I can’t count the number of times I’ve tried the “best” workout leggings only to discover that, after just one wash, they slip down during spin class, reveal my underwear during downward dog, or pill. Since everyone has a different body type and fitness objective, I asked editors to give their honest thoughts on their favorite pants, crops, and other sportswear items in an effort to uncover the finest leggings for everyone.
Yes, the editors of personally tested and chose each legging on this list while they worked their cores on a Pilates reformer, stretched, ran, lifted, or biked. Having accumulated hundreds of pairs of leggings over the years, I consider myself something of a leggings connoisseur.To avoid monotony, I’ve tried a million different routines, but I’m quickly put off by things like flimsy waistbands or too many seams. Whether you’re a yoga practitioner or an ultramarathon runner, this selection of 17 editor-approved exercise leggings is sure to become your new favorite.
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Meet the Expert
Emi Gutgold is a nationally trained Pilates instructor, personal trainer, group fitness instructor, PMA nationally certified personal trainer, and clean health nutritionist (levels I and II). She provides online Pilates classes and personal training subscriptions in addition to her in-person group exercise and individual training sessions.
How I Choose the Best Workout Leggings
The “best” workout pants vary depending on the wearer’s preferences, body type, and fitness goals, hence there is no single perfect pair. For example, my lululemon Base Pace pants ($98; $69) are my personal favorite, but when my sister tried them on, she didn’t like the material. Gutgold explains, “As a trainer, I would encourage that individuals feel comfortable in [their leggings]!If your leggings rub, squeeze, or simply don’t work for you, I wouldn’t wear them solely because they will irritate you and distract you from your workout.” Here are a few points to consider when looking for the right pair for you:
- Try the squat test. Put the leggings on and video yourself from behind doing a deep squat. Can you see your undies or your butt? If so, take note of that material and steer clear of it in the future.
- Check how the material feels. If you put the leggings on and they feel even slightly uncomfortable, move on to the next pair. Otherwise, they’ll become the leggings that sit in your drawer that you can’t bear to throw away because they’re new. “After teaching Pilates for years, I can easily tell by someone’s body language when their clothes are bothering them. And I’ve been there myself. Nothing makes me feel off in my workout quite like constantly feeling squished by the wrong waistband,” Gutgold says.
- Consider your wishlist. Need pockets? Make sure you are looking specifically for a pair that has them. Hate a butt seam? Look for a brand that sells seamless leggings.
- Do your diligence. Shopping based on factors like opacity, sweat-wicking fabric and a comfortable waistline certainly helps. But it’s also useful to do your due diligence on the pair you’re eyeing by reading reviews, especially if you haven’t tried the brand.
How I Tested the Best Workout Leggings
Myself and the rest of the editorial team looked for leggings that were moisture-wicking and breathable while also feeling soft to the touch, to keep our bodies cool and comfortable no matter how strenuous the workout. We focused on the amounts of compression and stretch and how they relate to various training kinds. Speaking of which,editor workouts included yoga, barre, Pilates, strength training, running, HIIT workouts, weight lifting, and more—as well as a few comfortable lounge moments to round out testing.I also took note of how people with various body types rated each pair of leggings, as well as the thickness of the waistband, how well the leggings stayed up during workouts, seam construction, pilling after multiple wears, and, of course, the overall aesthetic of the leggings. And, believe me, PW editors are picky (as am I), so our scores reflect our honest assessment after extensive testing.
1. lululemon Base Pace Leggings
Lululemon’s leggings are perfect in almost every way. The Nulux fabric is virtually weightless and extremely breathable, so if you run outside on a hot day, you won’t overheat. They also offer a convenient back pocket for keys, a secret drawstring in the front for cinching, and no inseam. You can’t really ask for much more in a workout legging. I wore these leggings on repeat throughout my half marathon training this winter, and they were extremely supportive and never rode up or down throughout my runs. The only concern was that the 25-inch inseam leggings sat a little high on my ankles; if you have long legs, consider the 31-inch inseam.
