Best Leggings for Tall Women: A Complete Guide to Finding the Perfect Fit

Finding the best leggings for tall women can feel like an endless struggle. You finally find a pair that’s comfortable, flattering, and stylish—only to realize they ride halfway up your calves the moment you stand up. Sound familiar?

Tall women face unique challenges when shopping for leggings. Inseam length, rise height, waistband placement, and fabric stretch all play a crucial role in whether leggings feel amazing or end up being a wardrobe fail. Fortunately, more brands are finally recognizing that “one size fits all” doesn’t work—especially for women with long legs.

In this guide, we’ll break down what to look for in leggings for tall women, the best styles and features, and top brand recommendations that actually cater to longer inseams. Whether you’re shopping for workout leggings, everyday wear, or athleisure staples, this article will help you find leggings that truly fit.

Why Regular Leggings Don’t Work for Tall Women

Most standard leggings are designed with an inseam of 25–27 inches. While that may work for average-height women, it’s rarely enough for someone who’s 5’9” or taller.

Here’s why regular leggings often fall short:

• Too-short inseams that hit mid-calf instead of ankle
  
  

• Waistbands that sit too low, causing discomfort or constant adjusting
  
  

• Sheer fabric when stretched, especially around thighs and hips
  
  

• Limited mobility, because the fabric wasn’t designed for longer limbs
  
  

The best leggings for tall women solve these issues with thoughtful design—longer inseams, better proportions, and fabrics that stretch without becoming see-through.

What to Look for in the Best Leggings for Tall Women

Before diving into specific brands, it’s important to know what features truly matter. Here’s what separates average leggings from great ones designed for tall women.

1. Longer Inseams (This Is Non-Negotiable)

The most important factor is inseam length. Tall women should look for leggings with:

• 28–31 inch inseams for ankle-length leggings
  
  

• 32 inches or more for full-length or floor-length styles
  
  

Many tall-specific brands clearly label inseams, which makes shopping much easier.

2. High-Rise or Extra-High Waistbands

A longer torso often accompanies long legs. High-rise leggings (10–12 inches) help ensure:

• Proper coverage
  
  

• No sliding or rolling down
  
  

• A flattering, secure fit
  
  

Extra-high waistbands are especially great for workouts and all-day wear.

3. Stretchy, Opaque Fabric

Tall women put more vertical stretch on leggings, which can make cheaper fabrics turn sheer. Look for:

• Four-way stretch
  
  

• Squat-proof materials
  
  

• Medium to high compression
  
  

Quality fabric makes a noticeable difference in comfort and durability.

4. Proportional Design

Leggings designed for tall women consider more than inseam length. The best options also offer:

• Higher knee placement
  
  

• Longer rise
  
  

• Better hip-to-waist ratios
  
  

This results in leggings that move naturally with your body instead of pulling in odd places.

Best Leggings for Tall Women by Category

Different lifestyles call for different leggings. Below are the best leggings for tall women based on use, comfort, and style.

Best Workout Leggings for Tall Women

When it comes to exercise, fit and performance are everything.

Key Features to Look For

• 28–34 inch inseam options
  
  

• Sweat-wicking fabric
  
  

• Compression for muscle support
  
  

• Flat seams to prevent chafing
  
  

Why They Matter

Ill-fitting workout leggings can limit movement and cause distractions mid-workout. Tall-friendly athletic leggings stay in place during squats, lunges, yoga, and running.

Many athletic brands now offer “Tall” or “Long” sizing, which makes a huge difference in performance and confidence.

Best Everyday Leggings for Tall Women

Not every pair of leggings is meant for the gym. For casual wear, comfort and versatility matter most.

Ideal Features

• Soft, breathable fabric
  
  

• Full ankle-length coverage
  
  

• Neutral colors for easy styling
  
  

• Minimal seams for a clean look
  
  

These leggings should feel comfortable enough for lounging but polished enough to wear with sweaters, tunics, or longline jackets.

Best High-Waisted Leggings for Tall Women

High-waisted leggings are a favorite for good reason—they’re flattering, supportive, and comfortable.

