Skip to content

Top Navigation

Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
  • Trip Inspiration
  • Travel Guides
  • World's Best
  • Destination of the Year
  • A-List Travel Advisors
  • Cruises
  • Travel Tips
  • News
  • Food + Drink
  • Travel Accessories
  • Check-In

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Your Profile

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
  • Explore

    Explore

    • World's Best

      The greatest islands, cities, hotels, cruise lines, airports, and more — as voted by you. Read More Next
    • The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2021

      Whether you're traveling solo or planning a family vacation, here are the 50 best places to visit in 2021. Read More Next
    • Let's Go Together Podcast

      Start listening to T+L's brand new podcast, Let's Go Together! Hosted by Kellee Edwards. Read More Next
  • Trip Inspiration

    Trip Inspiration

    • Trip Ideas
    • Weekend Getaways
    • Spring Travel
    • Summer Travel
    • Fall Travel
    • Winter Travel
    • Solo Travel
    • Romantic Getaways
    • Luxury Travel
    • Beach Vacations
    • Adventure Travel
    • Road Trips
    • Family Travel
    • National Parks
    • Holiday Travel
    • Travel Photography
    • Photo of the Day
    • Culture and Design
    • Travel Deals
    • Attractions
    • Amusement Parks
    • Festivals and Events
    • Bus and Trains
    • Flight Deals
    • Budget Travel
    • Hotels and Resorts
    • Disney Vacations
    • Airlines and Airports
    • Ground Transportation
    • BookTandL.com
  • Travel Guides
  • World's Best

    World's Best

    • Top Hotels
    • Top Cities
    • Top Islands
    • Domestic Airlines
    • International Airlines
    • Tours
    • Safaris
    • All World's Best
  • Destination of the Year
  • A-List Travel Advisors
  • Cruises

    Cruises

    • Find A Cruise
    • Caribbean Cruises
    • River Cruises
    • European Cruises
    • All-Inclusive Cruises
    • Family Cruises
    • Alaskan Cruises
    • Disney Cruises
    • See All Cruise Vacations
  • Travel Tips

    Travel Tips

    • Travel Trends
    • Packing Tips
    • Points + Miles
    • Budgeting + Currency
    • Customs + Immigration
    • Responsible Travel
    • Travel Etiquette
    • Travel Warnings
    • Weather
    • Mobile Apps
    • See All Travel Tips
  • News

    News

    • Wellness
    • Celebrity Travel
    • Animals
    • Jobs
    • Offbeat
    • See All News
  • Food + Drink

    Food + Drink

    • Restaurants
    • Wine
    • Beer
    • Cocktails + Spirits
    • Bars + Clubs
    • Celebrity Chefs
    • Cooking + Entertaining
    • Food Fairs + Festivals
    • World's Best Restaurants
    • See All Food + Drink
  • Travel Accessories

    Travel Accessories

    • Travel Bags
    • Shoes
    • Travel Tech
    • Shopping
    • Style
    • Gift Guides
    • See All Travel Accessories
  • Check-In

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Profile

Your Profile

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Style
  3. Fashion
  4. Why You Should Fly in Compression Leggings — and 12 Pairs to Try

Why You Should Fly in Compression Leggings — and 12 Pairs to Try

By Katie Fish
December 17, 2018
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: Courtesy of Retailers
We all have that pair of pants we reserve for a long day of traveling — one that isn’t too tight, has a bit of stretch, and is cute enough for the grand arrival at your final destination.

Some swear by traveling in denim for its versatility, while others will only wear their joggers for comfort (thank you, athleisure trend). But some people, like model and entrepreneur Karlie Kloss, choose compression leggings. Kloss told us that changing into on a pair of compression tights is the first thing she does after boarding the plane for a long flight. 

Related:15 Cozy Cardigans to Keep You From Freezing on a Plane

We've all heard of the negative effects sitting still for an extended period of time can have on your body, whether it's at an office job or on a transcontinental travel day. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, anyone traveling for more than four hours by plane, train, car, or otherwise, may be at a higher risk of developing a blood clot, and there are several factors that increase this risk, too, such as pregnancy or the use of estrogen-containing birth control. 

You should take care to stretch regularly, walk in the aisles when the fasten seat belts sign is off, drink lots of water, and if you're at a higher risk, wear compression leggings. Similar to compression socks, these pants are designed to compress the legs, core, and ankles in specific areas to aid in circulation and keep your limbs from swelling — from takeoff to landing.

