2019 F/W Fashion Trend - Animal Print Leggings

Fashion trends come and go (and come and go), but there are some things that will never go out of style. One of them is the timeless animal print. Animal print leggings are more popular this season than ever. You can find their traces everywhere. Among them, Leopard has to be the most often seen print. In addition to that, cheetah, python / snake and zebra prints are also well liked. To prove how popular animal print leggings are this season, I list 21 pairs from brands I like and / or follow closely here. Even though I don't own most leggings I share today, I hope to shed some light of them based on my experiences of the brands. 

​Note: The list below is based on the alphabetical order of the brand.

1) Athleta Leopard Elation Ultra High Rise Tight in Powervist ($89) -

First off, Athleta Leopard Elation Ultra High Rise Tight in Powervita. This is the first and the only (so far) animal print legging I purchased (kept) this season. Stay tune for the upcoming review!
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Arbor Olive

I absolutely love this legging. Made with the ultra soft Powervita fabric, Leopard Elation Ultra High Rise Tight covers everything I need for yoga and gym workouts. The legging is available in two colors, Spring Night and Arbor Olive. Each color comes with different sports bras. Since I like A-C Actualize Longline Bra (Arbor Oliver) better than Breathe in Bra (Spring Night), I decided to get the outfit in Arbor Olive.

Spring Night

2) Avocado Ikat Zebra Legging ($89) -

Avocado is known for their seamless products. Seamless leggings are hit or miss based on my experience. They are prone to show VPL and camel toes. While there is no such problem with Avocado's leggings, the fabric is thicker than I would wear for exercising. I do like their elastic free waistbands; however, they are poor in shape retention. For those reasons, I haven't invested their leggings since my first purchase. But, their designs are amazing. I hope they have made improvements to their products since then.

Ikate Zebra Legging comes in three colors, Black, Mermaid Green and Beetroot Fuchsia. 

Mermaid Green

Beetroot Fuchsia

3) Avocado Pasha Python Legging ($90) -

Pasha Python Legging is another animal print legging by Avocado. There are four colors to choose from. 

Pewter

Sugar Coral

Maui Blue

Mint Creme

4) Beyond Yoga Lux Leopard High Waisted Midi Legging ($79) -

​Compared to most Beyond Yoga's leggings that are over $100, this pair is relatively cheap. Although I haven't tried this particular legging, I own many High Waisted Midi Leggings. Their waistbands sit quite high on me, above navel. They tend to cause minor discomfort during the first few wears until elastic bands stretch out. Beyond Yoga sizing is not consistent. Depending on fabrics and styles, I am either size XS or S.

Back to Lux Leopard High Waisted Midi Legging. The Grey Leopard is unique. I don't remember seeing such color and pattern combination in the past. It is worth to consider plus Beyond Yoga's quality is unquestionable. 

5) Carbon38 Leopard High Rise Full-Length Legging ($98) -

Doesn't Carbon38 Leopard High Rise Full-Length Legging look similar to Athleta Leopard Elation Ultra High Rise Tight? There are countless animal print leggings in the market today. What I share here is just the tip of the iceberg. Keep your credit card safe if you love animal print leggings as much as I do.

I have to admit that Carbon38 makes cute leggings; however, their performance and practicality aren't always meeting my expectations. Some people find their leggings flattering and comfortable, but I have mix experiences with them. Leopard High Rise Full-Length Legging seems to have an uncomfortable wide encased elastic waistband, same as High Waisted 7/8 Length Takara Legging that I've reviewed before. Personally, I don't like the style of the waistband because it digs in to the skin and makes me feel restricted. I wouldn't consider buying another legging with this waistband design. That said, I know others love the fact that it stays put during the workout.

6) Carbon38 Leopard Regular Rise 7/8 Takara Legging ($105) -

​Takara Legging has to be the most sought after legging from Carbon38. Popular colors and styles are usually sold out soon after their release. In addition to commonly seen solid color Takara Leggings, Carbon38 adds leopard print to the collection this season. If it wasn't for the wide encased elastic waistband, I would have bought this legging already. 

