13 Best Leggings For Summer, Recommended By A Couture Designer (2024)
Create a chic outfit by pairing a colorful crop top with leggings this summer.
Mette Baillie is a couture designer with 24 years of experience. She has her own couture company, Freja DesignerDressmaking, in Edinburgh and specializes in making everything from tweed suits to slinky evening dresses and highly structured wedding dresses.
Read full bio of Mette Baillie
Experience: 3 yearsThe day Priyam learned that having strong opinions about everyday products can be a full-fledged writing career was the greatest day of her life. Partially driven by a passion for everything timeless, she likes to explore and recommend styles and makeup products that will endure the test of trends.
Read full bio of Priyam Gupta
Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Experience: 3 yearsAsmita De is an associate editor with over three years of experience. She graduated in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. She has collaborated with several digital companies and reputed publishing houses as an editor.
Read full bio of Asmita De
Image: Shutterstock
Working out during the hot sunny days can seem overwhelming because of the added heat, sweat, and discomfort that comes along with it. This is why having some of the best leggings for summer in your arsenal is imperative. These leggings are made of lightweight material and can be worn for outdoor runs, pilates, yoga, or HIIT. When you’re in your best workout outfit, you will be able to give your best at what you’re doing rather than getting distracted by uncomfortable clothes.
The key to purchasing the best leggings for hot sunny days is looking for features like breathability, lightness, softness, and ease of maintenance. These mesh panel leggings for summer are easy to wash and are quick drying, so that you don’t remain sweaty after a run around the park. Most of these leggings are made of fabrics like nylon and polyester with lace-up and mesh details. They prevent overheating and are stretchable to give you maximum comfort. These casual leggings for summer are a stylish and trendy option for all the girls who love comfy clothes. In this article, we bring you a carefully curated list of 13 bestselling summer leggings by trusted brands after a thorough fashion analysis. Read on to know more and purchase the ones you think will suit your needs the most.
In This Article
13 Best Leggings For Summer That Are Lightweight And Simply Amazing!
Best For Plus Size Women:Leggings Depot Cotton Women's Premium Quality Leggings
Trainers and workout enthusiasts swear by the Leggings Depot Cotton Women’s Premium Quality Leggings and call them one of the best tights for summer. The fabric of these black leggings are made from 95% cotton and 5% spandex, making them soft and lightweight. The high-quality fabric is machine washable and keeps you dry all through your workout. You don’t have to struggle while wearing these best-selling leggings, as they glide right on with minimal effort. You can choose from a variety of colors to find one that suits your style the best. Additionally, the opaque material is perfect for the gym because it isn’t shiny or see-through.
Pros
- Buttery soft fabric
- Available in a variety of colors
- Suitable for plus size women
- Machine washable
Cons
- The dye may get transferred to your skin
StyleCraze TriviaBest Moisture-Wicking Fabric:Baleaf High Waisted Yoga Capri Leggings
If you want leggings with a strong waistband and a good grip around the calves, these capri leggings for summer are a great choice. The leggings are made from nylon and spandex. The fabric is moisture-wicking, breathable, stretchable, and offers full coverage, making for great athleisure wear. They also have a pull-on closure, which means they are not only breathable but also easy to wear. These anti-chafing leggings are perfect for activities like rock climbing or cycling because they are not see-through, stretchable, and have a moisture-wicking technology that keeps you dry. In addition, the high-rise waistband ensures a secure and steady fit without slipping down. You will also love the hidden waistband pocket, as you can stash any personal belongings while you go about your routine.
Pros
- High-Waisted Legging
- Moisture-wicking technology
- Hidden waistband pocket
- Ergonomic seams that prevent chafing
Cons
- May have weak compression around the tummy area
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 99 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
Best For All Body Types:Satina High Waisted Soft Leggings
For women who want comfortable leggings that feel light and almost like they are wearing nothing, these leggings can check all those boxes. The buttery soft leggings are made from peach skin fabric that is non-see through, stretchy, opaque, and is ultra-comfortable during and after your workouts. The high waistband is super stretchy and provides enough compression to give you the hourglass look and prevent unwanted sagging. These leggings are available in many sizes that range from small to XXXL, so they will look amazing on any body type.
