It is the question that haunts the search history of men everywhere. You have seen them on the runway. You have seen them in the "tunnel walk" of your favorite NBA players. You have definitely seen them at festivals, looking effortlessly cool while you sweat through your heavy denim. But you are still hovering over the "Add to Cart" button, asking yourself the big one:
"Are men’s leggings in fashion?"
Let’s cut the suspense immediately. Yes.
But that is a boring answer. A better answer is: Men’s leggings aren't just "in fashion"; they are the vanguard of a massive shift in menswear. The era of the shapeless, baggy, restrictively masculine pants is dying. We are living in the age of the Meggings.
From the high-gloss streetwear of Tokyo to the luxury loungewear of Los Angeles, men are reclaiming the right to show off their legs, be comfortable, and actually have a personality with their wardrobe. If you are waiting for permission to ditch the "leg prisons" (aka jeans), consider this your green light.
In this deep dive, we are going to break down exactly why men’s leggings are in fashion, the celebrity trends driving the movement, and how you can ride the wave without looking like you got lost on the way to jazzercise.
To understand if men's leggings are in fashion right now, you have to realize they never really left, we just forgot.
For centuries, men were the original owners of the tight pants. Think about it. Medieval knights? Tights. Renaissance kings? Tights. Shakespearean actors? Tights. For hundreds of years, showing off the calf and quad was the ultimate sign of masculinity and power. It wasn't until the rather boring Victorian era that men decided to hide their legs inside tubes of stiff fabric.
What we are seeing in 2026 is a "Renaissance of the Leg." We are returning to form. The modern man realizes that "fashionable" doesn't have to mean "uncomfortable."
The trend started slowly in the 2010s with the "compression layer" under basketball shorts. Then, the shorts got shorter. Then, the shorts disappeared entirely. Now, brands like Kapow Meggings are leading the charge, proving that men’s leggings are a standalone garment, capable of carrying an entire outfit.
Why is this happening now? Why is "are men’s leggings in fashion" even a question? It comes down to three major cultural shifts.
Festivals like Burning Man, Coachella, and Tomorrowland are no longer just music events; they are the fashion weeks of the people. This is where trends are born.
In this environment, standing out is the currency. You cannot stand out in khaki cargo shorts. You just can’t. This desire for Maximalism—bright colors, wild prints, insane textures—has pushed men’s leggings to the forefront.
When you see a guy in a pair of Interstellar or Psychedelica meggings, you don’t think "that’s weird." You think, "that guy is having more fun than me." That energy is addictive, and it’s bleeding into everyday life.
The line between "gym clothes" and "real clothes" has dissolved. We live in a world of remote work and active lifestyles. We value performance.
Men have realized that the technology in their gym gear— sweat-wicking, 4-way stretch, compression— is superior to the technology in their casual wear. Why wear stiff cotton when you could wear the Performance PRO Range?
The trend is "Technical Sophistication." It’s looking like you are ready for a covert mission or a CrossFit competition at any moment. This "Tactical" look is massive in fashion right now, and leggings are the foundation of it.
Fashion is getting fluid. The icons of 2026- pop stars, actors, influencers- are taking risks. They are wearing skirts, pearls, and yes, tight pants. The old rule that "real men wear baggy pants" is dead.
Wearing leggings in 2026 is a flex. It says you are confident enough in your body and your masculinity that you don’t need 10 pounds of denim to prove it.
Celebrities have been pushing the meggings movement for years and not quietly. From rockstars to pro athletes to pop icons, men’s leggings have shown up on world tours, red carpets, courtside tunnels, and paparazzi shots.
Here are the real-world legends leading the charge (and exactly where you’ve seen the look before):
Athletes practically invented the public compression-legging flex. NBA and NFL stars treat the walk from the bus to the locker room like it’s Paris Fashion Week.
Celebrities who’ve worn leggings:
LeBron James – has been photographed in compression tights during training sessions and pre-game routines, often pairing them with athletic shorts.
Russell Westbrook – is widely known for bold, fashion-forward tunnel fits, and he’s no stranger to experimental layering and performance pieces in his outfits.
Odell Beckham Jr. – Odell Beckham Jr. is well known for expressive pre-game style and performance wear, and he has been seen incorporating compression gear into his training looks.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Cristiano Ronaldo regularly trains in high-performance athletic wear, including compression layers designed to support muscle recovery.
Rock and hip-hop artists have embraced tight silhouettes for decades. If it shines, stretches, or looks dangerous under stage lights, they’re in.