Leopard Takara Leggings come with two rises (standard and high rises) and two lengths (7/8 and full lengths), total of four styles. The 7/8 length is a better fit for my height than the full length legging. I prefer the standard rise in this case than the high rise as the elastic band is way too wide (> 4 inches) for the high rise style (check out my previous review, Carbon38 High Waisted 7/8 Length Takara Legging, to learn more). 

Leopard Regular Rise 7/8 Takara Leggings is only available in Black, while there are three additional colors available for High Rise 7/8  styles. Carbon Red is so pretty.

Indigo

Carbon Red

Denim Blue

7) DYI Moss Leopard Signature Tight ($95) - 

I have nothing but positive feedback of DYI. I own quite a few pairs of their leggings, and they never let me down. Depending on styles, some leggings are higher compression than others. For example, Printed 7/8 Crop BW Stripe Mix is medium to high compression, which provides sufficient muscles support for high impact workouts than High Shine Signature Tight and Quilted Legging. I believe all of their leggings are high rise with flat waistbands. DYI Moss Leopard Signature Tight is also similar to Athleta Leopard Elation Ultra High Rise Tight, but with a higher price tag. 
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​If you don't like the moss (green) color, DYI has you covered. Black Leopard is a great choice for those who prefer a more subtle pattern, while Black & White Leopard stands out more. ​I would totally wear Black Leopard Signature Tight to work. 

Embossed Signature Tight Leopard Black

Printed Signature Tight Black & White Leopard

8) DYI Taking Shape Tight ($99) -

Moss Leopard print also comes in a different style, Taking Shape Tight. There are body contouring side panels (black and coral stripes) for color interest. Side panels aren't really my style as additional seams may cause discomfort (the less seams the better), but they provide additional muscles support. It can be a great option for high impact activities. 

9) Funky Simplicity Zebra Black Green Legging (€69) -

I am glad that I remember to include Funky Simplicity Zebra Black Green Leggings here. It is made with cotton and Lycra blended fabric, which is comfortable and breathable. I am not aware of many brands making cotton legging besides Hard Tail Forever and Funky Simplicity. I don't usually wear cotton leggings for exercising as they aren't as fast dry and moisture wicking as synthetic fabrics. That said, I love the coziness they provide.

Zebra Black Green Legging was custom made and gifted to me couple years ago. Back then, Funky Simplicity only offered low rise legging (check out Funky Simplicity Grey Cactus Yoga Legging Review). They made it high rise to accommodate my need; however, the waistband isn't as wide as what they make for High Waisted Leggings today. I am quite excited about the new high waisted legging. I am hoping to try one out in the near future. 

Funky Simplicity is all about animal print leggings. They have a large collection including Zebra, Snake, Dragon, Giraffe, Leopard to Crocodile. Each print has various colors for you to choose from. 

Cream Black Zebra

Red Black Snake

Cream Dragon

Olivegreen Black Giraffe

Cream Leopard

Off-White Charcoal Crocodile

10) Glyder High Power Legging Print in Snow Leopard ($74) -

It's been a while since I purchased leggings from Glyder last time. They do offer high quality and performance leggings. Even through their waistbands aren't elastic free, they don't bother me as much as the super wide elastic band by Carbon38. Lots of reviews suggest to size down for their legging; however, they fit me true to size.

Glyder used to be more budget friendly. Looks like they have increased the price by ~ 10% since my last purchase two years ago. Well, which brand doesn't adjust the price each year?

11) K-Deer 7/8 Sneaker Length in Tabata & Dutchess ($98) -

K-Deer is one of my favorite brands. Their leggings are super comfortable and high performance. They work for various activities from high impact workouts to yoga. They are also comfortable enough for lounging at home. By the way, they run small, do remember to size up.

In addition to the python print (Tabata), the leopard print is also available (Dutchess). Again, Dutchess comes with various lengths to accommodate different people's need. In addition, it is also available for Kids.

Besides the iconic stripes, K-Deer also designs patterned leggings, including animal prints. The Snake Skin, called Tabata print, is one of the most recent released patterns. It comes with various lengths from the longest full length leggings to the super short bum bums. I personally like the sneaker length the best. It is the perfect ankle length for petites, including me.

