The 15 best flare leggings, tested and reviewed

Pros: Lightweight sculpting fabric

Cons: Light support not suitable for high-intensity workouts, not safe for dryer machine

The Carbon38 Split Bootcut Legging is part of the brand's Melt collection, which promises a fit and feel that's melt-in-your-skin comfortable. It boasts a split below the knee, giving the bottom some extra flare and style that can be worn casually with sneakers, or dressed up with comfortable heels and a nice blouse.

"I wore these during the daytime with sneakers and an oversized sweater. For dinner and drinks, I threw on a blazer, changed into pumps, and swiped on a red lip. The pants looked polished in both scenarios," writes freelance style reporter Talia Ergas.

"Even though they look elegant enough to wear out, I love that these versatile leggings still have everything you'd want in workout pants. I recently wore them to a workout class and they didn't budge through squats and kicks. My one caution is for pet owners: These attracted hair from my cat. Now I know to carry a small lint roller when I wear these."

Pros: Size inclusive, includes two hip pockets

Cons: High demand means they're frequently out of stock

We tried flare leggings from Popflex, a size-inclusive activewear brand that Taylor Swift has been spotted wearing. Now we understand why Swifties made its gear go viral.

"They elongate my legs and give my butt a nice lift. I feel nice and supported, and the fabric is so buttery soft," says Insider Reviews' senior home editor Jaclyn Turner. "Also, thank goodness for subtle side pockets that easily fit my phone."

Our deputy editor Lauren Savoie also approves. "These leggings, with their high-waisted crisscross details, make me feel very Gen Z (in a good way!)," she says. "I love that they come in different inseams. At 5'11", I find that pants are chronically short on me, but these leggings in the 34" inseam were perfect, if not a little long (they go up to a 37" inseam)."

Read our full Popflex review to learn what other pieces we tested and loved.

Pros: Extra short inseam, soft stretchy fabric, includes back pocket

Cons: Expensive

Speaking from experience, finding a pair of pants — let alone leggings — that fit without tailoring is a struggle. Lululemon's Align Ribbed Mini-Flared Pant in Extra Short makes our best flare legging list because their pair for petite and extra petites fit just right on us shorties. They extend just above the floor, so you don't have to worry about stumbling over extra material, and the fabric is designed with sweat-wicking and fast-drying features, as well as a four-way stretch so you can move at your own pace and feel comfortable doing so.

Pros: Inclusive size range, comfortable waistband

Cons: Limited color variety, not ideal for HIIT workouts

The creation of the OG High Waisted Flare Legging is a testament to just how closely Aerie listens to its customer feedback. The brand's beloved Chill Feel Comfy legging inspired the flare style, which, as the comments prove, is just as beloved. It's a no-frills legging that's incredibly soft, comfortable for all-day wear and offers light support around the waistline, so your middle doesn't feel compressed. The pair is the best because it's not restrictive and can move with you throughout the day's events, whether that includes lounging on the couch or hitting the mat for a restorative yoga flow.

Read more in our full Offline Aerie High-Waisted Crossover Leggings review.

Pros: Available in high-rise, crossover waistband, or with pockets

Cons: May not suit all petite sizes

For those shopping on a budget, Tnnzeet's style is one of the best flare leggings you can get for under $20. These flare leggings come in eight color options and sizes XS to XL. Though the product description claims the bottoms are best suited for anyone 5'7" and taller, reviewers say the fit works on shorter frames, too.

Pros: Breathable fabric, side pockets

Cons: Only one inseam available

SuperFit Hero has an impressive array of cute, plus-size workout clothes for whatever your exercise routine looks like. These flared leggings feature full sized hip pockets, as well as a smoothing waistband that won't roll down your stomach. Their thick, squat-proof fabric is opaque and has flat lock seams, so you can forget about any uncomfortable chafing.