Fast Facts
- Material: 84 percent nylon, 16 percent Lycra elastane
- Length: 25 and 28 inches
- Size Range: US 0 to 20
2. Nike One Crop Leggings
These lightweight recycled polyester leggings are squat-proof, silky, and compressive, making them ideal for any workout. In fact, I reach for these leggings for almost any type of workout. Customers also say they’re not see-through (an important attribute for regular wear) and that they hug the body nicely. Despite the mid rise fit, the waistband does not cut into my hips, and the V-cut at the rear of the waistband seam emphasizes my booty, giving me a more athletic image. With three secret compartments, you can fit the majority of your essentials. One buyer shares:”I enjoy how they are silky smooth and provide compression and lift. I really enjoy how thin these leggings feel but are not see-through when bending down or squatting.” And I could not agree more.
Fast Facts
- Material: 78 percent polyester, 22 percent spandex
- Length: not listed
- Size Range: XS to XXL
3. ALO Alosoft Highlight Legging
These durable leggings are intended for yoga and low-impact workouts, but they are also suitable for relaxing or athleisure. They’re made of the brand’s iconic Alosoft material, which is noted for its support, sweat-wicking properties, and velvety softness. “I’m a sucker for super-soft leggings with that barely-there feeling, and [these are] my favorites because I almost never have to adjust them while working out,” says Assistant Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera. “I especially love the 7/8-length that doesn’t bunch up at the ankles on my short legs.”
Fast Facts
- Material: 87 percent polyester, 13 percent elastane
- Length: 24 inches
- Size Range: XXS to L
4. Splits59 Airweight Super High Waist Leggings
A pair of high-waist leggings is excellent, but a pair of extremely high-waist leggings is an absolute must-have. These leggings feature a somewhat cropped inseam that is 26 inches long, and if you have short legs, they will likely reach the ankle. “[They’re] very comfortable, and the high waist lets me do an easy knotted front tuck of my shirt so it doesn’t slide down during yoga,” says Marissa Wu, Associate Editor, SEO. “[I] probably could have gone a size up—I am usually a small but fluctuate between 2/4/6, so medium would have worked here,” she tells me.
Fast Facts
- Material: 81 percent nylon, 19 percent spandex
- Length: 26 inches
- Size Range: XS to XL
5. Athleta Transcend Stash Tights
“Cropped and 7/8-length leggings never actually fit me correctly as a short women—the knees hit the wrong spot, the waistband is always so high and the ankles are never quite right—but thank goodness for Athleta’s petite leggings!” Chelsea Candelario, Beauty and Cultures Editor, gushes. Indeed, Athleta has a large selection of leggings designed exclusively for tiny frames, ensuring that everything fits properly. The Transcend style, created for yoga, Pilates, and studio exercises, includes big pockets on each hip to hold your phone and other essentials, and the sweat-wicking material is lightweight to keep you cool.
Fast Facts
- Material: 75 percent nylon, 25 percent lycra
- Length: 25 inches
- Size Range: Petite XXS to L
6. Ultracor Lux Knockout Leggings
Wellness Director Sarah Stiefvater is so passionate about these Ultracor leggings that she penned a whole review about her love-hate relationship with them. (Most of the criticism is directed at the $198 price tag on each pair.) She quickly gave up her beloved leggings after wearing them to a spin class and experiencing their high stretch, soft compression, and sweat-wicking properties. But what distinguishes them from the others, you ask?They keep in place during burpees, box leaps, and rowing machine sprints without feeling too tight,” she says. They also offer a special built-in underwear design that smoothes lumps and bumps and enhances the appearance of your buttocks. Stiefvater has a suggestion for anyone else who is still groaning at the price: wait till they go on sale.