12) Liquido 7/8 Eco Legging Black Cheetah ($83) -

Liquido is quite popular in the Ashtanga community because that's the brand Kino always wears on her social media. I love their Leggings for yoga. They are comfortable. The fabric is buttery soft and super stretchy. Please note that the fabric is low compression; therefore, I don't recommend them for high impact workouts when more muscles support is needed.

Liquido continues to impress me with their unique and beautiful patterns. As of today, they have three animal prints, Black Cheetah, Tiger and Zebra, and I love them all. Since Tiger and Zebra are lighter in color, make sure to wear a nude underwear to avoid see-through.

FYI - Liquido offers huge sales few times a year. As the holiday sales season is approaching, it may worth to wait for the deal. That would be the best time to stock up their leggings!

Tiger

Zebra

13) Niyama Sol Wild Thing High Waisted Legging ($88) -

How could I forget mentioning my favorite brand, Niyama Sol? Their leggings are extremely comfortable and flatting. Most importantly, they are made with recycled plastic bottles (RPET fabric)). I love wearing them for yoga and gym workouts. In addition to patterned leggings, Niyama Sol introduced plain leggings, called Sandblast Leggings, early this year, which are nearly sold out. Don't worry. The most recent new released plain leggings, High Waisted Barefoot Leggings, are still available. Different to most of their leggings, High Waisted Barefoot Legging is made with the new Satin ProLux Fabric (79% Polyester / 21% Spandex) instead of RPET. I am quite excited about this new fabric. 

Wild Thing High Waisted Legging was first released via Sol Box Subscription (summer 2019 Seasonal Sol Box). It wasn't until recently when Niyama Sol made it available to everyone. This color and pattern combination definitely makes it WILD. 

If Wild Thing High Waisted Legging isn't your cup of tea, Niyama Sol has endless patterns for you to choose from. I am sure you will find one, two or more you like.

Python High Waisted Legging

Electric Croc Legging

White Snake Barefoot Legging

14) Spiritual Gangster Cheetah High Waist 7/8 Legging ($98) -

Spiritual Gangster Starry Vibes Perfect High Waisted 7/8 Legging is the only legging I've ever tried from the brand and I am quite satisfied with it. Ever since then, I've been following Spiritual Gangster closely. I would love to purchase more of their products in the future. 

Spiritual Gangster isn't an activewear focused company; therefore, the selection is limited. Many stores, including Bloomingdales, Carbon38, Nordstrom and Shopbop, carry their products and you can often find them on sale. 

15) Teeki Vintage Cat Hot Pant ($79.5) - 

I decide to include Teeki in the last minute. I love their leggings because they are almost the same as Niyama Sol's leggings. Made with the RPET fabric, they perform well, fit nicely, and they are super comfortable. Compared to Niyama Sol Barefoot Leggings, Teeki Hot Pants are about 10% cheaper; however, Teeki doesn't offer great discount / deal much.

I didn't think of mentioning Teeki was because they haven't released any new print for a while. Right before I was ready to publish this article, I decided to check it out. Surprisingly, they have quite a few new leggings that are available for pre-order and this Vintage Cat Hot Pant is one of them. The other two new released animal patterns are Golden Cat and Snake Lite.

Golden Cat

Snake Lite

16) Terez Love & Leopard Tall Band Legging ($90) -

Terez is best known for their playful photo-real patterns. When talking about animal print leggings, Terez is the first brand that comes to my mind.

I own few pairs of their leggings. They are true to size, but their fabrics are different depending on the prints. Some are more stretchy than others. Beside Terez Black Cheetah Foil Tall Band Legging (lack of elasticity), I am satisfied with their leggings. Unlike most waistbands that are either elastic free or with a thin encased elastic band, Terez Tall Band Leggings have a 3-inch wide elastic band, just like Leopard Regular Rise 7/8 Takara Legging. While it is not ideal for yoga, it works fine for gym workouts. 

In addition to the Love & Leopard print, there are many other animal print leggings from Terez as shown below. 

