From Stretchy Fitted to Baggy and Bold, a New Era in Activewear Has Arrived

In a surprising shift, the once-reigning queen of workout wear, leggings, is losing ground to a new trend: big workout pants. After over 20 years of dominance, leggings are no longer the go-to choice for fitness enthusiasts, with sales falling steadily over the past three years. According to a report by Edited, a retail analyst group, leggings accounted for 46.9% of athleisure bottoms in 2022, but this figure has dropped to 38.7% in 2025. This decline is a significant blow to the industry, as leggings were once the backbone of athleisure wear.

The trend is particularly evident in the fashion-forward world of yoga and dance classes, where instructors and students alike are embracing baggy, swishy pants as the new norm. “The legging’s dead,” says Krissy Jones, owner of yoga company Sky Ting, who has seen a significant shift in her students’ fashion choices. “You should see my outfit right now,” she laughs, describing her own attire as a tiny tank top and big pants. Jones’ students are not alone in their preference for baggy pants; a growing number of fitness enthusiasts are opting for comfort and practicality over the sleek, fitted look of traditional leggings.

Big Workout Pants, as they’re being called, are not just a passing fad. They’re a deliberate choice, driven by a desire for comfort and functionality. “I feel relaxed in them – I can really loosely move my body,” says Rachel Warren, a founding instructor at the trendy workout class Forward Space. “We call them handstand pants,” she adds, explaining that the functionality test for the baggy pants designed by FP Movement was asking if they could withstand an inversion. Warren’s students are a prime example of the trend, with many opting for baggy pants that allow for a full range of motion.

The shift towards Big Workout Pants has been driven by Gen Z’s preferences, which have tilted towards oversize styles. Brands such as Lululemon, Alo, and Beyond Yoga, which once dominated the market with their matching skintight tops and bottoms, are now scrambling to catch up. Free People’s activewear brand, FP Movement, has become a destination for swishy pants, with its top-selling trackpant-style Champ is Here pants and the In the Wild pants flying off the shelves. FP Movement’s chief creative officer, Ana Hartl, attributes the brand’s success to its focus on comfort and practicality. “We’re not just making pants for the gym,” she says. “We’re making pants for life.”

As the trend continues to gain momentum, it’s clear that leggings are no longer the fashion choice for the fitness-conscious. “A super fit girl hiding her body under baggy clothes is more appealing than skimpy, tight workout clothes,” says Emily Oberg, founder of athleisure brand Sporty & Rich. Oberg’s brand has seen a significant increase in sales since the trend towards Big Workout Pants began, with customers opting for loose-fitting pants that allow for a more relaxed look.

The shift towards Big Workout Pants has also been influenced by the growing trend of wellness and self-care. With the rise of mindfulness and self-love, many fitness enthusiasts are opting for clothing that allows for a more relaxed, comfortable look. “Big Workout Pants are not just a fashion trend,” says Hartl. “They’re a reflection of the way we’re living our lives. We’re prioritizing comfort, practicality, and self-care over the traditional expectations of fitness fashion.”

As the industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that Big Workout Pants are here to stay. With brands like FP Movement and Sporty & Rich leading the charge, it’s likely that the traditional leggings will become a relic of the past. The future of fitness fashion has arrived, and it’s bigger, bolder, and more comfortable than ever.