The 20 Best Workout Leggings for Every Body Type and Fitness Need, According to Our Editors
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We can’t tell you how many times we’ve tried the “best” workout leggings, only to find that they slip down during spin class, show our underwear during downward dog or pill after just one wash. In our search to find the real best activewear leggings for everyone (since we all have different body types and fitness goals), we asked women to share their honest opinions on their go-to pants, crops and more. Here, the best workout leggings, whether you’re a yogi or an ultramarathon runner.
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The Best Workout Leggings at a Glance
Meet the Expert
Emi Gutgold is a PMA nationally certified Pilates teacher, NASM certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor and clean health nutritionist (levels I and II). Aside from her in-person group fitness and private training classes, she offers online Pilates classes and personal training memberships.
How to Choose the Best Workout Leggings
The "best" workout pants depend on the wearer's preferences, body type and fitness goals, meaning there's no one best pair. For example, my lululemon Base Pace leggings ($98; $39) are my absolute favorites, but my sister tried them on and immediately didn't like the material. Gutgold tells us, "As a trainer, I would recommend that people actually feel comfortable in [their leggings]! If your leggings rub, squeeze or just don’t do it for you, I wouldn’t wear them solely based on the principle they are going to irk you and distract you from your workout." Here are a few factors to consider in searching for the best pair for you:
How We Tested the Best Workout Leggings
All 16 of the leggings on this list were personally tested and selected by PureWow editors. As someone who's tried a million different workouts because I get bored easily, I've collected hundreds of leggings over the years (yes, hundreds) and I easily get the ick from things like slim waistbands or too many seams. I've deemed myself a leggings connoisseur for these reasons. Our editors look for qualities like moisture-wicking capabilities and breathability when it comes to functionality and quality, while simultaneously judging the comfort by how stretchy and soft the fabric is. We've also tested these leggings during a myriad of workouts, from yoga, barre and Pilates to strength training, running and more, so we can assure you that our picks align with the workouts they're meant for (and the occasional lounging). We also like to take into consideration how well they fit on different body types, the thickness of the waistband, how well they stay up during workouts, seam construction, pilling tendencies after many wears and, of course, the overall aesthetic of the leggings. And trust us, our editors are picky, so after our meticulous testing, our scores reflect our honest opinion.
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1. lululemon Base Pace Leggings
These leggings from lululemon nail it in just about every way. The Nulux fabric is basically weightless and super breathable, so if you're running outside on a hot day, they won't cause you to overheat. They also have a handy back pocket for your keys, a hidden drawstring in the front for cinching and no inseam. You can't ask for much more in a workout legging. “I wore these leggings on repeat during my half marathon training this winter and they were super supportive and never rode up or down during my runs,” says commerce editor Olivia Dubyak. “The only issue was that the 25-inch inseam leggings sat a little high on my ankles, so if you have long legs maybe opt for the 31-inch inseam.”
2. Nike One Crop Leggings
Squat-proof, smooth and compressive, these lightweight recycled polyester leggings feel comfortable for all workouts, according to Dubyak. “I reach for these leggings for basically any kind of workout,” she says. Customers also report that they’re not see-through (an essential feature for everyday wear) and that they hug the body well. “The waistband doesn't cut into my hips, despite the mid rise fit and the V-cut along the back of the waistband seam emphasizes my booty for a more athletic look,” says Dubyak. And with three hidden pockets, you can fit most of your essentials. One buyer shares, “I love how they are silky smooth and offer some compression and lift. I [also] appreciate that these leggings are very thin feeling but are not see-through at all when bending over or squatting.”
3. ALO Alosoft Highlight Legging
These durable leggings are designed for yoga and lower-impact workouts, but are comfortable enough to wear for lounging or athleisure, too. They're made of the brand's famous Alosoft material which is known for being supportive, sweat-wicking and velvety soft. "I'm a sucker for super-soft leggings that have that barely-there feeling and [these are] my favorites because I almost never have to adjust them while I'm 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."
4. Splits59 Airweight Super High Waist Leggings
A pair of high-waist leggings is great, but a pair of super high-waist leggings is what we call a must-have. These leggings have a slightly cropped inseam sitting at 26 inches long, and if you have short legs, they'll likely go all the way to 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 associate editor, SEO, Marissa Wu. “[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 mentions.
