I Slept 56 Hours in These 7 Leggings and Bike Shorts—Here Are My Reviews
If you know me personally, you'd know it's very fitting for me to pitch a story that literally involves sleeping on the job. I take my sleep very seriously and love staying in bed until at least 11 a.m. on weekends. I won't go anywhere without my sleeping mask. If I'm staying at my parents' house, I ask them to not make any noise until I'm awake—and yes, I enforce this. I sound like a real barrel of laughs, right?
Anyway, the point is that I don't take sleep lightly. So when I set out to sleep-test the best bike shorts and leggings to wear to bed, I tried to find the most comfortable pairs to help you catch maximum zzzs. Scroll down for my reviews on the best leggings and bike shorts to sleep in.
Baleaf Shorts
The first things that attracted me to these shorts were the price and the fact that they're eligible for Amazon Prime one-day delivery. As for my sleep test, these shorts passed with flying colors. They were super soft and easy to wear all night, but I do think they are a tad tighter and more supportive than I need for sleeping. These shorts are fantastic if you want them to be multi-purpose for workouts and sleeping, but not my first pick if you only want to wear them to bed and not necessarily out of the house.
Softness: 8/10
Stretchiness: 7.5/10
Fullsoft Leggings
I love that these don't try to be compression leggings that promise to suck you in because that's not my goal for sleep leggings. Instead, these are billed as super-soft, ultra-stretchy, and just plain comfortable—and I'm happy to admit that they are, indeed, all three of the above. That said, I would absolutely still wear them for light activities like yoga.
Softness: 9/10
Stretchiness: 9/10
Zella Lounge Leggings
If you regularly shop on Nordstrom's website, you've probably come across the iconic Zella Live In High Waist Leggings ($59), which boast an impressive 7,000 glowing reviews and counting. Those leggings are fantastic for moisture-wicking and sculpting, but the Zella ones pictured here are optimal for lounging and sleeping because they're made for comfort in mind instead of performance. The ankle cuffs ensure that the leggings won't roll up in your sleep, and they're overall just extremely pleasant to wear for hours on end.
Softness: 10/10
Strechiness: 9/10
H&M Flared Leggings
These are amazing if you want a hybrid legging/pajama pant. Not everyone wants to wear somewhat-confining leggings to bed, but the alternative is often pajama bottoms that tend to sag in the rear. These H&M versions totally solve that problem because they have the snug feeling of leggings around the waist and bum, but the ease of pajamas on the bottom. The perfect combo if you ask me.
Softness: 9/10
Stretchiness: 9/10
Ugg Ashlee Leggings
Ugg getting into the leggings game is a dream come true for me. These are lined with a double-knit fleece that makes them the coziest leggings for fall/winter that I've ever tried on. I absolutely expect to be sleeping in these when the weather cools down—and probably working from home in them too. Yes, they're slightly thicker than workout leggings, but they're absolutely perfect for winter.
Softness: 9/10
Stretchiness: 8/10
Bestena Slip Shorts
These stand out to me because they don't have side seams, which is perfect for side-sleepers like me. They are absolutely comfortable to sleep in and they are so weightless that I truly forgot I was even wearing them—the mark of a true winner. They are also more lightweight than shorts designed for heavier exercises, which is great for my purposes.
Softness: 9/10
Stretchiness: 9/10
WINNER: Lululemon Align Shorts
These are one of my favorite pairs of the bunch. These shorts are incredibly creamy-soft and are snug without ever being restricting whatsoever. This style, in particular, has a super high waist, which feels like a cozy hug while sleeping. I've washed them a few times and the shorts have maintained their shape excellently.
Comfiness: 10/10
Strechiness: 10/10
Shop More Leggings and Bike Shorts
These leggings promise to be one of the softest pairs you own.
Yes, tie-dye is still going strong post-summer.
What comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing.
Next, the 4 best boot trends according to a prolific shoe designer.
Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern over 13 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2016, where she currently holds the title of Associate Director of Fashion News (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible. Outside of work, she loves tennis, classic rock, traveling, and smothering her dog with affection.
-
J.Lo Just Wore This Highly Controversial Trend in the Most Elegant Way Possible
She can do anything.
By Eliza Huber
-
Katie Holmes Made This Outdated Leggings-and-Boots Outfit Feel Just Right for 2025
A combo I will live in.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
J.Lo Wore the Brand-New Uggs That'll Go Viral and Sell Out By December 1—Guaranteed
Don't say I didn't warn you.
By Eliza Huber
-
Not Ready to Let Go of Your Favorite Shorts Just Yet? Try These 8 Chic Transitional Outfits
Inspiration from Toronto to Paris.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
I'm a Fashion Editor That Loves to Shop the Men's Section—35 Fall Pieces That Scream Cool Girl
These picks are super chic.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
These 30 Incredibly Chic Sale Picks From Gap and Banana Republic Scream Fashion Person
An easy way to up your fashion game.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Chrissy Teigen Just Made This Outdated Legging-and-Boot Outfit Feel 2025 Ready
I'm influenced.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Emily Ratajkowski Just Wore the *Very* Casual $45 Shorts I Always Choose Over Jorts
I own at least five pairs.
By Allyson Payer