Emerald Tigress

Rainbow Cheetah Foil

Leopard Goals

Red Cheetah Foil

Metallic Cheetah

Electric Cheetah

Snow Leopard

Pink Python

17) Varley Estrella Legging in Desert Viper ($110) -

Varley is a very popular athleisure brand. In addition to their lovely design and flattering fit, their leggings are made with the high performance fabric. Due to those reasons, it's nearly impossible to find one on sale, at least to find my size on sale.

This season, Varley is all about the animal print. Among those released in 2019 F/W, Desert Viper has to be my favorite simply because of the color. I love yellow.

In addition to Desert Viper, Estrella Legging also comes with other animal prints, including Grey Rattlesnake, Saharan Cheetah and Leopard All Over. In fact, all of them are cute. Do you notice that Estrelle Legging is the most expensive legging that I share today? That's why I called Varley a Luxury brand.

Grey Rattlesnake

Saharan Cheetah

Leopard All Over

18) Vimmia Printed Core Legging in Leopard Pop ($101) -

Vimmia is another luxury activewear brand I like. They never disappoint me. They deliver top performance, high quality and flattering fit. All of which come with high price tags. That said, you can often find their leggings on sale at Neiman Marcus and Revole.

I like the pattern and color combination of Printed Core Legging in Leopard Pop a lot. I would have bought it if it wasn't over $100. I am waiting "patiently" for it to be on sale.

19) WITH High Waisted Legging in Black Lucky Cheetah ($89) -

I've seen a lot of changes being made by WITH (Wear It To Heart) over the last few years. Their leggings used to be standard / low rise, but they offer high rise now, which I haven't had a chance to try. The waistband seems to be elastic free. 

I own four pairs of their leggings, none of which is high waisted. Based on my experience, their breathability is not the greatest, which is why I haven't bought any new legging from them. I hope WITH has made some improvements since my last purchase in 2016. 

20) Year Of Ours Sofia Tiger Legging ($108) - 

Year Of Ours is a new activewear brand to me. I only know about it for couple months. It was Sofia Tiger Legging that drew my attention to the brand. The company claims to roll out extended sizing (ranging from XXS to 2XL) for women of all sizes, but their leggings are only available from XS to L or XL. I am not sure why the statement isn't reflected on their products. Maybe they are still working it? I will give it few months before drawing a conclusion. Back to Sofia Tiger Legging. It comes with two colors, White and Sage. It is also available in short, called Tiger Short Short, 

​After waiting patiently, Sofia Tiger Legging is finally on sale at Revolve for $60. I placed the order last Friday and received the legging early this week. Unfortunately, my regular size, XS, is too tight. There are few things I don't like about the legging; hence, I returned it instead of exchanging for a larger size. First, the waistband is tiny. I do like the ruched style, which is similar to Strut-This Ankle Legging in Wildcat, but it it so small that I couldn't even get the legging pass the hips. NOT A CHANCE! The elastic band reaches its limit before getting to the hips. I was shocked because it fits just right along the legs. It reminds me of the small waistband of Beach Riot Blue Legging. Since I sized up Beach Riot Blue Legging, I am able to wear it; however, it fits loose everywhere besides the waist on me. Secondly, the fabric doesn't seem to be very breathable. It feels quite synthetic to me. Due to these reasons, I returned the legging. I thought I would be able to share the full review, guess not!

Tiger Short Short in White

Tiger Short Short in Sage

21) Year Of Ours Tiger Veronica Legging ($99) -

Tiger Veronica Legging is a cropped, 7/8 length legging. It will be a better fit (length wise) for petites compared to Sofia Tiger Legging. Different to the ruched waistband of Sofia Tiger Legging, it has a v-shaped waistband, which is quite popular this season. In addition to colors White and Sage, it is also available in Rose. 

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So, are you ready to add an animal print legging to your wardrobe if you haven't already? Unfortunately, there is no way for me to list all animal print leggings in the market today. What I am sharing here are mostly from the brands I like and / or follow closely. After seeing so many beautiful leggings, which one is your favorite?