Done with See-Through Leggings? These Performance Pants Offer Style with Leg Room

We’ve rounded up top picks from a new generation of performance pants redefining gym style

All products featured on Athletech News are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

For years, leggings dominated the athleisure and performance markets. But retail data shows leggings’ share of activewear bottoms dropping from about 50% in 2021 to roughly 30% today as consumers gravitate toward looser silhouettes like joggers, wide-leg training pants and technical trousers to replace their see-through tights.

Case in point: Former Peloton instructor Kendall Toole recently told Athletech News that her latest activewear obsessions include “vintage sportswear ’90s Adidas track pants,” while Trendalytics director of trend and editorial strategy Kendall Becker also revealed that “very Adidas-and-Reebok-coded” pants are also “replacing leggings as the comfort wear-around-town piece.”

As brands expand beyond compression-heavy staples and introduce more versatile bottoms that work across training, travel and everyday wear, some of the best track pants and activewear trousers combine elevated styling with high-performance touches. Think sweat-wicking materials that’ll keep you cool while commuting, or smooth, wrinkle-free fabrics that don’t scream activewear.

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best alternatives to leggings from this new generation of workout pants – shop our favorite picks below. (Bonus: None of them are made of transparent fabrics.)

Best Wide Leg Pants

Spanx Air Essentials Wide Leg Pant

$118

BUY AT SPANX

These wide-leg pants are great for yoga, errands, or stretching. For a more casual office, they could even be paired with a dressy top for work.

CRZ YOGA Butterlift Wide Leg Pants

$40

BUY AT AMAZON

These buttery soft wide-leg pants are both comfortable and stylish, with a secure waistband.

Splits59 Michele Airweight Trouser

$188

BUY AT SPLITS59

We love these pants for yoga, low-impact workouts, and stretching. They’re also perfect for traveling and even business-casual workplaces.

Best Track Pants

Adidas Originals Women’s Essentials 3-Stripes Woven Parachute Pants

$50

BUY AT AMAZON

This classic style is perfect for the gym or errands. (Former Peloton instructor and NKO Club founder Kendall Toole is a fan of the retro silhouette.)

Sergio Tacchini Lioni Track Pants

$135

BUY AT SERGIO TACCHINI

Italian label Sergio Tacchini’s nylon track pants deliver an elevated activewear look with performance touches like adjustable ankle zips and zippered pockets.

Best Trousers

Lululemon Daydrift High-Rise Wide-Leg Trouser

$148

BUY AT LULULEMON

These chic pants have unrestricted stretch for everyday wear and workouts.

Alo Suit Up Trouser

$148

BUY AT ALO

These Alo trousers have a cult following for a reason. They have a boxer-style elastic waistband with the Alo Yoga and are buttery soft and sleek.

"We often receive complimentary products to review at Athletech News. Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team."