Redefining comfort: Your guide to seamless athletic leggings for women

Experience the perfect balance of comfort and style with women’s seamless athletic leggings.

Jun 2, 2023

Array – Photo credit: Array

Editor’s Note: Upworthy earns a percentage of revenue from the sale of items mentioned in this article.

In athletic wear, a good pair of leggings can make or break your workout experience. Comfort, flexibility, and style are key factors contributing to the perfect pair, and finding ones that marry these elements seamlessly can be challenging. Whether you’re a yoga enthusiast, a gym-goer, or someone who values comfort in their everyday attire, these seamless leggings offer something for everyone. Dive in to discover the perfect pair that will elevate your athletic wardrobe and enhance your workout routine.

Alphalete Amplify Legging

Experience comfort and style with the Alphalete Amplify Legging. These leggings are made from custom-sourced Italian yarn fibers and offer an irresistibly silky, smooth feel. The full-interlock knit construction forms a dense, seamless fabric that retains breathability. With increased elasticity, they provide unmatched compression, shape retention, and flexibility, syncing perfectly with your movements. The seam work enhances your physique, giving support and durability. Designed to accentuate curves, the Amplify leggings feature a high waist, a 3-tiered tapered waistband, and a back scrunch seam detail. The leg and glute contouring panels further enhance your figure, making these leggings a great addition to your athletic wardrobe. To top it all off they’re available in 30 amazing colors!

$72 at Alphalete Athletics

Wolven Harmony Ruched Crossover Legging

Experience ultimate comfort and style with the Harmony Ruched Crossover Legging. This classic legging features an ultra-comfortable crossover waistband and silhouette-defining ruching in the back, creating a flattering look. Crafted from post-consumer recycled plastic, 84% RPET, and 16% spandex, these leggings are a testament to sustainable fashion. The print adds a touch of old-world class to elevate your aesthetic, making these leggings versatile for pairing with light linens, denim, or dressing up to the nines. The leggings offer a soft, breathable, quick-drying, odor-resistant, and four-way stretch fabric. They’re made from 26.86 recycled bottles, fitting true to size for a blend of environmental consciousness and stylish comfort.

$98 at Wolven

DREAMOON Cross Leggings

DREAMOON’s v crossover leggings offer an intimate, comfortable fit that stays in place. Made from over 25% recycled materials, these leggings provide a 4-way stretch, no-pilling, and see-through protection, ideal for the gym, yoga, or daily wear. Their butt-lifting design enhances your figure, and the high waist offers excellent tummy control. The leggings feature a unique four-bar design and two convenient pockets for your cell phone. With DREAMOON, experience the seamless blend of fashion, function, and sustainability in your athletic wear.

$23 at Amazon

Cosmolle AirWear High-Waist Legging

Cosmolle’s AirWear High-Waist Legging takes eco-friendliness to new heights. Made from recycled nylon, this buttery soft, moisture-wicking fabric ensures comfort and breathability during your workouts. With a unique ruched seam for a natural butt-lift and edge-bonded panels for added comfort, these leggings come in sizes XS to 3X. Cosmolle also redefines self-care with their collagen-infused bras and underwear. Plus they stand by the quality of their products, offering a 60-day fit guarantee for free exchanges and returns.

$56 at Cosmolle

Pollypark Belleza Cloudy 7/8 Legging

Experience unparalleled comfort with the Belleza Cloudy 7/8 Legging, designed for yoga and beyond. Composed of 77% Nylon and 23% Spandex, these leggings offer a non-see-through, cloudy fabric that feels as soft as butter. Their high waist and 7/8 length provide a flattering fit for any activity, whether it’s yoga, a picnic, or a day at work. The leggings’ unique butt-lifting design enhances your figure, showcasing graceful hip lines. The leggings also feature a reflective logo for visibility during nighttime activities. With the Belleza Cloudy 7/8 Legging, you’ll feel like you’re floating on a cloud throughout your day.

