These Are Best Cotton Leggings That Won’t Break The Bank!

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Whether you’re working out, running errands about town, or simply relaxing at home, leggings provide ultimate comfort and can expand your range of movement. And this review of the best cotton leggings for women this year.

Cotton leggings especially are a great wardrobe staple as they’re versatile and can be paired with a myriad of different tees, dresses, or shirts, and can even be dressed up with heels. 

The cotton fabric is perfect for everyday wear as it’s super soft and non-restrictive, but it can be a little tricky to find a pair of cotton leggings that aren’t see-through.

You’ll want a pair that are made from a high-quality, dense fabric that will flatter your body shape. You’ll also want to consider other elements such as fit, style and color, the thickness of the leggings, and of course their durability and care requirements. 

 With an abundance of different styles and brands online, finding the right pair of cotton leggings can be difficult, but that’s where we hope to come to the rescue.

We’ve compiled a list of the best cotton leggings on the market, along with a Buyer’s Guide and ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ section, so you know exactly what to look out for before committing to a purchase. 

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Before we dive into our best picks, here are a few essential points to bear in mind when shopping for the perfect pair of cotton leggings: 

• Look for a pair made from high-quality, dense cotton 
• Additional spandex can be great for added stretch 
• Choose your size depending on the manufacturer’s size guide, not your usual size 
• Black leggings are great in terms of versatility and perfect for pairing with a range of outfits 
• High-waisted, slim-fit leggings are the most flattering 
• A wide, elasticated waistband is best for support and comfort 

So, with this in mind, let’s take a look at our favorite cotton leggings of the moment…

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Best Cotton Leggings for Women

1. No Nonsense Women’s Cotton Legging

These No Nonsense leggings are highly rated online, and it’s easy to see why. These versatile leggings are made from cotton, polyester, and spandex mix, and have integrated “Smart Temp” fabric that adjusts to your body temperature to keep you warm when it’s cold, and cool when it’s hot.

These leggings provide all-day comfort and great stretch without slacking at the waist and knees – they keep their shape and color even after frequent washing. 

We love the feel of these leggings and the combination of comfort and style: they feel great when on, but they’re also super flattering and look great smartened up, or dressed down and worn casually. They’re also durable and provide no-show coverage so you can be confident you look your best. 

Pros 

• Soft material made of 57% Cotton, 38% Polyester, 5% Spandex
• Machine Washable and won’t fade or loosen with each wash 
• Smart Temp fabric adjusts with your body temperature
• Versatile enough for everyday wear 
• Flattering, slim fit that complements all body shapes 
• High-quality fabric for no-show coverage
• Wide range of sizes 
• Affordable 

Cons 

• These run large

2. Spalding Women’s Essential Capri Legging

If you prefer a Capri style, these leggings from Spalding are a wardrobe staple. These leggings have a high cotton content for ultimate comfort and a natural-fiber feel. They’ve also got a touch of spandex in them for that added 4-way stretch, to enhance your range of movement. 

The wide comfort waistband on these leggings lies flat on your stomach providing both support and structure to flatter your figure, while the stretchable cotton-blend fabric feels soft against your skin and won’t slacken or slide down your legs.

These leggings are great for a casual look during the summer, for wearing around the house, or for working out. 

Pros

• 92% Cotton, 8% Spandex for combined comfort and stretch 
• Wide comfort waistband for support and fit
• 4-way stretch for comfort and full flexibility
• Capri style for breathability 
• Fabric doesn’t slacken or slide down
• Great price point – plenty of bang for your buck 
• Wide range of sizes 

Cons 

• These run small

3. Hanes Women’s Stretch Jersey Legging

These Hanes leggings are slightly thicker than your average pair of leggings, so they have enough weight to prevent that embarrassing see-through look.

These are made from a mix of cotton, polyester, and a touch of spandex for an increased range of movement.

The cotton mix of these leggings provides a soft feel that provides all-day comfort, while the added stretch molds to the shape of your body for a flattering fit.

The comfortable elastic waistband provides the perfect combination of forgiveness and support. These leggings are breathable and are a great basic for everyday wear or those days when you simply want to prioritize comfort. 

Pros 

• 54% Cotton, 36% Polyester, 10% Spandex
• Machine washable 
• A touch of spandex for move-with-you comfort
• Heavier fabric weight to prevent show-through
• Flattering fit and versatile style 
• Comfortable elastic waistband

Cons 

• Limited choice of colors

4. HUE Women’s Cotton Ultra Legging with Wide Waistband

These leggings from HUE are made from a mix of cotton, rayon, and lycra spandex for a combination of comfort, fit, and flexibility. They’re ultra-comfortable thanks to the wide, non-binding waistband, while the added stretch provides a full range of movement for whatever your day throws at you. 

These leggings have a flattering, streamlined fit and the fabric is thick and non-see-through. They’re available in a range of sizes, including plus sizes, and the manufacturer’s size chart is great for achieving an accurate fit depending on your body measurements.

These leggings are of good quality and offer great durability. They wash well in the machine and don’t pile like many other cheap leggings tend to do.

Without a doubt, these are some of the best leggings on the market in terms of quality and affordability. 

Pros 

• 54% Cotton, 38% Rayon, 8% Lycra Spandex
• Elastic closure with wide non-binding comfort waistband
• Machine washable 
• Comfortable stretch and flattering fit. 
• Not see-through 
• True to size and available in plus sizes too 
• Affordable 

Cons

• Not an extensive range of colors on offer

5. American Apparel Women’s Cotton-Spandex Jersey Legging

These leggings are an online favorite, and it’s easy to see why. They’re made from a mix of cotton and spandex, for a figure-hugging yet comfortable fit.

These have a four-way stretch to offer a wide range of motion and provide comfort throughout the day.

