14 Best Workout Leggings, According to Fitness Experts
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The best workout leggings feel like second skin, moving with you—not against you—through squats, sprints, jumps, and whatever else you need to do to get your HR up. And when you look good, you feel good, allowing you to dive deeper into your fitness without worrying about distracting elements, like whether your gym leggings are squat-proof or if your high-waisted leggings will roll down at a weird time. Don’t get me wrong: There are some sub-par leggings out there and, as a seasoned health and fitness journalist, I’ve burned my way through plenty of them.
While you can blindly toss on any old pair, there’s no need to do that to yourself. Instead, it’s crucial to invest in a pair of high-quality, optimal leggings (or three) that will hold up through constant washes, thrive under regular beatings that naturally come with exercise gear, and look stylish in the process. Because technology on these stretchy bottoms has come so far that there’s no need to settle for an ugly pair in order to feel comfortable.
Of course, the leggings market is completely flooded right now, making it hard to know if that pair that keeps coming up on your For You feed is worth it or not. To help track down the best ones, including some inexpensive Amazon leggings options, I tapped an arsenal of fitness pros for feedback on their favorites. Every pair listed below has stood up to regular use and is sleek enough to be worn outside the gym. With that in mind, these are the best workout leggings for yoga, cardio, lifting, grocery-getting, and practically everything else you have going on in your life.
The best workout leggings, at a glance
- Best Overall: Alo High Waist Airlift Leggings, $128
- Best With Pockets: Athleta Salutation Stash High Rise, $119
- Best for Tummy Control: Nike Zenvy Gentle Support High Waist Pocket Legging, $100
- Best to Wear as Pants: Nagnata Demi Wool Legging, $210
- Best for Curvy Women: Lululemon Wunder Train, $105
What to look for in workout leggings
Start by thinking about your weekly workouts and go from there, says Michele Levy, a certified personal trainer and the founder of Zing! for Kids. “If you’re running or walking, look for something made with moisture-wicking material and compression. On the other hand, if you’re more into yoga or Pilates, you might prefer something that’s super stretchy and doesn’t have a ton of pockets or zippers. I wore my running leggings to a yoga class and hated how the zippers felt on my back and sides as I moved through different poses,” Levy says.
Most brands tout a propriety fabric, but if you look at the overall makeup of your go-to styles, you’ll notice some similarities. Materials like nylon, elastane, Lycra, and polyester are commonly used for their ability to wick sweat, dry fast, and regulate body temperature. For breathable options, look for cotton, but keep in mind that the material holds onto your sweat and could get cold and uncomfortable if you’re working out outdoors, Levy says. And for stretchy leggings, look for pieces made of Lycra or spandex if you want a good amount of elasticity.
Once you’ve nailed down what type of leggings you’re looking for, you’ll want to consider fit and style. “There are mid- and high-waisted options, flared leggings, cropped, 7/8, and full-length leggings. I’m five feet tall, so you’ll almost always see me in cropped or 7/8-length leggings unless a brand makes a petite option.”
Got all that? To further help you with your search, we chatted with avid exercisers who spend a lot of time working out, including personal trainers and class instructors. Whether you’re looking for a great pair of yoga leggings for your low-impact workouts or something that can stand up to high-intensity exercises like burpees and sprints, we have recs that will stay put and pass the squat test so you can reach all your fitness goals—and look good doing it.
Meet the experts
- Danielle Hirt, CPT, running coach
- Taylor Beebe, CPT
- Chelsey Wilkens, CPT and certified yoga teacher at SoHo Strength Lab
- Chrysten Crockett, a NASM-certified personal trainer and founder of Get Fit With Chrys
- Sarah Ezrin, yoga instructor and author of The Yoga of Parenting
- Tyneka Pack, CPT, founder of IMPACKT Fitness
Best Overall Workout Leggings: Alo High Waist Airlift Leggings
Some workout leggings get baggy areas around the pelvis or butt, but the Alo High Waist Airlift Leggings fit like a glove while feeling weightless. These Alo leggings are made with opaque (read: squat-proof) fabric and have a smooth yet breathable feel. They’re also lightweight enough to prevent overheating during intense workouts, with sweat-wicking material to keep you dry throughout your gym session. The high waist is excellent for tummy control, with a thick band that doesn’t roll down, even when you’re repeatedly bending over for moves like crunches. These leggings also look good outside the gym, making them a highly versatile pair.
“These are super sleek, sculpting, and have a slight sheen that makes them great for both the gym and leisure. They’re compressive but still comfortable, and give a snatched look without being too restrictive,” says Chrysten Crockett, a NASM-certified personal trainer and founder of Get Fit With Chrys.
Best Workout Leggings With Pockets: Athleta Salutation Stash High Rise 7/8
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Not everyone needs leggings with pockets, but it’s a serious perk if you’d rather keep your credit card and keys close by during workouts. While slipping a phone in any pair of leggings looks bulky, it’s a convenient feature to have when you’re just padding around your place. Athleta’s Salutation Stash High Rise 7/8 has generous pockets on each side that can hold a lot when you need them and shrink back down when they’re empty. They also ace that combination of being lightweight while still gently supportive, with a compression waistband to hold you in. These pants are durable too: I’ve worn my pair religiously for years, and they haven’t faded or pilled.
