Instagram is going wild over this retro leggings trend

Are stirrup leggings the new must-have loungewear trend?

Alba Garavito Torre wears black stirrup leggings, blue pointy Manolo Blahnik pointy shoes, on January 28, 2021 in Paris, France
(Image credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty)

In recent months it's been all about comfy loungewear pieces, particularly joggers—from the classic grey, oversized pairs to trendy 90s Adidas joggers, it's safe to say the pants have taken over Instagram. But it looks like there's a sassy new contender to add to your athleisure wardrobe.

Stirrup leggings are yet again having a renaissance. Long associated with horse jockeys, the jodhpur-style legging is slowly working its way up the fashion charts once again. And it seems Instagram influencers can’t seem to get enough of them. Maybe it's the 80s vibes or the comfort they bring—whatever the reason, stirrup leggings are officially back.  

Since the 1980s when women were seeking an elegant, long-legged look, stirrups have crept in and out of fashion. The chic retro style has been a long-standing favorite of Victoria Beckham, who famously pairs them with blazers and heels, and even designed her own pair as part of her fashion line. Posh Spice is having the last laugh now, though, as yet again the style is making a comeback. 

The stirrup legging offers a clean silhouette, with minimal wrinkles and creases. They are not only flattering but functional: The strap that goes under your foot keeps the leggings from riding up, creates an elongated look, and keeps your ankle and foot nice and cozy.

The leggings can be seen popping up on Instagram feeds across the globe, worn by influencers like French cool girl Camille Cherie and Barcelona-based Blanca Miro. They’ve even been spotted on the likes of British model-designer Alexa Chung, who is a fan of the equestrian style. Instagram’s fashion "It" girls are making them a must-have staple for the months ahead, whether you're working from home or just lounging around.

Where to get your own stirrup leggings

Luckily for us, shops are picking up on the trend and offering cheaper alternatives to the designer labels. So go on, take the trend for a ride!

Naomi Jamieson
Lifestyle News Writer

Naomi is a Lifestyle News Writer with the Women's Lifestyle team, where she covers everything from entertainment to fashion and beauty, as well as TikTok trends for Woman&Home, after previously writing for My Imperfect Life and GoodTo. Interestingly though, Naomi actually has a background in design, having studied illustration at Plymouth University but lept into the media world in 2020, after always having a passion for writing and earned her Gold Standard diploma in Journalism with the NCTJ.

Before working for Future Publishing’s Lifestyle News team, she worked in the Ad production team. Here she wrote and designed adverts on all sorts of things, which then went into print magazines across all genres. Now, when she isn’t writing articles on celebs, fashion trends, or the newest shows on Netflix, you can find her drinking copious cups of coffee, drawing and probably online shopping.