Brilliant leggings that are pants for smart, all-day wear

Comfy and stylish, these smart leggings that are pants can work for any occasion

three street style images of people wearing leggings that are pants
(Image credit: Getty)

Comfortable and stylish, leggings that are pants are the fashion hybrid item we never knew we needed. Fusing comfort and style seamlessly, a pair of chic leggings that can be worn both under items and alone are ideal for fans of practical fashion, and leggings that are pants are comfy enough to be worn around the house, yet formal enough for the office. 

Some of the best leggings available, leggings that are pants tick all the boxes when it comes to style, comfort, and durability. Ideal for creating a minimalist capsule wardrobe - as this versatile item can be reworked in a number of ways. Unlike sporty leggings, you're looking for weightier fabrics that hide any possibility of a VPL and look and feel more like pants than fitness clothing.

So before you relegate all your leggings to your best loungewear collection, a gorgeous pair of leggings can be styled in so many different ways. Whether you want to stick with classic black, elevate your look with a bold print or fancy playing with luxe leather textures, leggings that are pants are the new season investment piece to invest in right now.

The best leggings that are pants for comfort and style, chosen by our fashion team

composite of model wearing Norma Kamali Split Hem Jersey Leggings

(Image credit: Matches Fashion)

1. Norma Kamali Split Hem Jersey Leggings

Specifications

RRP: $143 / £115
Sizes: XXS-XL

Reasons to buy

+
Chic split hem
+
Easy to style
+
Stretchy jersey fabric

Reasons to avoid

-
Only one length

There is no going wrong with a staple pair of black leggings, but when it comes to leggings that are pants you want something with a little more excitement for dressing up. We love this split hem style that keeps the stretchy comfort of classic leggings with a little extra detail that adds a more formal edge. If you're wondering what shoes to wear with leggings, these are perfect for showing off some fancy footwear. Check out this season's shoe trends 2023 for ideas and style with the best designer heels for special occasions.


composite of model wearing Zara Seamless Washed Effect Leggings and flat lay

(Image credit: Zara)

2. Zara Seamless Washed Effect Leggings

Specifications

RRP: $29.90 / £19.99
Sizes: XS-L

Reasons to buy

+
Trendy design
+
Pop of color
+
Great for casual wear

Reasons to avoid

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Not for formal occasions

For something a little different than classic black, this faded blue style is the perfect spring capsule wardrobe addition. With a front seam detail to lengthen legs and a high-waisted fit to sculpt your middle, this pair of leggings that double up as pants will look gorgeous when paired with other bright colored clothing. A similar wash to the best jeans but with significantly more stretch and an adaptable fit, you'll reach for these leggings day after day when you're in need of style and practicality.


composite of model wearing Spanx The Perfect Pant

(Image credit: Spanx)

3. Spanx The Perfect Pant

Specifications

RRP: $148 (US only)
Size: XS-3XL

Reasons to buy

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Available in petite, regular and tall 
+
Ideal for the office
+
Available in three colors

Reasons to avoid

-
Slightly formal for everyday wear

Spanx doesn't only make some of the best plus size shapewear, it also delivers comfortable leggings that are pants too. This pair is a slim fit leggings-pants hybrid and features four-way stretch, as well as an easy slip-on design that will make getting dressed a breeze. We particularly love the pinstripe design that looks just as good as suit trousers, meaning you can pair these comfortable pants with your best blazer for a sharp, office-ready look.


composite of patterned h&m flared leggings

(Image credit: H&M)

4. H&M Flared Patterned Leggings

Specifications

RRP: $17.99 / £12.99
Sizes: XS-XXL

Reasons to buy

+
Statement piece
+
Looks like real pants
+
Flattering flare shape

Reasons to avoid

-
Not to everyone's taste

The key to getting leggings that are pants that don't look too casual lies in the shape and the pattern. With a ribbed texture and statement print like this pair, no one will know that you're wearing a stretchy pair of comfortable leggings. Take inspiration from how to style flared jeans to nail this look, and style with the matching printed shirt for a cohesive ensemble. For a more discreet finish, pair with a fitted black tee and a timeless black leather jacket for a balanced and fashion-forward look.


composite of model wearing Revolve Faux Leather Flare Legging

(Image credit: Revolve)

