Searches for capri leggings spike 179%, as Y2K trends continues to dominate in 2026

Product Director at Lounge, Emily Blount, shares her thoughts about the emerging desire for capri leggings, and the best ways to style them for 2026: 

What are your thoughts on Capri leggings making a comeback in 2026? 

Emily shares: 

“I love that capri leggings are getting their moment in the spotlight again. It’s a trend we’ve been following for a while, and it’s so interesting to see these nostalgic styles making a comeback.

“We’ve seen this pattern recently with other fashion trends like ballet flats. Trend cycles come back time and time again, so this really feels like part of that natural flow.

“Capri leggings offer so much versatility, and with fashion increasingly focusing on functional design, they create the perfect space in the market for capris to return.”

How should we style capri leggings for 2026? 

Emily shares:

“Capris may be back, but they’re being styled a little differently from how we saw them in the early 2000s. For a casual or athleisure look, I love to pair capri leggings with an oversized T-shirt and a hoodie or sweatshirt for something comfortable and relaxed.

“For a more modern, polished look, style them with a crisp shirt or a tailored jacket, to elevate the outfit.”

“Capri leggings are becoming the perfect go-to if you love a minimalist, polished athleisure aesthetic. They strike a balance between comfort and refinement, making them the perfect choice for everyday wear while still feeling put together. Whether styled simply or layered with more structured pieces, they offer a clean, understated base that works effortlessly within a modern wardrobe.”

What shoes are best to wear with capri leggings? 

Emily shares: 

“If you’re looking for a relaxed look, a pair of flip flops can work really well. For something a little more elevated, another popular styling choice for 2026 is to pair them with ballet flats. Both options help to elongate the legs while still keeping the overall look effortless, giving a simple outfit a more considered, fashion-forward finish.

“For an athleisure look, pair them with trainers - perfect for running errands or heading to the gym. It’s an easy, practical option that still feels stylish for everyday wear.”

What should we look for when choosing capri leggings?  

Emily shares: 

“As a rule, your leggings should offer compression without restriction - gently sculpting your waist, glutes and legs without feeling too tight. This will create a seamless silhouette and flatter your figure effortlessly. Most importantly, you need to feel confident and comfortable in your leggings, which will differ from person to person, so find a fit that works for you.

END

References:

Google trend data, accurate as of 23.04.2026.

Notes to editor: 

Please see Lounge’s Spring/Summer Springboard for a view of our upcoming launches.

Launching 29th May, the new Loungewear collection puts Lounge’s stamp on the capri legging, with buttery soft fabrics that scult, cinch and lift in all the right places.