The Cult-Favorite Leggings That Make Us Forget We’re Wearing Leggings

1 day ago 13

Published on July 23, 2025 at 6:09 PM

Rebecca HoskinsRebecca Hoskins

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The right leggings can make you feel unstoppable. Part of their appeal lies in their chameleon-like abilities. Whether you're heading to dinner or the airport, leggings effortlessly become a building block to any kind of look, all while helping you feel comfortable and stylish. So, naturally, our standards are high when it comes to an item of clothing we basically live in. If you can see yourself sleeping, training, traveling, working, and attending a party in them — you've definitely found your fit. Easy to dream about, not so easy to find.

Collectively, our editors have tried hundreds of styles, and we can all agree that the ideal leggings should be soft yet durable, stretchy but supportive, and strong with ample flexibility. For us, that holy grail pair is currently the Athleta Transcend High Rise 7/8 Legging. What sets these leggings apart is the brand's VitaFree fabric, which essentially feels like a second skin. According to one fan on Athleta's website, the fabric is "wonderfully soft" with "a really nice fit" that stays in place, even during workouts. Another reviewer called the leggings "perfection," raving about their "buttery soft" fabric. In short, these leggings are so lightweight and comfortable, you'll barely feel them — and our editors fully co-sign.

For a Sweaty Workout

"Running in New York City during the summer is like running through a sauna. The heat is oppressive, which makes accomplishing even a short 5K feel like a marathon, so the clothes I wear need to be so lightweight I forget they're on my body altogether. Enter: Athleta Transcend High Rise 7/8 Legging.

Most people praise the LYCRA® fiber fabric for being perfect for yoga, but I find it just as comfortable during a short run. Granted, I'm not a long-distance runner — I don't worry about how far I'm running or how quickly I do it — but so far, my leisure runs are made better by these buttery soft leggings. For being made of a 'second-skin' fabric, I'm surprised at how easily they can wick sweat. I'm sure I'm not the only person who spends the last half of their workout panicking about sweat stains in awkward areas, but I never have to worry in these leggings." — Samantha Sasso, senior editor, branded content

From the Court to Downtown

"As a newly-obsessed tennis player, I love kicking off the weekend on the court with friends. A workout that's also social and improves my skills makes me feel so accomplished. A great tennis fit keeps me motivated and feeling like a far better player than my USTA ranking. I usually pair a cropped tank with Athleta's Transcend High Rise 7/8 legging — they're lightweight, breathable, stretchy, and comfortable, so I can just focus on my groundstrokes and volleys. They're also UPF 50+ which helps a lot when playing outside. The second we wrap up, my friend and I refill our water bottles and dart off to eat brunch, walk around downtown, do a little shopping, and see where the afternoon takes us.

The Transcend legging wicks away sweat and dries fast, so I don't need to waste time changing. By swapping my sweaty tennis sneakers for comfy mesh aqua shoes, throwing on a light bomber jacket, and adding a few sleek metallic accessories stashed in my tennis bag, no one at brunch would ever know I'm still in my gear." — Joanna Douglas, vice president, branded content