Pros
- Suits all body types
- High waist
- Opaque fabric
- It can be worn for all seasons
Cons
- The stitching may be weak
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 9,617 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
Best For Tummy Control:LMB Capri Leggings for Women
These Capri leggings are a great choice for women who feel conscious about their midsection and want it to stay in place when they work out. The leggings are made from 8% spandex and peach skin fabric, making them perfect for the gym or just lounging around the house. Even though they provide a dreamy fit that is true to size, the high waistband does a fantastic job holding your midsection in and providing a feminine silhouette. It gives you a feeling of confidence and safety. You can choose from sizes that range from small to XXXL.
Pros
- Premium quality fabric
- Squat proof
- Compressing high waist
- Suitable for all body types
- Machine washable
Cons
- Do not have pockets
Best Breathable Fabric:Adidas Women's Essentials Single Jersey Joggers
If skin-tight leggings are not your cup of tea and you would want some loose-fitting bottoms, then you can choose these cooling, sporty leggings for your subsequent outdoor workouts. The jogger leggings are made from stretchy cotton single jersey for a soft feel, making them perfect for hot weather because they will keep you cool and prevent any overheating. The fit is slender and provides a refined silhouette from the hips all the way to the ankle, so you won’t feel bulky when you move. The waist has a drawcord that will help you adjust the waistline to your convenience, and the ribbed cuffs will provide a snug fit.
Pros
- Loose and a breathable fit
- Refined silhouette from hips to ankle
- Adjustable waistline
- Machine washable
Cons
- It may not be suitable for yoga or Pilates workouts
Quick TipBest Durable:Jockey Women's Leggings
Jockey is known for its amazing activewear selection, and its lightweight leggings are popular for a reason! The fabric is made from a durable and stretchy cotton and spandex blend that offers support, full coverage, and is long lasting. It is also breathable and perfect for hot/humid weather. The pull-on closure makes it easy to wear, and the stretchy material provides an amazing fit. The cotton and spandex blend ensures that you stay cool as a cucumber during any intense training sessions while providing maximum coverage. These active leggings also have a wide waistband that provides generous support to your midsection.
Pros
- Built-in gusset
- Moisture-wicking lining
- Machine washable
- Durable
Cons
- May not prevent thigh chafing
Best For Kids:City Threads Capri Crop Summer Leggings
These cropped half-length leggings are a great choice for teens and young adults. They are 100% organic cotton and can be worn on their own or under skirts and dresses. These comfy leggings are great for spring and summer because of their breathable fabric. They are 6 inches shorter than regular leggings. These leggings offer a comfortable fit that is perfect for daily activities and lounging around the house. You can choose from over five vibrant colors, and select the one that matches your style the most. The leggings have a secure elastic closure that is gentle on the skin, making them perfect for kids who suffer from skin issues like eczema. The band won’t irritate them or make the condition worse. They don’t have any tummy compression so your little one can wear them the whole day, without feeling stuffy or uncomfortable. The best thing about the lightweight fabric is that it gets softer with each wash and the color gets more vibrant as well.
Pros
- Suitable for lounging or wearing under skirts/dresses
- Made from premium quality cotton
- Machine washable
- Breathable
- Ideal for everyday wear
Cons
- It may not be suitable for high-intensity workouts
Best For Yoga And Pilates Workouts:Lululemon Wunder Under Yoga Pants
Leggings should not only fit you well, but they have to match your aesthetics too while offering ultimate comfort. Simply put, your workout leggings should make you look and feel good. The Lululemon Wunder Under Yoga Pants delivers on that promise! They are made from lycra, which provides premium comfort and longevity. These moisture-wicking leggings pants are specially created for yoga enthusiasts because of the stretchy fabric. Also, the waistband lays flat, which means that it doesn’t dig into your skin and irritate it. An added bonus is that the waistband has a hidden storage pocket that you can use to store cards and keys.
