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Byrdie / Kristin Kempa
It's well known that if you want an airy, breathable experience when wearing your favorite clothing, cotton is where it's at. The natural fabric encourages airflow to prevent overheating while absorbing sweat and keeping you comfortably cool. With leggings, the textile is often blended with one or more synthetic fibers, such as spandex or lycra, to add stretch, durability, and opacity (100% cotton can be somewhat sheer). "Cotton leggings are perfect for everyday wear," says fashion designer Jonathan Bräuner Delfs, noting that they're lightweight, breathable, and versatile.
Though leggings have become a wardrobe staple, finding the right pair can still be overwhelming. That's why we've conducted hours of research, evaluating trusted lounge and sports brands and keeping versatility, sizing, and price in mind. After reading customer reviews, consulting with experts, and considering dozens of cotton legging options, we landed on these top-rated choices, from versatile crops to trendy flares.
Best Overall
Lyssé Classic Cotton Legging
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Amazon
Materials: Cotton, spandex | Sizes: XS–2X
If you ask us, the best cotton leggings come from Lyssé. This particular pair is 86% cotton and the rest is spandex, so you can count on natural breathability and sweat-wicking abilities without sacrificing durability and stretch. These full-length leggings have a smoothing waistband and a body-hugging fit through the hips and legs but not-quite-tight ankle hems. This makes them not only appropriate for loungewear but also easy to pair with flats, blazers, and blouses. We also appreciate that they're machine-washable and dryer-friendly.
Best Budget
Old Navy Jersey Ankle Leggings
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Old Navy
Materials: Cotton, spandex | Sizes: XS–4X
On a budget? Look no further than Old Navy. The tried-and-true brand makes some stellar leggings, including this pair, which boasts a whopping 96% cotton content. Available in a handful of colors and an inclusive range of sizes, the classic style is fitted all the way down, with an ankle-length cut and a high-rise waistband.
Best High-Rise
90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Ankle Length Leggings
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Materials: Cotton, spandex | Sizes: XS–XL
If a high-rise waist is a must-have feature, these mostly cotton leggings might be your best bet. We love how the smooth, non-pinching design compresses your midsection like shapewear and holds everything in. "They're the softest gym leggings I've ever owned," adds fashion and lifestyle influencer Demi Fewkes. "I need to order another pair."
Best Mid-Rise
HUE Cotton Legging
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Nordstrom
Materials: Cotton, rayon, lycra | Sizes: XS–3X
Prefer something not so super high-rise? Check out this pair from Hue. These leggings sit right below the belly button and promise to stay in place, thanks to the thick, wide waistband. We also like that the dense yet flexible weave isn't see-through, so you can squat, bend, and move without worry.
Best Fold-Over
Skims Cotton Jersey Foldover Pant
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Skims
Materials: Cotton, spandex | Sizes: XXS–4X
These stretchy pants from Skims are woven from 90% cotton and 10% spandex, so you can bet they're breathable and soft yet flexible. We love how the extra-wide waistband can be folded down for a 2000s-inspired low-rise look or kept up when you want a little more support. The bootcut silhouette just adds to the throwback vibe.
Best Basic Black
Splendid French Terry Legging
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Splendid
Materials: Supima cotton, modal, spandex | Sizes: XXS–2X
Everyone can use a pair of basic black leggings. We like these ones, which flaunt a traditional full-length cut, a mid-rise waist, and an incredibly soft and stretchy terry fabric that feels like you're wearing nearly nothing. You can rock them with athleisure, loungewear, and your comfiest, fuzziest socks.
Best Bootcut
Lolë Organic Cotton Bootleg Pants
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Lolë
Materials: Organic cotton, elastane | Sizes: XS–XL
On the bootcut bandwagon? You have our full support. These leggings go out from the knees down without being too dramatically flared, and the wide, smoothing waistband can be left up or folded down. We also like that 95% of the soft fabric is organic cotton.
Best Flared
Los Angeles Apparel Garment Dye Yoga Legging
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Los Angeles Apparel
Materials: Cotton, elastane | Sizes: XS–XL
For flared fans, we recommend this pair from Los Angeles Apparel. Founded by Dov Charney, the creator of American Apparel, the brand carries an impressive collection of high-quality basics, and these leggings are no exception. Woven from 95% cotton and 5% spandex, the fabric has a heavyweight feel and a flexible quality that supports your every move. And you can choose from several neutral and on-trend hues.
Best Shaping
Yummie Rachel Shaping Legging
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Yummie
Materials: Cotton, spandex | Sizes: XS–3X
Cotton garments are usually less compressive than performance fabrics, but these leggings do a good job of creating a seamless look by smoothing your waist, holding you in, and lifting your backside. We appreciate that the shaping design doesn't flatten your curves but rather highlights your best features. Meanwhile, the fabric has excellent stretch and flexibility, so you never feel restricted.
