Is the Life of the Legging Really Over?

First it was the skinny jean, and ladies, Gen Z is now coming for our beloved leggings. But before you toss those tights to keep up with the trends, there is still a time and place for your favorite bottom and that’s to exercise. I don’t see the legging going anywhere when it comes to working out because the fit of leggings offers the best in compression, sweat wicking and distraction-free performance. There is no better pant to support you while you squat or wick your sweat away while you make strides. So when it comes to the pant you are going to grab the most when you exercise, it’s still going to be those leggings. We can all breathe a sigh of relief because I too have invested more on my legging collection than any other part of my wardrobe.

But when thinking of your daytime look—taking your athelsiure to the streets, as I like to say — you are going to want to leave the leggings at the gym. And for a more modern look, swap those leggings out for pants or trousers.

Now don’t immediately wince at the word “trousers”. The trousers of today are not your unattractive pants from 20 years ago. Companies like Lululemon and Alo are changing how we know trousers forever. We don’t have to trade comfort for cool because our favorite athleisure brands are giving us comfortable, polished and flattering bottoms that are alternatives to leggings. And don’t stress girls— I am here to share a bunch of my favorite pants with you all.

The Flowy, Wide Leg Pant

The flowy, wide leg pant is a necessity in every women’s wardrobe. They are pure perfection when it comes to being comfortable and cute for whatever your day brings. This style pant is the most versatile of all the pants I’m sharing because they can literally be worn to lift weights at the gym to chasing kids in the park to running errands to dashing into a work meeting and even for a night out. With the flowy, wide leg pant, it’s all about what you pair with them.

My favorite is the Swift Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Pant from Lululemon. The waistband is high, wide and elastic. The leg is soft and easy to wear. The fit is flattering. The length is long enough for me without dragging on the floor. They look great with sneakers, sandals or flats. I simply love this pant— can you tell? No joke, I am wearing them right now as I write this. That’s because I am currently on an airplane and these make the best travel pants ever!

They are comfortable and won’t wrinkle during the ride. And when I get to my destination, I can simply change my sneakers to ballet flats and my sweatshirt to a sweater and immediately have a put-together look.

The Villa Wideleg Pant from Vuori is another great flowy pant option. These have an “ultra wide-leg” made in lightweight, silky soft signature Vuori fabric. I like that these pants come in 3 lengths because I definitely need the long length (recommended for those taller than 5’8”).

A similar style pant but one with a sportier flair is the Swift High Rise Wide-Leg Pant Logo Waistband from Lululemon or the Suit Up Trouser from Alo. This is a more athletic looking pant because of the elastic logo waistband.

I love the pleats on this style pant from Alo. All of the pants from Alo have a 30 inch inseam and are “designed for heights 5’7” and under” so for someone like me, I’d need to order the pants in the “tall” length.

The Trouser

The athleisure trouser is a popular style of pant when it comes to legging alternatives. The trouser is perfect for work but rest assure, it never feels like you’re wearing “work clothes”. That’s because the fabric of the trousers of 2025 share the same properties as your favorite and most comfortable workout wear— breathable, stretchy and moisture wicking. The waistbands even have elastic for the ultimate comfortable pant. The trouser is what you’ll want to grab for a modern, more polished daytime look.

The Daydrift Trouser from Lululemon is their best selling pant this season. The Luxtreme Fabric feels cool to the touch and adds Lycra for stretch and shape retention. This pant comes in a wide variety of styles and colors. The Daydrift Trouser comes in a straight leg, a wide leg, a jogger and a tapered leg. And I could find a purpose for all of them!

From Alo, the High-Waist Dreamscape Trouser is a gorgeous, wide-leg pant that drapes beautifully. And this sophisticated pant is machine washable— no dry cleaning bills here.

Athleta’s version of the trouser pant is called the Pinnacle High Rise Trouser. This style pant doesn't have the belt loops or pleat details so it’s definitely giving a more casual feel. The fabric is lightweight and luxurious. These also come in 3 lengths and are currently on sale for 30% off!

At Vuori, the Villa Trouser comes in short and long lengths in addition to the regular length. Lightweight, wrinkle-resistant with 4-way stretch fabric makes this pant feel like loungewear while looking beautifully tailored.

And new this season from Vuori is the Maven Wideleg Pant for a little more structure with the pleats and the soft double knit fabric, perfect for cooler temps.

The Track Pant

I couldn’t write this post without talking about the pant that perhaps inspired all the cool pant looks to come— the track pant… and of course, the OG track pant comes from Adidas.

The Adicolor Satin Wide Leg Track Pant is my favorite style from Adidas because of the volume of these pants. The legs are longer and wider, and the colors are bold and beautiful. Sure, you could exercise in these, but I love the idea of pairing them with a great white tee, a cozy cashmere crewneck sweater and low profile fashion sneaker— or a even loafer— for the ultimate cool girl look.

If you want something a little more fitted, go with the Classic Firebird Loose Track Pants from Adidas.

Lululemon has an adorable new track pant this season. The Define Mid-Rise Track Pant and matching Jacket are so dope.

The MVP Mid Rise Side Stripe Pant from Athleta is another great track-style pant that is flowy and sits lower on the hips with a drawstring waist. New fall colors include navy and chocolate brown, both with cream stripes down the leg. If the sporty stripe isn’t your thing, this pant also comes without the stripe but with a beautiful snap button detail along the bottom of the leg for something a little dressier (and these are also on sale right now).

The largest variety of the track pant styles come from Free People Movement, and my favorite is their popular Champ Is Here Pant.

This pant is super high-waisted and cropped. In the colder months, it’s a great pant to layer over leggings. New, fun colors are added every season. While these pants from Free People have sporty track vibes, they aren’t a silk blend like the traditional track pant so you could also put these into my next category of pants…

The Swoosh Pant

I’ve named this style pant from the sound the nylon fabrication makes when you move. You know what I am talking about— that swish and swoosh as you run, jump and lunge in them. These pants are largely worn for activities like yoga, Pilates or lifting weights, or as layering pieces when traveling to and from the studio. But they are also a great pant for a daytime casual look.

When it comes to a large selection of cool sporty pants, Free People Movement immediately comes to mind. Think volume, bright colors and soft textures. But out of the many options, The Every Move Pant is my favorite and the most wearable of the bunch.

The Foldover-Waist Jogger from Lululemon is reminiscent of the pants I owned in the 90’s but so much cooler. I like the comfort and versatility of the cotton, foldover waist. And the pant fabric, while lightweight, water repellent and nylon, is soft and so much easier to wear than the nylon of the 90’s.

The Pursuit Mid Rise Zip Jogger from Athelta with the side zipper detail is great for more movement. And you guessed it— another great pant from Athleta on major sale right now.

So, is the life of the legging over?

The leggings market share in the athleisure category dropped big time from 2022 to 2025 which signals a real shift in this category. While I’m not totally sold on the idea of baggy workout pants because I like the compression and support I get from my leggings during my workout, it is time to get updated, everyday pants. Even if the “baggy girl” aesthetic just seems too youthful for you, with so many great pant options out there, you’re sure to find a few silhouettes that are just right for you!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the so-called “end of an era” in the comments below.

*All photos in this post are clickable. This post contains links that are commissionable for me, at no additional cost to you. Rest assure, I only write about products that I genuinely use and love, and that will never change!