$38 at PollyPark

Wiskii Buttery Seamless Leggings

The Wiskii Buttery Seamless Legging is a testament to style meeting functionality. Crafted from top-quality NILIT® Nylon and LYCRA® Spandex, it offers unmatched softness and 4-way stretch, hugging your body like a glove. Its unique design features eyelet detailing and shading contouring patterns, enhancing your natural curves while providing moisture-wicking comfort. The high-rise design, coupled with a supportive ribbed waistband, ensures a flattering fit for all your fitness pursuits. Ideal for athleisure enthusiasts, these leggings deliver a chic, comfortable, and performance-ready experience.

$59 at Wiskii

Ingrid+Isabel Active Rib Maternity Legging

These leggings are sporty on the outside, soft on the inside, and designed for the dynamic needs of motherhood. These leggings feature on-trend active rib detailing, offering a never-see-through and super squat-proof design. A high waist and full-length leg promise comfort and style throughout pregnancy and beyond. Perfect for a grocery store run or a treadmill run, these leggings feature a soft, smooth knit inside, ensuring no harsh lines on your legs or belly. They’re made with non-slip, thick fabric that’s soft enough to stretch and shrink with you through different stages of motherhood. Pair them with the matching top or jacket for a complete look.

$88 at Ingrid+Isabel

Beyond Yoga Spacedye At Your Leisure High Waisted Midi Legging

This legging is the talk of the town, celebrated for its curve-enhancing design. Made from incredibly soft Spacedye fabric, these active leggings feature an overlapped waistband that sits naturally at the waist. As a fan favorite and bestseller, these midi leggings flatter all body shapes and are versatile enough to work out or relax. They also make a perfect travel companion. Pair them with the matching crop tank for a complete look. Designed and assembled in the USA, these leggings undergo rigorous wear testing to ensure the best fit in every size.

$99 at Beyond Yoga

Girlfriend Collective Emerald Luxe Legging

Step into the world of luxury with the Emerald Luxe Legging, a blend of elegance and comfort. These medium compression heavyweight leggings offer a high rise, subtle matte sheen, and ultra-soft stretch, making them a perfect mix of stylish dress pant and cozy leggings for lazy days. Designed for work and play, the Luxe leggings provide an ultra-soft feel, a plush heavyweight comfort, and a subtle sheen for a luxurious look. These leggings are sustainable and chic, constructed from 77% recycled plastic bottles (RPET) and 23% spandex. The fabric is moisture-wicking, soft and provides a four-way stretch designed to mold to your body. The leggings also come with two small front waistband pockets and one back pocket for essential items.

$92 at Girlfriend Collective

Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation 7/8 Tight

Ideal for yoga or studio practice, the Ultra High Rise Elation 7/8 Tight offers exceptional comfort and support. Made from Powervita™ fabric, these tights provide a buttery-soft feel that hugs your body gently. The three-layer waistband with a mesh inner lining ensures a streamlined and supportive fit, while the absence of side seams allows for distraction-free practice. A back drop-in pocket provides space for essentials. The Nylon/Lycra material wicks sweat away, is breathable, and dries quickly, ensuring ultimate comfort. These tights are rated UPF 50+ for excellent protection, offer compression support, and feature a fitted, ultra-high-rise waistband for an enhanced silhouette.

$89 at Athleta

Year Of Ours Veronica Ribbed Legging

The Year of Ours Veronica Ribbed Legging redefines athletic wear with a fun flare. Known for their detailed silhouettes, Year of Ours has expertly designed these leggings with a cross-v waistband feature available in multiple materials. The design perfectly balances compression, flexibility, and stretch, making them suitable for fitness classes or athleisure needs. The leggings are true to size, ensuring an excellent fit. With Year of Ours Veronica Ribbed Legging, you can experience the perfect blend of style and function in your athletic wardrobe.

$125 at SculptHouse

Seamless athletic leggings truly provide the perfect fusion of style, comfort, and functionality. These leggings bring a versatile edge to your athletic wardrobe, ideal for everything from high-intensity workouts to relaxed yoga sessions or even day-to-day errands. With features ranging from high-rise waistbands and compression fit moisture-wicking materials, finding the perfect pair to suit your specific needs is easier than ever. Investing in high-quality athletic gear isn’t just a purchase. It’s a commitment to a healthier, more active lifestyle. Enjoy the journey of finding your perfect fit and happy shopping!