“As a busy mom, I’m meditating in motion more than I am on my cushion these days, so I need pants that are on the go with me. Athleta’s classic Salutation Stash High Rise 7/8 are some of my favorite pants for peaceful walks. I can stash my phone, keys, and anything else I may need in their deep pockets and they always come in the coolest colors. Plus Athleta is B-Corp certified,” says Sarah Ezrin, yoga instructor and author of The Yoga of Parenting.
Best Workout Leggings for Tummy Control: Nike Zenvy Gentle Support High Waist Pocket Leggings
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Most high-rise leggings will have some level of tummy control, but one pair rises above the rest. The Nike Zenvy leggings have an extra-wide waistband that manages to hold you in and smooth you out without making it feel like you’re being smothered. The waistband doesn’t slip around or roll during workouts either, so you can count on that tummy control throughout your exercise routine. This pair features Nike’s signature Dri-Fit technology to shuttle sweat away from your body. While there are no side pockets, these leggings have a drop-in pocket aligned in the back with plenty of room for your phone and more.
“As someone who practically lives in leggings, my absolute staple is the Nike Zenvy legging in black. The material is smooth and never pills and is so incredibly flattering, and I love that it comes in a mid and high rise,” says Chelsey Wilkens, CPT, a certified yoga teacher at SoHo Strength Lab.
Best Workout Leggings to Wear as Pants: Nagnata Demi Wool Leggings
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Nagnata is an Australian brand that’s slowly making inroads in the US. Meaning, you won’t spot these leggings on every corner—a definite pro. The company’s Demi Wool leggings are perfect for low-impact workouts like yoga and Pilates, but they equally shine as regular pants. Pair them with your favorite bra top at the gym, and then toss on a slouchy tee or sweater after hours. They’re warm enough to keep you cozy on chilly days, but not so heavy that you’ll overheat during a workout. These bottoms have an undeniable cool factor, no matter how you wear them.
“Australians do all things fitness so well and tend to lead fashion trends. Nagnata uses wool and natural materials and is the most comfortable, cool, and high quality,” Wilkens says.
Best Workout Leggings for Curvy Women Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tights
Having curves presents some unique challenges with leggings. If the sizing or fit is off, you’re in danger of constantly having to pull up your pants—a definite distraction when you’re trying to go all out with your workout. But Lululemon’s bestsellers, the Wunder Train High-Rise Tights, features the brand’s signature Everlux fabric for a second-skin feel, with an internal drawcord to provide extra insurance that these bottoms aren’t going anywhere. That’s helpful whether you’re plus size or any size. They’re also sweat-wicking and feature a hidden waistband pocket for smaller essentials.
“These Lululemon leggings come in a range of inseam lengths and have a drawstring, so they don’t fall down. The contours are great if you have bigger hips and a smaller waist. The best part for me is that the material doesn’t pill—even if you’re walking around all day and through multiple washes,” says Taylor Beebe, CPT.
Best Workout Leggings for Running: Oiselle Pocket Jogger
Pockets and running sound like a bad combination, but the Oiselle Pocket Jogger holds your essentials firmly in place to keep them from slapping against your leg or falling out while you rack up miles. In fact, these leggings are packed with pockets—seven total. Along with the usual drop-in side pockets, there are mesh pockets and a back waistband pocket with a zipper to hold stuff you’re really worried will fall out on the go. These leggings also come in multiple inseams, giving you even more options.
“I love the Oiselle Pocket Jogger. The material is just thick enough to feel supportive, but not heavy. I also love that the pocket fits my phone for long runs and doesn’t fall down,” says Danielle Hirt, CPT, running coach.
Best Workout Leggings for Everyday Wear: Vuori AlltheFeels Daily Leggings
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Workout leggings have an obvious purpose, but sometimes you want that same comfortable, second-skin feel while you’re lounging on the couch. Vuori’s AlltheFeels Daily Leggings bridge the gap, serving double-duty as a support system at the gym and everyday wear. These leggings have four-way stretch to stick with you no matter what you’re up to, along with a highly breathable feel. The high-rise design helps to hold you in too.
Beebe gives these leggings high marks for their compression, pointing out that they stay in place. “I like that the ankle seam is thinner so they look more sleek if you’re going from the gym to run errands or wear them out and about. It also comes in multiple inseam lengths,” she says.
Jenny McCoy, a Glamour contributor and NASM-certified personal trainer, is also a fan. “The fabric has a subtle velvety-soft feel that makes them easy to wear all day long, and the waistband is super supportive without being overly constricting, allowing me to comfortably perform a variety of movements in them—from jogging up the stairs to bending over to pick up my daughter to strolling around the neighborhood. They’re also really flattering, accentuating my booty and aiding in tummy control on days I feel bloated.”