Pros
- Suitable for yoga sessions and pilates workouts
- Hidden waistband pocket
- Stretchy and breathable fabric
- The waistband lays flat against the skin
Cons
- The fabric may not be completely opaque
Best Compression Leggings:CzSalus Summer time Flat Knit Leggings
This high waist legging is quite the rage among fitness fashion enthusiasts because it is specially made for people who experience lipoedema. These workout leggings offer compression from the waist to the ankles, passive massage, and encourage the lymphatic drainage process. The leggings also offer plenty of lumbar support, so you won’t suffer from back pain or sore legs once you’re done with your intense workout session. The leggings also offer plenty of lumbar support, so you won’t suffer from back pain or sore legs once you’re done with the workout. The leggings are specially created to have a light and structured design. This helps alleviate any issues that are triggered due to Lipoedema or Lymphoedema; which usually gets intense when the weather gets warm. These outdoor leggings can reduce your size by an inch or 2, which provides a flattering silhouette.
Pros
- Alleviates hardships caused by lipoedema
- Compression helps with lymphatic drainage
- Offers plenty of lumbar support
- Odor control
Cons
- It may not be very stretchable
Best For UV Blocking:Coolibar UPF 50+ Women's Monterey Summer Leggings - Sun Protective
These full-length UV-protective leggings feature everything you will need in daily leisurewear. The fabric is made from cotton and viscose, and it has a pull-on closure that makes it effortless to put them on. The unique selling point of these stylish leggings is that they have UPF 50+, which means they block 98% of UV radiation; so, you can wear them on your daily walks and runs, without having to worry about excessive sun damage. This perfect pair of leggings is super gentle on the skin and provides the highest quality zinc oxide protection. Many reviewers have tested these leggings and praised them for being comfortable and not see-through.
Pros
- Machine washable
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Pull-on closure
- Full coverage
Cons
- Some may find the material too thick for high-intensity workouts
Best Sweat-Absorbing Fabric:Hanes Sport Performance Capri Leggings
The Hanes Sport Performance Capri Legging is made of 88% polyester and 12% spandex and has a 20” inseam length. The fabric is engineered with the Cool ComfortTM and the Cool DRI technologies that wick away your sweat and keep your legs cool and dry. This pull-on legging is designed with a wide waistband for comfortable fit and flat lock seams that impart chafe-resistant performance. It is a highly stretchable legging that is easy to maintain. What’s more? These leggings are available in different colors and prints.
Pros
- Stretchable fabric
- Chafe-resistant seams
- Great fit
- Wide waistband
- Value for money
- Machine-washable
Cons
- Runs small
Best For Low-Intensity Workouts:World of Leggings Plus Size Capris Leggings
These seamless leggings are perfect for any “hot day” workout because they keep you cool and prevent overheating episodes. The material combines 92% polyester and 8% spandex, which results in a superior-quality fabric blend. The luxurious leggings feel buttery soft on the skin and stay in place when you move. They are suitable for yoga, Pilates, and any other low-intensity workout. The elastic waistband helps create a smooth silhouette and doesn’t roll down as you bend, stretch, and go about your day. The high-waisted leggings are perfect for all body types, and the fabric gets softer with every wash. You don’t have to worry about feeling stuffy or out of breath as they sit comfortably around your stomach.
Pros
- Blend fabric
- Suitable for low-intensity workouts
- Elastic waistband
- Double cross stitch finish
- Tummy control
Cons
- The material may be see-through
Best Soft Fabric:Latuza Soft Lounge Pajama Leggings
The Latuza Soft Lounge Pajama Legging is made with a blend of 95% bamboo viscose and 5% spandex for optimum comfort during sweaty workouts. It is a lightweight pant with a soft elastic waistband that sits comfortably on your waist without pinching your skin. The legging is doubly sewn for durable performance and its stretchy fabric allows easy movements. It is a full-length leg wear that is easy to clean and maintain. These full-length leggings are also easy to clean and maintain. According to reviews, the leggings are soft and easy to wear.
