13 Pairs of Leggings (and Bike Shorts) I Constantly Get Compliments On

I'm always a bit surprised when people compliment my leggings (and now bike shorts too since they're such a thing). They're always kind of an afterthought for me and usually chosen at 6 a.m. in the dark while running late for a workout class, but I digress. I'm not really sure why I'm surprised about the compliments, as I scope out other people's leggings too. Truth be told, I often wear somewhat boring black leggings, but whenever I wear a pair that's a pretty color or has an interesting feature, people notice, and many even ask where I got them.
I think we can all agree that receiving compliments is lovely, and it validates that something you chose to buy and wear is really great, especially when it comes to something somewhat polarizing like leggings. I own quite a few pairs of leggings and bike shorts, but the 13 below get me the most compliments by far. Keep scrolling to shop those, along with eight other pairs that I don't own but I'm 100% confident are compliment bait.
1. Year of Ours Samba Ruffle Leggings
These are so good. Just be sure to wear with a cropped top to get the full effect. The ruffled waist is such a fun way to add a little punch to black leggings.
2. Lululemon In Movement 7/8 Tights
I honestly think a Lululemon logo gets people's attention, and the color of these is too pretty for words.
3. Outdoor Voices TechSweat 7/8 Leggings
I often get compliments in general when I wear Outdoor Voices. I think people are intrigued by the cool space-dyed look and interesting colors and that they don't usually have any logos.
4. Beyond Yoga In the Mix Bike Shorts
These are insanely comfortable, and it's an added bonus that people are obsessed with them.
5. Lululemon Wunder Under High-Rise 7/8 Tights
I own these leggings in burgundy and always get questions about them. They're so soft that they feel like you're wearing nothing, and I think people can just sense that or something, so they want to own them too.
6. Alo High-Waist Alosoft Goddess Legging
Alo's Goddess Leggings are already pretty recognizable, so the different fabric that this pair is made of is definitely a conversation starter.
7. Spanx Camo Faux Leather Leggings
These were sort of a departure for me, but I love that about them. They make me feel tough, which is good for a workout.
8. Beyond Yoga High Waisted Midi Leggings
This is another pair that I think people can just tell are really soft and comfortable. Plus, they're neutral but more interesting than black.
9. Alala Seamless Leggings
10. Beyond Yoga High Waisted Biker Shorts
Bike shorts are still enough of a novelty for people to notice them. This is the pair that I reach for the most.
11. Alo High Waist Gaze Leggings
Everyone loves a cool waistband. This pair is especially chic.
12. Core 10 All Day Comfort High Waist 7/8 Crop Yoga Legging
People love these even more when I tell them they're from Amazon.
13. Beyond Yoga Alloy Ombré Leggings
These pretty leggings have basically flown out of stock (perhaps because J.Lo wore them in black).
Shop More Compliment-Bait Leggings and Bike Shorts
These are a great option if you want to try a print but still want to play it safe.
The legging version of these is a huge hit, and I have a hunch that these will be too.
This story was originally published at 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.
-
Until It's Warm Enough for Summery White Dresses, This Right-Now Alt Will Be Your Chic Best Friend
The perfect way to ease into cotton and linen.
By Eliza Huber
-
Kate Hudson Talks Rom-Com Beauty, Moon Rituals, and the "Good Hair Day" Products She Swears By
The actress has partnered with Joico as its first-ever global spokesperson.
By Marie Lodi
-
Well-Dressed Celebs Have Basically Stopped Wearing These 3 Shoe Styles With Leggings
Find out which five styles they're into.
By Allyson Payer
-
Spotted in the Paris Airport: The Coolest Sneaker Trend to Wear With Leggings RN
The perfect pairing.
By Allyson Payer
-
Jamie Mizrahi's World: The Celeb Stylist's Favorite Red Carpet Look, Most Worth-It Shoe, and Album She Listens to on Repeat
A modern-day style expert.
By Allyson Payer
-
7 Extremely 2025 Trends I'll Pair With Skinny Jeans and Leggings to Make Their Return Less Scary
Who's with me?
By Allyson Payer
-
How Everyone Will Be Wearing Their Non–Skinny Jeans This Spring
Here's your outfit inspiration.
By Michelle Scanga
-
Suddenly, Women With The Row Style Are Breaking This Fashion Rule
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