Celebrities who’ve worn leggings or legging-style stage pants:
Lenny Kravitz – iconic for leather-tight, stretch pants.
Mick Jagger – practically invented the rock-god skinny pants.
Harry Styles – known for fashion-forward outfits that often include skin-tight patterned trousers and glam silhouettes.
Lil Nas X – performance looks often feature metallic, vinyl, and latex-style leggings.
Machine Gun Kelly – known for experimental stage style and has been seen wearing vinyl and stretch fits during performances.
BTS (multiple members) – frequently wear stage outfits that incorporate sleek, stretch-fit silhouettes or high-gloss fabrics.
Away from red carpets and superhero suits, the Hollywood off-duty look is all about effortless, expensive comfort.
Celebrities who’ve worn leggings in casual fits:
Chris Hemsworth – has been photographed in compression leggings during training sessions and outdoor workouts.
Zac Efron – has been spotted wearing leggings layered with shorts during during hikes, gym sessions, and outdoor training
Justin Bieber – his athleisure looks often feature longline tops and tights layered with shorts.
So, are men’s leggings in fashion? Yes, but which ones? You can’t just wear old long-johns and call it a day. Here are the four specific micro-trends that are blowing up right now.
Trend #1: Future-Tech & Cyberpunk
We are living in the future, so we might as well dress like it. The "Cyberpunk" aesthetic is huge in men’s fashion. It involves monochromatic blacks, zippers, buckles, and geometric patterns. It’s utilitarian and sharp.
Get The Look: Black Hex or Sonic Boom PRO.
Why it’s cool: The Black Hex features a 3D honeycomb texture that looks like armor plating. It adds depth to an all-black outfit. The Sonic Boom has reflective detailing that looks like Tron circuitry. This isn't just clothing; it’s tech-wear.
Trend #2: High-Gloss Streetwear
Matte is fine, but Shine is divine. As mentioned with the celebrity looks, men are embracing fabrics that reflect light. It adds a dimension of luxury and edge. Vinyl and wet-look fabrics are appearing on runways from Paris to Milan.
Get The Look: Slick Rick Vinyl or Billy Blue Vinyl.
Why it’s cool: It breaks the texture monotony. If you are wearing a cotton shirt and canvas shoes, a vinyl legging creates a "texture clash" that stylists love. It elevates the outfit from "casual" to "curated."
Trend #3: Animal Print Maximalism
Minimalism had a good run, but it’s over. Now, more is more. Animal prints are being treated as neutrals in 2026. A leopard or tiger print isn't a costume; it’s a statement.
Get The Look: Neon Tiger or Velvet Tiger.
Why it’s cool: It shows fearlessness. Wearing Neon Tiger meggings says, "I am the most interesting person in this room." Combine that with the luxe texture of velvet, and you have a garment that is impossible to ignore.
Trend #4: The "Fake Out" (Trompe-l'œil)
This is a massive trend in high fashion, clothes that look like other clothes. "Trompe-l'œil" means "deceive the eye."
Get The Look: Denim Dan or Berlin Faux Leather.
Why it’s cool: It allows you to participate in classic menswear aesthetics (jeans, leather pants) without the discomfort. The Denim Dan features high-definition printing that mimics seams, pockets, and fading. It tricks the brain. You get the style points of denim with the squat depth of a yogi.
We still see this question pop up in forums and comments. "Are leggings manly?"
Let’s look at the facts.
Fact 1: They accentuate the muscles you worked hard to build. Baggy sweatpants hide your quads. Leggings celebrate them.
Fact 2: They are functional. They allow you to run faster, jump higher, and move freely. There is nothing "manlier" than capability.
Fact 3: Confidence is the ultimate masculine trait. It takes zero confidence to wear grey sweatpants. It takes guts to rock Kosmos Meggings.
If you are worried about the "bulge" factor (the main source of anxiety for new adopters), fashion has solved this too. Brands like Kapow engineer their leggings with front gussets and double-layered cups to smooth things out. You get a "Ken Doll" silhouette rather than an anatomy chart. It’s streamlined, secure, and modest.
Knowing that men’s leggings are in fashion is one thing; wearing them correctly is another. To avoid the "I forgot my gym shorts" look, you need to follow a few styling rules.
Rule 1: Proportions are Everything
Since your legs are tight, your top should be loose. This is the "Inverted Triangle" silhouette that bodybuilders love.
The Fit: Pair your leggings with an oversized t-shirt, a drop-shoulder hoodie, or a boxy bomber jacket.
Why: If you wear a tight shirt and tight pants, you look like you’re in a wetsuit. The contrast creates balance.
