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Which Aerie leggings were favorites in 2022?
In its December 5, 2022 AERIE FAVES 2022 roundup, Aerie included three Real Me leggings. The article presents them as favorites, not as results of an objective product test or a ranking from best to worst.
| Style | What stands out | Best fit for |
|---|---|---|
| Real Me Crossover Flare | Flared leg, Real Me fabric and crossover waistband | Someone who wants a flare silhouette and a waistband detail; Aerie suggested casual or dressier styling. |
| Real Me High Waisted Legging | Aerie’s classic black legging; described by the brand as lightweight and softly supportive | Everyday wear, errands or gentle movement. |
| Real Me Crossover Legging | Real Me fabric and crossover waistband, without the flare silhouette noted for the Crossover Flare | Someone who prefers a crossover waist but wants a non-flare legging. |
Real Me Crossover Flare
Aerie singled out the combination of its Real Me fabric, crossover waistband and flared silhouette. Its suggested outfits ranged from sneakers and a sweatshirt to a satin crop top and heels. Those are styling ideas from the brand, not evidence of workout performance.
Real Me High Waisted Legging
Aerie framed this as its classic black legging and described it as lightweight and softly supportive, suitable for activities from errands to child’s pose. That description may appeal if you want a simple high-waisted option rather than a crossover waistband.
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Real Me Crossover Legging
Aerie said the crossover-waist style remained a favorite two years after the brand began its crossover trend. Choose it over the Crossover Flare if you want the crossover detail without the flare style named in the other product.
What did SELF recognize separately?
SELF’s 2022 review of the Offline by Aerie Real Me Xtra Crossover Pocket Legging identifies that specific pocketed style as a SELF Certified Activewear Awards selection in the everyday-wear category. This is a separate recognition from Aerie’s three year-end favorites. It does not establish that the pocketed Xtra style is best for every person or every workout; the award wording is focused on everyday wear.
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- Ideal for Gifting
- Ideal for a bookworm
- Compact for travelling
The award model is specifically the Real Me Xtra Crossover Pocket Legging. Don’t confuse it with the Real Me Crossover Legging in Aerie’s roundup: the Xtra name signals a different fabric positioning, and the SELF-recognized model has pockets.
How do Real Me and Real Me Xtra differ?
In its OFFLINE leggings and fabrics guide, Aerie describes Real Me as ultra-light, buttery-soft, stretchy in all directions and smooth with a matte finish. The brand especially recommends it for low-intensity workouts. Aerie positions Real Me Xtra as more supportive than Real Me.
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- Choose Real Me if you prioritize the lightweight, soft feel Aerie describes and expect mostly everyday wear or lower-intensity movement.
- Consider Real Me Xtra if you want the more supportive option in Aerie’s own fabric comparison; the SELF award selection was a pocketed Xtra crossover model.
These are Aerie’s product-positioning descriptions, not a controlled comparison or a guarantee that one fabric will suit every body or activity.
How to choose among the 2022 picks
- For a flare silhouette: look at the Real Me Crossover Flare.
- For a classic high waist: Aerie’s Real Me High Waisted Legging is the brand’s named classic black option.
- For a crossover waist without the flare: consider the Real Me Crossover Legging.
- For pockets and the separate everyday-wear award recognition: the SELF-selected Real Me Xtra Crossover Pocket Legging is the specific model to look for.
Aerie’s favorites list supports the first three as brand-selected styles; SELF’s recognition supports the distinct pocketed Xtra model as an award pick. Neither source establishes an overall winner across all Aerie leggings.
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Are the 2022 leggings still available?
Aerie’s current Real Me leggings category shows that the brand continues to list Real Me leggings, but a live category page does not confirm that each 2022 style, color or size remains in stock. Check the exact product name, fabric, waistband, leg shape and pocket details before buying; current prices and availability can change.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- It can be a gift option
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- Helpful in various ways
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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