These Are Best Cotton Leggings That Won’t Break The Bank!
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Whether youโre 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 theyโre 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 itโs super soft and non-restrictive, but it can be a little tricky to find a pair of cotton leggings that arenโt see-through.
You’ll want a pair that are made from a high-quality, dense fabric that will flatter your body shape. Youโll 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 thatโs where we hope to come to the rescue.
Weโve compiled a list of the best cotton leggings on the market, along with a Buyerโs Guide and โFrequently Asked Questionsโ 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 manufacturerโs 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, letโs take a look at our favorite cotton leggings of the momentโฆ
Best Cotton Leggings for Women
1. No Nonsense Women’s Cotton Legging
These No Nonsense leggings are highly rated online, and itโs easy to see why. These versatile leggings are made from cotton, polyester, and spandex mix, and have integrated โSmart Tempโ fabric that adjusts to your body temperature to keep you warm when itโs cold, and cool when itโs 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 theyโre also super flattering and look great smartened up, or dressed down and worn casually. Theyโre also durable and provide no-show coverage so you can be confident you look your best.
- Stylish and trend right for everyday wear
- Easy to wear and easy to care for, the leggings keep their shape and color after washing, and won't get baggy knees
- Featuring a 29-Inch inseam, flatter your figure with its soft high-quality fabric and slim fit, giving you confidence with no-show...
- Wear this wardrobe essential with a brightly colored tunic and a ballet flats on any casual occasion
- These leggings are made with a 57% cotton 38% polyester 5% spandex blend
Last update on 2023-06-08 at 06:01 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- Soft material made of 57% Cotton, 38% Polyester, 5% Spandex
- Machine Washable and wonโt 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. Theyโve 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 wonโt 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.
- 92% Cotton, 8% Spandex , Machine Washable
- Wide comfort waistband for support and fit
- 4-way stretch for comfort and full flexibility
- Super comfortable and stretchable cotton blend fabric that is soft to the touch and never slides down
- 18 Inch inseam
Last update on 2023-06-08 at 04:51 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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 doesnโt 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.
- SOFT STRETCH FABRIC - Cotton-spandex stretch fabric is super soft for ultimate comfort on the go.
- COMFORT AT THE WAIST - Stretchy elastic waistband keeps you comfortable.
- BODY-HUGGING FIT - Form-fitting silhouette has a high waist and hugs the body for an ultra-feminine touch.
- EASY STYLING - Pairs perfectly with your favorite tees, crop tops, and sports bras.
- ANKLE LENGTH - 27" inseam hits at the ankles for everyday style.
Last update on 2023-06-08 at 05:01 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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 manufacturerโs 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 donโt pile like many other cheap leggings tend to do.
- FEEL THE COMFORT; Weโve combined super-soft cotton blends with a wide waistband for skin-pampering goodness and no roll-down;...
- MATCH YOUR STYLE; Your wardrobe is in for amazing versatility; Weโve designed our womenโs cotton leggings to cater to any...
- A FIT THAT FLATTERS; At HUE, we create outfit-elevating leggings youโll want to flaunt; Youโll love the easy pull-on design,...
- CREATED TO LAST; No more dealing with stretch pants for women that rip on day one; No dealing with leggings that lose their shape...
- DESIGNED IN THE USA; Weโve been at it for over 40 years now; Setting trends and spearheading innovation right in the USA;...
Last update on 2023-06-08 at 06:01 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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 itโs easy to see why. Theyโre 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 youโre 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 wonโt have to walk around feeling self-conscious.
- Fitted, tapered legging featuring elastic waistband and ankle length
Last update on 2023-06-08 at 06:21 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
These come in a variety of colors and prints and are great for both everyday wear or yoga, plus theyโre 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 isnโt as shiny as it looks in the images
6. Danskin Women’s Essentials Ankle Legging
If youโre 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 thatโs essential for ensuring your leggings donโt become transparent or thin.
- Ankle-length athletic legging featuring elasticized waistband and logoing at side
- Wicking gusseted crotch
- Inseam: 25.6"
Last update on 2023-06-08 at 06:01 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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, weโve put together this buyerโs guide containing all the points you should consider before purchasingโฆ
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 itโs great for providing your leggings with that extra structure so they donโt 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 manufacturerโs size guide before ordering and check reviews to find out how other buyers found the fit.
With leggings, itโs 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 thatโs 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 womanโs 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 canโt withstand frequent washing.
Comfort
If your leggings arenโt comfortable, what are they good for?
While you want a pair of leggings that are form-fitting and enhance your figure, itโs 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 doesnโt chafe or irritate the skin.
Cost
The great thing about leggings is that theyโre 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, youโll 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 canโt 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
Are Cotton Leggings Good?ย
Cotton leggings are great for comfort and stretch thanks to their soft, lightweight feel. Theyโre ideal for wearing around the house or are a comfortable alternative to pants or tights.
The main issue people have with cotton leggings is their tendency to be see-through, which is usually the case when the leggings have been made from cheap, thin fabric, or when theyโve been washed multiple times and start to thin out in areas.
Your best bet is to choose a pair of high-quality leggings that contain a high percentage of cotton, and polyester is also great for adding extra weight and durability to the fabric.
Are Leggings Still in Style?
While trends come and go, leggings are one of those items of clothing that remain a wardrobe staple. The reason for this is that leggings should be treated as a foundation for the rest of your outfit, so how on-trend or stylish you look largely depends on what you pair your leggings with, rather than the leggings themselves.
Leggings are a popular choice among fashionistas when paired with oversized tees, sneakers, a denim jacket, or a long, duster coat.
Can You Wear Leggings Over 50?ย
Yes, thereโs no age limit to wearing leggings, despite certain people saying theyโre more suited to the youth! The key to styling leggings well when youโre over 50 is to choose a high-quality pair that will flatter your body shape and are dense enough to provide full coverage.
Itโs all about what you pair your leggings with, for example, they can look sleek and sophisticated with a long blouse or a shirt dress. Keep accessories to a minimum and for the most flattering style, stick to black, as it works well with a range of outfits and will also streamline your figure.
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