From Lycra to Leggings: Our List of American Brands Making This Athleisure Staple

For exercise to errands and everything in between, there are plenty of USA-made options to choose from.

Women's leggings, as we know them today, became a mass market item in the 1960s shortly after the invention of Lycra by Joseph Shivers in 1958. Lycra, also known as spandex or elastane, is the stretchy, form-fitting fabric that appears to be skin-tight but retains comfortable stretching properties.

Lycra is most often combined with other fabrics like cotton to manufacture luxurious leggings that women use for activewear, whether it be yoga, exercise, lounging around the house or an evening on the town.

These days leggings fall under the fashion category 'athleisure' and have become a wardrobe staple because of their comfort and versatility. Advance textile technologies have enhanced their performance, creating functional fabrics with sweat-wicking capabilities.

They're also a big business. Market research for 2025 projects that Americans will purchase approximately 98.3 million pairs of leggings or tights and the women's market is expected to generate more than $648 million in revenue for the year.

While there may be a slowdown in leggings popularity with Gen Z shoppers, all you have to do is walk through almost any crowd at a shopping mall, sporting event or concert and you'll see many women wearing them. People of all ages, and all body types, love their leggings because of their comfort and ease of care.

And it's conceivable that you could wear a pair of leggings from morning until bedtime. If you pair the leggings with boots or heels and cover the waistline with a luxurious sweater or top, in most locales you're ready for a night out on the town in most locales.

There are hundreds of leggings brands that source manufacturing from China, but there are also plenty of American-made brands to shop from. As in most manufacturing, you will find the American-made leggings of higher quality, and they will last much longer.

American-made leggings are generally sold in a price range of $35 to $120, depending on the styling and accoutrements. Below is a list of several American-made legging brands:

Beyond Yoga

Beyond Yoga was founded in 2005 by Jodi Guber Brufsky and Michelle Wahler in Los Angeles. The company was purchased by Levi Strauss & Co. in 2024 and while some of its apparel is made overseas, its premium leggings continue to be manufactured in Los Angeles factories. Its domestic presence speeds up manufacturing and falls under the strict labor and environmental compliance of California law.

Beyond Yoga leggings come in lengths from midi (between calf and ankle) to full length with a 5-inch waistband and styles that have pockets to carry a cellphone or other essentials when wearing them while running errands. Its ultra-soft Spacedye fabric with moisture wicking is ideal for working out or just hanging out.

Beyond Yoga leggings are sold at its seven company retail stores throughout the U.S. and can also be purchased online at BeyondYoga.com/.

JJ Winks

JJ Winks is another Los Angeles maker of leggings that sources fabric that is also knitted in Southern California. The company is committed to a local manufacturing footprint; all phases of JJ Winks legging production is done in Southern California.

With the use of French Terry fabric, JJ Winks leggings are soft, forgiving and feature a 3-inch waistband. These leggings are made to lounge and live in, providing comfort with a fabric of soft Modal/Spandex composition. They're breathable and relaxed enough for sleepwear. Shop online at JJWinks.com/.

American Giant

American Giant has entered the leggings market with as much fanfare as the company created with its top-rated hoodie. Made entirely in America, these leggings have plenty of stretch and support with a sculpting high-rise waist that eliminates slipping and adjusting throughout the day.

American Giant leggings are cut and sewn in Los Angeles and are available in full length and cropped styles. American Giant has become renowned for its premium quality American-made apparel, and its cotton leggings display that same attention to detail. Shop online at American-giant.com.

Purakai

Purakai is a San Diego-based manufacturer of organic cotton leggings. These flattering leggings are made with 87% organic cotton and 13% spandex for a soft feel with a bit of stretch. The fabrics are knit and cut in Los Angeles with cotton grown on American family farms.

Purakai leggings are available in capri and full-length styles constructed with its upgraded buttery-soft EcoFlex 2.0 fabric. They are designed for fitness and everyday wear, and their high-waist design produces a flattering fit that stays in place. Shop online at Purakai.com.

Hard Tail Forever

Hard Tail Forever has been manufacturing leggings in Los Angeles for 25 years. The company offers capri and ankle-length cuts in multiple colors that are made of 90% cotton and 10% Lycra. Its cargo leggings feature a snap pocket on the outside of each leg.

Their lined flat-waistband with hidden elastic is ideal for yoga and the reinforced seam stitching guarantees extended wear time. Shop online at HardTailForever.com/.

Playground

Playground leggings are yet another brand that is manufactured in the Los Angeles garment district. Playground manufactures using a sustainable digital process. These high-rise super soft and lightweight leggings are composed of a 4-way stretch with a triangle gusset. They're made with a combination of fabrics, but many types are made with polyester and spandex.

The company's new black matte finish makes these leggings the perfect fit for yoga, everyday wear, or a night on the town. Whether in tennis shoes or heels, Playground leggings accentuate your body type while being comfortable at the same time. Shop Playground online at WearPlayground.com.

Colorado Threads

Colorado Threads is - you guessed it - based in Denver and emphasizes its eco-friendly manufacturing process. Each pair of leggings is made from BPA-free recycled water bottles, which produce a polyester-like fabric. The leggings feature a high waistband and are made of an interlocking fabric with a unique moisture wicking pattern. In addition to solid colors, Colorado Threads offers a wide selection of colorful patterns. To shop Colorado Threads visit ColoradoThreads.com.

Labeling Note: This story is intended to highlight companies that support American jobs and that make great products in the United States. We rely on the companies listed to provide accurate information regarding their domestic operations and their products. Each company featured is individually responsible for labeling and advertising their products according to applicable standards, such as the Federal Trade Commission's "Made in USA" standard or California's "Made in USA" labeling law. We do not review individual products for compliance or claim that because a company is listed in the guide that their products comply with specific labeling or advertising standards. Our focus is on supporting companies that create American jobs.