The 13 Best Compression Leggings for Comfort, Support, and Style
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From brands like Athleta, Alo, Girlfriend Collective, and more.
InStyle / Alli Waataja
From grocery shopping to breaking a sweat, leggings are a staple in many of our wardrobes — and compression leggings are no exception. Compression garments are typically used in the medical field to promote blood circulation, but lower-grade compression leggings have taken the activewear and athleisure world by storm thanks to the additional support they provide. There’s evidence that compression leggings may reduce how sore you feel after a workout, and we certainly won’t complain about that!
With so many options available, it can be difficult to find a pair that meets your needs. That’s why we’ve done the work to research, test, and round up the best pairs of compression leggings on the market. We also spoke to fitness experts to learn what pairs work best for different workouts, along with things to keep in mind when shopping for compression wear. Read on for our favorite pairs of compression leggings to shop right now.
Related: The 17 Best Leggings on Amazon for Workouts, Lounging and Beyond
Best Overall: Athleta Salutation Stash 7/8 Tights
What We Love: The signature fabric is buttery soft with a high-quality feel.
What We Don’t Love: The fit varies slightly depending on the color.
It’s no secret that InStyle loves shopping at Athleta for high-quality activewear. The Salutation Stash ⅞ Tight has 7,000+ reviews with nearly a 5-star average. This timeless style has hidden pockets and a buttery soft fabric. While these leggings are best suited for yoga or gentle exercise, they also get a stamp of approval for higher-intensity movement. “These leggings are great for lifting or HIIT, don’t budge at all, and never stretch out,” says Bella Jaeggi, an instructor at Boost Pilates and Barry’s.
Sizing goes up to 3X, so these leggings accommodate a wider range of customers than some of our other picks. While many compression-style leggings contain polyester, this pair contains nylon which can provide odor resistance and greater durability. Athleta is also a certified B Corp and is committed to empowering women and giving back. Some customers wish the material was thicker and report that sizing is inconsistent across different colors. However, these leggings check nearly every box, making them our favorite overall pick.
Price at time of publish: $109
Size: XXS-3X | Material: Nylon, Lycra | Length: Regular, petite, tall | Colors: 8 | Compression Level: Light | Pockets: Yes
Best Budget: Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft ⅞ Legging for Women
What We Love: These leggings offer value without sacrificing style.
What We Don’t Love: The fabric tends to stretch out over time more than some higher-end brands.
Old Navy’s activewear selection proves that you can find functional pieces without the high cost—and these leggings are no exception. This pair of leggings comes in a variety of sizes, colors, and patterns, letting you flex your personal style. The extended size range has been redesigned to create a comfortable fit across the board. These leggings frequently go on sale, occasionally bringing the already inexpensive price tag even lower. Reviewers recommend sizing down as this style runs loose and may stretch over time, but these leggings are a solid option for those looking for a lot of style, comfort, and value.
Price at time of publish: $35
Size: XS-4X | Material: Polyester, Spandex | Length: Regular, petite, tall | Colors: 11 | Compression Level: Light | Pockets: No
Best Splurge: Alo High-Waist Airlift Legging
What We Love: These leggings are sculpting and supporting, designed to flatter the body.
What We Don’t Love: The care instructions are rather high-maintenance for workout wear.
We’re big fans of the concept of treating yourself, which is why we recommend splurging on the Alo High-Waist Airlift Legging. These leggings are suitable for any activity from yoga to running, offering high support however you choose to move. This pair also comes in an impressive range of 14 colors from basic black to bright green, and is also available in a ⅞ fit for petite women. These leggings don’t extend past size XL, and we’re not huge fans of the fact that the care instructions require hand washing. We do love the fabric and overall flattering fit though, making these a great higher-end option.
Price at time of publish: $128
Size: XXS-XL | Material: Polyester, Spandex | Length: 28”-28.5” | Colors: 14 | Compression Level: High | Pockets: No
Best Plus-Size: Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Legging
What We Love: The brand’s commitment to sustainability and inclusivity shines through.
What We Don’t Love: The fabric doesn’t retain its quality long-term.
A truly inclusive size range is hard to come by, but these Girlfriend leggings go up to 6XL and are available in more colors than just basic black. Equally impressive is the composition: the fabric is made from 79% recycled plastic bottles. Writer Kirby Kelly has owned a pair of Girlfriend’s leggings for years and they’ve kept their stretch and shape after too many washes to count. Though the leggings have visible seams, the thread is non-itchy and blends in with the fabric’s second-skin feel. The extra high-rise waistband does not appeal to everyone, but the brand also offers a Mid-Rise and Pocket style for versatility across any high- or low-intensity activities. These leggings tend to pill over time but we love the brand’s commitment to sustainability and size inclusivity.
