If you were Seinfeld instead of the culturally savvy and fashionably-aware person that you are, you might be asking yourself, “What’s the deal with those mesh workout leggings?” I know I asked myself that the first time I saw them in a Whole Foods in the dead of winter. Upon second glance, however, I decided that I liked these new and trendy yoga pants with mesh. For one thing, they looked stretchy, and stretchy is comfortable, and comfortable is good. For another, they look sort of like something that Sandy would’ve worn at the end of Grease if it had been just a few degrees hotter. You can also get these stylish leggings for under $40, if you know where to look.
It turns out that the mesh leggings trend doesn’t just look cool — it’s actually really functional. While shorts provide tons of airflow and ventilation, they don’t necessarily provide a streamlined compression fit and anti-chafing benefits. With mesh leggings, you get the best of both worlds. The fabric covers your legs to keep everything comfortable and free from touching gross things like public park benches, but the mesh panels help you stay cool and dry during your workout. Check out these stylish mesh leggings under $40 that fit any fashion-sense or body type.
1. Go Modern And Sleek With Your Yoga Routine
Lotsyle Yoga Gym Workout Splicing Mesh Leggings (S-XL) , $25, Amazon
These modern and sleek-looking mesh leggings have a cool design that winds around the thighs, and they’re made of soft and comfortable fabric that hugs your waist and fully covers your legs.
2. Great Workout Pants For Runners
RBX Active Striated Layered Print Capri Legging (S-XL), $20-$40, Amazon
If you’re a runner, these RBX striated layered capri leggings make an incredible addition to your workout drawer. They’ve got a four-way stretch that keeps you streamlined and comfortable, as well as a hidden interior key pocket in the waistband. The fabric dries quickly and offers tons of ventilation while you’re working out, too, and you can grab a pair in eight different styles and color ways.
3. Criss-Crossing Strips Of Ventilating Mesh
Beepeak Long Mesh Yoga Leggings (S-XL) , $18-$25 (Was $79), Amazon
These Beepeak long mesh yoga leggings are made from a moisture-wicking and breathable fabric that won’t bunch or ride up. They’ve also got a thick waistband that hugs your curves, and they’re great for everything from yoga to running.
4. Get Tons Of Stretch Without Sacrificing Style
Lovezesent Women's Yoga Pants (S-L) , $12-$14 (Was $40), Amazon
Not only do these yoga pants come in several cool colors, but they have flat seams and a body-hugging compression fit that’s great for working out. They stop mid-ankle, and reviewers love that they’re extra stretchy, super on trend, and really comfortable.
5. Keep It Fashionable And Practical
JOYMODE Mesh Panels Workout Capri Leggings (S-XL) , $18, Amazon
Whether they’re a fashion statement at the gym or at a bar, these capri leggings keep you comfortable and trendy without any slipping or rolling. They combine style and performance to give you a high quality legging that’s durable, anti-chafing, and comfortable.
6. Get Airflow Ventilation With Calf-Down Mesh
Dearlovers Sport Leggings With Mesh (S-XL), $12-$14, Amazon
Another awesome option for mesh lovers, these leggings have panels of mesh all over the calves — ideal for cooling down easily when working up a sweat. They’re stretchy, comfortable, and soft, but they’re durable and opaque at the same time.
7. Get Airflow From Mesh Material (Without The Transparency)
Baleaf Mesh Running Capri Leggings (S-XL) , $15, Amazon
For ventilation on your calves and waist, these Baleaf mesh running capri leggings have tiny easy-breathe holes that deliver airflow without sacrificing coverage. They’ve also got a four-way compression stretch that fits snugly without constriction, and they’re breathable and dry especially quickly.
8. Store Your Stuff In A Cool Side Pocket
High Waist Mesh Workout Leggings (S-M) , $16, Amazon
The coolest part about these high waist mesh workout leggings is that they’ve got a pocket on the side to hold your phone or wallet. They’ve also got a mesh strip going up the side that keeps you cool and comfortable, and the elastic waistband makes sure that things don’t slip down while you’re working out.
9. Plus-Size Leggings That Look Great And Reduce Chafing
Rainbeau Curves Plus-Size Andrea Leggings (1X-4X) , $19-$40, Amazon
These leggings are an awesome option for plus-sized ladies. They’re made from a lightweight moisture-wicking fabric, they’ve got flat-lock stitching to reduce chafing, and the mesh pockets help promote airflow to keep you cool during your workout.
10. Show Some Skin With These High Mesh Panels
Nulibenna Mesh Stretchy Workout Leggings (S-L) , $13 (Was $25), Amazon
If you’re looking to go extra sexy with your workout pants, these stretchy workout leggings have a mesh panel that stretches all the way up the side. They’re made from soft material that hugs your body, but the opaque part is just that — opaque, even when you stretch or bend over.
11. Look Extra Badass In These Functional Running Pants
JARSEEN Tights Line Mesh Stretch Leggings (S-XL) , $18, Amazon
If you’re looking for something that’s functional but looks pretty damn hardcore at the same time, look no further than these line mesh stretch leggings. They’ve got mesh all up your legs to keep you cool and comfortable, and because the fabric is soft and they dry quickly, they’re especially great for outdoor activities like hiking and marathons.
12. Three-Quarter Mesh Legging With Back Pocket
TD Collections Three-Quarter Legging (S-XL), $14-$27, Amazon
These awesome leggings have extensive mesh paneling and stretchy spandex for a visually intriguing look that suits any outfit, especially if you want the look of leggings but the feel of bicycle shorts. Plus, they have a zip pocket in back for storing keys, a card, or your phone while working out or running around town.
13. A Breathable And Cool Option With A Secure Fit
GRAT.UNIC Mesh Panels Leggings (S-XL) , $20, Amazon
Made from compression nylon, these GRAT.UNIC mesh panel leggings have cool mesh paneling but are still breathable and cooling. The anti-slip waistband won’t go anywhere while you’re exercising, and the high waist ensures no wardrobe malfunctions.
14. Bring Some Color To The Gym
EocuSun Air Mesh Fabric Running Workout Leggings (M-XL) , $24-$34, Amazon
Add a pop of color to your workout routine with these EocuSun mesh fabric workout leggings. They’re highly stretchable, yet maintain their shape, and because they wick sweat with high-quality fabric and ventilate your legs, they’ve got incredible ratings.
15. High-Rise Mesh Panels For Great Ventilation
Mesh Insert High Waisted Sport Leggings (S-L), $16, Amazon
In your choice of five great colors, these mesh high waisted leggings are great for working out or wearing out. They’re made from a soft stretchy cotton material that’s extra comfortable, and the mesh panels go all the way up the leg for optimal ventilation.
Images: Amazon (15)
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