Fast Facts
- Material: 43 percent polyester, 43 percent nylon, 14 percent Lycra
- Length: 28 inches
- Size Range: XXS to XL
7. Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings
These are the seamless leggings that we all need. Some people complain of gapping and sagging in the buttocks when wearing seamless designs. However, I find that these leggings are the closest thing to feeling like you’re wearing a second skin. These offer great compression from the high waist down to the calves, and as a result of that grip, they curve your booty unlike any other. These leggings also feature tiny holes down the sides of the legs, making them extremely breathable. This may be too much information, but my crotch and legs sweat profusely when I exercise, thus the ventilation is a miracle for breathability.
Fast Facts
- Material: 93 percent nylon, 7 percent elastane
- Length: 30.5 inches
- Size Range: XS to XXL
8. Old Navy PowerSoft 7/8 Leggings
Comfortable running leggings that aren’t too expensive? I’m in. These are flexible and comfy for any workout, although Abby Hepworth, Fashion Editor, prefers them for jogging. “They live up to their name and are extremely soft and smooth. It’s also breathable! They have pockets on the sides, which is essential when I go for a run, and I like that they come in tall and petite sizes.” There are also full-length and cropped versions, both of which come in ordinary, tall, and petite lengths.
Fast Facts
- Material: 77 percent polyester, 23 percent spandex
- Length: 24, 26 and 30 inches
- Size Range: XS to 4XL, also Tall and Petite
9. Girlfriend Collective Compressive Leggings
Girlfriend Collective’s leggings are unrivaled in terms of sustainability. “I love that they are a sustainable brand that I can feel good about shopping, and it helps that they have an incredible color selection,” adds Assistant Editor Delia Curtis. The fabric is created from 25 recycled water bottles, which saves 3 gallons of water and 18 pounds of CO2 emissions when compared to the usual leggings production process, according to the business.However, the material feels so luxurious that you’d never know it had a former life. “They’re perfect for working out because they’re secure and keep everything in place while I’m hopping around. Curtis adds that it’s also great for lounging. Girlfriend Collective leggings are best suited for yoga and sculpt classes, as the compression material keeps you feeling sucked in, even if you’re trying a particularly difficult move—looking at you, crow pose. If you’re unsure about your size, go with the larger option.
Fast Facts
- Material: 79 percent recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate, 21 spandex
- Length: 23.75 and 28.5 inches
- Size Range: XXS to 6XL
10. lululemon Align Leggings
Multiple women have declared this best-selling Lululemon style their all-time favorite, and for good reason. The key selling point for the brand is its unique Nulu fabric. (Two words: buttery soft. “The matte Nulu fabric feels so soft and looks presentable enough to wear to lunch after my workout,” comments Senior Editor Dana Dickey. Though they are designed for low-impact workouts such as yoga, they are also ideal for barre and Pilates.”I love the high-rise pants since the broad waistband does not roll down. Even when I’m doing bendy yoga or knee lifts at bootcamp,” Dickey raves. If you wear them for more than just yoga, you may notice that the crotch pills quickly. Despite that minor issue, these leggings will always have a special place in our hearts (and closets).
Fast Facts
- Material: 80 percent nylon, 20 percent Lycra elastane
- Length: 23, 25, 28 and 31 inches
- Size Range: US 0 to 20
11. Oner Effortless Seamless Leggings
“These Oner active effortless leggings are the only leggings I’ll workout in,” says Associate Fashion Editor Stephanie Meraz. “They’re compressive, seamless, and very flattering on the booty, thanks to the modest scrunch bum feature. I lift heavy weights, so I need a pair that can handle a lot of strain and the occasional bump against barbells and dumbbells, and this is it. They do not roll down, pill, or move, and they are really comfortable.” According to Meraz, these leggings fit true to size and are fortunately long enough for her 5’7″ frame.
