Athleisure: perhaps one of the more divisive words within the streetwear lexicon.
Defined as a hybrid style which combines athletic clothing and everyday fashion, athleisure came to be thanks to the invention of Spandex back in 1958 and was subsequently popularised by the athletic brand Lululemon in the early 2010s. No longer was our workout wear reserved solely for the gym. Our leggings have broken out into our daily wardrobe tackling sartorial dilemmas from work to the weekend.
The flared style of trousers, otherwise known as bell-bottoms or bootcuts, has slightly different origins. In as early as the 19th century, U.S Navy sailors were known to fashion a pair of bell-bottomed trousers. Supposedly, the wide-leg design was more practical for rolling up when it came to scrubbing the deck.
From the 60s through to the 70s, various pop and rock icons – namely Sonny and Cher – popularised bell-bottoms as a mainstream fashion garment. Then, by the mid-90s, the bootcut or ‘bootleg’ trouser came to be – featuring a slimmer and more flattering flare.
Who decided to combine fitness fabrics and the modern bootcut silhouette, you ask? It’s actually quite unclear, though through the 90s and 00s and films like Bend it Like Beckham and A Cinderella Story, our favourite rom-com heroes and anti-heroes adopted the stylish cut for more freedom in their sporty exploits.
As we speed along into 2023, influencers such as Emma Chamberlain, Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber have all been spotted wearing the historically fashionable style with an athletic twist while out and about.
Keep scrolling for our round-up of the best flared gym leggings.
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Vuori Studio Flare
Fabricated from the brand’s own naturally moisture wicking and trademarked BreatheInterlock stretch knit fabric, these high-rise and full-length flared leggings are silky soft. You can scoop them up in a selection of three wonderfully earthy tones, including Chestnut, Black and our featured favourite, Azure.
With an exaggerated, but still practical, flared bottom and ultra-high waist, you’ll be wearing these from the gym to the office or straight to the club.
Buy now £100.00, Vuori
Groove Super-High-Rise Flared Pant Nulu
As Lululemon put it, these leggings are designed for yoga and those who are constantly on the move. Made from the brand’s signature buttery-soft Nulu fabric, these leggings will feel like a second skin. The back drop-in waistband pocket is big enough to hold a credit card, keys, or your phone and the full-length finish is intended to barely graze the floor.
Pair them with your favourite Birkenstocks or the cult favourite Ugg slipper for the ultimate athleisure look.
Buy now £88.00, Lululemon
Dayflex Wrap High Waisted Flared Yoga Pant - Shadow Black
For quality, stylish and sustainable flared yoga pants look no further than TALA. The high-waisted, wrap-front leggings are extremely flattering, while the V-shaped waistline adds that extra bit of chic contouring that is perfect for any streetwear look.
They’re available in both 30” and 33” leg length and are made from 75 per cent recycled nylon and 25 per cent Lycra Sport.
Buy now, Tala
Super Soft Flare Yoga Trousers
Designed and engineered specifically for the active fitness bunnies out there, Sweaty Betty leggings are a sure-fire investment no matter which design you go for. We’re particularly enamoured with these super soft flares, featured here in a clay pink hue.
The brand’s exclusive fabric is supportive, breathable, sweat-wicking, bum-sculpting and squat proof. That’s a whole lot of activity-supporting goodness. The ankle slits make for a more dramatic silhouette while also allowing for that extra bit of movement. There’s even a side pocket and adjustable drawcord at the waist for the utmost utility.
Buy now £90.00, Sweaty Betty
Promover Bootcut Yoga Pants
A cult favourite amongst the Amazon fashion fiends, these Promover bootcut leggings are the epitome of flattering athleisure. Made from a breathable and moisture wicking combination of polyester and elastane, these leggings also feature a comfortable gusseted crotch and flattering curved line design.
Buy now, Amazon
Girlfriend Collective Compressive Flare Legging – Moss
The Girlfriend Collective is no stranger to an ES Best run-down. These compressions leggings work by applying a gentle pressure to the leg muscles to improve circulation and maximise performance.
The compressive flare leggings are the perfect combination of high-quality performance wear and fashion. The fabric is sweat-wicking, quick-drying, stretchy and totally squat-proof.
Buy now £65.00, The Sports Edit
Airbrush high-waist 7/8 flutter legging
Much loved by celebs and influencers alike, Alo Yoga has got a vast range of chic and high-quality athleisure. These 7/8 inch length leggings with a feature front-slit are great for extra freedom of movement, ventilation and showing off your favourite pair of kicks. Plus, they’re currently on sale - so grab them while you can.
Buy now £105.00, Alo Yoga
