Leggings have become one of the most versatile and best-selling apparel items in the United States. What once started as workout wear has evolved into a global fashion staple, blending performance, comfort, and style. In fact, the global leggings market is projected to reach USD 40.51 billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 6.47 %. North America is expected to remain one of the largest regional markets. This surge reflects how leggings now dominate wardrobes for gym-goers, professionals working from home, and trend-conscious shoppers.
For apparel startups, private labels, and fashion designers, understanding the different types of leggings is key to creating collections that resonate with demand. With the rise of athleisure, leggings now hold a central position in both fashion and performance markets. As a trusted custom apparel partner, Argus Apparel works closely with US-based startups and private labels to create leggings collections that combine performance, comfort, and fashion-forward design
This guide breaks down all the major types of leggings (by usage, style, and fabric), while highlighting the top athleisure trends 2025 shaping the US market.
Types of Leggings Based on Usage
Leggings are no longer a one-size-fits-all garment. The American market has embraced specialized versions of leggings that cater to fitness enthusiasts, casual wearers, and lifestyle consumers. Understanding the different legging types based on their purpose can help brands design collections that appeal to varied customer needs. Each category has unique features, fabrics, and benefits that set it apart, making it easier for startups and apparel businesses to strategically position their products.
Athletic Leggings
Athletic leggings are built for performance. Whether it’s running, HIIT workouts, cycling, or weight training, these leggings are designed to move with the body. Features like sweat-wicking fabrics, four-way stretch, and supportive waistbands keep wearers comfortable and secure. Many athletic leggings styles also feature compression zones for enhanced muscle support and accelerated recovery. Modern designs often integrate mesh panels for breathability or side pockets for essentials like phones or keys. For US brands competing in the fast-growing fitness apparel market, offering durable, functional, and stylish athletic leggings is a necessity.
Argus Apparel, as a leggings manufacturer, helps brands develop high-performance athletic leggings using advanced fabrics and tailored fits designed for today’s fitness consumers.
Key Features
- Moisture-wicking
- Four-way stretch
- Compression zones
Popular With
Runners, Gym-goers, and Cross-training athletes
Casual Leggings
Casual leggings focus on everyday comfort rather than performance. Usually crafted from cotton or cotton blends, they’re perfect for lounging, running errands, or pairing with oversized tops. Their versatility makes them a wardrobe staple for students, professionals, and busy parents alike. In the United States, casual leggings continue to thrive as a retail category, especially among younger consumers who value affordability and style. To attract lifestyle-focused buyers, many brands experiment with seasonal prints, bold colors, and textured fabrics.
Key Features
- Breathable Fabrics
- Versatile Styling
Popular With
Students, Professionals, Parents
Yoga Leggings
Yoga leggings are among the most popular different legging types, known for their unmatched flexibility and breathability. Designed with high waistbands that stay in place and stretch fabrics like spandex or nylon blends, they ensure comfort during poses and stretches. Seamless construction helps minimize irritation, making them perfect for both yoga practice and meditation. Beyond the studio, yoga leggings have become staples in athleisure fashion, central to athleisure trends 2025, where wellness and lifestyle seamlessly blend.
Key features
- Flexible fabrics
- Seamless designs
- High waistbands
Popular With
Yoga Practitioners, Pilates enthusiasts, Athleisure wearers
Maternity Leggings
Maternity leggings are all about support and adaptability. Soft, stretchable waistbands expand as the belly grows, while supportive panels for the lower back and abdomen add comfort throughout pregnancy. Breathable fabrics and seamless designs help reduce irritation, allowing expectant mothers to feel both stylish and practical. For brands, maternity leggings represent an expanding niche market in the US, appealing to women seeking comfort-driven fashion during one of life’s most important stages.
Key features
- Expandable waistbands
- Breathable fabrics
Popular With
Expectant mothers seeking comfort and style
Compression Leggings
Compression leggings deliver both performance and recovery benefits. By applying targeted pressure, they improve circulation, reduce muscle fatigue, and speed up recovery. Athletes, runners, and fitness enthusiasts rely on them for training, but they’re also popular for casual wear and even long-haul travel. In the US, where health and performance apparel are on the rise, compression leggings are becoming a staple category. Their versatility makes them a must-consider option for brands looking to serve both active and wellness-driven consumers.
Key Features
- Targeted compression
- Circulation support
Popular With
Athletes, Recovery-focused consumers, Travelers
Thermal Leggings
Designed for cold weather, thermal leggings feature fleece or brushed polyester lining for insulation. Popular for outdoor winter activities, they’re equally valued as cozy everyday wear. Consumers in northern US states consider them essential, while brands often add style-forward details like prints, high-waist fits, or modern cuts. Thermal leggings offer a great opportunity for businesses to combine utility with seasonal fashion trends.