Pros: Extra long inseam available, three-layer waistband, includes back pockets

Cons: Limited color options

If you often have trouble finding flare leggings with a hem that hits the floor, this pair has a 33-inch inseam so they'll fit correctly over your sneakers. According to reviews, the Elation Flare Pant is one of the best flare leggings Athleta offers for people with long legs. While the fit is snug, the style fits smoothly without side seams. 

Pros: Soft, fleecy fabric, long inseams

Cons: Unsubtle brand logo emblazoned on pant leg

The folded waistband and ruched detail on this pair really draws from my earliest memories of yoga pants. There's just a hint of flare at their hems, and while they're form-fitting, their legs are a bit more relaxed when compared to athletic leggings. You can practically sub them in for sweatpants, since the fleecy material is lightweight but warm and soft.

Pros: Two stash pockets, high-waisted fit that hits at the natural waist, buttery-soft fabric

Cons: Some reviewers report this pair runs small

Athleta;s Salutation Stash Flare Pants are our top pick for flare leggings with pockets because they feature two deep pockets, which reviewers report are roomy enough for all of your everyday essentials. They comfortably fit items like smartphones, keys, cards, or a wallet, and because the fit is so sleek and the style comes in solid dark shades, they're just as great for a workout as they are for a day of running errands.

Pros: Front smoothing panel, medium compression, flat-locked seams

Cons: Not inclusive to larger sizes

For those on the hunt for a legging that smooths and accentuates in all the right places, this slightly cropped Alo Airbrush Legging gives you an ample lift in the rear. It's called "Airbrush" for a reason: this pair boasts a smoothing front panel to support your waist, but not so much that you're uncomfortable. The flexible fabric offers four-way stretch, so you can move easily, with a little extra sculpt.

Pros: Made from recycled materials, hidden pockets

Cons: Sells out quickly

If sustainability is one of your top your priorities when considering investing in a pair of flare leggings, this bootcut style from Girlfriend Collective may suit your criteria. The style is constructed from recycled plastic bottles and is recyclable through ReGirlfriend, the brand's upcycling initiative in which you can return your old Girlfriend items so the materials can be upcycled into new pieces. Each time you donate to ReGirlfriend, you're gifted a $15 credit toward a future purchase.

Read more in our full Girlfriend Collective sustainable leggings review. 

Pros: Includes pockets, moisture-wicking fabric 

Cons: Limited color variety

Beyond Yoga's Spacedye All Day Flare High-Waisted Pants are designed to take you from the mat to your home office to the grocery store. They're our favorite pair for yoga because the super soft fabric is meant to flow with you and dries quickly. The material is lightly supportive, and reviewers report about its stay power and buttery feel that feels so good, you won't want to take them off.

Pros: Extra high waist sits above the belly button, hem hits below the ankle

Cons: No pockets, some reviewers say the fit lean baggy and colors may vary in person

If you're looking for extra coverage around your middle, but don't want to feel restricted, this Old Navy pair is one of the best flare leggings to check both boxes. Reviewers rave not only is this style "waist snatching," but it rests easily on your waist and stomach, so you won't feel squeezed in.

Pros: Thick water-resistant fabric, includes four pockets and waistband loop

Cons: Made for cold weather only

Flare leggings might be a bit breezy by design, but with Baleaf's fleece-lined style, you'll stay warm even in freezing temperatures. With an upgraded fleece-lined construction, these are the best flare leggings for outdoor adventures because they can keep you nice and toasty in weather conditions below 40°F. Another plus is that these pants are riddled with pockets, so not only can you stay warm on the go, but you'll also have plenty of storage space for your essentials.

Pros: Size inclusive range, concealed core shaping technology, machine washable

Cons: Expensive

The best leggings for work are a sleek, comfortable way to cheat your office dress code, and the Spanx Perfect Pant collection is one of our favorites among the best women's workwear. These high-rise pants are professional and polished, yet stylish enough for happy hour. They boast a sleek fit with a concealed core shaping technology that smooths and sculpts, giving the illusion of a traditional trouser with the feel of a traditional flare legging.

Read more in our full Spanx Perfect black work pants review.