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Pictured here: Anita Omary; her son, Osman; and Omary’s close friends – Photo credit: Array

Family, Modern Families, Motherhood

Once a refugee seeking safety in the U.S., Anita Omary is using what she learned to help others thrive.

Even in divided times, small acts of friendship help create vibrant communities where everyone feels safe.

Sarah Watts

2/11/2026

In March 2023, after months of preparation and paperwork, Anita Omary arrived in the United States from her native Afghanistan to build a better life. Once she arrived in Connecticut, however, the experience was anything but easy.
“When I first arrived, everything felt so strange—the weather, the environment, the people,” Omary recalled. Omary had not only left behind her extended family and friends in Afghanistan, she left her career managing child protective cases and supporting refugee communities behind as well. Even more challenging, Anita was five months pregnant at the time, and because her husband was unable to obtain a travel visa, she found herself having to navigate a new language, a different culture, and an unfamiliar country entirely on her own.
“I went through a period of deep disappointment and depression, where I wasn’t able to do much for myself,” Omary said.
Then something incredible happened: Omary met a woman who would become her close friend, offering support that would change her experience as a refugee—and ultimately the trajectory of her entire life.
Understanding the journey
Like Anita Omary, tens of thousands of people come to the United States each year seeking safety from war, political violence, religious persecution, and other threats. Yet escaping danger, unfortunately, is only the first challenge. Once here, immigrant and refugee families must deal with the loss of displacement, while at the same time facing language barriers, adapting to a new culture, and sometimes even facing social stigma and anti-immigrant biases.

Welcoming immigrant and refugee neighbors strengthens the nation and benefits everyone—and according to Anita Omary, small, simple acts of human kindness can make the greatest difference in helping them feel safe, valued, and truly at home.
A warm welcome
Dee and Omary's son, Osman
Anita Omary was receiving prenatal checkups at a woman’s health center in West Haven when she met Dee, a nurse.

“She immediately recognized that I was new, and that I was struggling,” Omary said. “From that moment on, she became my support system.”

Dee started checking in on Omary throughout her pregnancy, both inside the clinic and out.

“She would call me and ask am I okay, am I eating, am I healthy,” Omary said. “She helped me with things I didn’t even realize I needed, like getting an air conditioner for my small, hot room.”

Soon, Dee was helping Omary apply for jobs and taking her on driving lessons every weekend. With her help, Omary landed a job, passed her road test on the first attempt, and even enrolled at the University of New Haven to pursue her master’s degree. Dee and Omary became like family. After Omary’s son, Osman, was born, Dee spent five days in the hospital at her side, bringing her halal food and brushing her hair in the same way Omary’s mother used to. When Omary’s postpartum pain became too great for her to lift Osman’s car seat, Dee accompanied her to his doctor’s appointments and carried the baby for her.

“Her support truly changed my life,” Omary said. “Her motivation, compassion, and support gave me hope. It gave me a sense of stability and confidence. I didn’t feel alone, because of her.”

More than that, the experience gave Omary a new resolve to help other people.

“That experience has deeply shaped the way I give back,” she said. “I want to be that source of encouragement and support for others that my friend was for me.”
Extending the welcome
Omary and Dee at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Vision Awards ceremony at the University of New Haven.
Omary is now flourishing. She currently works as a career development specialist as she continues her Master’s degree. She also, as a member of the Refugee Storytellers Collective, helps advocate for refugee and immigrant families by connecting them with resources—and teaches local communities how to best welcome newcomers.