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!” raves one 5-foot-2 runner. Indeed, Athleta offers lots of leggings specifically cut to fit petite frames to ensure everything hits right where it should (reviews suggest they run true to size, too). The Transcend style, designed for yoga, Pilates and studio workouts, have deep pockets on each hip to store your phone and other essentials, and the sweat-wicking material is lightweight to prevent you from overheating
6. Ultracor Lux Knockout Leggings
PureWow wellness director Sarah Stiefvater feels so passionately about these Ultracor leggings, she wrote an entire review describing her love-hate relationship with them. (The hate mostly centers around the fact that each pair costs $198.) After wearing them to a spin class and experiencing their high-stretch, soft compression and sweat-wicking abilities, she promptly retired her favorite leggings. But what sets them apart from the rest, you ask? “They stay put through burpees, box jumps and sprints on the rowing machine without ever feeling too tight,” she says. Plus, they have a unique built-in underwear design that smooths lumps and bumps and makes your butt look good. Stiefvater has a hot tip for anyone else who is still cringing at that price: Wait until they go on sale.
7. Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings
These are the seamless leggings we all need. The problem some folks face with seamless leggings is gapping and sagging in the butt area. "I find that these leggings are the closest athletic option to feeling like you're wearing a second skin," says Dubyak. These have incredible compression from the high waist down to the calves, and because of that hold, they contour your booty like no other. These leggings also have tiny holes along the sides of the legs, making them super breathable. "This may be too much info, but my crotch and legs sweat a ton when I workout, so the ventilation is a godsend for breathability," says Dubyak.
8. Old Navy PowerSoft 7/8 Leggings
Comfy running leggings that won’t break the budget? We’re in. These are flexible and comfortable for any workout, but our fashion editor, Abby Hepworth, likes them for running. “They really live up to the name and are super soft and smooth. They come with pockets on the sides, which is an absolute must when I go for a run, and I appreciate that they come in tall and petite lengths, too.” There is also a full-length version and a cropped version, both of which are available in regular, tall and petite lengths, as well.
9. Girlfriend Collective Compressive Leggings
As far as sustainability goes, Girlfriend Collective’s leggings are the best of the best. "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," says editorial assistant Delia Curtis. The fabric is made from 25 recycled water bottles, which saves 3 gallons of water and prevents 18 pounds of CO2 emissions when compared to the average production process of leggings, according to the company. That said, the material feels so luxe you’d never guess it had a previous life. "They are a dream to work out in—they’re secure and keep everything in place while I’m jumping around during a workout. Plus, amazing to lounge in," says Curtis. We find that our Girlfriend Collective leggings are best suited for yoga and sculpt classes, because the compression material keeps us feeling sucked in, even if we're attempting a particularly tricky move—looking at you, crow pose. Word to the wise: If you’re between sizes, go up.
10. lululemon Align Leggings
Multiple women declared this best-selling style from lululemon their all-time fave, and for good reason. The brand's patented Nulu fabric is the main selling point. (Two words: buttery soft.) "The matte Nulu fabric feels so soft and looks presentable to wear out to lunch after my workout," says senior editor Dana Dickey. Though they're recommended for low-impact workouts like yoga, they're fabulous for barre and Pilates as well. "I prefer the high-rise ones because somehow the wide waistband does. not. roll. down. Even when I’m doing bendy yoga or knee lifts in my bootcamp," Dickey raves. If you're wearing them for more than just yoga, though, you might notice that the crotch pills easily (especially if your thighs tend to rub or touch together even a little bit). Even with that small flaw, these leggings will always hold a special place in our hearts (and closets).
11. Oner Effortless Seamless Leggings
“These Oner active effortless leggings are the only leggings I’ll workout in,” admits associate fashion editor, Stephanie Meraz. “They’re compressive, seamless and extremely flattering on the booty, thanks to that subtle scrunch bum detail. I lift heavy weights, so I need a pair that can withstand lots of strain and the occasional brush up against barbells and dumbbells, and this is it. They don’t roll down, pill or move, and they’re super comfy.” According to Meraz, these leggings fit true to size and are thankfully long enough for her 5’7” frame.
12. Blanqi Everyday Leggings
According to PureWow’s editorial director Candace Davison, these maternity leggings were a total godsend when she was pregnant with her daughter. She wore them for everything from Orangetheory and yoga during her first trimester to just lounging on the couch closer to 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 notes. After months of nonstop use, they did pill a little bit between the thighs, but Davison says they were great otherwise.
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 PureWow’s SVP of growth, Emily Kerr. She became a loyal fan of the style because it's durable, never see-through and comes in a variety of pretty shades and patterns. Plus, they have pockets on each hip to securely hold your phone, keys, headphones or anything else you might want on you while working out. Kerr’s favorite thing about these leggings? They make her butt look amazing, thanks to the flattering seams that are designed to do just that.