Price at time of publish: $78
Size: XXS-6XL | Material: RPET, Spandex | Length: 19.5”, 23 ¾”, 28.5” | Colors: 7 | Compression Level: Medium | Pockets: Yes
Best High-Waisted: Astoria Activewear Luxe Ignite Full Length Legging
What We Love: They’re highly sculpting and supportive.
What We Don’t Love: The colors are very limited.
Most of the leggings on the market are high-waisted, which lends the most comfortable and flattering fit. But these ones top the list for the way they hug the body — and the full length means they’re great for taller women. “I just love these leggings for teaching and lounging,” says Y7 yoga instructor Amanda Valdes, noting that she gets tons of compliments any time she wears them.
These leggings come in a few different variations for low- to high-intensity activities, but their site isn’t the easiest to shop. These leggings also come heavy on the patterns and aren’t the best option if you’re looking for an everyday black pair to add to your wardrobe. All in all, they’re a cute and comfortable option for high-waist leggings with added flair.
Price at time of publish: $73
Size: XS-XXL | Material: Nylon, Spandex | Length: Ankle | Colors: 3 | Compression Level: Medium | Pockets: No
Related: The 12 Best Seamless Leggings of 2023 for Comfort and Flexibility
Best for Running: Nike Universa Women's Medium-Support High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings with Pockets
What We Love: They have tons of extra pockets for stashing.
What We Don’t Love: They may slide down after several wears.
Whether you’re running one mile or training for a marathon, Nike’s leggings are made to move with you. We love the extra pockets that hold your snacks, cards, or keys. The high-support design and midweight fabric make these comfortable for long stretches of time. Jess Elliott, a strength coach and biomechanist, runs ultra distances and Nike is one of her go-to brands. At 5’3”, she notes, “most leggings are too long unless I manage to find a ⅞ length,” and these ones fit the bill. And if high-rise styles aren’t your thing, these come in a mid-rise cut as well.
These leggings come in standard colors as well as a few unexpected options, so there’s really something for everyone. They’re also made with 50% recycled nylon fibers, so you can feel good while you look good. Some runners found these leggings can stretch over time. We wish they held their shape longer, but they’re still a great option for your everyday runs.
Price at time of publish: $110
Size: XXS-XXL | Material: Nylon, Spandex | Length: 25” | Colors: 9 | Compression Level: Medium | Pockets: Yes
Best for Travel: Set Active Sculptflex Leggings
What We Love: These leggings score high on style points and come in a wide range of colors.
What We Don’t Love: The fabric tends to show sweat marks.
When you’re on the go, comfort is key. Set Active’s Sculptflex Leggings are the perfect option whether you’re running to catch a train or navigating the airport. The brand is viral on TikTok and other platforms for a good reason — its matching sets are fun and fashionable, helping you look put together even when you feel anything but. Set Active’s leggings are highly supportive and great for working out, but the author prefers them for casual wear. Jaeggi also highly recommends this pair for lower-intensity days. “I love the thick waistband, and they’re definitely the best seamless leggings I’ve tried,” she says. These leggings are better suited for petite women due to their 23 ¾” inseam unless you like a cropped fit.
Price at time of publish: $72
Size: XS-XL | Material: Nylon, Spandex | Length: 23 ¾” | Colors: 16 | Compression Level: High | Pockets: No
Best for Lounging: Vuori Daily Legging
What We Love: The soft fabric and second skin feel provide unparalleled comfort.
What We Don’t Love: Some reviewers feel these don’t hold their shape.
For days when you just want to lie in bed and can’t be bothered, there’s the Vuori Daily Legging. The fabric is soft and breathable enough for lounging while also being supportive enough for activities. Valdes is a huge fan of Vuori’s offerings. “I love the softness and vibrancy of these leggings; they’re super comfortable and effortless,” she says. The drawstring waistband and cuffed ankles help the leggings stay in place — Jaeggi finds that these leggings don’t budge throughout multiple pilates sessions.
Some reviewers note that these leggings run on the loose side in the waist or legs due to the stretchiness, so if you’re between two sizes, you may want to size down. Vuori currently only offers the Daily Legging in five neutral colors, so there’s not a lot of room to express your personal style. These leggings truly are designed for daily use, and there’s no better option for staying comfy in style.
