Flared leggings are back, and this time they’re not going anywhere. The Y2K-inspired silhouette has taken over gym floors, Pilates studios and high streets alike. Who What Wear names flares one of the biggest leggings trends of the year. Want that nostalgic foldover waist, or a slim, streamlined flare for everyday wear? This edit has you covered before your size sells out.
EDITOR’S PICK
1 – Alo Yoga SoftSculpt Foldover Flare Legging
This pair sums up the flared leggings revival. Alo’s SoftSculpt fabric has a subtle sheen and an ultra-soft handle. The foldover waistband is the exact detail driving the whole Y2K comeback. Wear it up for full coverage, or roll it down for a lower-slung, off-duty look. It comes in both Espresso and Black. We’d reach for this pair first, whether that’s for a studio session or a coffee run. It’s our top pick of the edit: a genuinely elevated take on the trend from a brand that consistently sells out its bestsellers.
2 – On 30″ Studio Flared Leggings
On built this flare for low-intensity movement: yoga, Pilates or a slow Sunday walk. The soft, stretchy fabric (72% recycled polyester, 28% elastane) has genuine give. A side pocket holds your keys or a card. The Sakura colourway is now £80, down from £105. Stock is limited across sizes, with only a handful left in XS and XL.
3 – Gym King 365 Rib Flared Legging
This is one of the most accessible flares in the edit at £35. The ribbed jersey fabric gives it texture that reads as elevated, not just gym-only. The high-waisted fit and over-the-trainer flare create a longer, streamlined silhouette. Style it with an oversized hoodie, or wear it under a blazer. Selfridges, John Lewis and Next all stock it too — a solid sign this one’s built to last beyond the trend cycle.
4 – Gymshark Crossover Tall Flared Leggings
A deep crossover waistband gives these a flattering, cinched-in fit. The buttery-soft nylon-elastane blend (78/22) actually moves, not just looks the part. This pair comes in a genuine tall length with a 36″ inseam — a rarity in this category. It’s built for anyone who’s tired of flares that stop short. It’s currently £13.50, down from £45, though this Heavy Blue colourway is now out of stock in most sizes. Move fast if your size is still there.
SHOP THE GYMSHARK TALL FLARES →
5 – Gymshark x Whitney Simmons Flared Legging
Fitness creator Whitney Simmons co-designed this leg-day-ready flare. The super high-rise, cinching waistband is squat-proof and body-contouring. It’s built from the brand’s buttery Whitney fabric (78% nylon, 22% elastane), which holds its shape through a full session. Over 80 reviewers rate it 4.2 stars, and buyers consistently call the fit true to size. At £48, it costs more than most in this edit, but it’s the one to reach for if performance matters as much as the look.
6 – Gymshark Whitney Flared Legging in Focus Pink
This shares the same super high-rise fit and squat-proof, buttery fabric as the Whitney Simmons black pair above. Focus Pink brings a bolder colour if you want your flares to do a little more talking. Pair it with the brand’s matching sports bras and holdalls to build a full set. It’s also £48, part of the newest SS26 drop. Expect this colourway to move fast.
SHOP THE PINK WHITNEY FLARES →
7 – Gymshark Crossover Back Flared Leggings
These are built for the studio, not the squat rack. A flattering crossover-back design meets 4-way stretch fabric (78% nylon, 22% elastane) that moves through every angle of a Pilates or yoga class. Reviewers love the fit, though a few note the leg runs long under 5’4″. Fold the hem rather than sizing down. It’s £45, in a striking Iron Blue from one of Gymshark’s newest colour drops.
8 – Lululemon Groove Nulu High-Rise Flared Pant
Lululemon’s Nulu fabric has a cult following for good reason. It’s four-way stretch, sweat-wicking and genuinely weightless. This Groove-inspired flare adds a lightweight waistband that hugs from waist to knee, then releases into a clean flare. The 32.5″ inseam skims the floor for heights of 5’5″–5’8″. A back drop-in pocket holds a card or key. This colourway is down from £108 to £74, but stock is running low — only a few pieces left across sizes.
