5 Types of Leggings Every College Girl Needs
As every college girl knows, leggings are a wardrobe staple, but they're not one of those one-pair-fits-all basics. We narrowed the vast array of the staple down to five different types of leggings that are appropriate for everything a college student's life entails. Within this five-piece legging wardrobe, there are options you can exercise in, wear out at night, throw on for class, and even dress up for your internship. And luckily, brands are stocking more leggings than ever these days, so finding your perfect pair shouldn't be difficult.
Even though the comfy activewear trend reigns supreme among millennials, gone are the days when wearing pajamas to class was the norm. College fashion girls want to look polished and cool wherever they go, and we couldn't think of a better way to achieve both polish and comfort than with leggings. That said, keep scrolling to find out the five types of leggings every college girl should own, and shop our picks.
Full-Length Athletic
Cover up during cold-weather workouts with a sleek pair of full-length leggings.
Available in sizes XS to XL.
Street-Worthy
These stylish fashion girl–approved options will be your saviors for busy days of classes, long study sessions, and exam weeks.
Leather
Leather leggings, whether genuine or faux, will be your go-to for nights out.
Cropped Athletic
Full-length leggings can feel a bit suffocating for warm-weather workouts, so be sure to have a cropped pair on hand.
Treggings
These trouser-legging hybrids are the best type of leggings to wear to an internship, a first date, or even a job interview.
Available in sizes L to 3XL.
Consider your collegiate legging wardrobe complete.
This story originally posted on an earlier date and has been updated.
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater arts. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.
-
Suddenly, All The Row-Style Girls Are Breaking This Fashion Rule
And you should, too.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
French Women Style Leggings With These Cool Items to Look Chic
Forward looks ahead.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
We're Fashion Editors—Everything We Saw, Wore, Did, and Ate During NYFW
Let's dive in.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
Kaia Gerber Just Turned This Once-Dated Trend Into the Coolest New Thing to Wear With Leggings
Noted.
By Allyson Payer
-
Sure, Black Leggings Are Timeless, But This Colored Alt Is Much More 2025
It's inspired by a rare gemstone.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Jenna Lyons's World: Her Go-To Red Lipstick, Her Latest Eyewear Collab, and the J.Crew Pieces She Still Wears Today
A true fashion icon.
By Judith Jones
-
No Offense to Sweatshirts, But This Elevated Basic Will Make Your Leggings Look Much Chicer
A French-girl favorite.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Not Into Trends? Renée Zellweger's Winter Outfit Combo Is 100% Classic
Just as you are.
By Drew Elovitz