How to Style Printed Plus Size Leggings

Printed leggings stand out - that probably comes as no surprise. But in order for your fit to stand out for all the right reasons, you need to style your printed leggings so that they are the star of the show and other pieces are only complementing them.  

Keep reading if you want to know:

• What pieces to wear with printed leggings
• Our favorite printed plus size leggings
• Bonus: the secret to wearing printed leggings

Simple & Solid Shirts

You know the idea that solid colors are boring? Hold that thought. 

Solid colors actually complement printed leggings so well that they are quite the opposite of boring. 

Wearing a solid colored shirt or sports bra with your printed leggings allows your printed leggings to stand out from the rest of your outfit, which is exactly what they were made for. 

Wearing a different patterned top or bra will just be too much and will draw attention away from the print on your leggings. Unless....

Exactly Matching Sports Bras

...unless you pair it with a sports bra that matches the pattern exactly! This combo is also super cute.

Keep in mind that this is different from wearing a full length top in the same pattern of your printed leggings! A matching printed sports bra and legging set allows your skin to show in between the two pieces so the pattern doesn’t cover your entire body and overtake your outfit.

It’s not too hard to find workout outfits in “sets” these days with leggings and a sports bra to match, so you shouldn;t have too much trouble finding a print that matches your leggings exactly!

Core Colors

White, black, and gray are what we like to call the “core colors.” These are the colors that pair the nicest with most printed leggings - nearly any printed leggings you find, really.

On their own, these colors may seem a little dull. But when thinking about what colors to pair with printed leggings, your eyes should light up at these colors! 

With a similar vibe to solid colors, the core colors are the best colors to pair with printed leggings because they allow the printed leggings to stand out. You probably have a shirt in at least one of these colors in your closet, so you should be all set!

White Sneakers

White sneakers are in. And they just so happen to complement printed leggings perfectly.

White being a solid and a core color checks off nearly all of our boxes so far, so it makes sense that white sneakers pair so well with printed leggings. They just give the appearance of being so simple and effortless, which contrasts the intentionally bold statement of a printed legging.

Our favorite white sneaks to pair with printed leggings are the Nike Air Force 1 ’07, but if you are looking for a shoe for running or the gym there are loads of sports sneakers to choose from as well.

Puffy Jackets

One pro styling tip is to always pair opposite fitting pieces together. The tight top and flowy jeans combo is our favorite, but the puffy jacket and tight legging combo is a close second.

Don’t be afraid to go puffy - you will not look bulky! Your legs will actually look so good because the big jacket brings more attention and definition to your legs.

This combo not only accentuates your figure, but it also keeps you warm! What could be better than that?

Our Fav Printed Plus Size Leggings

Dona Jo Cheetah Lite Legging 

‍The Dona Jo Cheetah Lite Legging is undeniably chic. Cheetah print has been a long time favorite for printed legging lovers, but the light wash adds a modern twist to the classic print.

It’s made with sustainable lightweight fabric and five-way stretch material for easy sizing and a form-fitting design. It has a high-rise waistband for support and flat seams for comfort. As a bonus, the fabric is quick-dry and UV protected.

Fabletics High-Waisted Printed Powerhold® 7/8 Legging

If you prefer a printed legging that’s slightly more subtle, you may be interested in buying the Fabletics High-Waisted Printed Powerhold® 7/8 Legging in Ranger Green Small Marbleize.

The marbley print is subtle in and of itself, but the shade of ranger green also settles down the print a bit.

The 7/8 length makes it somewhere in between a legging and a capri, so if you can never decide which length is your favorite this may be a good middle-ground. It has a high-rise waist with a power mesh lining that streamlines your shape.

Other features include sweat-wicking fabric, all-way stretch, chafe-resistant, hidden pockets, and UPF protection.

Dona Jo Surreal JoJo Legging

The only way to do the Dona Jo Surreal JoJo Legging justice is to describe it by its name - surreal. The bright patelish colors and messy yet coherent print really capture one’s attention in a way that’s unlike most other printed leggings. 

The leggings are made with sustainable Eco Soul Light fabric, a stretch material for easy sizing and form-fitting design. Other features include a mid-rise waistband, flat seams, and a hidden waistband pocket for storing essentials.

Nike One Women’s 7/8 Legging 

Now, we wouldn’t be doing you justice if we didn’t include a flower print legging. The Nike One Women’s 7/8 Legging in firewood orange, glacier ice, pink glow, and black flower print is a flowery but not too flowery printed legging that looks just as good as it feels. 

The legging has a mid-rise waist with a curved front waistband and slight V shape on the back for comfort. It’s also made with sustainable fabric and Dri-FIT technology to wick away sweat to keep you dry and comfortable.

And although it’s black, the non-sheer fabric passes the squat test.

What’s the Secret?

Now in case you were waiting for the big reveal, the secret to wearing printed leggings? Confidence.

We can give you all the styling tips you want, but they won’t do you any good if you don’t have the confidence to wear a printed legging.

Printed leggings were made to stand out amongst the drab colors and patterns of everyday outfits. Really, they were made for people who want to stand out. 

If this sounds like you, own it! You will look amazing with printed leggings on your butt and a smile on your face.