Pros
- Durable
- Great fit
- Soft elastic waistband
- Stretchable
- Machine-washable
Cons
- None
Whether you want to stroll through the park or sweat it out at a yoga class, you need a pair of breathable leggings during summer. Now that you know the popular ones available online, you need to find a pair that suits your needs. Hence, we have created a buying guide to help you find the perfect leggings for the summer.
How To Choose The Best Leggings For Summer
- Fit
When looking for summer leggings, you have to ensure that they fit snugly around your hips and provide suitable fit as per your fit assessment. Opt for high waist leggings as they provide a slimming and flattering silhouette, along with extra support. Don’t go for leggings that bunch around the ankles and knees, as the fit will get worse with longer wear.
- Fabric
All leggings are not the same, and the fabric is what sets them apart. It makes fabric testing a crucial step in picking the right leggings for you, be it for casual wear or extravagant parties. Spandex, also known as elastane, is one of the common materials used to make leggings because it is stretchy and durable; these are two features that are trusted in workout leggings. However, you can also look for sustainable materials along with spandex like bamboo and natural materials like cotton, as they provide superior moisture absorption and are quite comfortable. Also, check the drying capabilities of the fabric if you need them for travel.
- Functionality
Some leggings are perfect for high-intensity workouts, while others are great for low-intensity workouts, so you must ensure that you choose leggings that suit any type of activity. For example, if you are into running and weightlifting, then choose leggings that absorb sweat and have deep side pockets, along with a secure waistline that doesn’t roll down. When looking for yoga or Pilates leggings, look for stretchy leggings with high-waist. Avoid leggings that have drawstrings or zippers. You can also refer to user reviews to learn more.
The Bottom Line
If you are using sweating as an excuse to skip exercising during the summer days, your couch time ends here. With a couple of moisture-wicking leggings in your wardrobe, you can resume your workout routine without feeling icky at the end of the session. These best-selling breathable leggings for summer will keep you feeling fresh even in humid weather. If you want leggings that glide on easily, then the Leggings Depot Cotton Women’s Premium Quality Leggings will be the best pair. You can consider buying the LMB Capri Leggings for Women as they beautifully shape your curves, while the Baleaf High Waisted Yoga Capri Leggings feature a chaffing-free ergonomic design and a hidden pocket. These expert-approved leggings are perfect for both high-intensity and low-intensity workouts. A good pair of leggings will stand at test time and can also be used as gym attire. The leggings on our list offer tummy control and are also machine washable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are leggings good for hot weather?
Yes, look for leggings made from natural materials like bamboo and cotton because they have moisture-wicking fabric technology and prevent your legs from overheating.
Are cotton leggings good for summer?
Yes, cotton is a great fabric to wear during the warm summer months. They also help prevent any nasty sunburns and are super comfortable.
What is the coolest fabric for hot weather?
Some cool and breathable fabric to wear during hot weather are;
• Cotton
• Linen
• Rayon
When it comes to leggings, we suggest that you look for smooth fabric that combines cotton and spandex.
Should leggings be lighter or darker in the summer?
Wear light-colored leggings during summer as darker colors absorb more heat, making you warmer.
Can you wear leather leggings in the summer?
No, it is best not to wear leather leggings in the summer season because the heavy material may make you sweaty and uncomfortable.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Priyam Gupta, is a makeup and fashion enthusiast. She loves to experiment with new styles for various occasions. Workouts during sweaty summers are challenging without the proper clothes. Priyam, therefore, went through hundreds of online reviews to curate the list of the best leggings for summer. The buttery soft material and moisture-wicking qualities of these leggings will keep the users comfortable throughout the sweatiest training sessions.
Read full bio of Mette Baillie
Read full bio of Priyam Gupta
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Read full bio of Asmita De
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.