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The Best Leg Warmers

Last updated on February 3, 2023

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If you’re a fan of 1980s fashion, then you know the beauty of the leg warmer. Not only is it incredibly unique, it’s also eye-catching, fun and easy to style. What exactly is a leg warmer? It’s a lot like it sounds. Think of leg warmers as something between a pair of big socks and a pair of comfy pants. They consist of a band of material that goes around your shins and ankles, sitting at the top of your shoe. The garment is footless and made with a thick material. The original goal of the leg warmer was the keep the leg muscles warm, but now they are more about fashion then function.

When it comes to choosing a pair of leg warmers, one of the main things to consider is length. Do you want leg warmers that go to the mid-shin or do you want something longer that goes above your knees? Even if you do choose a longer leg warmer, keep in mind that they are often worn scrunched up, so you don’t have to pull them up high if you want something that sits a little lower. Just bunch them up over your ankles till you have the right height you’re looking for.

Leg warmers are available in many different colors, so there is a lot to choose from. Black, grey, beige and navy blue are fairly neutral colors that you can wear with many different outfits. If you like to have a pop of color in your leg warmers, then go with something brighter and bolder like pink, yellow or red. You can even get pattered leg warmers with spots, stripes, checks and other designs.

Our Picks For The Top Leg Warmers

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

TeeHee Socks Cable Knit Leg Warmers, 4-Pairs

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TeeHee Socks

Cable Knit Leg Warmers, 4-Pairs

This set of leg warmers comes with four different pairs. The leg warmers are made from acrylic and spandex and are warm and cozy. They have just the right amount of stretch.

Overall Take

Four PairsThis set of leg warmers gives you lots of options.

 Runner Up

Leotruny Over Knee Knit Leg Warmers

Leotruny

Over Knee Knit Leg Warmers

These leg warmers have a great fit and go above the knee. They have an elastic band at the top so they don’t fall down. The leg warmers are perfect for the winter season.

Overall Take

Great FitThese leg warmers go above the knee.

 We Also Like

Zando Ribbed Knit Acrylic Leg Warmers

Zando

Ribbed Knit Acrylic Leg Warmers

These eye-catching leg warmers are bright and cheery. They are made from skin-friendly material that’s stretchy and comfortable. The leg warmers look great with casual outfits.

Overall Take

Eye-Catching ChoiceThese leg warmers are bright and cheery.

 Also Great

Loritta Acrylic Stretch Fabric Leg Warmers, 4-Pairs

Loritta

Acrylic Stretch Fabric Leg Warmers, 4-Pairs

These soft and cozy leg warmers are comfortable and stretchy. They look great with boots and offer extra warmth. The leg warmers have a simple and elegant look.

Overall Take

Soft and Cozy These leg warmers are comfortable and stretchy.

What to Look For

  • There are not many rules to wearing leg warmers because they are so fun and easy to style. The main thing you want to remember is to not pair them with wide-leg pants. Always wear leg warmers with a skinny pair of pants, tights or leggings. You can even go pants-less and wear them with shorts or a skirt. Wide-leg pants don’t work with leg warmers because they create a completely opposing silhouette.
  • When it comes to footwear, you have a lot of flexibility with leg warmers. If you’re wearing boots, such as in the fall or winter, opt for leg warmers that are taller than your boots so they sit on top of them. This creates a cozy and warm look. In the hotter months, you can pair leg warmers with running shoes and flats for an 1980s-inspired athletic look.
  • Scrunching up the leg warmers is the popular style, but there are also other ways to wear them. You can also pull them up high to remove the scrunches for a sleeker and more polished look. Some people also fold their leg warmers over themselves to create a boxy look.
  • It can be irritating if the leg warmers keep falling down your leg, so be sure to check the measurements and check them against the circumference of your legs. Ideally, the leg warmers should be snug enough to stay up where you need them to while not being so tight that they leave an indent in your skin.

More to Explore

When and how did leg warmers become popular? While today they are worn by the general public, originally leg warmers were actually just worn by dancers. The dancers used the leg warmers to keep their legs warm so that they wouldn’t cramp while they were moving. In the early 1980s, David Lee and Trisha Kate opened a dancewear shop in New York City, and the leg warmers flew off the shelves. The popular 1983 movie “Flashdance” also propelled the popularity of the leg warmer so that everyone, not just dancers, started wearing leg warmers when they were working out and just going about town.

More to explore