9 – Lululemon Groove Nulu High-Rise Flared Pant (Short)
This is the same buttery-soft Nulu flare as above, cut with a 30″ inseam for those 5’4″ and under. It proves the trend works at every height, not just on tall frames. The Nomad colourway is reduced from £108 to £69. The site flags it’s nearly sold through, so grab it now rather than wishlisting it.
SHOP THE SHORT-LENGTH FLARES →
10 – M&S Go Balance Foldover Waist Flared Leggings
M&S’s Goodmove edit brings the foldover trend to the high street at just £30. The adjustable foldover waistband sits exactly where you want it. The fabric has 360-degree stretch, and a peppermint-oil antibacterial treatment keeps you fresh all day. It’s rated 4.4 stars from 48 reviews. Buyers consistently call it “so comfortable” and flattering enough to wear beyond the gym.
SHOP THE M&S FOLDOVER FLARES →
11 – M&S Essential High Waisted Flared Leggings
This is the entry point of the whole edit at £22, and it just landed as part of M&S’s Just Arrived range. Cool Comfort™ technology wicks moisture and keeps the breathable fabric quick-drying. The elasticated high waist sits snugly through training without digging in. It’s a sleek, understated flare for anyone who wants the trend without the trend-piece price tag.
12 – Nike One High-Waisted Flared Leggings at M&S (Black Mix)
This Nike pair, part of M&S’s Sports Edit, brings a slimmer, more tailored flare than most sportier options in this list. It has a smooth, seam-free front, non-sheer coverage and Dri-FIT technology to keep you dry. A phone-sized back pocket adds practicality for runs or travel days. At £54, it’s one of the pricier picks. Reviews flag it runs slightly short in the leg, so size up or check the length guide before you buy.
SHOP THE NIKE FLARES (BLACK) →
13 – Nike One High-Waisted Flared Leggings at M&S (Dark Brown)
This is the same Nike One flare as above — Dri-FIT, streamlined high waistband, back phone pocket — in a rich Dark Brown that leans more autumn-ready than gym-only. It’s a genuinely versatile neutral if black already dominates your leggings drawer. It’s also £54, and part of the current Just Arrived edit, so grab the early sizes.
SHOP THE NIKE FLARES (BROWN) →
FAQs
How do you style flared leggings?
Lean into the length. Wear chunky trainers or platform slides rather than flat pumps to balance the extra volume at the hem. For daywear, add an oversized hoodie or long-line blazer to keep proportions in check. Cinch things in with a cropped top or fitted sports bra up top.
Are flared leggings flattering, and who do they suit?
Flares count as one of the most elongating leg silhouettes around. They skim, rather than cling, from the knee down, which lengthens the leg line at any height. Taller frames often see the most dramatic effect, but plenty of the pairs above — including the M&S Essential and Lululemon Short — suit shorter heights too.
Foldover waist vs high-waist — what’s the difference?
A foldover waistband, like the Alo Yoga and M&S Go Balance pairs, folds down for a relaxed fit or rolls up for extra coverage. It’s the detail most associated with the Y2K revival. A standard high-waist sits fixed in place and offers firmer, more supportive compression, which suits heavier training.
How do you wash and care for flared leggings?
Stick to a cold or 30–40°C delicate wash. Skip the tumble dryer where possible, or use a low heat setting. Avoid fabric softener, since it breaks down the elastane and reduces stretch over time. Turn leggings inside out before washing to protect any printed or bonded detailing.
Can you wear flared leggings outside the gym?
Yes — that’s a big part of why the trend has taken off. Ribbed or foldover styles like the Gym King and M&S picks double as everyday trousers. Performance-first pairs like the Gymshark Whitney or Nike One work better for training, given their squat-proof, sweat-wicking builds.
Why has the flared leggings trend come back now?
Who What Wear puts it down to renewed appetite for Y2K silhouettes, combined with a broader shift toward comfort-first dressing. That shift has pushed flares past skinny leggings as the studio-to-street staple of 2026, a trend also tracked by Fashion Week Online’s coverage of the athleisure revival.
From Alo’s foldover flares to M&S’s budget-friendly Goodmove pair, this edit has a flared legging for every budget, height and gym ambition. Which one’s making it into your basket first? For more activewear inspiration, browse our fashion features.