They can also be versatile as part of your travel wardrobe. Layer them under a tunic for a day of shopping and gallery hopping, and then pair them with your favorite trainers for a scenic run. The compression will also help with recovery after a workout, whether it be a bike tour or a hilly hike.

Read on to see our recommendations for the best women's compression leggings on the market.
Start Slideshow

1 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

CW-X Stabilyx Tight

Credit: Courtesy of Zappos

These top-rated compression leggings provide targeted support to the lower back, core, and the knee joints and surrounding muscles.

To buy: zappos.com, $110

1 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Homma High-waist Leggings

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

These thick performance leggings come in a variety of fun colors that you can mix and match within your travel or workout wardrobe.

To buy: amazon.com, from $15

2 of 12

3 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Puma Everyday Graphic Leggings

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Not all compression leggings have to be solid — try a pair with an eclectic pattern like these by Puma.

To buy: amazon.com, from $35

3 of 12

Advertisement

4 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Old Navy High-rise Compression Leggings

Credit: Courtesy of Old Navy

Old Navy’s uncomplicated high-waisted legging is a great budget pick.

To buy: oldnavy.com, $30

4 of 12

5 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Ultracor Ultra Botanical Leggings

Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom

Made of a silky Italian compression fabric, these mid-rise leggings are just as supportive as they are stylish.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $198

5 of 12

6 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Lululemon 'All the Right Places II' Pant

Credit: Courtesy of Lululemon

Lululemon's "All the Right Places II" pant lives up to its name with zoned compression for support where you need it.

To buy: lululemon.com, $128

6 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Gap GFast Mid Rise Leggings in Sculpt Compression

Credit: Courtesy of Gap

These next-to-skin compression leggings are moisture-wicking and the contoured seams will help to prevent chafing.

To buy: gap.com, $80

7 of 12

8 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

CompressionZ High-waisted Leggings

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

The tight fit of these leggings will support your circulation and hug your curves in the best way.

To buy: amazon.com, $30

8 of 12

9 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Outdoor Voices 7/8 Springs Legging

Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom

These stylish Outdoor Voices leggings are wildly popular for a reason. The brand's proprietary "textured compression" fabric feels comfortably snug, sculpts the body, and is made to last.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $85

9 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Nike Epic Lux Cropped Compression Leggings

Credit: Courtesy of Nike

Nike made this pair of plus-size compression leggings comfortable with a wide, drawstring waistband and a super breathable fabric.

To buy: nike.com, $51 (originally $85)

10 of 12

11 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Girlfriend Collective High-rise Legging

Credit: Courtesy of Girlfriend Collective

Everyone is loving these ethically made compression leggings by Girlfriend Collective, which are available from sizes XXS to 6XL. They come in numerous colors and the fabric is made from recycled water bottles.

To buy: girlfriend.com, $68

11 of 12

12 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Under Armour ColdGear Authentic Leggings

Credit: Courtesy of Under Armour

Designed to keep you warm while training outdoors in the winter, these second-skin-like leggings have an ultra-snug fit. Also, the welded seams ensure you won't chafe.

To buy: underarmour.com, $50

12 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Katie Fish

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 12 CW-X Stabilyx Tight
2 of 12 Homma High-waist Leggings
3 of 12 Puma Everyday Graphic Leggings
4 of 12 Old Navy High-rise Compression Leggings
5 of 12 Ultracor Ultra Botanical Leggings
6 of 12 Lululemon 'All the Right Places II' Pant
7 of 12 Gap GFast Mid Rise Leggings in Sculpt Compression
8 of 12 CompressionZ High-waisted Leggings
9 of 12 Outdoor Voices 7/8 Springs Legging
10 of 12 Nike Epic Lux Cropped Compression Leggings
11 of 12 Girlfriend Collective High-rise Legging
12 of 12 Under Armour ColdGear Authentic Leggings

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
  • Sitemap
  • Travel Guide Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletters
Other Travel + Leisure Sites
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
Travel + Leisure is part of the Travel + Leisure Group. Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. Travel + Leisure is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation Travel + Leisure Group All Rights Reserved, registered in the United States and other countries. Travel + Leisure may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.travelandleisure.com

View image

Why You Should Fly in Compression Leggings — and 12 Pairs to Try
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.