Moto Ribbed High Waist Ankle Leggings

I love Zella leggings - have purchased many pairs over the years. I am 5'4" so prefer the 7/8 or middi length as the full length is too long and I do not like the bunched up look around the ankle. Unfortunately for well over a year Nordstrom has only shown the new pocket style. And while I like pockets, they have an extra side seam. For some reason the extra seam allows the leggings to slide down with any movement - despite the high waist chosen. So when I saw these Moto Rib leggings without the side pocket, I was very pleased. The length is perfect for me, falling just at the ankle bone. And the waist is perfect. The problem and the reason for the 3 stars is the ribbing. The ribbing is knit resulting in a looser fit in the waist and the areas on the leg. Because the compression is not consistent down the leg, it allows for bulges. I am not overweight but I don't like the bulges. I wish Nordstrom and Zella would return to the previous midi, 7/8 style without side pocket. Those were the best fitting and looked the best. Unfortunately Zella designers seem to constantly mess up a good design.

I have several pairs of the Live In High Waist leggings in different colors and love the textural detail on these. I got these in black. I'm 5'5" and wear an 8 or 10 in pants and fit very comfortably in a medium. I attend a barre class regularly and these never roll down at the waist and are totally opaque. The only thing to note is that the lines across the thighs cut into my leg and give it a bit of a double thigh look. It never feels uncomfortable, but I notice it occasionally in the mirror. Not bad enough to return them though!

Love the look and design of the Zella moto legging—a definite fashion staple. However, the fabrication sadly is flawed. The change of fabric to the lighter (less spandex) ribbing simply creates areas that are baggy and that cut off the smooth contour of legs and hips. Unflattering. I also found the ribbing fabric itchy and couldn’t wait to change back to my high waist Zella live in’s. I’d pass on this style. Miss the vintage Zella live ins. That fabrication was spectacular. Please bring it back. Pretty please!

I recently bought the "new" Zella stretch pants and they are nowhere near the quality that they used to be. It's such a shame. I bought my first pair about 10 years ago, I gave them to my daughter because she absolutely loved them, as did I, they hold up today like new. My new one's however look worn out and old, I want to return them but for what, new one's made with the same material??? Zella, please bring back your original high quality product!!!