As a seasoned vogue editor, I’m usually requested which summer season capsule-wardrobe staple I couldn’t reside with out. Through the years, this reply has fluctuated. At varied factors, basic straight-leg denims have been my primary; including a ’90s polish to floaty blouses and graphic T-shirts. At others, it was a linen costume, a mode so light-weight and breathable you’ll survive a heatwave with ease. However, for the previous few years, my reply has unequivocally been the identical: leggings.
The common-or-garden legging has undergone one thing of a mode renaissance of late. Gone are the high-shine, primary-colour spandex beloved by the likes of Lisa Rinna and Jane Fonda throughout their iconic VHS workout-tape eras. In the present day, they’re much less eclectic and extra Pilates princess. And the prim pedal-pushers favoured by royals and A-list celebrities like Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe are right now extra “mannequin off responsibility” than the rest.
(Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
With all the things from fashion-forward capris to Y2K-inspired foldover flares trending in summer season 2026, what I like about this revival is that they genuinely really feel cross-generational. So, whether or not you are Gen Z, millennial or a part of Gen X, belief me: there’s a legging silhouette that can give you the results you want. Want additional proof? Mere weeks in the past, I watched my 53-year-old mom (a girl who’s usually fairly trend-averse) saunter down the steps in a cropped-capris-and-thong kitten-heel look—an outfit that would have been plucked from Hailey Bieber’s warm-weather rotation.
After scouring my social media feed, I found there are fairly a number of types each Gen Z and millennials are favouring; they’re simply styling them in several methods. Scroll down to find the 4 leggings developments and how you can put on them.
How Millennials and Gen Z Are Sporting Leggings in Summer time 2026
1. Capris
Type Notes: After years on the sidelines, the reinvention of pedal-pushers as capri leggings has made them one in every of this season’s most coveted buys. Completely balancing a ’50s pin-up glamour with 2026 It-girl edge, their cropped end elongates and elevates. Plus, the fashion appears significantly smooth with a lot of summer season’s most distinguished developments, from heeled ballet pumps styled with linen shirts, minimalist flip-flops paired with child tees and strappy sandals completed with 3/4-length tops.
Gen Z:
Type Notes: Leaning into trendy cuts and playful colors, Isabelle Coheen’s look is quintessentially Gen Z. From her cinch-detail denim jacket to her Sisters and Seekers Martha Carryall, the look oozes the playful power synonymous with this set.
Millennials:
Type Notes: In a timeless ensemble, clothier Cass Dimicoo places a contemporary spin on capri leggings. By layering a relaxed button-down shirt over a fitted tank, she channels Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s signature understated magnificence with ease. Ending her look with a Bottega Veneta Andiamo clutch and strappy peep-toe mules, it feels each refined and trendy.
Store Capri Leggings:
Free Folks
By no means Higher Mini Leggings
Adanola
Final Capri Leggings
Kendall Jenner is all the time noticed out in Adanola capris.
lululemon
Wunder Practice Excessive-Rise Crop 21″
Lululemon makes among the most snug leggings round.
Abercombie
Curve Love A&F Forme Capri Pant
For those who’re a curvier woman, you could see Abercombie’s Curve Love vary.
2. Fold-Over Flared Leggings
Type Notes: A revived relic of the Y2K period, fold-over flared leggings have made a triumphant return due to vintage-style athleisure. Now a staple of summer season wardrobes, the as soon as “dated” silhouette presents each versatility and consolation, particularly because the waistband might be manoeuvred to suit the wearer’s consolation.
Gen Z:
Type Notes: Leaning into playful color and daring proportions, Gen Z trendsetter Sofia performs with clashing hues, eye-catching prints and dynamic layering to provide her Pilates look a distinctly youthful edge. Completed with biker-style sunnies and all-black Longchamp Le Pliage, the ensemble feels proper at residence on East London’s eclectic streets.
Millennials:
Type Notes: Ever the minimalist, Kendall Jenner’s fold-over flares look proves that millennial dressing is something however beige. Choosing a impartial color palette, she completed her Alo ensemble with a capacious suede tote and a fashion-person favorite (The Row Metropolis Sandals) for an on-the-go ‘match.
