The 9 Best Travel Leggings of 2021

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The Rundown

Best Overall: Lululemon Wunder Under High-Rise Tights at Lululemon

"They’ll make you look and feel like a million bucks."

Best Compression: Athleta Ultimate Stash Pocket Tight at Athleta

"Its fabric is both supportive and stretchy for optimal comfort."

Best Windproof: Patagonia Wind Shield Soft Shell Pants at Backcountry

"Top-notch at providing protection from the elements."

Best Style: Express High Waisted Sexy Stretch Pocket Leggings at Express

"You can wear these adorably fitted, stretchy pants everywhere you go."

Best Plus-Size: Women's Northern Comfort Fall Legging at Columbia

"With sizes 1X to 3X available."

Best Active: Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity Running Leggings at Sweaty Betty

"You'll love how these contoured-yet-comfy leggings look."

Best High-Waisted: J. Crew 7/8 High-Rise Leggings at J. Crew

"Features a fun leopard print, perfect sizing, and a high-rise double waistband."

Best Breathable: Outdoor Voices TechSweat 7/8 Two-Tone Leggings at Outdoor Voices

"These lightweight pants hug your shape while you move."

Best for Winter: Sweaty Betty Ski Base Layer Leggings at Sweaty Betty

"Delivers when it comes to offering maximum comfort in freezing-cold weather."

Our Top Picks

01 of 09

Best Overall: Lululemon Wunder Under High-Rise Tights

Lululemon Wunder Under High-Rise Tight 28" *Full-On Luon — Courtesy of Lulu Fanatics
https://www.lulufanatics.com/item/46918/lululemon-wunder-under-high-rise-tight-28-full-on-luon-true-navy

Dress them up for a night on the town or dress them down if you’re staying in: however you decide to wear the Wunder Under High-Rise 28-Inch Tights from Lululemon, they’ll make you look and feel like a million bucks. Lululemon is the go-to brand for leggings, and their Wunder Under series is no exception. These leggings boast minimal seaming, a wide waistband (with a pocket), and the brand's high-quality, full-coverage Luon fabric — resulting in a pleasing, versatile fit.

02 of 09

Best Compression: Athleta Ultimate Stash Pocket Tight

Cute, comfy compression leggings are a must-have when you’re traveling, especially if you’re in for a long day (or night) on the plane. This is because sitting for too long can have harmful effects on the body, and compression leggings can help counteract these effects by aiding in circulation and keeping your limbs from swelling. Enter Athleta’s Ultimate Stash Pocket Tights, which are crafted from SuperSonic fabric that’s both supportive and stretchy for optimal comfort. They’re also moisture-wicking, with a breathable fabric, to help prevent chafing and sweat buildup. Not to mention, the three pockets will be useful for holding essentials when on the go.

03 of 09

Best Windproof: Patagonia Wind Shield Soft Shell Pants

Patagonia Women's Wind Shield Soft Shell Pants — Courtesy of Patagonia
https://www.patagonia.com/product/womens-wind-shield-soft-shell-pants/24107.html

Leave it to Patagonia to come up with the perfect formula for windproof leggings. If you’re traveling somewhere that’s cold and windy, the Wind Shield Soft Shell Pants are top-notch at providing protection from the elements. Thoughtfully crafted from stretchy, breathable, DWR (durable water repellent) fabric, these leggings manage to simultaneously provide warmth, support, and long-lasting odor control, all while effectively protecting your legs from rainy, windy, and otherwise wintry weather. And, true to Patagonia's eco-friendly mission, they’re also Fair Trade Certified sewn.

04 of 09

Best Style: Express High Waisted Sexy Stretch Pocket Leggings

If you're looking for comfortable, yet fashionable travel pants, the High Waisted Sexy Stretch Pocket Leggings from Express are an excellent pick. Whether you’re munching on croissants along the Seine or strolling the cobblestone streets in Trastevere, you can wear these adorably fitted, stretchy pants everywhere you go. Along with a high-waisted fit, the leggings conveniently feature side pockets. Pair them with a slouchy cashmere sweater, a blanket scarf, and booties.

Continue to 5 of 9 below.

05 of 09

Best Plus-Size: Women's Northern Comfort Fall Legging

Women's Northern Comfort™ Fall Legging - Plus Size — Courtesy of Columbia
https://www.columbia.com/womens-northern-comfort-fall-legging---plus-size-1865424.html#start=3

With sizes 1X to 3X available, Columbia's Northern Comfort Fall Leggings earn high marks for its inclusive sizing. Better yet, their ultra-stretchy, soft, polyester fabric with Omni-Wick technology keeps you cool and sweat-free all day and the high-rise fit will flatter anyone. These leggings, which also come with a hidden pocket, work equally well as a base layer or on their own during your travels.

06 of 09

Best Active: Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity Running Leggings

Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity High Waisted Running Leggings — Courtesy of Sweaty Betty
https://www.sweatybetty.com/us/shop/bottoms/leggings/zero-gravity-high-waisted-running-leggings-SB5402_BlackTonalScalePrint.html

When your travels involve hiking, mountaineering, or other active pursuits, go with the Zero Gravity High Waisted Running Leggings from Sweaty Betty. You'll love how these contoured-yet-comfy leggings look on you. They're made from ultra-lightweight, sweat-wicking Italian fabric, whose curved seams help to sculpt and lift the bum. Other pluses include the UV 50+ protection and its zippered back and side pocket. Carefully crafted to flatter your body, these leggings also look good with its selection of prints to choose from.

07 of 09

Best High-Waisted: J. Crew 7/8 High-Rise Leggings

J. Crew 7/8 high-rise leggings in leopard — Courtesy of J. Crew
https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens_category/pants/leggings/78-highrise-leggings-in-leopard/AK709?color_name=camel-black

J. Crew offers the best of both worlds with their stylish, yet cozy leggings, like their 7/8 High Rise Leggings. These best-selling, super-snug leggings will look good on everyone, thanks to the fun leopard print, perfect sizing (they hit just above the ankle), and high-rise double waistband that sucks everything in (comfortably) and lifts you up. Use the secret pocket in the back to stash your keys or extra change.

08 of 09

Best Breathable: Outdoor Voices TechSweat 7/8 Two-Tone Leggings

Whether you’re sitting on a crowded plane or curled up on a bus or train, it's essential to wear pants that allow you to move freely and won't constrict your body. The TechSweat 7/8 Two-Tone Leggings from Outdoor Voices will do the trick: these lightweight, breathable pants hug your shape while you move, and there’s even a secure back pocket for your phone and keys. The snug-yet-comfortable waistband was built to stay put, so you don’t have to worry about things shifting around when you’re on the go.

Continue to 9 of 9 below.

09 of 09

Best for Winter: Sweaty Betty Ski Base Layer Leggings

If you’re not already planning that girls’ getaway to Iceland, these Sweaty Betty Ski Base Layer Leggings will give you the perfect excuse: when it comes to offering maximum levels of comfort all-day in freezing-cold weather, these leggings deliver. They’re made from sweat-wicking, quick-drying fabric that’s totally breathable and stretchy, while the ribbed waistband and hem ensure prime coziness. Plus, the festive print options are super cute.