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. They’re my most-worn pair, accompanying me on everything from long-haul flights to Sunday grocery runs, and I just keep coming back to them. I don’t wear them to work out, but I slip them on for just about any other occasion where leggings are appropriate. They are so lightweight and can be rolled up super tight, taking up zero suitcase space. What I love most is the crisscross style on the waist that makes them flattering on every body type. The fabric is soft and supportive without feeling too restrictive—and they actually stay in place. Best of all, they’re the least expensive pair of leggings I’ve ever owned. I will swear by these forever! —Meaghan Kenny, commerce editor

In a real ode to the early 2000s, I still wear Hard Tail leggings—I’m not kidding. The brand’s stretchy cotton pants are so much more comfortable than any athletic material, or compression-style leggings. I’m not usually the kind of person to wear leggings out and about—unless I’m headed straight to a workout class—but I make an exception for Hard Tail leggings when I’m staring down an overnight flight or long road trip. —Megan Spurrell, associate director, articles

Aritzia’s line of TnaButter athletic wear has been a longtime favorite of mine, and the brand’s flare leggings in particular are a wardrobe essential for so many different occasions. 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 consistently wear them to hot yoga (they handle sweat very well), while also dressing them up for a Sunday walk with Sambas and a linen button-down. These leggings are extremely versatile, and my stash of five pairs will definitely continue increasing. —Emily Adler, associate social media manager

I was skeptical about buying a random pair of leggings off of Amazon, but nearly four years later, they’re still one of my favorite pairs, and by far the least expensive. They have just the right amount of stretch for comfy leggings (they’re the ones I wear on airplanes, road trips, or work-from-home days), and are opaque enough to wear without a long shirt or sweater. And shockingly, after plenty of cycles through the wash, they haven’t started pilling and have kept their stretch. —Madison Flager, senior commerce editor

A pregnant belly can be a tough thing to dress. Add on the desire to dress comfortably, and things get challenging. That’s why Poshdivah’s women’s maternity leggings became my very best friend. I practically lived in these leggings throughout my last month of pregnancy—not only is the material smooth and comfy, but the special U-shaped high waist design gives your belly ample room while still leaving you feeling supported. —Lara Kramer, former global associate director of audience development

These Athleta leggings are my go-to at home pair. They are buttery soft, come up just below my waist, and are the kind of cooling fabric (a mix of nylon and lycra) that lends well to both hot or cold climates. They’re also soft and stretchy enough to wear to sleep, and are solid yoga leggings in that they’re breathable, so you won’t feel as wildly hot or sweaty as you would with a cotton pair. I don’t use the pockets very much, but they are nice to have when you want to slip in a card, keys, or other small item. The only downside: The waist is definitely prone to slippage. —M.F.

I have a love-hate relationship with all things high-rise, because more often than not, the waistbands tend to fold up. Not these leggings—they stay up through long flights, ambling walks, yoga classes, and all-day mooching about the house. Buttery soft, stretchy, and oh-so comfy, they are among my favorite grab-and-gos when I travel. Did I mention the hidden waistband pocket? So convenient for tucking away a credit card or your AirPods case. —Arati Menon, global digital director

Finding leggings that don’t roll down has been a genuine battle, but these actually stay in place no matter what class I’m doing. 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. Bonus points for the pocket, which is spacious enough to hold a phone and my keys. —Abigail Malbon, manager, global audience development

I feel most confident at the gym in a cute matching set. Some of my most-worn athleisure comes from Vuori—I love how well-made every single thing feels. The brand’s buttery-smooth, lightweight leggings and matching sports bras are a regular in my rotation for the gym. I usually gravitate toward all-black leggings because they’re more opaque, but Vuori has some gorgeous non see-through, sweat-resistant shades, like this pretty blue. —M.K.

Girlfriend leggings are a favorite among several Traveler editors past and present. Associate articles director Megan Spurrell works out in hers, wearing them in yoga classes and on day hikes. She loves the brand’s ethos, too: “Activewear has a long way to go in terms of inclusivity, especially when it comes to different ages and body types, but Girlfriend is a major exception in the space: Their sizing ranges from XXS to 6XL, and their models really reflect the many types of us just looking for a perfect pair of leggings.” (Another plus: Each pair is made from 25 recycled plastic bottles.) Global associate director of social Mercedes Bleth says they’re “the perfect amount of stretchy and structured.”

“These leggings are super comfortable and made so well. With a soft and stretchy material, they also hug your legs and work with your body’s shape. The pair comes in a range of colors, too” says executive assistant, Jessica Chapel. Alo’s signature Airbrush fabric gives the wearer a seamless look while being moisture- and odor-resistant.

When I’m looking for something comfortable that still accentuates my shape, I always turn to my pair of Ultra-Soft Performance leggings by Quince. The quick-drying, anti-microbial fabric makes the leggings a perfect option for an outdoor run or Pilates class, while the incredible stretch and midsection comfort make it one of my favorites for curling up on the couch for movie nights. Plus, you can pat yourself on the back for a good deed as each legging is made from approximately seven recycled water bottles, and Quince’s use of Global Recycle Standard-certified yarn dramatically lowers environmental impact by diverting landfill and ocean-bound plastic. —L.K.

These leggings from Lands’ End are my favorite pair, especially when the temperature drops. They’re lined with fleece and are incredibly soft. 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, fleece lining has proven functional for all-day wear and I haven’t endured any chafing, which was a significant concern of mine before purchasing. —Paris Wilson, commerce writer

Last winter, I was on the hunt for a good pair of fleece-lined leggings, which were surprisingly difficult to find—they were either all sold out, or not made by my go-to brands. Then, Summersalt came out with a pair of brushed leggings: Soft and warm on the inside, they’re a little heavier than a standard legging, but aren’t super thick like pairs I’ve tried before, so they’re a nice middle ground that I’ll keep wearing after winter. They’re also made with recycled plastic bottles, and have a high waist that actually stays in place. These are a no-brainer for long flights where I’m trying to be as cozy as possible. —M.F.

These leggings have been my go-to pair while I’m at home. They have a high waist and ribbed detailing, so I still manage to feel a bit stylish while I’m just hanging out on the couch. They’ve been through a ton of washes and they still are as soft as the first day I wore them, and the knit work hasn’t come undone either. The only downside is that there aren’t any pockets, which really sells them as a pair of lounging leggings. —P.W.