Best Maternity Workout Leggings: Brooks Spark Capris
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There are a lot of style options for workout leggings when you’re pregnant. But while some have fabric that stretches over your bump, this can get itchy when you inevitably sweat. The Brooks Spark Capris aren’t technically maternity leggings, but they have a low enough waistband that fits snugly under your bump. A turn and lock back pocket also keeps your phone secure and away from your belly.
I wore these religiously throughout my last pregnancy, and appreciated that they grew with me. While they’re fitted, they’re not so tight that I felt constricted when my belly (and inevitably everything else) grew. These capri leggings were also perfect for keeping me cool during workouts when I felt like a walking furnace at baseline. Another perk to point out: These can be tossed in the washer and dryer, which is one less thing you have to worry about.
Best High-Waisted Workout Leggings: The Upside Playoff Leggings
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Most workout leggings are high-waisted these days, and with good reason: It creates a smooth, slimming look. But the Upside’s Playoff Legging does things a little differently with a unique pattern that cinches you in while creating a more feminine silhouette. These color-blocked leggings are moisture-wicking but still manage to dry fast—a huge perk when many others take a while to air out. These leggings also have a unique look you won’t find everywhere, creating a statement piece.
“The Upside is a forever favorite. It’s innovative and uses the best prints and feminine cuts that you can actually work out in, but can easily be worn in the city or as resort wear,” Wilkens says.
Best Workout Leggings for Yoga: Beyond Yoga Caught in the Midi High Waist Leggings
The right yoga pants are a little different from what you’d need in high-intensity workout pants. The Beyond Yoga Caught in the Midi High Waist Leggings have a reinforced, supportive waistband to prevent rolling and keep you smoothed out. The fabric on these yoga leggings is moisture-wicking, making them great for hot and “regular” yoga sessions. Four-way stretch keeps you comfortable throughout your series. You can also put these through the washer and dryer for easy cleanings.
“Beyond Yoga has the softest fabric and is great for low-impact workouts like yoga or Pilates,” Wilkens says. One more thing to consider: These leggings have UV protection to shield your skin in case you decide to take your workout outside.
Best Compression Workout Leggings: Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Pocket Leggings
Compression leggings apply extra pressure to your legs to boost blood circulation and deliver added support to your muscles. The Girlfriend Collective’s Compressive High-Rise Pocket Leggings have an ultra-high-rise waist with compression material all around to smooth you out from top to bottom. These leggings were created with high-impact workouts in mind, with a snug fit and sweat-wicking material to keep you dry. Roomy pockets on the side are big enough to hold your phone but won’t gape when they’re empty. There’s also a hidden back pocket to hold your keys and credit card.
Wilkens praises these leggings for their compression. “Compression is great for running as it’s beneficial for circulation, and it’s also comfortable and flattering to feel like you are being held in and supportive,” she says. The Girlfriend Collective is known for its inclusive sizing, and these leggings are no exception: Sizes run from XXXS to 6X.
Best Seamless Workout Leggings: Gymshark Vital Seamless Leggings 2.0
Seams in your leggings aren’t inherently a bad thing, but they can raise the risk of chafing and irritation. The Gymshark Vital Seamless Leggings 2.0 have smartly placed stretchy panels around the legs to help create a snug fit without seams. These leggings are sweat-wicking and feature a ribbed waistband to keep your pants firmly in place. There are even breathable mesh dots down the legs for extra ventilation—an added perk if you tend to overheat during your workouts.
“The seamless design that Gymshark is known for looks so good because it helps smooth out the front, while the design details help accentuate your curves in all the right places,” Wilkens says.
Best Workout Leggings for Lifting: Sweaty Betty Power Workout Leggings
All workout leggings should be squat-proof, but it’s definitely a requirement with leggings for strength training. The Sweaty Betty Power Workout Leggings use special seams to help sculpt your butt while providing coverage, making them a great option for lifting days. They’re also incredibly stretchy to move with you and grow as you add muscle. These leggings have a pocket on the side and zippered storage in back to help secure your stuff, even as you grind it out. They dry quickly, too, so you don’t need to stress about walking around with sweat stains around your butt.
“The Sweaty Betty legging is great because it’s kind of an all-in-one, flattering fit, comfortable for all levels of intensity and a variety of workouts,” says Wilkens. Choose from a massive range of colors and patterns.
Best Workout Leggings for Cold Days: Under Armour ColdGear Leggings
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The right leggings on a cold day can make all the difference between you comfortably finishing your workout and needing to head inside before you’re done. Under Armour’s ColdGear leggings have an impressive way of helping you retain heat without weighing you down. The brushed interior in these black leggings creates a cozy, comfortable feel against your skin, while the exterior dries quickly in case you get caught in wet conditions. The full-length leggings have an encased waistband that keeps them firmly in place.
“I love the Under Armour ColdGear leggings, even when it’s not cold outside. I like to wear these leggings for leg days because the band sits securely on you, so it’s squat-proof and stays in place. The fabric has a great stretch so I don’t feel restricted with any of my movements. It’s quick drying too. I need them in all available colors,” says Tyneka Pack, CPT, founder of IMPACKT Fitness.
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