Rule 2: The Shoe Game
Your shoes are the anchor. Because leggings taper at the ankle, your footwear is on full display.
The Move: High-top sneakers (Vans, Converse, Jordans) look incredible because the legging flows seamlessly into the shoe. Chunky "dad shoes" also work well to add weight to the bottom of the look.
Avoid: Flip-flops (never) or formal dress shoes (obviously).
Rule 3: Accessories are Mandatory
To signal that this is an outfit and not just gear, you need accessories.
The Add-ons: A cross-body bag, a beanie, a chunky watch, or a chain. These elements tell the world, "I styled this on purpose."
If you think this trend is peaking, think again. We are just getting started.
As we move deeper into the decade, we are going to see:
More Texture: We’ve done velvet and vinyl. Next up? Corduroy prints, knits, and 3D embellishments.
More Tech: Leggings with haptic feedback for gaming? Solar charging pockets? The Performance PRO line is already pushing the boundaries of pocket utility and compression tech.
Total Normalization: Just as skinny jeans were shocking in 2005 and normal by 2010, meggings are on the path to becoming a standard wardrobe staple.
So, let’s circle back to the original question: Are men’s leggings in fashion?
The answer is yes. But more importantly, they are fun.
Fashion in 2026 is about joy. It’s about expression. It’s about rejecting the boring uniforms of the past. Why would you choose to be restricted by stiff denim when you could be wrapped in soft, stretchable, Velvet Cosmos? Why would you blend into the crowd in black slacks when you could command the room in Silver Bullets?
The only people who think leggings aren't in fashion are the ones too afraid to wear them. Don’t be that guy.
Be the guy who sets the pace. Be the guy who prioritizes comfort and style equally. Be the guy in Kapow.
Ready to join the movement? Browse the collections that are defining the trend:
Let's take a moment to analyze the type of man who wears leggings in 2026. Because when you buy a pair of Kapow Meggings, you aren't just buying pants. You are buying a mindset.
1. The "Zero F*cks Given" Confidence Wearing leggings requires a baseline of confidence. You are putting your physique on display. This projects an aura of self-assurance that is incredibly attractive. It signals that you are comfortable in your own skin. In a world of insecurity, confidence is the ultimate fashion statement.
2. The Practical Optimist The megging wearer is practical. He knows he might go from a gym session to a grocery run to a couch session. He dresses for versatility. He is optimistic about his day, he is ready for anything. The Eco Range wearer, for example, signals that he cares about his footprint while crushing his workout.
3. The Tribal Connection When you see another guy in leggings, especially a bold print like Leopard or Camo, there is an instant nod of respect. It’s a tribe. It’s the "I get it" look. You are both part of the revolution against boring pants.
A Note on "Gendering" Clothing
One of the biggest drivers of the "are men’s leggings in fashion" trend is the dismantling of gendered clothing norms. For a long time, leggings were seen as "women's wear." But clothing is just fabric. It has no gender.
What Kapow has done is take the concept of the leggings- stretch, comfort, form-fitting- and re-engineered it for the male physique. We widened the waistband, added the modesty cup, dropped the rise to sit on male hips, and added pockets deep enough for massive phones.
This isn't "women's clothing for men." This is Menswear 2.0.
The fashion industry calls this "Fluid Utility." It means taking the best elements of all clothing categories and applying them where they make sense. It makes sense for men to be comfortable. It makes sense for men to have full range of motion. Therefore, it makes sense for men to wear leggings.
Still need a visual? Here are three "vibes" that are trending hard on social media right now, using Kapow gear.
Vibe 1: The Urban Explorer
Leggings: Cobra Slash (Subtle print, dark tones).
Top: Oversized black hoodie with a utility vest over it.
Shoes: Black combat boots, laces loose.
Where to wear it: Coffee runs, streetwear photoshoots, gallery openings.
Vibe 2: The Sunday Recovery
Leggings: Velvet Dragon (Green velvet).
Top: Grey marl sweatshirt, sleeves rolled up.
Shoes: Wool socks and slides.
Where to wear it: The couch, the bodega, the first-class cabin.
Vibe 3: The Night Runner
Leggings: Sonic Boom PRO (Reflective).
Top: Neon yellow windbreaker.
Shoes: Tech-runners.
Where to wear it: Midnight 5Ks, rave caves, late-night gym sessions.
The verdict is in. The jury has spoken. The gavel has dropped. Men’s leggings are in fashion. The only question left is: Are you bold enough to wear them?
(We think you are.)
