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The bond between you and your favorite pair of leggings could rival that of any lifelong friendship or romantic partner. We know because we relate. The best workout leggings are comfortable and stylish but also need to serve you in ways that your “normal leggings” don’t. For a pair of workout leggings to join the ranks of our most trusted workout clothes, they have to meet a few standards. We judged these for their opacity (because squats), their ability to wick moisture (because sweat), and whether they actually stay in place (because pulling up your waistband only slows down your pace).

Whether you’re a yogi or a hiker, below, you’ll find all of the leggings we love most for fitness and exercise. We pretty much live in our athleisure, so you can trust these are the real deal. Below, find the perfect fit for you.

Mesh-Paneled Leggings

Perfect for training your inner professional athlete, whether hiking, biking, or weight-lifting.

Customer review: “Great feel and quality. The leggings fit like a glove”

Airlift Legging

The compression waistband keeps your core tight as you breeze through your weekly yoga classes.

Customer review: “High waist is super flattering and compression around the waistline is great. Held everything in place without feeling too tight.”

Stirrup Logo Leggings

You’ll feel supported from top to bottom during any fitness routine with the additional stirrups.

Customer review: “Very Comfortable!”

Perform 24/7 Leggings

Look great, feel cozy, and help save the environment. You literally can’t go wrong with these leggings made from recycled materials.

Customer review: “These fit perfectly. They don’t fall down during intense Pilates classes, or while chasing after my small child. I’ve already purchased another pair!”

Ankle-Tie Leggings

Train tough while looking graceful in these ankle-tie leggings. So feminine and fierce!

Customer review: “I will order more! I love everything about them. I do not like too sheer, but I like good quality fabric and they are.”

Align V-Waist Leggings

Bring the focus to your waistline with this V-cut option from Lululemon. Perfectly designed to flatter and hold.

Customer review: “The V design seems even more flattering on curves than the regular align. Love it!”

Power Split-Hem Legging

These are the lovechild of flare pants and bodycon leggings. That little peek of skin is sure to have everyone asking, “Where’d you get those?!”

Customer review: “Love everything about these: the look, the feel, the fit, and the style.”

Perfect Fit Leggings

We want you to always splurge on your comfort, and leggings are no exclusion to that rule. Your legs will thank you for the luxurious fit.

Customer review: “Highly recommend can be dressed up or down. Wolford perfect fit legging excellent quality. Bought 2 pairs so far & going to buy more, a wardrobe must have.”

Kudos Outskirt Capri

Your favorite leggings meets your favorite tennis skirt. These capris are essential to help you stay active on and off the court.

Customer review: “Great fabric—substantial for the leggings, yet super comfortable. Skirt is light and fun with perfect coverage. Love the outskirt capri.”

Real Me Crossover Flare Laggings

Flare leggings or yoga pants? Call them whatever you like as long as you get a pair. These will hug every part of you in all the right ways.

Customer review: “These fit me better than I ever could have expected, and I loved that there was a “long” option, as leggings usually aren’t long enough for my legs. I was also a huge fan of the crossover waist and the overall material. Would definitely recommend!!!”

Amplify Leggings

Leggings are all about the booty. The scrunch booty-lifting detail is sure to show off your best ass-et.

Customer review: “My items arrived promptly & I love my new leggings! Great quality!”

PureLuxe Maternity Leggings

Growing life requires leggings that grow with you in every trimester. Feel no restrictions as you bump around in Lamaze classes or on your daily walks.

Customer review: “I lived in these leggings while I was pregnant!!! Super comfortable for running errands & weight training.”

Orion Cutout Legging

You’ve worked hard for where you are, so why not show it off? The symmetrical cutouts will have you doing a double-take in the mirror.

Customer review: “I love. Obsessed.”

Elation 2 in 1 7/8 Tight

This skirt-legging combo is all about keeping it cute and covered. It may be the cutest, modest option we’ve seen yet.

Customer review: “These are amazing. So soft. Pass the squat test. Will buy more.”

Trail Cargo Leggings

Worry no more about where you’re going to put your keys, a little cash, or that cool rock you found while hiking. These leggings have got you covered...in pockets.

Customer review: “I absolutely love these. They are definitely thicker than your regular leggings. The pockets add just some extra flair, and I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on them.”

Love Cloud Ruched Legging

You go all out when you train, so you need leggings to match that energy. Choose prints over solids for your next sweat session.

Customer review: “These leggings are so comfortable. True to size. Enough stretch, but enough to hold you in as well. Love them! Bought in 2 colors.”

Ribbed Football Leggings

You had me at adjustable. Lace-up waistbands inspired by athletic uniforms are just what you need to get your head in the game.

Customer review: “Makes you look great from any angle.”

Cardi B Tights

Make money moves in these print leggings by Cardi B. The vector design highlights the best contours of you.

Customer review: “I love these tights, very comfortable, great fit and I would order them again in every color.”

Bonded Sports Legging

The bonded seams can withstand your HIIT workouts and on-the-go lifestyle.

Customer review: “My favourite. Perfect as a set.”

Whitney Everyday Pocket Leggings

Everything you want in a pair of leggings can be found right here with the pocket, pretty colors, and buttery soft feel

Customer review: “They feel so nice on, they compress in the right places but don’t feel uncomfortable at all. I’m very happy with them.”

High Waist Ultra Soft Lightweight Leggings

These are my personal favorite leggings I own! They’re thick, completely opaque, soft, and $25. I can’t recommend Yogalicious enough.

Customer review: “I’m in love with these dang leggings. Great fit, stays up, don’t get linty. Buy themmm.”

The 1.0 Legging

These leggings are designed with extra padding at the knees to help those who deal with pain. However, I find that they’re also perfect for travelers. Next time you’re in a hotel room without a yoga mat, no problem.

Customer review: “After a longer-than-expected rehab from surgery for a torn meniscus, I wanted something to help ease my anxiety as I got back to fitness classes and strength training...I have no fear dropping down on the ground for a quick round of burpees or another set of push-ups, as my knees are protected.”

How to Shop for Workout Leggings

While you may think shopping for the best workout leggings comes easily, your personal preferences will come into play. From the type of material and overall fit to smaller details like zipper pockets, there are a handful of things to consider as you look for your favorites.

Fabric

What makes a pair of the best leggings (for you) will often depend on the material. How much stretch do you want? Are you looking for a blend of Lycra or Spandex? Maybe you want something with more compression. Be sure to look at the material of the leggings in question to get an idea of how they’ll feel—because that’ll be the primary factor for what’ll feel comfortable.

Length

Varying inseam lengths come in handy when you want the option of capris or ankle leggings—or you’re on the taller side and need some extra material. Each style can elongate your legs or accentuate your calves, depending on what you like. The flared style is also perfect for playing with proportions.

Seams

To seam or not to seam? That’s a question for your comfort and the legging’s durability. Over time, seams can cause chafing or even begin to separate. Seamless styles not only provide you with a smooth look but a comfortable feel.

Pockets

Pockets may be the greatest invention ever created. You don’t want to lug your purse to the gym or have it on your person while exercising. Leggings with pockets are perfect for those small essentials we need on hand. Added bonus if they’re hidden on the inside of the fabric.

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