Store Fold-Over Flared Leggings:
Princess Polly
Kobee Foldover Flare Trousers Co-Ord
Cult model Princess Polly has lastly landed on ASOS, and its items are simply pretty much as good as we keep in mind.
Astoria
Foldover Flare Legging
Pair with flip-flops and a tank prime.
Many Many Garments
The Alma Trousers in Aqua
Aquamarine is Gen Z’s favorite color pattern this season.
SKIMS
Cotton Jersey Foldover Pant
Kylie Jenner has been noticed on this Skims set.
SPORTY & RICH
Runner Flared-Leg Woven Leggings
Who What Put on UK appearing deputy editor Rebecca Rhys-Evans swears by this Sporty & Wealthy pair.
3. Full-Size Leggings
Type Notes: Whether or not you’re a health club woman or a Pilates princess, full-length leggings are a real year-round wardrobe hero. Including heat when layered beneath denims in winter and excellent for the espresso run, their ultra-sleek silhouette has a transitional enchantment. Plus, if you happen to go for trending lace or leather-look, you possibly can take your outfit from day to nighttime with ease.
Gen Z:
Type Notes: Selecting full-length leggings in a subdued gray, Gen Z vogue individual Gigi Yasein performs with colors and shapes to create an unapologetically cool look. From her teal long-sleeved tee to her Mandarin-collared cape jacket and rounded wedge heels, it is a trend-focused look.
Millennials:
Type Notes: Selecting clashing colourways and playful textures, Veronica Campos’ full-length-leggings-and-sports-bra look is enjoyable, contemporary and comfortable. I particularly love the pop of color by means of her pastel-striped socks.
Store Full-length Leggings:
M&S
Important Excessive Waisted Gymnasium Leggings
M&S’s Goodmove vary is likely one of the finest activewear strains on the excessive avenue.
ARNE
Energetic Legging in Slate Blue
The excessive waistband will make it easier to really feel comfortable and safe on the health club.
Sweaty Betty
Energy Tempo Exercise Leggings
WOLFORD
Scuba Stretch-Jersey Leggings
The scuba materials will really feel like second pores and skin.
Nobody does elevated informal fairly in addition to The Row.
4. Polka-Dot Leggings
Type Notes: This summer season, we’ve seen a myriad of printed and textured leggings crop up on the fashion set. Assume fairly pointelle capris or laced full-lengths; nonetheless, no fashion is kind of as common as polka dot. Whether or not you go for a cropped capri with a thong kitten-heel à la Hailey Bieber, or select a vibrant ballet flat, their mood-boosting sample breaks up the monotony of solid-colour activewear with vintage-inspired aptitude.
Gen Z:
Type Notes: From her windbreaker to the tied jumper and classic pink Chanel ballets, French It woman Marie-Victoire Tiangue’s look is one to avoid wasting for later. The jumper doubles as a sensible layer in case the climate dips, while her polka-dot leggings add a playful contact of sample. For those who’re a maximalist dresser in quest of some contemporary inspo, this outfit is one to avoid wasting for later.
Millenials:
Type Notes: Echoing Hailey’s look, vogue individual Nitsan Raiter proves {that a} three-quarter-length prime and polka-dot leggings are a match made in heaven. The heels elongate her legs while the highest retains it informal sufficient to not really feel overdone. It is positively one to re-create this summer season.
Store Polka-Dot Leggings:
Subsequent
Polka Dot Energetic Steadiness Sports activities Capri Leggings
Make a press release on the health club on this set.
Collusion
Collusion Polkadot Capri in Black
Who’d have thought butter yellow would pair so nicely with polka dots?
Amanda Uprichard
Nico Capri Pants
The additionally are available a white-and-black colourway.
FAITHFULL
Valeria Capri Chocolate Dot Trousers
Faithfull polka dots have been throughout my social media feeds this summer season.
Rowen Rose
Polka Dots Capri Pants
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