“Welcoming new families today has many challenges,” Omary said. “One major barrier is access to English classes. Many newcomers, especially those who have just arrived, often put their names on long wait lists and for months there are no available spots.” For women with children, the lack of available childcare makes attending English classes, or working outside the home, especially difficult.
Omary stresses that sometimes small, everyday acts of kindness can make the biggest difference to immigrant and refugee families.
“Welcome is not about big gestures, but about small, consistent acts of care that remind you that you belong,” Omary said. Receiving a compliment on her dress or her son from a stranger in the grocery store was incredibly uplifting during her early days as a newcomer, and Omary remembers how even the smallest gestures of kindness gave her hope that she could thrive and build a new life here.
“I built my new life, but I didn’t do it alone,” Omary said. “Community and kindness were my greatest strengths.”
Are you in? Click here to join the Refugee Advocacy Lab and sign the #WeWillWelcome pledge and complete one small act of welcome in your community. Together, with small, meaningful steps, we can build communities where everyone feels safe.
This article is part of Upworthy’s “The Threads Between U.S.” series that highlights what we have in common thanks to the generous support from the Levi Strauss Foundation, whose grantmaking is committed to creating a culture of belonging.

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A nurse explains how 'visioning' 3-4 weeks before death works. – Photo credit: via Canva Photos

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Hospice nurse reveals the ‘one sign’ that someone is going to die within 4 weeks

Death is something, like it or not, we all must face. It’s the final mystery, and it’s totally normal to feel scared of the impending process. Experts say a few things can help, including using our fear to live a purposeful life and even making jokes, or using ‘gallows humor’. One bit of good news…

Tod Perry

2/17/2026

Death is something, like it or not, we all must face. It’s the final mystery, and it’s totally normal to feel scared of the impending process. Experts say a few things can help, including using our fear to live a purposeful life and even making jokes, or using ‘gallows humor’. One bit of good news is that we tend to get a little bit less afraid of death as we age. But in general, it helps to not shy away from death completely. Learning and talking about it is actually a good thing.
A new video by a hospice nurse shows an excellent reason for people to feel comfortable facing the unknown. Julie McFadden posts videos helping to demystify the dying process and bring comfort to people with a loved one in hospice care, or who may be dying themselves. Her profile reads, “Helping understand death to live better and die better.” McFadden is also the author of the bestselling book, “Nothing to Fear.”
Hospice Nurse Julie has earned over half a million subscribers and has witnessed over a hundred deaths. In a recent video, she reveals that people are often comforted by friends and relatives who have passed away in their final days.
She says that when people begin experiencing these visions, it’s a sign that they will be passing away within a few weeks.
“Here’s one sign that someone is close to death that most people don’t believe happens,” Julie begins the video.

[Video]
“Usually a few weeks to a month before someone dies, if they’re on hospice, they will start seeing dead loved ones, dead relatives, dead pets. This happens so often that we actually put it in our educational packets that we give to patients and their families when they come on hospice so they aren’t surprised or scared when it happens,” she continues.
The experience is called visioning
“We don’t know why it happens, but we see it in definitely more than half of our patients,” she continues.
People often believe that the visions are caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain. However, Julie says that isn’t true. “Because when it does happen, most people are alert and oriented and are at least a month from death, so they don’t have low oxygen,” she said.
The good news is that the visioning experience is almost always comforting for those who are nearing the end.

[Image]
It often involves relatives who ‘come from the other side’ to let them know everything will be okay and encourage them to let go and pass away. People also experience being taken on journeys with loved ones or having sensory experiences from the past, such as smelling their grandmother’s perfume or father’s cigar.
These visitors can also appear several at a time. Patients might report the room feeling ‘crowded’ like they are being joined by many people at once. It’s possible they may be visited by ‘spirits’ or people they don’t know, though that’s less common.
Christopher Kerr, a CEO of Hospice & Palliative Care, an organization that provides palliative care in Buffalo, New York, says that the relatives that often appear in these visions are people who protected and comforted the dying parent when they were alive. So, they may see a parent who nurtured them but not one they feared.
Kerr has extensively studied the mysterious phenomena that happen when people die but has no real explanation for why the visioning experience happens. “I have witnessed cases where what I was seeing was so profound, and the meaning for the patient was so clear and precise, that I almost felt like an intruder,” he told BBC Brazil. “And trying to decipher the etiology, the cause, seemed futile. I concluded that it was simply important to have reverence, that the fact that I could not explain the origin and process did not invalidate the experience for the patient.”
In a more in-depth video, Hospice Nurse Julie shares a real video of a dying woman experience visioning. It’s extremely powerful:

