1/8 shorter and a whole lot cuter.
Image: The Iconic.Source:BodyAndSoul
Let's be real, leggings don't get nearly enough credit for what they do.
The versatility of leggings, to be able to hold you in tight and keep you warm, yet allowing you to move, dance, squat, or lounge around in comfort is wild. Not to mention they're also perfectly acceptable for errands and brunch. Leggings are really covering all bases and we applaud them for it.
But occasionally, full length leggings can get a little much, especially if you’re working out or want something to get around in during the warmer months. That’s where 7/8 leggings (generally those that hit above the ankle) come in.
7/8 leggings are another classic example of duality, offering warmth and coverage without feeling stuffy. They’re perfect for any day, summer or winter, and you best believe we’ve found the standout 7/8 leggings on the market for every single need and occasion. Check it out.
If you’re looking for a reliable, basic pair of 7/8 leggings, these Rockwear Evolve tights are it. Ultra high-rise, and made from compression-like, sweat-wicking material with a side pocket, they have all the basics you need to work out, lounge around or grocery shop in comfort.
One buyer reports back, “Love these leggings. They fit so well and are perfect for a personal trainer like me.”
If you want some leggings that can go with you from your yoga class, to errand-running and brunch with the girls, these Sweaty Betty favourites will stick by you loyally. Not only are they high-rise and made with Sweaty Betty’s classic, unbelievably soft fabric that's perfect for yoga, they are bum-sculpting and sweat wicking, so can be used in other workouts, too! And, they’re available in a dreamy Mistflower Purple for just $60 at The Iconic.
Nike has done it again with these second-skin leggings. Made with a wide, high-rise waistband and flatlock seams, they are super comfy and perfect for yoga. But reviewers say they work great for other activities, too.
One buyer writes, “I’ve tried many tights before and these by far are the best. I wear them with everything whatever the occasion may be and they are super flattering.”
Available in some vibrant blues and black, these LSKD leggings are a fantastic staple for your activewear drawer. As hinted in the name, these leggings are a fusion of all the crowd-favourite features from LSKD’s legging range – kind of like a cruffin (all the best bits of a croissant and muffin, fused into one). While these leggings won't satisfy the craving you now have for a pastry, they do have a high-rise foldover waistband, deep pockets, no front seam (which equals no cameltoe), and supportive, moisture wicking fabric to make up for it.
It wouldn’t be a gym tights round up without a little feature for cult activewear brand Stax. I don’t know about you, but almost anyone on my Instagram feed posting a cute post-workout mirror selfie has the tell-tale Stax. logo on their hip, so it’s pretty clear they’re a brand that makes great leggings. These Best Black 7/8 leggings are a Stax. staple, and (yes) they do come in more colours than just black. In fact, the high-waisted, stretchy Nandex leggings come in twelve vibrant colours, so you could grab one for every month, if you’re feeling spendy.
One reviewer writes, “I’ve always loved wearing tights and work out gear just because I love the look and not necessarily because I work out, these are the bomb!! So comfortable and they honestly make my mum tum invisible. 1000% recommend.”
If you want some 7/8 leggings that you can wear all day, for any activity, these All Day leggings might be the pick for you. They are sweat-wicking and dry quickly, so you don’t need to worry about being a literal sweaty Betty when you go from Pilates to your next gig. They also feature a slip pocket, and are so soft and comfy you will be wanting nothing more than to wear them the entire day.
I’ve owned these classic LJ tights for over a year now and practically live in them. Thanks to their high-rise fit they are comfy and flattering, and two deep pockets mean you barely need to bring a handbag anywhere. But this buyer’s amusing review speaks for itself. I’ll let her tell it.
“Take a seat ladies and gentlemen because I'm here to tell you a tale. A tale of the best tights I've ever known.
These tights have seen me through 2+ years (and still going) of Crossfit, running, climbing, falling down a mountainside, countless waterski attempts and more - and they live to see another day!
Possibly my favourite feature is that the waistband doesn't roll down, and these don't shift around on you. They wash really well and are so comfortable every time.”
And, I’m guessing, this buyer and her LJ tights will live happily ever after.
For cute activewear that doesn’t break the bank, I wholeheartedly believe that Cotton On will always be there for you. These Active Core 7/8 tights are a great basic that ticks all the right boxes: high-waisted, stretchy, moisture-wicking, pocket.
One reviewer writes, “These tights are a great fit. They stay perfectly in place when exercising. Very comfy & great value for money. So good, I went back & bought a second pair.”
Adidas’ Believe This tights have received rave reviews, with an average rating of 4.4/5 stars. Available on The Iconic, the 7/8 leggings with Adidas’ iconic three stripes are made to feel like a second skin. They have Aeroready moisture-absorbing fabric and a generous stretch.
