Jess Cartner-Morley on Fashion: Leggings Are Back – with Added Polish

Why It Matters

Leggings’ comeback signals a shift toward comfort‑driven yet refined apparel, prompting retailers to re‑stock structured casual wear and reshaping the denim market’s dominance. Brands that blend luxury feel with everyday utility stand to capture heightened consumer spend.

Key Takeaways

• Leggings return as polished day‑to‑night staple
• Spanx black leggings cost about $128, praised for comfort
• Trend counters skinny‑jeans resurgence and “Ozempic effect”
• Styling requires tailored tops and closed‑toe shoes
• Celebrity Claudia Winkleman drives leggings popularity

Pulse Analysis

The latest fashion cycle sees leggings moving from gym‑only attire to a polished staple that can transition from office meetings to evening events. Influencers like Claudia Winkleman have turned the simple black legging into a status symbol, encouraging consumers to pair them with collared shirts, tailored blazers, and sleek loafers. This cultural endorsement reshapes how designers approach silhouette, favoring a streamlined look that maintains comfort without sacrificing professionalism.

Retailers are responding by expanding their curated legging lines, with premium brands such as Spanx leading the charge. Spanx’s full‑length “Very Black” leggings, retailing at roughly $128, combine a matte finish with a sturdy yet non‑binding fabric, appealing to shoppers who value longevity and a refined aesthetic. Mid‑range options from Reformation ($190) and fast‑fashion players like H&M ($70) broaden the price spectrum, ensuring the trend reaches both high‑end and mass‑market segments. The price elasticity suggests a willingness among consumers to invest in versatile pieces that replace multiple wardrobe items, potentially boosting average order values.

Looking ahead, the leggings revival may dampen the cyclical return of skinny jeans, which have been linked to the “Ozempic effect”—a surge in demand for ultra‑fitted clothing among those experiencing rapid weight loss. By offering a silhouette that emphasizes shape without extreme tightness, leggings align with growing consumer preferences for inclusive, body‑positive fashion. Designers are likely to explore hybrid fabrics that blend performance technology with luxury finishes, while retailers may prioritize visual merchandising that showcases the legging’s dress‑up potential, ensuring the trend remains a mainstay rather than a fleeting fad.