Price at time of publish: $78
Size: XXS-XXL | Material: Polyester, Elastane | Length: ⅞ | Colors: 5 | Compression Level: Light | Pockets: No
Best for Crossfit: lululemon Wunder Train Hi-Rise Tight 25"
What We Love: These leggings support running, jumping, and lifting — no sweat.
What We Don’t Love: Sizing can be tricky.
Lululemon is another InStyle favorite, and our experts all concur. We love these leggings for their supportive compression and ultra-soft fabric that’s both sweat-wicking and fast-drying. These ones are specifically designed for high-intensity training and have a hidden waistband drawcord, so you can trust they’ll stay in place. Plus, we love the extensive sizing and length options. Another plus is that these can go in the washer and dryer, which adds convenience between sweat sessions.
These leggings have thousands of devotees and over 4,000 5-star reviews that speak for themselves. The one drawback longtime fans note is that the sizing and material has recently changed, giving this pair a tighter fit. Size up if you’re between two sizes to avoid any discomfort.
Price at time of publish: $98
Size: 0-20 | Material: Polyester, Lycra | Length: 23”, 25”, 28”, 31” | Colors: 17 | Compression Level: Medium | Pockets: No
Best for Cycling: Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings
What We Love: These offer extreme comfort for high-intensity workouts.
What We Don’t Love: The sizing range is limited.
Gymshark is a favorite of the InStyle crew — for good reason! We’re huge fans of these leggings for their seamless and high-waisted design, which provides extra comfort when you’re in the saddle. They stay in place throughout high-intensity workouts and the breathable, sweat-wicking fabric means you won’t have any embarrassing sweat stains after class. We also love how these have shading that contours your figure, and they really hug your body (enough to forget you’re even wearing leggings). These come in a variety of fun colors from pretty pastels to muted jewel tones. We wish there were more size or length options, though.
Price at time of publish: $54
Size: XS-XXL | Material: Nylon, Elastane | Length: Ankle | Colors: 11 | Compression Level: Medium | Pockets: No
Related: The 16 Best Leggings with Pockets for Bringing Your Necessities On-The-Go
Best for Circulation: CEP Recovery Compression Tights
What We Love: These leggings boost recovery and circulation effectively.
What We Don’t Love: The medical-grade compression isn’t for everyone.
Back to the true purpose of compression leggings: improving circulation. This pair is designed to do just that, and they’re actually rated to provide 20-30 mmHg of compression. Positive reviews come from everyone from runners to people with joint conditions. While these leggings may reduce muscle soreness and will likely improve circulation, you should be cautious before jumping into full compression wear (more on that later). “Ultimately, individuals should check in with a qualified medical professional prior to experimenting with compression in the 20+ mmHg ranges,” Elliott advises. Keep in mind that these leggings are intended to be worn for recovery purposes and not during movement.
Price at time of publish: $150
Size: I-IV | Material: Nylon, Elastane | Length: Ankle | Colors: 1 | Compression Level: High
| Pockets: No
Best on Amazon: Colorfulkoala High Waisted Yoga Pants
What We Love: The price is more accessible than our other picks.
What We Don’t Love: The quality is hit or miss.
With over 42,000 ratings and 4.5 stars, it’s hard to deny that these leggings are one of the best options on Amazon. They have a similar material blend to some of our more expensive picks, and fans of this brand rave about the buttery soft fabric. In some colors, the thinner fabric does mean you can see through the leggings, but this issue can be avoided by sizing up to minimize stretch (or just picking a darker color). These come in an impressive 32 colors and patterns, so you’re sure to find a pair that matches your style. The Colorfulkoala leggings also include a pocket for storing your phone or essentials, and a compressive waistband that supports you while you move. At $29, these leggings can’t be beat.
Price at time of publish: $25
Size: XS-XL | Material: Polyester, Spandex | Length: Ankle| Colors: 32 | Compression Level: Light | Pockets: Yes
Best Maternity: Beyond Yoga Spacedye Midi Maternity Legging
What We Love: These conform to the body before, during, and after pregnancy.
What We Don’t Love: These pill after a short period of time.
These maternity leggings are top-rated for a reason. They’re supportive through all stages of pregnancy and post-partum and conform to your changing body. This pair has been designed with coziness in mind and is comfortable whether you’re lounging or working out. The midi length can fit more cropped or right at the ankle, depending on your height. These leggings have the ultimate amount of stretch in the belly so you can wear them high- or low-waisted. We’re huge fans of the spacedye, which adds bonus style points to an already cute pair. These leggings can pill quickly, but the comfort level outweighs this one downside.