One reviewer writes, “Being a plus size woman sometimes it's hard to find the right fit. However, these tights fit true to size. They are super comfortable and easy to move in. They wash up really nice and don't shrink, love them!”
I don’t know about you, but being fast and free sounds like it would make you a bit of a powerhouse and I would very much like some of that. If you would too, check out these leggings by Lululemon. They are designed for running, and have lightweight Nulux fabric that passes the squat test. Plus, they’re full of pockets. Speaks for itself.
If you don’t have the time to run while the sun is up, these Adidas leggings will give you what you need to run after dark. Designed with minimal seams for less chafing, moisture-absorbing technology, a phone pocket and most importantly reflective elements, they’re perfect for running at night.
If you want some 7/8 tights that will stand by you on every gruelling squat and lunge, these are it. They are high-waisted, smooth and flattering, with a little booty shaping that also doesn’t hurt. They’re perfect for any activity, but reviewers can testify they are great for a squat sesh.
Out of the average 4.9/5 star ratings, one reviewer raves, “Perfect tights! They stay up during HIIT and look flattering. Totally squat proof.”
LJ’s Booty Support Tights are designed to support you in all training, but their Nothing 2 See Here fabric makes them especially squat proof. They also have active core stability, and are compressive for muscle recovery.
One reviewer writes, “I LOVE these tights! The support around the upper thigh, booty and waist band is actually incredible. They don’t slip down while working out and for a girl with a big booty, that’s a huge PLUS!”
If you want some 7/8 leggings that will support you through pregnancy, postpartum and beyond, these tights by Emamaco are a great bet. They are moisture wicking, breathable, and made with the right amount of compression needed for growing bodies. The materials used are certified Standard 100 by OEK-TEX, meaning they are safe for the body, and as a bonus, they don’t attract animal hair! Plus, they have pockets so you can go hands-free.
One reviewer raves, “love these. Incredible quality feel and fit. I have recommended these to all the new mums I know! Really glad I found them :)”
When the weather is miserable, we often curl up at home or force ourselves to get out. These cosy leggings will work for either option, but they’re especially good at motivating you to do the latter. Lined with thermal fleece designed to keep out the cold, they also have a compressive high waistband and pockets for whatever you need. They come in full, 28-inch length if you’re wanting something a little longer than 7/8, too.
Even in the warmer weather, sometimes we don’t feel like showing off our legs in shorts at the gym. That’s where Nike’s breezy 7/8 leggings come in. Made with mesh at the calves, they let air in during high-heat training, and Dri-Fit technology makes your sweat evaporate quicker, keeping you cool and dry. They have an average rating of 4.5/5 stars and come in three stylish colours.
Thanks to more recent fashion trends, it’s now entirely acceptable for leggings to be worn proudly outside the gym, and these gorgeous prints from Sweaty Betty are sure to look chic as ever under a crop top on your next breakfast date. They’re also bum sculpting, sweat wicking and perfect for any workout.
One reviewer testifies, “I wear the power leggings for everything, workouts, relaxing at home, out with the kids, you name it. Comfortable, stylish, long lasting, loads of colour options. Pair with the after class sweatshirt for ultimate comfort!!!!”
If you’re a sucker for seamless activewear like I am, you’ll want to check out these stunning 7/8 seamless leggings by LSKD. Made with breathable, moisture-wicking seamless fabric, they are designed to feel like a buttery-soft second skin. They’re also anti-odor, so you can work out in full confidence. What more could you want?
They have an average 4.8/5 star rating, with one buyer reporting back, “I love these tights! They are so comfy, warm and make me feel confident and supported! Best tights I have ever purchased. Will be getting more in the future.”
Designed to sit just above the ankle, 7/8 leggings are essentially seven eighths of a full-length leggings (so 1/8 shorter). They generally have an inseam of around 24-inches, but whether they do sit above the ankle on you will depend on how tall you are.
Because of the way 7/8 leggings are designed to stop just above your ankle, they can have the effect of making your legs look longer. This is as opposed to full-length leggings, that stop right at your feet and can give off the illusion of shorter legs. When paired with a high waist, 7/8 leggings can be especially flattering, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference and what makes you feel most confident.
This depends on what purpose you’re using your leggings for, but a few key features to consider are moisture-wicking or sweat-wicking material, non-sheer material, and if you’re going for a high waist, make sure you check reviews to see that the waistband doesn’t roll down. Some extras that we like to look out for are pockets, compression, four-way stretch, and a high waistband. If you’re running, you’ll want leggings that have minimal seams for less chafing, and if you’re squatting or doing yoga, you might want something high-waisted and squat-proof.
Want more activewear recommendations? Check out our favourite seamless activewear pieces, running shorts and high waisted leggings.
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