Leggings have come an incredibly long way since their 14th-century inception and 1960s arrival as a bona fide fashion item. No longer are the gams-hugging pants relegated to workouts and loafing around the house on a lazy Sunday.
These days, celebrities don them constantly, whether styling a glossy faux leather pair for a night out or looking impossibly chic leaving the gym. Most actresses and models are perpetually on the move, jetting around the world for projects, premieres, catwalks, and more. So who better to illustrate why leggings are such a perfect match for travel?
Related: 15 Pairs of Jeans Celebrities Wear When They Travel
They’re cute enough to confidently wear while touring a new city, and well suited to lugging baggage and settling in comfortably for a long flight.
Athleisure has markedly transformed our wardrobes over the past few years, ushering in high-tech, ultra-comfortable fabrics; sleek, deftly cut fits; and on-trend patterns and color palettes. Activewear stalwarts have launched impressive designer collabs: Adidas and Alexander Wang joined forces, while Nike paired up with former Givenchy creative director Riccardo Tisci.
Related: 18 Handbags Celebrities Are Always Spotted With at the Airport
Big luxury activewear brands like Lululemon and Sweaty Betty have proliferated, as have more indie ones like Outdoor Voices, Alala, Vimmia, and P.E. Nation. Even celebrities like Beyonce (Ivy Park) and Kate Hudson (Fabletics) have gotten in on the comfort-first trend.
Yet leggings-as-pants has long been a polarizing topic of debate. The humble, stretchy wardrobe staple even became national news in March 2017, when United Airlines got ample backlash for prohibiting two leggings-clad teens onto a flight because of their attire. But the Spandex-packed item is still part of the travel uniform for an array of celebrities who are perpetually getting passport stamps and turning out excellent outfits. Check out a range of stylish stars decked out in seriously stellar leggings.
Chrissy Teigen: David Lerner
It’s the LBD of leggings, and it’s clearly a hit, time and time again, for good reason: Chrissy Teigen shows how a straightforward, unadorned black pair can get dressed up with a great hat, a bold sweater, and sleek accessories.
To buy: shopbop.com, $90
Eva Longoria: Adidas
The actress waits curbside in a streamlined, black-on-black ensemble, with crisp white stripe detailing from head (a cool, type-free baseball hat) to toe (a pair of B&W Adidas kicks).
To buy: macys.com, $55
Gigi Hadid: Tommy Hilfiger
A statement coat, like the supermodel’s polished ivory topper, pops nicely against a more low-key graphic tee and solid, long leggings. A pointy pair of black booties elongates the legs and lends some edge.
To buy: farfetch.com, $80
Reese Witherspoon: Sweaty Betty
The actress and producer is a big Sweaty Betty fan, opting here for the British brand’s popular “bum sculpting” Power Legging in an interesting teal hue that’s still subdued enough to wear on the regular.
To buy: sweatybetty.com, from $95
Elle Fanning: P.E. Nation
Elle Fanning chose a retro-tinged, cropped pair from P.E. Nation, a celeb favorite known for ‘70s-inflected takes on activewear that feel so fresh. Kylie Jenner is also a fan. The multicolor striped detailing is a fun twist that adds some cheer to a basic black pair.
To buy: nordstrom.com, from $110
Selena Gomez: Wolford
This slick pair looks like it’s made of leather, but it’s actually a far more comfortable alternative: a stretchy, leather-look legging from Wolford, the label famous for its topnotch opaque black tights and body-con innerwear. Selena Gomez opts for a nude pair that, yes, kind of makes it looks like she’s sans pants at first glance — if that’s not your style, they're also available in black.
To buy: bergdorfgoodman.com, $425
Lily Collins: Express
The actress’ Express pair sports mesh paneling and a chic combo of marled gray and black that’s an upgrade from the standard-issue, entirely black pair, but still versatile enough to wear almost anywhere.
To buy: express.com, $70
Miranda Kerr: J Brand
Miranda Kerr is one of the best when it comes to seriously chic travel style, and one particular item gets worn on loop: these J Brand pull-on leather leggings. The lambskin pair have an elastic waist and no zippers or pockets to contend with.
To buy: barneys.com, $948
Kendall Jenner: Lululemon
Kendall Jenner is among the many fans of Lululemon’s sleek, high-waisted Wunder Under style, made from the Canadian retailer’s signature Luon or Luxtreme fabrics.
To buy: lululemon.com, $98
Kylie Jenner: Express
Need further evidence that a leather-esque pair is the ultimate fashion-y take on leggings? Look no further than Kylie Jenner’s spin on the trend.
To buy: express.com, $50
Ashley Graham: Big Bottom Behavior
The model and body positivity champion navigates through the terminal in a black-on-black getup, elevating ankle-length, high-waisted leggings with a cropped and knotted tee and long duster coat.
To buy: bigbottombehavior.com, $45
Khloe Kardashian: Adidas
If you're the type who likes to wear black from head to toe, here's the ultimate inspiration: Khloe Kardashian’s Adidas leggings and matching jacket are ringed discretely with the brand’s signature triple striping and topped with shades and a Yankees hat.
To buy: footlocker.com, $35