Again, experts agree that once your loved one begins experiencing these visions, it’s likely that they will pass on in the next 3-4 weeks. Remember that they are not a symptom to be treated or a concern to be addressed, as long as they aren’t causing distress. They are simply a comforting sign of things to come.
It’s comforting to know that for many, the final days of life may not be filled with pain and fear but instead with a sense of peace and joy. While we may never fully understand the reasons behind these mysterious visions, if they bring calm during such a daunting time, we can simply be grateful for their presence. They’re kind of like life, in general. In the end, we may not really know what it was all about, but we can be happy that it happened.
This article originally appeared last year. It has been updated.

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A young goat looks at a woman reading to a dog being held in her arms – Photo credit: Images via Canva

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Woman steps outside to feed her goats and finds an English Bulldog calmly waiting for a miracle

A mysterious midnight visitor turned into the sweetest farm addition.

Adam Albright-Hanna

Upworthy Staff

2/13/2026

Andrea walked out of her barn home one morning expecting nothing more than the usual routine: feed the goats, check on the animals, enjoy the peaceful Hudson Valley scenery. Instead, she found an English Bulldog sitting quietly on a log outside the goat pen, watching her with calm, patient eyes.
The dog wasn’t barking. She wasn’t running around or causing chaos. She was just… waiting. The farm is pretty remote, miles from the nearest neighbor, so a random dog appearing out of nowhere wasn’t just unusual—it was downright mysterious.

But here’s where the story gets even better: When Andrea ran back to grab food and water, the bulldog gratefully accepted both, then immediately began following her around like they’d been best friends for years. This wasn’t some skittish stray who’d bolt at the slightest movement. This pup trusted Andrea completely from the very first moment.

The midnight mystery deepens
Naturally, Andrea checked her security cameras to solve the mystery. The footage revealed that the bulldog had wandered onto her property at exactly 12:37 a.m.—and had been sitting in that same spot for hours, alone in the dark countryside, waiting for someone to notice her.
Andrea did everything right. She contacted the local shelter, filed a police report, took the dog to the vet to check for a microchip (there wasn’t one), and posted on social media. While waiting for someone to claim her, Andrea’s family decided to care for the bulldog. They named her Stella.

Everything about Stella suggested she’d been someone’s beloved pet. She was well-mannered, loved playing fetch, and wasn’t dirty despite her outdoor adventure. Apart from a cherry eye and not being spayed, she was in good health. This wasn’t a dog who’d been living rough—this was a dog who knew what a home felt like.

From midnight stranger to forever family

One week passed with no claims. Then two weeks. That’s when Andrea and her family realized what their hearts already knew: Stella had found exactly where she belonged.
Today, Stella is absolutely thriving at Tresle Farms. She gets along beautifully with the other dogs, visits her first friends (those patient goats) regularly, and even rides around the property on a mule. Because of course she does. The best part? Stella no longer sits alone in the dark, waiting and hoping. She’s found her people, and they’ve found her. We’ll probably never know where Stella came from or why she ended up on Andrea’s farm that night. But maybe that’s not what matters. What matters is that a dog who was brave enough to wait for kindness found a family who was ready to give her all the love she deserved.

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Two birds crossed paths after millions of years, creating a bird that shouldn’t exist.

Climate change created the perfect conditions for nature’s experiment.

Jacalyn Wetzel

2/6/2026

Often, when people think about birds, they think about freedom. These feathered creatures can take off and fly anywhere their heart desires, within reason. Birds, like other animals, are indigenous to certain areas and don’t venture beyond the invisible fence in the sky. Migration patterns for birds exist for a reason, but there’s been a bit of a disruption to business as usual.

