The 15 best leggings for long flights, hiking, and lounging

I’ve had the Aerie high-waisted crossover leggings for years—and they truly are my all-time favorite. These are my favorite leggings. I wear them on all of my trips, from long-haul flights and Sunday grocery runs to long-haul flight. I wear them for any occasion that requires leggings. I do not work out in them. These leggings are lightweight and can be rolled super tight to take up no suitcase space. The style of the crisscross on the waist makes these pants flattering for all body types. The fabric is soft and supportive without feeling too restrictive—and they actually stay in place. The best part is that they are the cheapest pair of leggings i’ve owned. These are the only leggings I’ll ever wear! —Meaghan Kenny, commerce editor

They are the most comfortable leggings I own. I wear them on airplanes, road trips, or when working from home. They are opaque and have the perfect amount of stretch to make them comfortable leggings. I use them on planes, roadtrips or when working from home. They haven’t pilled and their stretch has remained after many cycles of washing. —Madison Flager, associate commerce director

Aritzia’s TnaButter athletic clothing line has been my favorite for years. Their flare leggings, in particular, are essentials to have on hand at all times. They’re a perfect travel pant—soft, stretchy, but not suffocating—and help me feel just a bit more put-together than a slouchy pair of sweatpants. I wear them for hot yoga (they are very sweat-resistant) and also to dress up. Sunday walk with Sambas The linen button-down is also a great option. The leggings I own are so versatile that my collection of five pairs is sure to continue growing. —Emily AdlerAssociate social media manager

I always have these Athleta leggings in my home wardrobe. The leggings have a buttery-soft feel, are a good fit, and the fabric is breathable (a mixture of nylon and Lycra). They work well for both hot and cold weather. These leggings are soft enough to wear at night and are breathable so they won’t make you feel hotter than a pair of cotton ones. The pockets are useful for slipping in cards, keys or other small items. Only downside is the tendency for the waist to slip. —M.F.

These soft leggings feel like butter. They come in many colors and patterns from deep violet to leopard print. The 7/8-length is ideal for petite women. There are many pockets to keep everything handy. (I could carry my phone, earbuds, ID and other items on a stroll around the waterfront with no issues of weight pulling down the waistband, or the items falling from it.) These leggings are not only great for the pockets but also because of their texture. They’re lightweight and stretchy so they don’t restrict you when moving, yet thick enough to keep out any glare while stretching. —Jamie Spain, travel bookings editor

I evaluate a pair by its versatility. Will they be comfortable enough to wear for a long-haul trip? They must be supportive for a class. The versatility of this Amazon find was impressive. It could be used for everything, from relaxing at home to taking a Pilates class in the sweat to walking around Hoboken. The pants are lightweight and stretchy. They’re comfortable to wear throughout the day. The waistband was high enough to ensure that it didn’t slip down while I worked out, and it offered good flexibility. They are soft, so I plan to wear them mainly on road trips, flights and weekend grocery shopping. These can be worn as athletic leggings if you are only bringing one pair. —M.K.

This pair of leggings is my favorite to wear at home. These leggings have a high-waist and ribbed detail, so even though I’m on the couch, I feel stylish. The knitwork hasn’t unraveled even after countless washes. They are still as soft as they were the first time I wore the leggings. There are no pockets on these leggings, and that’s the only thing I can think of to make them less appealing as lounge pants. —Paris WilsonA commerce writer

Last winter I was looking for a great pair of boots. fleece-lined leggings, which were surprisingly difficult to find—they were either all sold out, or not made by my go-to brands. Summersalt then came out with a pair brushed leggings. They’re soft and warm inside, a little thicker than standard leggings, but not as thick as other pairs I have tried. This is a great middle ground I will continue to wear after winter. The leggings have a high waist and are made of recycled plastic bottles. They’re perfect for long flights when I want to feel as comfortable as possible. —M.F.

The Lands’ End leggings are my favourite pair. when the temperature drops. These are lined with soft fleece. These are my go-to option when traveling—they keep me warm on the plane and limit the number of layers I pack in my personal item to wear just in case the air conditioning is on full blast. The thick, soft fleece lining proved to be functional for all-day wearing and I didn’t experience any chafing. This was an important concern before purchasing. —P.W.

I love and hate high-rise pants because the waistbands often fold. Not these leggings—they stay up through long flights, ambling walks, yoga classes, and all-day mooching about the house. These leggings are so comfortable and buttery soft. Did I mention the hidden pocket in the waistband? It’s perfect for hiding your credit card or AirPods case. —Arati Menon, global digital director

These leggings stay put no matter which class I am in. And they definitely live up to their name—they’re super soft, which means I don’t feel like I’m squeezing into something uncomfortable. The pocket is large enough to fit a smartphone. The following are some examples of how to get started: My keys —Abigail Malbon, manager, global audience development

The HeatGear fabric and no-slip band were the two most notable features. The waistband didn’t budge, even during steep climbs—no tugging or adjusting, which is a game-changer on the trail. HeatGear fabric kept me cool in the midday sun, and its ultra-lightweight design made them easy to pack. This is a great option for anyone who’s hiking through the mountain ranges or trying to navigate a new area. long airport layoverThese leggings provide all-day comfort, and they stay in place. They’re functional, breathable, and reliable—everything you want in a pair of leggings. —P.W.

These leggings fit perfectly and are made well. They hug your legs, and the soft material works with your body shape. Alo’s signature Airbrush material is seamless and breathable. This pair also comes in different colors. —Jessica ChapelA commerce writer

Quince Ultra-Soft Performance leggings are the perfect choice for me when I need something comfortable and flattering. These leggings are made from a quick-drying anti-microbial material. outdoor run They are perfect for Pilates or a movie night on the couch. Their incredible stretch makes them my go-to for watching movies. You can also pat yourself on your back for doing a good thing, as each pair is made of approximately seven recycled bottles of water, and Quince uses Global Recycle Standard certified yarn to reduce environmental impact. —Lara KramerFormer global associate director for audience development

In a matching cute set, I am most confident in the gym. Some of my most-worn athleisure comes from Vuori—I love how well-made every single thing feels. The brand’s lightweight, buttery-smooth leggings are a favorite. matching sports bras I wear them to the gym every day. Vuori’s non-see-through leggings are sweat-resistant and beautiful. I tend to gravitate towards all-black leggings, because they’re opaque. —M.K.