Fast Facts
- Material: 52 percent polyamide, 37 percent polyester, 11 percent elastane
- Length: not listed
- Size Range: XS to XXL
12. Blanqi Everyday Leggings
Candace Davison, Editorial Director, says these maternity leggings were a godsend when she was pregnant with her daughter. She wore them for everything from Orangetheory and yoga in her first trimester to simply sitting on the couch as she approached her due date. “The extra-high waistband is super supportive on a growing stomach—which became crucial for preventing back pain during my second trimester,” she tells me. After months of nonstop wear, they pilled somewhat between the thighs, but Davison maintains they were wonderful otherwise.
Fast Facts
- Material: 90 percent nylon, 10 percent spandex
- Length: 25 inches
- Size Range: S to XL
13. Sweaty Betty Power 7/8 Leggings
“Every time I decide to try a new brand of leggings, I’m left disappointed that I didn’t just invest in another pair of Sweaty Betty’s Power leggings instead,” says Emily Kerr, SVP of Growth. She became a devoted follower of the style since it is long-lasting, never see-through, and available in a range of lovely colors and designs. They also contain pockets on each hip to securely handle your phone, keys, headphones, or anything else you might want to carry with you while working out. Kerr’s favorite part about these leggings? They make her buttocks appear great, thanks to the flattering seams that are specifically engineered to do so.
Fast Facts
- Material: 62 percent polyamide, 38 percent elastane
- Length: 24 and 27 inches
- Size Range: XXS to XXL
14. Zella Live In Leggings
Cristina Gutierrez, former Director of Branded Content, struggled to find leggings that suited her pear-shaped frame…until she slipped on a pair of Zella’s Live In leggings. “They check all of my boxes: affordable, thick, enough coverage, a high waist that doesn’t feel like a corset, stretchy and suction-cupped to my body in a way that feels like a second skin,” she elaborates. She recommends checking Nordstrom Rack to see if they’re on sale before paying full price. They’re also moisture-wicking and have a non-slip waistband to keep you in place during an intense training class.
Fast Facts
- Material: 88 percent polyester, 12 percent spandex
- Length: 29 inches
- Size Range: XS to XL
15. Tracksmith Turnover Tights
These leggings will not move while you’re out for a cool morning run. They’re crafted with the brand’s unique Inverno mix fabric, which provides warmth and ease with every step. Katherine Gillen, former Senior Food Editor, adds, “They’re sweat-wicking, rapid drying, and feel quite lightweight, yet the cloth is brushed on the inside, making it fleecy-soft and toasty. Bonus points for the rear pocket and bonded seams that minimize chafing.” Despite having a soft lining, the leggings are designed to adjust to the temperature, so even if it’s a little warm, you won’t feel completely overheated.
Fast Facts
- Material: 80 percent nylon, 20 percent elastane
- Length: 29 inches
- Size Range: XS to XL
16. Love & Fit Guardian Evolve Leggings
If you’re constantly pulling up and adjusting the waistband of your leggings, consider this cropped pair from Love & Fit. It has a specially constructed no-slip waistband that allows you to focus solely on your squats without distractions. “I’ve been living in these leggings postpartum, largely because they have a no-slip grip waistband, so I’m not tugging up my leggings every time I move (especially as my weight fluctuates),” Davison tells me. “They’re also velvety soft, supportive and have pockets.” There is also no seam at the front, eliminating the possibility of a camel toe. Davison and other reviewers found that these fit true to size.
Fast Facts
- Material: not listed
- Length: 25 inches
- Size Range: XS to 3XL
17. Athleta Elation Train 7/8 Tights
Stephanie Maida, Senior Commerce Editor, spends a significant portion of her workday scanning the internet for the finest of the best to share with our readers. Her personal favorite training leggings are the Athleta Elation tights. “These are my absolute favorite workout leggings. They’re squat-proof, sweat-wicking, and provide support in the center. Plus, the fabric is silky smooth and breathable. They also come in three inseam lengths to accommodate various heights, and there is a pocket at the back of the waistband large enough to hold a phone.
Fast Facts
- Material: nylon/Lycra blend
- Length: 23, 25 and 28 inches
- Size Range: XXS to 3X, also Petite and Tall