Price at time of publish: $108
Size: XXS-XL | Material: Polyester, Elastane | Length: Ankle | Colors: 7 | Compression Level: Light | Pockets: No
What to Keep in Mind
Function
Different compression leggings are suitable for different activities. As a general rule of thumb, opt for light support for low-intensity activities and high support for high-intensity workouts. You probably already own a pair and know your own comfort level. However, if you’re newer to compression leggings, you may want to go for a lighter pair to test how you like the support. “There seems to be little to nothing to suggest significant performance enhancements during exertion,” Elliott advises, so a lot of the functionality really comes down to personal preference in support level.
Length
Length is personal and depends on your preferences, height, inseam, and more. Common legging lengths include full length (around 28”+) or ⅞ (around 25”). Keep in mind that if you’re taller, some ⅞ leggings will have a cropped fit, while if you’re petite, a full-length legging may have you swimming in extra fabric. If you don’t have a preference, opt for ⅞ as it tends to suit a wider variety of heights.
Compression Level
Medical–grade compression garments are rated in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), which is the same measurement system as your blood pressure. The popularized compression-style leggings available through most fitness brands aren’t rated on this scale, but many brands market their leggings as light, medium, or high support. Elliott explains that “commercial-grade leggings are commonly under 20 mmHg,” and it’s safe to assume that many popular leggings actually sit under 15 mmHg. If your leggings do have a medical rating, proceed with caution unless you’ve discussed the use of garments with your doctor.
Comfort
Leggings are synonymous with comfort. If you’re not typically one to reach for compression leggings, a light-support pair may be for you. If you’re a weekday warrior who prefers to get a high-intensity sweat in, you may want to choose an ultra-supportive pair of leggings. Nothing’s worse than fidgeting with your clothes or feeling uncomfortable in a workout class, so try to take your leggings for a test ride before you leave the house.
Your Questions, Answered
What do compression leggings do?
Compression leggings provide varying levels of support pre-, post-, or during movement. “Historically, compression garments have been to reduce peripheral swelling and aid with circulation in patients managing vascular conditions, poor distal circulation, or post-surgical recovery,” notes Elliot. There’s limited research to back up how compression activewear works, but many devotees enjoy the added support throughout their workouts or daily use.
What are the benefits of compression leggings?
Elliott says compression leggings “may offer post-exercise support by reducing perceived muscle soreness.” Even if you don’t notice increased performance during your workout, feeling less sore can help you power through the next one with gusto. It’s worth trying out compression leggings if you frequent the gym, play sports, or maintain a regular workout routine. Don’t forget to pay attention to wash instructions as improper care can damage the shape and stretch of your leggings over time.
Can you wear compression leggings all day?
How long to wear these leggings really depends on the type and compression level offered. “If they’re not medical-grade and are just for athleisure purposes, it’s fine to wear compression leggings all day,” Elliott says. Unless you have a good reason to wear medical-grade compression all day long, it’s important to only wear them during the specific activity or for their intended purpose. Nearly all of the items on our list can be worn as long as you’d like, but it’s important to stop wearing them if you notice any numbness or discomfort.
Can you wear compression leggings for all types of workouts?
Because their main benefit is reducing your perceived muscle soreness, compression leggings are most effective for high-intensity training. The type of compression leggings you choose depends on the workout — you may not want high support for a gentle yoga class, while super soft leggings may slip down uncomfortably in a Crossfit sesh. If you’re trying a brand-new workout, it’s best to wear leggings you’re super comfortable in, compression or not. However, there’s really no drawback to adding a little support into your routine.
Why Shop With Us
Kirby Kelly is a Denver-based copywriter with over 8 years of experience writing for outlets like NYLON, crafting blog content for lifestyle brands, and developing winning advertising and web copy for global corporations. To select the best compression leggings on the market, she researched and tested products and spoke to fitness professionals for their recommendations: Boost Pilates and Barry’s Bootcamp instructor Bella Jaeggi, NASM CPT; Olympic strength coach and founder of TAG Performance Jess Elliott, MA, CSCS, TSAC-F, XPS; and Amanda Gloria Valdes, 500-hour registered yoga teacher for Y7, Melissa Wood Health, and her own virtual studio.
Related: The 10 Best Flared Leggings of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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