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We need to talk about flare leggings.
Hot take: I cannot stand traditional leggings. Whether it’s the tightness around my ankles, the laborious process of peeling them on and off, or the overall style (or, ahem, lack thereof), standard leggings have never had a fan in me. But for yoga, they also seemed to be my only option, aside from capris (no), booty shorts (no again), or flowy pants that distracted from my practice.
But ah, the flare! Cute, comfortable, and cool, flares make my yoga ensembles feel more me. They also offer the illusion of a real pant, which makes wearing them around town ahead of class feel more like a deliberate decision than a style sacrifice borne of convenience.
The flared silhouette—tight through the leg before widening at the ankle—has been gaining in popularity in recent years on and off the mat. Whether you attribute the trend to the larger resurgence of bohemian fashion or simply a desire for bottoms that are functional without being restrictive, it seems that flare leggings are here to stay. I could not be happier about this activewear development.
The Case for Comfort
The increasing availability of the flare legging aligns with the larger turn toward comfy and cool over skintight. This seems to extend from studio to gym to the world at large, with wide-legged, even baggy, pants allowing for fashion moments that prioritize the way things feel.
Flares offer a balanced moment: loose enough through the calf for a comfortable and flattering fit, compressive enough to move with and provide support throughout a yoga practice.
6 Flare Leggings to Add Some Flair to Your Yoga Wardrobe
Whether you’re interested in flare leggings for yoga, the gym, or the airport (10/10 recommend), these six pairs are well-reviewed and well-loved among YJ staffers.
1. Lululemon Align High-Rise Mini-Flare Pant
Lululemon’s Align High-Rise Pant are a favorite here at YJ, and the mini flare option offers an easy entry point to the wide-legged world. Fans of this pant appreciate its flattering (and subtle) cut, life-to-mat functionality, and high quality.
2. Target All In Motion Women’s Everyday Soft Ultra High-Rise Flare
I own these leggings in every available color way. They fit well, wash well, and stay in place throughout even the hottest and most humid of classes—no adjustments requires. Plus, you really can’t beat the price point.
3. Splits59 Raquel High Waisted Flared Legging
For a flare legging that’s ideal for leisurewear as well as working out, one Outside editor swears by the Raquel High Waisted Flare. She attests to the high quality of the bottoms—insisting that she was wearing them during our flare conversation—as well as their versatility. Reviewers also appreciate the availability of varied inseams.
4. Athleta Salutation Stash High Rise Flare Pant
We never shut up about the Salutation Stash (The comfort! The pocket!) and the flared take simply offers more reasons to love the line. The (nearly 2,000) reviews for these pants are seriously effusive, with many noting that these are true flares—aka on the bell-bottom side.
5. FP Movement Never Better Foldover Pants
Free People is known for its flares, making FP Movement a go-to for this cut. Specifically, this foldover option is super soft and lightweight—a perfect pair for warmer weather. This flare is my favorite for lounging around the house, working from home, and a cozy Restorative session.
6. Lululemon Groove Nulu Super-High-Rise Flared Pant
Lulu’s Nulu fabric is a staff favorite for its soft and compressive (but not too tight!) fit. These flares are ideal for all-day wear. Nulu is a lightweight, breathable fabric, but one reviewer notes that the flares are warm enough for wear on chillier days, too.
