10 Cropped Leggings To Add to Your Workout Rotation

Unpopular opinion: you can have too many long, black leggings. Sure, the athleisure staple is timeless. But with so many other breathable legging styles to choose from, it might be time to switch things up.

That’s why we recommend a solid pair of cropped leggings—they’re not as short as the bike short, which don’t provide much protection from cold, air-conditioned gyms. But, they’re a bit airier than your typical long leggings, which fall at the ankle and don’t provide much breathing room in hardcore HIIT workouts or super-sweaty spin classes.

The cropped legging, AKA capri legging, gives you all the comfort of the athleisure go-to with juuust a bit more breathability. Below, the best cropped leggings to add to your workout-wear rotation.

10 of the best cropped leggings to wear in your next workout

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1. Black Lustrous High Rise Capri Leggings

Let’s level here for a sec—leather pants are trendy, yes, but at they the comfiest things in the world? Eh… not quite. That’s why we love these sleek cropped leggings by Koral. They have the glossy sheen of leather leggings, but they’re made of the brand’s lightweight Infinity technology to provide stretch and support, in and out the gym.

2. Belly Bandit ActiveSupport Essential Capri Maternity Leggings

New moms—these soft cropped leggings are designed to move with you mid-pregnancy and postpartum. The built-in belly band can be rolled up over your belly for extra support, or can be rolled underneath for additional lift. The materials are all light, moisture-wicking, and feature a 4-way stretch for just the right amount of flex.

3. ASOS Design Capri Leggings

Don’t let the price tag fool you—these leggings by ASOS Design don’t skimp on quality. They’re high-rise, falling right on the natural waist without giving you the dreaded camel toe. The black is timeless, but the moss green version is also fun for the gym, yoga studio, and anywhere else.

4. Michi Black Axial Leggings

Leg day can get sweaty, but the cutout design on these leggings adds some extra breathability mid-workout. Michi’s Axial Leggings are sweat-wicking and ultra-stretchy, too, so getting sticky and uncomfortable won’t be an issue during your next cardio sesh.

5. Michi Stardust Crop Leggings

Here’s another longer legging if you aren’t ready to go full-capri. Michi’s 8-way stretch leggings feature all the bells-and-whistles of a serious athletic pant: moisture-wicking fabric, mesh inserts for breathability, an elastic waistband for added support, and flat seams for protection against chafing. It’s available in black and white.

6.  ASOS 4505 Cropped Contour Leggings

ASOS’s activewear line, ASOS 4505, offers excellent athletic and training apparel without breaking the bank. These cropped contour leggings are a step-up from your everyday black pant, featuring a tasteful animal print along the outer legs. Both mauve and mint pairs play well with a simple, neutral colored tank, or buy the matching leopard sports bra to complete the look.

7. Nike Training Victory Capri

You can rarely go wrong with Nike performance apparel. These black unisex leggings are made from Dri-Fit fabric that will keep you dry through even your sweatiest cardio sesh. Minimalists, you’ll love the simplicity of the single Nike swoosh on the left leg and the classic branded waistband.

8. Philosophy Women’s Waffle-Knit Cropped Leggings

Philosophy’s Waffle-Knit leggings are the perfect combination of cozy and classic. The texture and the charcoal hue make these leggings almost resemble dress pants, which means they will be your go-to for in-office comfort.

9. Marc New York Tie-Dye Cropped Leggings

These Marc New York cropped leggings are perfect for when you want a little bit of flare while keeping function. Main features include the tie-die side-stripes that will emphasize your silhouette. Made from a combo of cotton and spandex, these leggings have extra stretch and will pair perfectly with a cropped, monochrome hoodie.

10. Jessica Simpson’s Printed Cropped Leggings

We’re absolutely obsessed with the pattern on these Jessica Simpson cropped leggings. As is the case with all of Simpson’s leggings, the high-waisted control-top provides immense support and the allover print is perfect for a bit of fun.

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