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Buddhist monks walk through Raleigh, North Carolina, on a peace walk. – Photo credit: Photo via Sean Stevens (used with permission)

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Buddhist monks on a peace walk help a nonverbal autistic boy make a heartwarming breakthrough

“Today was such a blessing.”

Tod Perry

1/31/2026

There is a story unfolding across America’s South that has been healing for many at a time when the news cycle is dominated by war, street violence, and political tension.
On October 26, 2025, a procession of Buddhist monks left their temple in Texas to begin a 120-day, on-foot spiritual trek to Washington, D.C. Their mission is simple: to promote national healing and peace. At a time when many forces seem to be pulling America apart, these monks are here to bring people together.
“My hope is, when this walk ends, the people we met will continue practicing mindfulness and find peace,” said the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, the group’s leader, according to the Independent.
Along for the “Walk of Peace” journey has been Aloka, a rescued Indian pariah dog who captured hearts across the country and later became a cause for concern after being sidelined by a leg injury. Aloka is now recovering and hopes to rejoin the monks once healed.

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A post shared by Walk for Peace (@walkforpeace.usa)
The monks have a beautiful encounter with an autistic child
The monks have touched countless hearts on their trek to spread peace and love, and they created what felt like a near miracle during a stop in Raleigh, North Carolina, on January 25. Samantha Bray and her family were among the spectators hoping to see the monks along their journey, and she couldn’t believe the effect they had on her son, Vincent, who is nonverbal and autistic.
As the monks walked by, they noticed Vincent and approached him. One of the monks tied a bracelet around the boy’s wrist as Vincent held his mother’s hand. For his family, the moment was astonishing—Vincent had never allowed anyone to put anything on his wrist before, not even those close to him.
Bray later shared the video on Facebook, where it received more than a million views. The monks also reposted the clip on their growing social media accounts.
Bray wrote in her post:
“Today was such a blessing. We caught the Buddhist Monks in the Walk for Peace. My daughter and I were on the sidewalk while my son and husband were a little ways back. One of the Buddhist Monks saw our son and asked if he was ok. My husband brought our son up. They prayed over our son, who is autistic and nonverbal, and tied the holy thread around his wrist and gave our daughter flowers.”
The monks responded:
“Thank you, Samantha, for sharing your family’s precious experience with all of us. May the blessing continue to shine in your son’s life and in your whole family’s hearts.”

“Having that moment with our family, surrounded by our community and the monks, it was just a really beautiful moment to experience,” Bray told WRAL. “And to even add, you know, for him to tolerate that and kind of just being in that moment together was pretty spectacular.”

The meaning behind the bracelet
Traditionally, when a Buddhist monk shares a bracelet, it carries multiple meanings. It’s meant to promote mindfulness, serving as a reminder to focus on having a deeper connection to the present moment. The bracelets are also believed to promote inner peace, offer protection from negative energies, and help ward off obstacles along one’s spiritual path.
There’s a lot of good in this world; you just have to look around to find it sometimes. While those who wage war and sow chaos often get the most attention, it’s important to remember that many people are also fighting for good. These monks are a powerful reminder that simple acts, like gentle kindness, can overcome forces of negativity and division.

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Leslie Knope, Jean-Luc Picard and Kermit the Frog. – Photo credit: Images via Wikicommons

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People have cast their votes for which fictional character would make the very best president

Please, make it so.

Heather Wake

Upworthy Staff

12/24/2025

Politics are truly a mixed bag and choosing a leader can be a dodgy process. In his farewell address in 1796, George Washington famously warned the American people against adopting a two-party system, citing that opposing political parties could have a negative effect on the country. Well, no one listened and Washington’s warning has been…apt, to say the least. Through the democratic process, we’ve had over 40 presidents who have run the country to the best of their abilities, with some garnering more popularity than others. Still, all of these leaders have left something to be desired, which has led people to daydream about who they wish could run country…if only they were real.

In 2021, a thread on Ask Reddit posed the question, “Which fictional character would make a great U.S.A. president?” Some answers were simple and lighthearted. Others were drawn out and thoughtful. Some characters are well-known. Others are a bit more obscure. Regardless, it’s a fun read and offers an insightful way to look at what it really means to be a leader.

