We’ve researched and tested dozens of organic leggings — these are our favorite options for their natural materials, comfort and ethics across a range of price points.
Leggings are our all-day comfort clothing staple, whether we’re on Zoom meetings (business up top, cozy down low), watching our favorite Netflix series, or staying grounded and focused with a living room flow. We especially love organic cotton yoga leggings made with minimal spandex or elastane (to help retain stretchiness and durability!) and for their nontoxic properties that are free of harmful chemical treatments like PFAS.
Why consider organic leggings?
We recommend organic leggings for their sustainability, environmental, and ethical features. Organic materials such as organic cotton support sustainable agriculture as they are farmed using methods that have minimal impact on our ecosystems, compared to conventional fabrics. This includes crop rotation practices which help improve soil health and water conservation practices, to help prevent water waste. Organic cotton is also biodegradable, which helps fight pollution! Organic cotton producers also support socially responsible labor practices, meaning each purchase supports the ethical and fair treatment of garment workers.
It’s also important to note that because leggings are in such close contact with our skin, going for an organic fabric with fewer chemicals can prevent skin irritations. Organic textiles are also free of GMO’s and organic cotton in particular is free of the harmful chemical PFAS, which is linked to period irregularities, ovarian disorders, high blood pressure, and fertility concerns. Be sure to look out for the GOTS-certification on your next pair of organic cotton leggings to ensure the product adheres to strict environmental and ethical criteria.
Our criteria:
We’ve personally tested each of the following leggings, assessing the fabric comfort, quality, texture, opacity, as well as stretch, movement, and thickness. We’ve rounded up the best quality pieces that feel good, look good, and for their versatility for workout sessions and leisure moments alike. We update this list regularly with our emerging favorites that meet the following criteria:
- ORGANIC/NATURAL MATERIALS | The brands below carry leggings that are nontoxic and PFAS-free.
- COMFORT | Each pair of leggings has been Editor tested and approved at least an 8 out of 10 on the comfort scale!
- ETHICS | Each brand is committed to ethical production and various sustainability initiatives.
You’ll be reaching for these organic cotton leggings day in and day out. Snag yourself a pair (or two!) and thank us later.
1. MATE the Label
Sizes | XS–3X
Price Range | $78
When you pick up a pair of MATE the Label’s organic leggings, you may be surprised how comfortably they move, just as you do! This organic cotton blend, made without microplastics unlike most other activewear, is ideal for low- to mid-impact exercise. 100 percent of MATE the Label’s products are cut, sewn, dyed, packaged, and shipped from the heart of Los Angeles, all within 10 miles. The brand also gives back a percentage of sales every year to sustainable causes.
Mate the Label Review | “Wow, these are amazing. Just what I was looking for. What kind of sorcery is this? I don’t know how they did it but they’ve officially mastered the creation of the perfect organic legging. Incredibly comfortable, easy to put on, stays put. Colors are a dream. I want to buy 100 more pairs because I’m fearful of ever living without them – seriously.” – Beth (See all reviews)
2. Pact
Sizes | XS–XXL
Price Range | $28–$48
Pact has leggings for every kind of activity from lounging to exercising. All ethically made in fair trade factories, they’re either made of organic cotton or recycled nylon so they’re soft and sustainable. We especially love that some come with pockets for when we’re on the move. Plus, Pact offsets its carbon footprint with each order. A win-win no matter which pairs you pick up.
Pact Review | “I love these pants. Been waiting for this type of yoga pants to come out again, and looks like pact got it right again. The length is perfect, the material is comfortable and stretchy, and love that it is organic cotton I can wear all day long. It’s thicker than when I first bought it about 6 years ago so it’s warmer and therefore can use it outdoors on cooler days as well” – Brigitta (See all reviews)
3. tentree
Sizes | XS–XL
Price Range | $30
tentree puts their mission right in the name: for every purchase made, the B corp plants 10 trees. The brand is on track to reach their goal of 1 billion trees planted by 2030! These leggings will be your new sustainable faves, made for everything from exercise to lounging, crafted from eco-friendly organic cotton that are chemical-free and so comfy, you’ll never want to take them off.
tentree Review | “I feel really comfortable wearing these leggings. I bought a size M even though the chart recommended size L because of my measurements. They are so soft that my skin can breathe when I’m wearing them.” – Mayra L. (See all reviews)
4. Organic Basics
Sizes | XS–XXL
Price Range | $48
Organic Basics makes everyday cotton essentials that are anything but basic. Their seamless organic cotton leggings are made ethically in Portugal, and come in three versatile colorways. The B Corp and 1% for the Planet member is committed to providing the best quality garments from the highest quality organic and recycled materials, so you can do good while looking and feeling great.
Organic Basics Review | “I love these leggings, it’s my second pair! The fabric is luxurious and very elastic, the waist is super high and they don’t move at all when doing sport.” – Sofia G. (See all reviews)
5. thought
Sizes | 2–16
Price Range | $37–$79
Cozy up with thought’s organic essential leggings! Completely vegan and cruelty-free, these leggings are responsibly made with sustainably sourced materials and zero plastic packaging. The organic cotton used is also GOTS-certified, uses 91% less water than conventional cotton and is completely chemical free, from seed to stitch. We love that there’s classic, thick and knitted organic cotton options, to help keep you cool during warm days and cozy throughout long cold nights!
thought review | “Lovely leggings – great fit, soft fabric, recommend” – Anonymous (See more reviews)
6. Pansy
Sizes | XS–5XL
Price Range | $72
Pansy’s spandex-free leggings are a lounging and light workout staple. 100% USA-grown organic Pansy cotton (hence the name!) is the foundational fabric of all of the brand’s comfy garments. This special cotton is grown in Texas without any conventional chemicals and is then shipped off to North Carolina where it’s spun and knit into Pansy’s signature cotton leggings. These high-waisted gems have us nostalgic for that classic ‘80s fit and feel. Trust us, you won’t want to take these off!
Pansy review | “I love a company that listens and responds to feedback. Looking forward to the new designs.” – @bonesbugsandbotany (See more reviews)
7. Quince
Sizes | XS–XL
Price Range | $30
When in search of maternity clothing, it’s important to ensure the pieces you select are nontoxic and as natural for optimal health and safety. Thankfully, Quince’s organic cotton maternity and postpartum leggings are a lifesaver when you’re looking for comfy leggings that stay up and are safe to wear. The organic cotton used in these leggings is produced without pesticides and fertilizers and the built-in belly panel allow for easy transition from pregnancy to postpartum. Quince offers free shipping and easy returns so you can try them risk-free.
Quince Review | “Very comfortable and fit to size. Helpful in [the] first trimester and beyond.” – Ruby S. (See all reviews)
Featured image from Organic Basics
