These Under-$30 Leggings Will Change Your Life (Or at Least Your Wardrobe)

Leggings — or at least the right leggings — are one of those rare items that make getting dressed in the morning a little bit easier. Find a pair with the perfect opacity and ideal stretch and they’ll be with you for the long haul, giving a finishing polish to every outfit you piece together. 

But while I’m usually all for splurging on staples, every time I hear someone enthuse about luxury leggings (you know, like this buzzed-about pair), I do an invisible eye roll and think ‘Yeah, OK — but they cost $155!’ Because the thing is (and no shade to the luxury brands) I’ve tried a lot of leggings. Some are amazing. Some are middling. Some stretch out, pill, or pull after a single wear. And in my experience, price isn’t much of a predictor.

Plus, spending more on a pair of footless tights than I would on a pair of jeans makes me feel like I’m being conned — The Emperor’s New Clothes: Leggings Edition.

So, we here at The Lookbook set out to find the best leggings on the market that can be had for under $30. Ahead, the 10 super-affordable winners that actually live up to the hype.

What fans say: “Perfect tight alternative. I was looking for leggings to wear with dresses, in lieu of tights (because tights just are not comfortable to wear all day), and these are perfect. They are thin, soft, and long enough that they come to my ankles. They look like tights, which is what i wanted. I ordered the small, but they stretch a bit as you wear them so I'm going to try another pair in XS. I have thicker leggings that I wear with sweaters and blouses, but these are well-suited for dresses.”

What fans say: “These are very comfortable and they are lined not see-thru. I have a pair in every color, except white. In white I have two pair! The fabric is high quality, the waistband is high and has a nice tummy control panel. I have had my first few pairs for about 2 years now and have held up very well in the laundry and still look like new. Worth the price!”

What fans say: “I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful these are. I wear leggings 6 out of 7 days of the week. I am a comfort fanatic, and leggings are by far the best.... IF they are made right. These are thin enough to wear in Florida year-round, and yet thick enough to wear with hot-pink panties (or whichever color you prefer). The waistband is flat, so it doesn't show up under tight shirts like a rumpled band would, and they are long enough for even a tall person (which I am not, so they do extend past my feet a little... I wear boots) and can be easily hemmed or rolled up. They are reasonably priced and they are super soft. I've washed mine at least 5-6 times (even with hot water) and dried them in the dryer and they still fit and look perfect. I loved them so much... I ordered a second set.”

What fans say: “I never write reviews, but i seriously love these jeggings so much. I hate denim, meaning for the longest time i would only wear solid black leggings. I discovered these through a coworker and i feel like they've changed my life! I haven't worn black leggings at all since I've bought my first pair of these about 3 months ago. Now I’m on my 5th pair and I want every single color. I'm so glad I found them!!”

What fans say: “Truly the best leggings H&M has ever made. They fit higher up with a thick waist band that prevents slipping and the leggings are not too thin to see skin. I have bought 5 pairs and hope they stay!”

What fans say: “I bought these leggings for my daughter after a disappointing shopping trip. She's so excited to have leggings that actually fit all over! And she once again can be proud of her height and long legs because there's a product for her that makes her feel good about her appearance.”

What fans say: “Finally found a pair of leggings that won't fall down or bunch up in the wrong places. Lightweight enough to wear in winter or warmer months. Going to purchase a few more of these to have on hand.”

What fans say: “Great basic leggings. I love these leggings! I hope Kohl's never stops selling them. I will wear them forever. The rise is perfect, and they are really soft. The waistband is a little wider than some other brands that Kohl's carries, and I really like that. I find myself reaching for them all the time.”

What fans say: “These leggings were exactly what I was looking for. Simple enough to wear under a tunic/dress for work, but durable and thick enough to wear to workout. The waistband hits at a good spot just below my navel, and does not pull in on my tummy to show any "muffintop". I'm an average height of 5'5" and the length is perfect, but for taller women it might be too short. For reference, I ordered an XL and wear a size 14 pants.”

What fans say: “Oh my goodness! LOOOVE! I’ve been wanting some faux leather leggings and these are just about as perfect as they could get. I have only worn them once or twice so I’m curious how they hold up. I’m extremely sensitive about pants and the way they feel (not *just* fit&aesthetic). If it helps, I’m also petite, but with larger thighs than most pants or even leggings usually leave room for; even when they technically “fit”, a lot of times they can make my thighs look even bigger than they are (hips are narrow- impossible to ever have a thigh gap lol not going to happen). I’m constantly frustrated with this issue and these leggings look *fantastic*! It’s like they were actually cut to accommodate thighs! I am buying a few pairs of these. Hope this helps someone make a decision :)”

What fans say: “These are higher quality cotton leggings than others I've found that were even more expensive. Definitely recommend as a maternity basic.”