Benefits for Tall Women

• Better torso coverage
  
  

• Smooth silhouette
  
  

• No slipping or gaping
  
  

Look for leggings labeled “extra high rise” or “ultra high waist” if you have a longer torso in addition to long legs.

Best Leggings for Tall Women with Curves

Tall women aren’t one-size-fits-all. If you have curves, the right leggings can make all the difference.

What Works Best

• Stretchy waistbands that don’t dig in
  
  

• Fabric with recovery (returns to shape)
  
  

• Curved seam placement
  
  

Avoid leggings that only scale length without adjusting width or rise—those often feel tight in the hips and loose in the waist.

Top Brands Known for the Best Leggings for Tall Women

Here are some brands consistently praised for their tall-friendly leggings.

1. Athleta (Tall Sizes Available)

Athleta offers dedicated Tall sizes with inseams up to 34 inches. Their leggings are known for:

• Premium fabric
  
  

• Excellent compression
  
  

• Stylish designs
  
  

They’re ideal for both workouts and everyday wear.

2. Lululemon (Select Longer Inseams)

While not all styles are tall-specific, Lululemon offers 31-inch inseams in many popular designs. These are great for:

• Yoga and training
  
  

• Long-lasting quality
  
  

• High-performance fabric
  
  

They’re a solid option if you want luxury athletic leggings.

3. ASOS Tall

ASOS Tall is a favorite among fashion-forward tall women.

Why they stand out:

• Designed specifically for women 5’9” and taller
  
  

• Trendy styles
  
  

• Affordable pricing
  
  

Perfect for casual and street-style leggings.

4. Old Navy Tall

Old Navy’s tall leggings are budget-friendly and widely accessible.

Best for:

• Everyday wear
  
  

• Lounge leggings
  
  

• Simple, classic styles
  
  

They offer inseams up to 32 inches at a reasonable price.

5. American Tall

American Tall specializes in clothing for tall women exclusively.

Key benefits:

• Extra-long inseams
  
  

• Proportional fit
  
  

• Minimal tailoring needed
  
  

If you’re over 5’10”, this brand is worth exploring.

How to Style Leggings for Tall Women

The right styling can elevate leggings from basic to chic.

Casual Outfits

• Oversized sweaters
  
  

• Longline cardigans
  
  

• Sneakers or ankle boots
  
  

Athleisure Looks

• Cropped hoodies
  
  

• Fitted tanks
  
  

• Structured jackets
  
  

Dressy Options

• Tunics or belted tops
  
  

• Knee-high boots
  
  

• Sleek monochrome outfits
  
  

Leggings that hit at the ankle create a clean, intentional look—especially important for taller frames.

Common Mistakes Tall Women Make When Buying Leggings

Avoid these common pitfalls:

• Ignoring inseam measurements
  
  

• Buying “one-size-fits-all” leggings
  
  

• Choosing low-rise styles
  
  

• Prioritizing price over fabric quality
  
  

Spending a little more on well-designed leggings often saves money in the long run.

FAQs: Best Leggings for Tall Women

What inseam length is best for tall women?

Most tall women need at least a 28-inch inseam, while women over 5’10” often prefer 31–34 inches.

Are high-waisted leggings better for tall women?

Yes. High-waisted leggings offer better coverage, comfort, and proportion for longer torsos.

Can tall women wear cropped leggings?

They can, but cropped leggings often hit awkwardly on tall frames. Full-length styles are usually more flattering.

Are expensive leggings worth it?

Often, yes. Higher-quality fabric, better stretch, and longer durability make premium leggings a smart investment.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Best Leggings for Tall Women

The search for the best leggings for tall women doesn’t have to be frustrating. With more brands embracing inclusive sizing and tall-specific designs, long-legged women finally have options that look and feel amazing.

Focus on inseam length, fabric quality, and proportional fit. Whether you’re working out, running errands, or relaxing at home, the right leggings should move with you—not against you.

Once you experience leggings that actually reach your ankles and stay put, you’ll never settle for standard sizing again.