The high waistband is both on-trend and flattering, and the elastic closure means these leggings will stretch to fit your body without slackening at the waist, so you still get that figure-enhancing look and feel, but with added comfort. 

If you’re worried about your leggings being see-through – which is a common issue with cotton varieties – fear not, as these are made from a durable, midweight material for reduced sheerness, so you won’t have to walk around feeling self-conscious.

These come in a variety of colors and prints and are great for both everyday wear or yoga, plus they’re available in sizes extra-small to extra-large. 

Pros 

• 92% Cotton, 8% Spandex for added stretch 
• High-waisted elastic closure
• Machine washable for convenience and tumble-dry low 
• High rise, slim fit style 
• Four-way-stretch fabric offers maximum stretch for a wide range of motion and all-day comfort
• Midweight material for reduced sheerness

Cons

• Material isn’t as shiny as it looks in the images

6. Danskin Women’s Essentials Ankle Legging

If you’re looking for a more athletic-style legging for doing activities such as yoga or pilates in, this pair from Danskin is made mainly from cotton but has added polyester and spandex for increased durability and range of movement. 

These leggings come to the ankle so are perfect for wearing with running shoes or sneakers, and feature an elasticized waistband for additional comfort and support.

The moisture-wicking, gusseted crotch provides all-day comfort and keeps sweat at bay, and the 37% polyester in these leggings provide that added weight that’s essential for ensuring your leggings don’t become transparent or thin. 

These leggings are great for athletic types or for lazy days around the house, and they come in a wide range of sizes, from XS to 3X X-large to cater to a range of body shapes and sizes. 

Pros 

•  57% Cotton, 37% Polyester, 6% Spandex – good durability and comfort
• Machine washable and easy to care for 
• Ankle-length athletic style 
• Elasticized waistband and logo at side
• Wicking gusseted crotch to keep moisture at bay 
• Durable, midweight fabric 
• Perfect for yoga or sports
• Wide range of sizes

Cons 

• Only 6% spandex means limited stretch

Detailed Buying Guide for Cotton Leggings

With such a wide range of choices on the market, it can be difficult to identify the right pair of leggings for you, particularly when many share quite similar specifications.

To make your decision that little bit easier, we’ve put together this buyer’s guide containing all the points you should consider before purchasing… 

Fabric

What percentage of cotton are your leggings?

While you may not think too much about the material of your clothes, small changes in fabric percentage can make a big difference. The percentage of cotton in the leggings will determine how soft they feel against your skin, so this is important if comfort is your number one priority. 

Polyester is a man-made material but it’s great for providing your leggings with that extra structure so they don’t go baggy at the knees or around the waist. It can also help prevent the leggings from appearing see-through, which is a common issue with cotton leggings. 

Spandex is also a good fabric to look out for in cotton leggings, as it can provide that little bit of extra stretch to promote a free range of movement and provide you with all-day comfort regardless of what your day throws at you. 

Fit

Shopping online can seem like a bit of a risk when it comes to sizing, as many leggings run smaller or larger than usual. The best way to get the right fit for you is to check the manufacturer’s size guide before ordering and check reviews to find out how other buyers found the fit. 

With leggings, it’s important to get the right size as you want to achieve that balance between a pair that provides a flattering fit that molds to the shape of your body but has enough give and stretch to feel comfortable and non-restrictive.

At the same time, if you select a size that’s too big for you, you may experience gathering at the knees or slacking on the waistband, which defeats the purpose of the leggings in the first place. In other words – fit is everything! 

Durability and Quality

A good pair of cotton leggings should be well-made, with strong stitching at the seams, and made from high-quality, ethically-sourced fabrics. The quality of the material will largely determine the durability of your leggings, as cheap, thin cotton will wear down quickly and may even irritate your skin or cause chaffing. 

Poor materials will also likely be see-through, which is every woman’s worst nightmare when it comes to leggings, so always ensure the fabric is thick and dense enough to cover your skin and underwear.

Most cotton leggings are machine washable, but low-quality leggings are likely to fade in color or loosen the more they are washed. There is also the issue of fabric pilling, which can happen with leggings that are cheaply made and can’t withstand frequent washing. 

Comfort

If your leggings aren’t comfortable, what are they good for?

While you want a pair of leggings that are form-fitting and enhance your figure, it’s equally important that they provide maximum comfort, too. When it comes to shopping for your perfect pair, lookout for a pair that has a high cotton content as these will feel soft and natural on the skin. 

On the other hand, the stretch is also important. Leggings with added spandex will increase your range of movement and will allow the fabric to move with your body.

You also want to pay attention to the waistband. Look for a wide, elasticated waistband that sits flat on your stomach so it doesn’t chafe or irritate the skin. 

Cost

The great thing about leggings is that they’re a modern-day fashion staple and are widely available online, meaning the prices have become more competitive over time, too.

While you can get more expensive cotton leggings, you’ll get the most bang for your buck if you aim for the middle price point, around $15-$40. 

Look for a pair that are highly rated and combines all of the elements that make a great pair of leggings: comfort, style, high-quality fabric, and a good degree of stretch.

Avoid super cheap pairs that are likely to have a lower cotton content or be made of poor quality materials, as these will be less durable and may thin in places after washing, causing them to become see-through. 

Style

Leggings are one of those clothing items that you can’t have too many of, and cotton leggings are by far the most versatile as they can be worn casually with sneakers for a workout, or dressed up with a pair of heels and a dress.

You can also get Capri styles, which expose your calves and are great for sports, hiking, or wearing in the summer months. Color is also an important factor to consider.

Black is great in terms of versatility as a pair of black leggings can be paired with endless outfits, however, you may want to choose several pairs, including a printed or colored pair, so that you have a variety of staple pairs to base your outfits around. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Cotton Leggings