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13 Best Leg Warmers to Nail the Balletcore Aesthetic

Yes, the ’80s-inspired trend is cool again.

By Sarah Maberry
best leg warmers for women
Christian Vierig

TikTok never ceases to amaze me with its ability to almost single-handedly bring a dead accessory back to life. Read: claw clips, platform Crocs, and numerous other niche accouterments from the 2000s.

The latest retro accessory to receive the TikTok treatment? Leg warmers. Long confined to ballet classes and costume parties, the quirky outfit addition is hitting the streets this spring thanks to emerging TikTok fashion trends like Balletcore and the Vanilla Girl aesthetic. The term “leg warmers” has already racked up over 273 million views on the platform, and thanks to celebs like Bella Hadid, Billie Eilish, and the Kar-Jenner crew, the accessory’s popularity shows no signs of slowing down.

  • Rib Knit Leg Warmers

    Best Leg Warmers on Amazon

    v28 Rib Knit Leg Warmers

    $14 at Amazon
    Read more
  • Metallic Silver Socks

    Best Leg Warmers for Maximalists

    Santa Brands x REVOLVE Metallic Silver Socks

    Read more
  • Acrylic Legwarmers

    Best Ballet Leg Warmers

    Los Angeles Apparel Acrylic Legwarmers

    Read more
  • Evolution Leg Warmers

    Best Wool Leg Warmers

    Lululemon Evolution Leg Warmers

    Read more
  • Grenoble Logo-Embroidered Leg Warmers

    Best Designer Leg Warmers

    Moncler Grenoble Logo-Embroidered Leg Warmers

    Read more

Though the trend is most commonly associated with the ’80s jazzercise craze, its reappearance can be credited to Gen Z’s obsession with Y2K fashion. TikTok trendsetters may be sporting the same ribbed knit-style leg warmers as Jane Fonda, but they’re wearing them with Uggs or low-slung mini-skirts à la Paris Hilton.

Looking to dip your toe into the trend? From barre class-approved cashmere knits to splurge-worthy designer picks and affordable Amazon finds, we’ve rounded up the best leg warmers to shop below.

Best Leg Warmers on Amazon

v28 Rib Knit Leg Warmers

Rib Knit Leg Warmers
Best Leg Warmers on Amazon

v28 Rib Knit Leg Warmers

Now 30% Off
$14 at Amazon

Bella Hadid pulls her white rib-knit leg warmers down over the heel of her pumps for a fresh take on a sock boot. Try the supermodel-approved spring trend for yourself with these affordable Amazon leg warmers.

Best Leg Warmers for Maximalists

Santa Brands x REVOLVE Metallic Silver Socks

Metallic Silver Socks
Best Leg Warmers for Maximalists

Santa Brands x REVOLVE Metallic Silver Socks

Now 40% Off

These statement-making crystal mesh leg warmers from Ukrainian label Santa Brands will instantly spice up any going-out look.

Best Ballet Leg Warmers

Los Angeles Apparel Acrylic Legwarmers

Acrylic Legwarmers
Best Ballet Leg Warmers

Los Angeles Apparel Acrylic Legwarmers

Now 37% Off

Lean into the Balletcore trend with a pair of pastel pink knit leg warmers that can be scrunched down around your ankles or pulled above your knees.

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Best Wool Leg Warmers

Lululemon Evolution Leg Warmers

Evolution Leg Warmers
Best Wool Leg Warmers

Lululemon Evolution Leg Warmers

Knit from lightweight, itch-free merino wool, these luxe Lululemon leg warmers pair perfectly with mini skirts, spring dresses, and 50-something-degree weather.

Best Designer Leg Warmers

Moncler Grenoble Logo-Embroidered Leg Warmers

Grenoble Logo-Embroidered Leg Warmers
Best Designer Leg Warmers

Moncler Grenoble Logo-Embroidered Leg Warmers

Sleek and minimalist, these black, logo’ed leg warmers from Moncler can be styled with sneakers, loafers, and ankle boots, just like your favorite crew socks.

Warmest Leg Warmers

H&M Padded Leg Gaiters

Padded Leg Gaiters
Warmest Leg Warmers

H&M Padded Leg Gaiters

FYI, puffer leg warmers are a thing. And yes, all the cool girls in Brooklyn are wearing them. This affordable pair is made from quilted, water-resistant fabric with drawstrings, an elasticized foot strap, and a functional zipper at back.

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Best Leg Warmers for Dancers

Alo Goddess Leg Warmers

Goddess Leg Warmers
Best Leg Warmers for Dancers

Alo Goddess Leg Warmers

Made from Alo’s signature Airbrush fabric, these thigh-high leg warmers give your casual spring outfits that I just left barre class look. The stirrups at the bottom are designed to be worn around the ankle or under the bottom of the foot, increasing both comfort and styling possibilities.

Best Cashmere Leg Warmers

Cashmere in Love Lottie Ribbed Leg Warmers

Lottie Ribbed Leg Warmers
Best Cashmere Leg Warmers

Cashmere in Love Lottie Ribbed Leg Warmers

If you’re someone who prioritizes coziness, treat yourself to a pair like this that’s knit from luxurious cashmere. The thigh-high length and stretchy rib-knit fabric lend the look of over-the-knee socks without added bulk around the foot.

Best Thigh-High Leg Warmers

Arebesk Ruffle Leg Warmers

Ruffle Leg Warmers
Best Thigh-High Leg Warmers

Arebesk Ruffle Leg Warmers

Ruffle trim adds a little something special to these scrunchable thigh-high leg warmers. Style them just as you would thigh-high socks.

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Best Knit Leg Warmers

Live Your Colour Chelsea Cable Leg Warmers

Chelsea Cable Leg Warmers
Best Knit Leg Warmers

Live Your Colour Chelsea Cable Leg Warmers

The Cottagecore girlies love to layer slouchy, cable-knit leg warmers over sheer tights and ankle boots for added warmth on cold spring days. Rib-knit cuffs ensure the knee-high leg warmers stay in place however they’re scrunched, tucked, or styled.

Best Black Leg Warmers

Simone Rocha Black Open-Toe Socks

Black Open-Toe Socks
Best Black Leg Warmers

Simone Rocha Black Open-Toe Socks

Though Simone Rocha calls these open-toe socks, I’m calling them what they are: the best leg warmers for spring. The quirky knee-high socks have pointelle knit fabric and cut-outs at the sides that elevate them above your average dancewear.

Best Flared Leg Warmers

Look from London Fluted Flare Leg Warmers

Fluted Flare Leg Warmers
Best Flared Leg Warmers

Look from London Fluted Flare Leg Warmers

Many a TikTok fashion trend—including leg warmers— draws inspiration from Harajuku, Tokyo street style. Pair these flared leg warmers with a schoolgirl skirt and chunky ankle boots to get the look.

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Best Neon Leg Warmers

Zando Ribbed Knitted ’80s Leg Warmers

Ribbed Knitted ’80s Leg Warmers
Best Neon Leg Warmers

Zando Ribbed Knitted ’80s Leg Warmers

Let your inner Jane Fonda run wild layering these retro leg warmers over tights and leggings. They come in a rainbow of fun neon colors.

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Lettermark
Sarah Maberry
Commerce Writer


Sarah Maberry is a Firstfinds Commerce Writer at Hearst Magazines, covering trending products in fashion, beauty, lifestyle and beyond. She’s obsessed with being the first to wear, try, watch and buy what’s going viral.
 

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