14. Zella Live In Leggings
PureWow’s director of branded content, Cristina Gutierrez, could never find leggings that fit her pear-shaped frame quite right...until she tried 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 says. She recommends checking Nordstrom Rack to see if you can find them on sale before you pay full price. They're also moisture-wicking and have a non-slip waistband to stay put during an extra spicy workout class.
15. Tracksmith Turnover Tights
These leggings won't budge while you're out for a chilly morning run. They are made from the brand's patented Inverno blend fabric for warmth and effortlessness with every stride. PureWow's senior food editor, Katherine Gillen, adds, "They’re sweat-wicking, quick drying and feel pretty lightweight but the material is brushed on the inside, so it’s fleecy-soft and warm. Bonus points for the back pocket and the bonded seams to prevent chafing." Even though the leggings have a soft interior, they're made to adjust with the temperature so even if it is a bit warm, they won't overheat your legs.
16. Everlane The Perform Leggings
More of a sculpt, yoga or barre person? This pair’s for you. Everlane’s minimalist leggings are advertised as "ideal for all types of workouts," but according to our former fashion director Dena Silver, lower-impact workouts are where they really shine. “They’re super soft and stretchy, but not too heavy on the compression fabric, which makes them really easy to move around in,” she explains. In fact, they’re so comfy, she says it almost feels like you’re wearing nothing at all. The only downside? Silver mentions that the lighter colors show sweat marks, so definitely take that into consideration before you wear them to hot yoga.
17. ALO Airlift Leggings
These best sellers have quickly become some of our favorite leggings to wear for a hardcore leg day workout. We love that they don't pill because of their nylon exterior, yet they still feel smooth against the skin. "I love wearing these leggings on leg day at the gym because they don't slide down my hips and they stay dry when I get super sweaty," says Dubyak. On top of that, they're moisture-wicking and have a lovely four-way stretch.
18. The Gym People Yoga Pants
"I love the pockets, there's one on each side large enough to hold my cellphone," writes one Amazon reviewer. And Dubyak can't get over the flattering fit. "These are great if you want to emphasize your booty or legs because the material holds you in while letting your own shape do all the talking," she says. That being said, if you're looking for a more sculpting and supportive pair of leggings, these probably aren't for you.
19. Love & Fit Guardian Evolve Leggings
If you find yourself constantly having to pull up and adjust the waistband of your leggings, try this cropped pair from Love & Fit. It comes with a specially designed no-slip waistband so you can focus entirely on your squats, no 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),” says Davison. “They’re also velvety soft, supportive and have pockets.” There’s also no seam at the front to eliminate any risk of a camel toe. As for sizing, Davison and other reviewers find these fit true to size.
20. Athleta Elation Train 7/8 Tights
Senior commerce editor Stephanie Maida spends much of her work day combing through the internet to find the best of the best to share with our readers. As for workout leggings, her personal go-to is the Athleta Elation tight. “These are by far my favorite workout leggings. They’re squat-proof, sweat-wicking and hold in your middle. Plus the fabric is so velvety soft, and breathable too.” They also come in three inseam lengths to fit all heights, and there’s a pocket at the back of the waistband large enough to fit your phone.
What to Look for When Shopping for Workout Leggings
How Often Should You Wash Workout Leggings?
In short, after every workout. Sweat and bacteria from gyms or studios will harbor in the material making it not ideal to rewear after a sweaty workout. Tight workout clothing clings to your body and built up gunk and bacteria is, well, gross. Now if you're thinking, "but I want to wear these leggings again tomorrow morning to my class, I can't keep washing them or they'll wear out!" Don't worry, there are ways to preserve your pieces so they continue to keep their shape and sturdy material. "For years I thought hang dry was such a scam and it’s absolutely not. The way average leggings are priced today is ridiculous but if you want them to last, hang dry is the secret. I have pairs of leggings that have lasted me three plus years with frequent wear and they still look great and have kept their shape! Always worth the extra step to take care of them," advises Gutgold.
What's the Difference Between Leggings and Activewear Leggings?
Material plays a big role in which leggings are made for activewear and which ones are for more casual wear, for example, elastane and nylon are common base materials for blends in workout leggings, while you'll likely see spandex in most leggings altogether. This really comes down to how you choose to wear them. For example, I have a set of lululemon Align leggings to wear for casual looks and a set designated for activewear. While you can always do both with one set of leggings, keeping each separate will help elongate wear overtime.
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Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