Key features
- Fleece lining
- Insulation
- Stylish winter designs
Popular With
Consumers in colder climates, outdoor enthusiasts
Shapewear Leggings
Shapewear leggings combine the body-sculpting benefits of compression with the versatility of fashion. High waistbands provide tummy control and a smooth silhouette, while still being comfortable enough for all-day wear. In the US, they’ve grown in popularity among consumers who want clothing that transitions from casual settings to professional or evening looks. With demand for apparel that balances style and function, shapewear leggings represent a profitable and fast-growing category.
Key Features
- Tummy control
- Body sculpting
- High-waist designs
Popular With
Consumers seeking versatile, Flattering fashion
Types of Leggings by Design & Style
With its expertise in leggings styles, Argus Apparel helps brands explore designs that align with their target audience. From performance-driven ankle-length fits to bold printed or luxury-inspired leather leggings.
High-Waist Leggings
High-waist leggings are one of the most sought-after leggings styles for both fashion and performance. They provide coverage, support, and a secure fit, making them ideal for workouts and casual wear.
Ankle-Length Leggings
A staple in most wardrobes, ankle-length leggings work well for all body types. They are versatile, pairing seamlessly with sneakers, boots, or flats, and appeal to both athletic and lifestyle markets.
Capri Leggings
Capri leggings, cut mid-calf, are perfect for warmer weather or low-impact workouts like Pilates. They offer a sporty, cropped look while maintaining comfort and flexibility.
Stirrup Leggings
Stirrup leggings, popular in the 1980s, are making a comeback in 2025 fashion. With straps that are secure under the feet, they are often used for dance, yoga, or as part of high-fashion streetwear outfits.
Printed Leggings
Bold prints, from florals to abstract designs, make printed leggings a trend-driven choice. For brands targeting Gen Z and millennial audiences, printed leggings remain one of the fastest-moving categories in the US.
Mesh Panel Leggings
Mesh panel leggings add breathability and style. Often featuring cutouts along the legs, they provide ventilation during workouts while also making a fashion statement.
Leather Leggings
Leather and faux-leather leggings are popular for night-out looks and luxury-inspired streetwear. They offer a sleek, edgy aesthetic, often paired with oversized tops or structured jackets.
Also read: The Complete Guide to Custom Apparel Packaging for Clothing Brands
Types of Leggings by Fabric
The choice of leggings fabrics is crucial for balancing comfort, performance, and style.
Cotton
Cotton leggings provide softness and everyday comfort, making them a staple for casual wear. However, they lack moisture-wicking, so they’re less suitable for intense workouts.
Spandex/Elastane Blends
These blends provide maximum stretch and shape retention. Spandex is a key ingredient in yoga, athletic, and shapewear leggings, ensuring flexibility and durability.
Polyester Blends
Lightweight and moisture-wicking, polyester blends are commonly used for athletic leggings. They are quick-drying and suitable for performance-driven designs.
Nylon Blends
Known for durability and smooth texture, nylon blends are popular for both workout and fashion leggings. They resist pilling and maintain shape over repeated use.
Leather/Faux Leather
Used for statement-making styles, leather and faux leather leggings bring a luxury edge to collections. They’re less about performance and more about high-fashion aesthetics.
Legging Trends to Watch in 2025
Argus Apparel stays ahead of these trends, guiding brands in adopting sustainable fabrics, bold aesthetics, and hybrid wear solutions that resonate with US consumers. As athleisure continues to dominate, here are the athleisure trends 2025 that will shape leggings for US-based fashion brands:
Sustainable Fabrics
Consumers are demanding eco-friendly apparel, pushing brands to use organic cotton, recycled polyester, and biodegradable blends. Sustainable leggings are set to become a standard in activewear and casual wear collections.
Bold Prints and Metallic Finishes
From neon animal prints to metallic accents, bold designs are redefining leggings as fashion-forward staples. US consumers are increasingly drawn to statement pieces that reflect individuality.
Hybrid Performance and Casual Wear
Leggings that transition seamlessly from gym to streetwear are growing in demand. Hybrid designs balance performance fabrics with everyday comfort, making them versatile for diverse lifestyles.
Conclusion
From athletic to casual, and from cotton to leather, the different legging types reflect the growing demand for versatility in modern wardrobes. For apparel brands and private labels in the USA, choosing the right leggings means balancing style, fabric, and function to match customer expectations.
Understanding the major types of leggings and aligning them with 2025’s top athleisure trends can help fashion entrepreneurs develop collections that stand out while meeting the evolving needs of the market.
With its extensive experience as a custom leggings manufacturer, Argus Apparel provides the expertise, resources, and flexibility brands need to bring their vision to market.
Ready to Create Your Own Legging Line?
Whether you’re a startup, a private label, or an established brand, the right leggings can set your collection apart. Work with experienced manufacturers to bring your designs to life – choosing fabrics, styles, and details that align with your vision.
Turn your ideas into a trend-setting leggings collection for 2025. Start planning your custom designs today.