5. Revolve Faux Leather Flare Legging

Specifications

RRP: $148 / £120
Sizes: XS-L

Reasons to buy

+
Very chic
+
Easy to clean
+
Range of colors

Reasons to avoid

-
May be too long on petites

If you've nailed how to style leather pants, but want to extend the look further, faux leather leggings are a great way to vamp up any look, in a more budget-friendly way. The best leather leggings are much more practical than leather pants thanks to the fit, and this subtly flared style is ideal for styling with the best Chelsea boots or some platform heels. Machine washable, they're incredibly practical for everyday wear as they're easy to care for.


composite of models wearing Gap High Rise Favorite Jegging with Washwell

(Image credit: Gap)

6. Gap High Rise Favorite Jegging with Washwell

Specifications

RRP: $49.99 (US only)
Sizes: W24-35

Reasons to buy

+
Extremely versatile
+
Affordable
+
Range of inseams

Reasons to avoid

-
More jeans than leggings

Jeggings are another stylish fusion that has cemented itself in our wardrobes and this pair gets our vote. A great alternative to the best skinny jeans, this form-fitting style perfectly answers the brief for leggings that are pants. Available from extra short to tall inseam, these will work perfectly whether you need the best petite jeans or the best jeans for tall women. The slightly cropped length is also ideal for teaming with boots for the evening or some platform heels this summer.


composite of model wearing navy Sweaty Betty All Day Leggings

(Image credit: Sweaty Betty)

7. Sweaty Betty All Day Leggings

Specifications

RRP: $88 / £70
Sizes: XXS-XXL

Reasons to buy

+
Extremely comfortable
+
High quality
+
Range of styles

Reasons to avoid

-
Designed for exercise

If you’re looking for leggings that are pants to take you straight from the gym to lunch, then you can’t beat Sweaty Betty. The clue’s in the name with this pair, designed to be worn all day. Sweat-wicking, quick-drying, squat-proof, as well as super soft, they feel like a second skin. Athleisure remains a major trend, so this is definitely a pair of leggings that you can style up when looking for brunch outfit ideas.


composite of model wearing Toteme Printed recycled stretch-jersey leggings

(Image credit: Net a Porter)

8. Toteme Printed recycled stretch-jersey leggings

Specifications

RRP: $220 / £150
Sizes: XS-XL

Reasons to buy

+
Luxe feel
+
Unique print
+
Versatile

Reasons to avoid

-
Pricey

This monogrammed pair of Toteme leggings will add a luxe edge to your comfortable look. The ideal color palette for dressing up or down, they will look gorgeous with the best cashmere sweaters or an oversized white tee and a well-tailored blazer. Made with 58% recycled fibers, it's a sustainable choice too.


composite of model wearing Spanx Medium Control Faux Leather Moto Leggings

(Image credit: Macy's)

9. Spanx Medium Control Faux Leather Moto Leggings

Specifications

RRP: $110 / £94
Sizes: XS-XL

Reasons to buy

+
Edgy look
+
Trendy moto style
+
Very comfortable

Reasons to avoid

-
Not for everyday lounging

These leggings have a built-in shaping waistband to help hug your curves and streamline your silhouette, making them a strong fusion between leggings and the brand's best shapewear. With a leather-look finish that makes them super easy to dress up for evenings out, you can style them in the day with cozy knitwear for a deliciously textured finish during early spring. Or balance the fitted proportions and style with an oversized blouse and strappy sandals for your Saturday night style. Come daytime, dress down with the best white trainers and some oversized sunglasses in warmer months.


composite of model wearing Mango Suede Leggings in light brown

(Image credit: Mango)

10. Mango Suede Leggings

Specifications

RRP: $49.99 / £29.99
Sizes: XXS-XXL

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable
+
Expensive look
+
Easy to dress up or down

Reasons to avoid

-
Only one inseam length

Suede leggings are ideal if you want leggings that are pants. The smooth texture, front seams and caramel hue give these otherwise simple leggings a truly chic look that disguises they're loungewear credentials. Ideal for days in the office or coffee dates, tuck into the best knee high boots or wear with some on-trend ballet flats this season.

Charlie Bell

Charlie is the Deputy Fashion Editor at Future plc across multiple women’s magazines including Woman & Home, Woman and Woman's Own.

She bagged her first magazine job in 2009 and has previously written for titles including Stylist, Closer and Dare. Over the years Charlie has embraced anything that was thrown at her from styling celebrities to testing out the best jeans on the high street to writing about must-have beauty buys.

With a weakness for a printed midi dress, Charlie is on a mission to shop more sustainably and loves finding new ethical brands and second-hand buys.