The comfiest leggings to wear on a flight

Pros: Thin material is both breathable and completely opaque, waistband stays securely in place without digging in
Cons: Zero insulation makes the leggings chilly in cold climates, placement of the brand label on the left thigh feels a little random

If you’re jetting off to the tropics, the AllTheFeels Leggings from Vuori use a mix of recycled polyamide and elastane known as BlissBlend to deliver lightweight breathability. When I first received them I was worried they would be far too small. But the super soft fabric stretches impressively to deliver a perfect, second-skin fit that stays in place well and affords complete freedom of movement. This was proven when I performed a series of squats in front of the mirror to convince myself that despite the thinness of the material, they really were opaque.

The leggings kept me cool even when I wore them running. In fact, they were so effective at regulating temperature I barely sweated. I think they’d be perfect for flights to hot countries. You know, the ones where the cabin door opens and you’re faced by a wall of humidity that must be waded through to reach passport control and baggage claim? Available in three lengths, they’re designed to sit just above the ankle for a cropped look that goes well with flip-flops and sandals. Sizes run from XXS to XXL while colours range from goes-with-everything Black to summery Claret (blush pink).

Pros: Textured panels help to smooth and shape for a flattering fit, regulate temperature well for comfort in different climates
Cons: Limited choice of colours, with little difference between them, can look cropped on taller women, with only one length available

We’ve already established that leggings are the ultimate choice for in-air comfort. But being comfortable doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style points, as the Seamless Shaping Leggings from Falke prove. Made from a soft polyamide and elastane blend, they offer a matte finish and textured shaping panels on the buttocks, stomach and thighs. I found that these not only added visual interest but also provided noticeable, elasticated support that worked to smooth my legs and hold everything in place. They’re versatile too, pairing as well with a suit jacket and heels as they did with a knit jumper and comfy boots.

Colour choices are classically stylish and include Black, Graphite and Marine. The shades are perhaps a little too close (I tried Marine and had to check the label to make sure I hadn’t accidentally been sent Black). In terms of comfort, the leggings are ideal for short and long-haul trips. With full freedom of movement, shimmying around your fellow passengers from window seat to aisle is easy. The waistband stays up without digging in, even when sitting for hours at a time. Meanwhile, compression panels on the legs encourage blood flow and may help prevent swelling and muscle fatigue.

Pros: Thick yet breathable material hugs in all the right places, foldover waistband allows for a high- or low-rise fit
Cons: Sizing isn’t particularly inclusive, running up to an L only, bootcut style is difficult to wear with mid-length boots

Of all the pairs I tested, the Alo Foldover Bootcut Leggings were my favourite. With their retro flared hem, they tap into the current Noughties flashback trend and offer the chance to make a statement with your travel outfit. I found the bootcut style fun, flattering and unbelievably comfortable. Alosoft fabric uses a blend of polyester and elastane to deliver buttery, brushed-finish softness with all the flexibility of four-way stretch. The combination of breathability and thickness (for opacity and warmth in overly air-conditioned airport terminals) was a real win for me.

The fit is impeccable, clinging snugly in all the right places with a compressive effect that made me feel reassuringly supported. Then there’s the foldover waistband which allows you to switch between a high- and low-rise fit. When folded, the material stays in place and doesn’t wrinkle or add noticeable bulk. No matter which way you wear them or how long you’re sitting for, these leggings are going to be comfortable. Colours include Black and Dark Cactus, both with a reflective alo logo. I chose the latter and loved that it could be dressed up or down to suit any destination or type of trip.

Pros: Powerful compression technology stimulates blood flow, material dries quickly and regulates temperature effectively
Cons: They’re almost double the price of our next most expensive choice, the generous length is a pro for tall women, but something to consider for shorter ladies

The name Wolford has long been synonymous with luxury. The Wonderful Leggings fulfil brand expectations from the start, arriving cocooned in tissue paper inside a ribboned box. Once these have been dispensed with, it’s clear the leggings are worth their significant price tag even without the VIP packaging. Made from a blend of polyamide and elastane, the material feels different than one might expect with an initial starchiness that disappears as soon as you put them on. They conform to the shape of your legs, like a second skin that stretches to accommodate every movement.

