Women in Paris, New York, and London Will Only Be Wearing These Specific Legging Trends in 2026

Leggings are so back. The controversial bottoms have made quite the return to fashion's good graces in recent years, with 2026 already shaping up to be a year when we'll spot them a lot, both in Pilates classes and Erewhon hot-bar lines with Ugg slip-ons and low-profile sneakers, as well as in offices and dinner hot spots, styled with knee-high boots and elegant kitten heels. With the help of high-profile friends like Kendall Jenner, Elsa Hosk, Laura Harrier, and others, leggings have been able to move past their reputation as fitness-only wear. Now, they're just another versatile pant option you can count on when jeans or trousers start to feel stale. But to do them the 2026 way, you'll want to stick with a few select styles. Split-leg versions, for example, are well out. The six 2026 legging trends ahead, however, are very much in.

From rich-looking chocolate brown leggings like the ones regularly spotted on people like Jennifer Lopez and Alison Brie to pointelle styles that will look just as cozy adjacent to the slopes in Megève as they do inside a cozy cabin Upstate, the legging trends ahead are perfect for comfort-seekers who still want to appear put-together and chic. They can all be styled in multiple ways, both inside and out, making them great investments as we enter the new year. Scroll down to secure a pair of each—six regret-proof purchases you'll want to wear again and again in 2026 and beyond.

2026 Legging Trends

1. Stirrup Leggings

Stirrup leggings will continue to be a regular sighting on chic women in Paris, London, and more stylish cities across the world in 2026, likely because of how versatile and easy to style they are. Pair them with ballet flats, boots, or heels, and toss on a cool jacket, like a unique trench or leather bomber jacket, and you'll have yourself a chic outfit for any occasion. Yes, even nice dinners or a night out.

Gap

High Rise Double Knit Stirrup Pants

Splits59

River High Waist Airweight Stirrup Legging

Reformation

Needle Legging

2. Brown Leggings

Of all the legging color trends to pop up in recent years, none can compete with brown leggings right now—not even black. Everyone's wearing the sumptuous shade, styling them with everything from sneakers to shearling boots. They just add a touch of difference to otherwise simple workout outfits, especially when styled with other neutrals like cream and tan.

h&m

Sports Leggings with SoftMove

Varley

Freesoft High Rise Leggings 25

3. Capri Leggings

Calling all warm-weather winter dressers, if the weather allows it, you should absolutely be adding capri leggings into your rotation. We New Yorkers might need something with a touch more coverage, but you? You should enjoy this timely trend for the rest of us, both to workout classes and brunches—preferably outdoor ones.

Beyond Yoga

High Waist Crop Leggings

Alo Yoga

Alosoft High-Waist Iconic 90's Capri

Old Navy

High-Waisted Fashion Layering Capri Legging

4. Bootcut Leggings

If you like the feel of leggings but aren't ready to introduce anything similar to skinny jeans into your everyday wardrobe, bootcut leggings—or, as I always called them, yoga pants—are the 2026 legging trend for you. The subtle flare makes them far more approachable. Plus, it offers a touch of nostalgia to the mid-2000s that's fun to play around with styling.

H&M

Flared Yoga Leggings with SoftMove

Zella

Flex High Waist Flare Leg Pants

gap

GapFit Low Rise Power Flare Leggings

5. Pointelle Leggings

If you have a fireplace in your house or apartment, I think it's 100% necessary for you to also invest in a pair of pointelle leggings, some thick cloud socks, and a luxurious pair of slippers. (My personal favorite are from the French shirting brand Charvet.) The quartet creates a picture-perfect winter image that's too tempting to forgo.

Alo

Pointelle Sweater High-Waist Be Mine Legging

& Other Stories

Pointelle-Knit Leggings

Adanola

Rib Knit Merino Blend Leggings

6. Footie Leggings

If you love stirrup leggings, take the look even further by purchasing a pair of footie leggings, which are popular in the ballet world, and offer a touch more coverage than the stirrup pairs we've grown used to seeing in recent years. They're great for wearing with boots, but I love the way Débora Rosa styled hers, with heeled sandals, too. The styling possibilities are truly endless.

Alo Yoga

Airbrush High-Waist Highlight Goddess Legging

Norma Kamali

Legging With Footie

Plush

Fleece Lined Tights With Stirrups

Why Trust Us?

At Who What Wear, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognizable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality, and real-world wearability.

We regularly try pieces ourselves, including everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes; speak to external experts and fashion insiders; and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.