this pair boasts a smoothing front panel to support your waist, but not so much that you're uncomfortable. The flexible fabric offers four-way stretch, so you can move easily, with a little extra sculpt.

 

Advertisement

Best sustainable: Girlfriend Collective Cloud Luxe Flare Legging

Two models wearing flared leggings.
Girlfriend Collective

Pros: Made from recycled materials, hidden pockets

Cons: Sells out quickly

If sustainability is one of your top your priorities when considering investing in a pair of flare leggings, this bootcut style from Girlfriend Collective may suit your criteria. The style is constructed from recycled plastic bottles and is recyclable through ReGirlfriend, the brand's upcycling initiative in which you can return your old Girlfriend items so the materials can be upcycled into new pieces. Each time you donate to ReGirlfriend, you're gifted a $15 credit toward a future purchase.

Read more in our full Girlfriend Collective sustainable leggings review

Advertisement

Best crossover: Halara Crossover Pocket Split Hem Flare Leggings

Side by side images of people shown from the waist down wearing crossover waist leggings in black and pale purple.
Halara

Pros: Wide color variety, includes pockets, breathable fabric

Cons: Some reviewers report the fabric is thin

Halara's leggings have gained lots of attention on TikTok, especially among exercise enthusiasts who appreciate a feminine flair in their workout 'fits.  This crossover design is sleek and stylish, but also comfortable along the waistline. In fact, the pair's comfortability is commonly praised, as the Cloudful fabric is said to feel like a second skin.

Read more about their Cloudful collection in our full Halara review

Advertisement

Best for yoga: Beyond Yoga Spacedye All Day Flare High Waisted Pant

Side by side images of people shown from the waist down wearing leggings in black and blue.
Beyond Yoga

Pros: Includes pockets, moisture-wicking fabric 

Cons: Limited color variety

Beyond Yoga's Spacedye All Day Flare High-Waisted Pants are designed to take you from the mat to your home office to the grocery store. They're our favorite pair for yoga because the super soft fabric is meant to flow with you and dries quickly. The material is lightly supportive, and reviewers report about its stay power and buttery feel that feels so good, you won't want to take them off.

Advertisement

Best ultra high-rise: Old Navy Extra High-Waisted PowerSoft Flare Leggings

Side by side images of people shown from the waist down wearing gray and green flare leggings.
Old Navy

Pros: Extra high waist sits above the belly button, hem hits below the ankle

Cons: No pockets, some reviewers say the fit lean baggy and colors may vary in person

If you're looking for extra coverage around your middle, but don't want to feel restricted, this Old Navy pair is one of the best flare leggings to check both boxes. Reviewers rave not only is this style "waist snatching," but it rests easily on your waist and stomach, so you won't feel squeezed in.

Advertisement

Best fleece lined: Baleaf Fleece Lined Crossover Flare Leggings

Side by side images of people shown from the waist down wearing flare leggings in beige and green.
Baleaf

Pros: Thick water-resistant fabric, includes four pockets and waistband loop

Cons: Made for cold weather only

Flare leggings might be a bit breezy by design, but with Baleaf's fleece-lined style, you'll stay warm even in freezing temperatures. With an upgraded fleece-lined construction, these are the best flare leggings for outdoor adventures because they can keep you nice and toasty in weather conditions below 40°F. Another plus is that these pants are riddled with pockets, so not only can you stay warm on the go, but you'll also have plenty of storage space for your essentials.

Advertisement

Best dressy: Spanx The Perfect Pant Hi-Rise Flare

Side by side images of people shown from the waist down wearing black and red flare leggings.
Spanx

Pros: Size inclusive range, concealed core shaping technology, machine washable

Cons: Expensive

The best leggings for work are a sleek, comfortable way to cheat your office dress code, and the Spanx Perfect Pant collection is one of our favorites among the best women's workwear. These high-rise pants are professional and polished, yet stylish enough for happy hour. They boast a sleek fit with a concealed core shaping technology that smooths and sculpts, giving the illusion of a traditional trouser with the feel of a traditional flare legging.

Read more in our full Spanx Perfect black work pants review

Advertisement

Best embellished: Commando Sequin Flared Legging

Side by side images of people shown from the waist down wearing leggings in black sequins and snakeskin.
Commando

Pros: Smoothing waistband, unique sequin detail

Cons: Limited size range, not machine washable

Flare leggings aren't just for exercise and lounging. This embellished pair from Commando is one of the best flare leggings for a night out, with high-shine sequins that are sure to turn heads (and they're also available in a snakeskin print). The bottoms' construction is a traditional legging without zippers or buttons, but the pull-on style does feature a sculpting waistband. 

You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.

Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.

Advertisement