Optimus Prime Transformers GIF Giphy

Optimus Prime—Transformers

This comment was so passionate I had to keep the entire thing:

“He’s the perfect balance of introspection, deliberation, decisive action, compassion, toughness, fighting spirit, humility, and inspires others to greatness not because of his ego, but because he sincerely wants the best for everyone. He’s eloquent enough to work with intellectuals, strong enough to keep corruption out, hard working and honest enough to connect with and inspire the working classes, and an absolute paragon of ethics. When it comes down to it, he puts his own ass on the line without hesitation. I’d vote for Optimus Prime. I’d work on his campaign staff. I’d canvas for Optimus. I’d fight his fights. He’s the heroic leader we need. I wish he were here.” – Cephelopodia

Jean-Luc Picard—Star Trek: The Next Generation

“Make it so” is an awfully good campaign slogan.“This character has informed so much of what I think of as the political ideal that’s it’s almost absurd.” – Tactius_AMP

Aragorn—The Lord of the Rings

The King of Gondor rallied some intense loyalty and humorous political banter.

“He would have my allegiance until my sons, sons die.” – Radda210

“Well, he’s got eight years.” – AutismFractal

Captain Raymond Holt—Brooklyn 99

The stoic, pragmatic and serious-to-the-point-of-absurd police captain would bring a level of sophistication to the role. Plus he stands up for what he thinks is right.

The only drawback is we might have the more frivolous holidays cancelled. Like Christmas.

President Josiah Bartlet—The West Wing

“During 2020 with all the presidential speeches that sounded non presidential, I kept thinking that we needed a couple of Josiah Barlet speeches during that time.” – southdakotagirl

Uncle Iroh—Avatar: The Last Airbender

For those not familiar with Avatar: The Last Airbender, Uncle Iroh was not just a fan favorite, but universally beloved for being the show’s moral compass and source of wisdom. Hilarious and savvy, Iroh was always standing on business, helping others grow and thrive, and kept the bigger picture of the greatest good in mind, which was pretty remarkable considering he was technically on the “bad side.”

“Calm, wise, friendly and best of all he already got all that war crime stuff out of his system years ago. He’d be the best us President in history.” – Lord Noodles

“…Iroh is the benevolent father we need, with quiet dignity and terrifying power.” – spaceman_spyff

Kermit the Frog—The Muppets

“The lovers, the dreamers, and me would vote for him” – DrOddcat

Steve Rogers—Captain America

Steve Rogers is not a perfect soldier; he’s just a really, really, really good man. I mean, he’s everything America is supposed to be and models those ideals perfectly. He has integrity, courage, compassion, and let’s not forget stamina. He can do this all day, after all.

Leslie Knope—Parks and Recreation

“Leslie wouldn’t get sucked in to corruption. She would negotiate and compromise, as one should, but she wouldn’t “make deals” like most politicians. Above all else, she would always be honest!” – Happy_Camper45

“And she has binders of plans for everything” – Big_Economy_1729

(Sadly, there were very few female characters I saw on the thread. I’m hoping I just didn’t scroll far down enough.)

Captain Planet—Captain Planet and the Planeteers

Maybe then we’d take climate change seriously.

So, maybe it’s impossible for a real-life person to 100% embody these heroic traits. But that’s the beauty of fiction: It reveals our ultimate potential (for both good and bad). It can’t always take into account all the complexities and inevitable drawbacks of the human condition. It can, however, inspire us to be better.

Maybe there is no President Picard or President Rogers out there, but seeing them portrayed in our stories is still important. Observing the virtues they represent (and let’s not forget that they are representations and symbols, rather than multidimensional human beings, after all) might help inspire the next generation of heroes, leaders and politicians. That’s what well-written characters do.

In the meantime, I’ll start working on my campaign for Ted Lasso’s Keeley Jones for President. Hey, it’s fun to dream, right?

This article originally appeared four years ago. It has been updated.

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