Best for Lounging
Lunya Cozy Cotton Silk Ribbed Legging
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Lunya
Materials: Organic cotton, nylon, silk, elastane | Sizes: XS–XL
These leggings from Lunya are just the thing for cuddling up at home. The fabric is a super-snuggly blend of organic cotton and natural silk with nylon and elastane woven in for stretch and lightweight structure. Not too tight with a non-bunching waistband and delightful ribbed construction, they're undoubtedly comfy enough to double as pajamas.
Best for Working Out
Gymshark Cotton Seamless Leggings
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Gymshark
Materials: Cotton, nylon, elastane | Sizes: XS–2X
What about working out? We suggest Gymshark's Cotton Seamless Leggings. These performance pants contain a surprising 76% cotton for breathability and softness, while the nylon and elastane content elevate the sweat-wicking abilities and ensure stretchiness for a full range of movement. The ribbed material holds you in without digging in, and the extra-high waist offers a tummy-cinching, booty-shaping effect.
Best Ribbed
Skims Cotton Rib Legging
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Skims
Materials: Cotton, spandex | Sizes: XXS–4X
Some of our favorite cotton leggings are ribbed, like this long john-inspired pair. Similar to boxer briefs, the design has a sturdy but not overly tight elastic waistband and coverstitch detailing down the front. These lightweight, breathable pants make great indoor loungewear, pajamas, or a base layer for extra-chilly days.
Best Organic Cotton
Eileen Fisher Lightweight Cotton Stretch Jersey Leggings
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Eileen Fisher
Materials: Organic cotton, spandex | Sizes: XXS–3X
If you're partial to organic cotton, we highly recommend these leggings from Eileen Fisher. The plant fibers are not just organically grown but also extra-long staple, which makes the fabric exceptionally durable, softer, and all-around more luxurious than standard cotton. We also like how the cropped length and not-too-tight ankles can be paired with flats, loafers, or mules for more elevated looks.
Most Versatile
Victoria's Secret VS Cotton Yoga Mid-Rise Foldover Leggings
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Victoria's Secret
Materials: Cotton, modal, recycled polyester, elastane | Sizes: XS–XXL
These fold-over leggings can be worn high-waisted, folded down an inch for a mid-rise cut, or as low-rise pants. And while they only come in two variations of black, this only adds to the versatility—after all, black stretchy pants are a time-tested wardrobe staple.
Best Classic
L.L.Bean Perfect Fit Leggings
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L.L.Bean
Materials: Cotton, lycra elastane | Sizes: XS–3X
Those looking for classic cotton leggings will like this pull-on pair from L.L.Bean. Not too high or too low, the mid-rise cut sits below the belly button, while the skinny leg covers the entire ankle. The fabric is thick with a smoothing quality and good coverage but also stretchy and breathable. What's not to love?
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Quince
Materials: Organic cotton, nylon, spandex | Sizes: XS–XL
Calling all expecting and post-partum mamas! These maternity leggings are second to none. Made from organic cotton, they're extra-soft with a touch of stretch, while the built-in belly panel provides over-the-bump support just like your favorite maternity jeans. These stretchy pants will expand and shrink back down post-pregnancy, so you can keep wearing them through the fourth trimester and beyond.
What to Consider When Buying Cotton Leggings
- Materials: Bräuner Delfs notes that cotton leggings are ideal for daily wear, as the "natural fibers allow your skin to breathe." That said, most "cotton leggings" contain other materials to add stretch, durability, compression, and shape retention. You might see fabrics with nylon, polyester, spandex, elastane, polyamide, rayon, or Lycra. Sometimes, other natural fibers are woven in, such as silk or modal.
- Rise: When shopping for cotton leggings, pay attention to the rise. Many have smoothing high-rise waists, while others are mid-rise. You'll also see fold-over options, which can be worn high-waisted or low-rise.
- Silhouette and Cut: Leggings are generally fitted through the thighs, legs, and ankles. However, you'll also find bootcut and flared options, along with hems that aren't completely skin-tight. The latter can be highly versatile, as you can wear this pants style as loungewear, athleisure, workout attire, or with professional ensembles.
- Length: Most cotton leggings are full-length, meaning they cover the entire ankle on most wearers. But there are also cropped and 7/8 options for shorter people and those who prefer to show a little ankle skin. Some brands have multiple inseam lengths, making it easier to choose an option that fits your body type.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer, editor, and product reviewer specializing in apparel, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle. She's keenly familiar with the top brands (and less-known companies worth checking out) and knows how to find the best of the internet's current offerings. You can read more of her buying guides on Travel + Leisure and People.
Meet the Experts:
- Jonathan Bräuner Delfs is a fashion designer and the CEO of men's style and lifestyle company Men's Venture.
- Demi Fewkes is a fashion and lifestyle influencer whose content provides guidance on everyday styling and wardrobe building.
- Adacé Tseng is a product and technical apparel designer.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough cotton leggings from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