They offer full-length compression for increased blood flow whether you’re flying or working out. An extra-thick waistband keeps the leggings in place without any uncomfortable restriction when sitting or bending. I also loved how it streamlined my figure for a flattering fit whether worn under loose or tight-fitting layers. They were breathable inside by the fire but plenty warm enough when walking outside on a freezing day. They also seemed to repel water and dried instantly after being caught in the rain – a major plus for getting to and from the airport on bad weather days. Choose yours in Black or Titanium with an ever-so-elegant tonal Wolford monogram.

Pros: Extra stretchy material for a sculpting, supportive, second-skin fit, designed without a front seam to eliminate camel toe
Cons: Material is so form-fitting that lighter colours may show skin texture, sizes come up small

When I opened my Ultimate Leggings from Adanola for the first time, my first thought was that they’d be a better fit for my five-year-old. They looked tiny! It’s a testament to the incredible four-way stretch of the nylon and elastane fabric that they ended up accommodating my size 10, 5’10” frame perfectly. I will say that they redefined the term “second skin”, however – there was no loose fabric anywhere, so if you prefer a more forgiving fit, consider sizing up. I loved that despite being so close-fitting, the absence of a front seam meant there was no risk of unsightly camel toe.

I could bend and stretch with complete freedom (great for stowing and retrieving luggage). And the high waistband provided support and contouring without any discomfort or tightness even after hours of wear. When I spilled water on the sweat-wicking fabric it dried without a trace in a matter of minutes, suggesting the leggings would be good for tropical holidays. They come in two lengths from XXS to XXL and several interesting colours (Olive Green, Burgundy and Mauve Purple being some of my favourites). Best of all, they offer the same quality as other leggings on this list for a fraction of the price.

Pros: Double waistband stays in place without being too tight or restrictive, ultra-soft nylon and spandex blend provides supportive, all-day comfort
Cons: Leggings must be hand washed and line dried which can be inconvenient for travel, may need to size up for complete opacity

Luxury legging brands can be limited when it comes to sizing, but that’s not the case with Skims. The Soft Smoothing Seamless Leggings are available in a full range of sizes from XXS to 4X and are designed to flatter all body types. A high waist lengthens your legs and contours your silhouette, while the double waistband cinches and smooths without digging in. We especially like that it stays securely in place – no irritating rolling or slipping here.

The fabric is a focal point, using a blend of nylon and spandex to offer butter-soft comfort whether you’re lounging at home or snoozing 40,000 feet up in the air. With plenty of stretch and light, all-over compression, the leggings are designed to offer lasting support and unhindered freedom of movement. They hit at the ankle and come in a choice of colours from classic, slimming Black to attention-grabbing Fuschia for every taste and purpose from business trips to getaways with the girls.

Pros: Zonal panels in the waistband stretch to accommodate growing bump, high-quality material resists snags and washes well
Cons: Stiff labels can be uncomfortable against bare skin

I asked a friend who’s currently 36 weeks pregnant to test the Nike One High-Waisted Maternity Leggings. She reported being impressed by the quality of the material, which stayed intact after being pawed at by her pets and through several washes – a good indication that they’d be up to the rough and tumble of travel. The polyester and elastane fabric was super comfortable whether she was active or taking it easy and she found that she was able to sit for hours without any chafing or constriction. The leggings come in Black or Smokey Mauve; she tested the former and found them fully opaque.

Zonal panels around the waistband provide added support and an elasticity that allows the leggings to grow through each stage of your pregnancy. You can even fold the waistband down to sit below your bump if you prefer. The fit was as expected (albeit being a little long on my friend’s shorter-than-average frame). She felt the leggings would fit just as well after the baby comes, too. She also liked that they kept her warm even when it was snowing outside. The leggings include Nike’s Dri-Fit technology for moisture-wicking, quick-drying comfort and contain at least 75 per cent recycled polyester.