Yahoo Lifestyle People Prefer These $25 Leggings over More Expensive Pairs
- 1/18
People Prefer These $25 Leggings over More Expensive Pairs
We updated this guide in February 2023 to include new picks from Lululemon, Athleta, Spanx, Aerie and more, based on recent testing from the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab.
When you realize that a newly purchased garment has pockets, it's the best feeling. Even more important when exercising, leggings with pockets hold your essential items, whether you're working out at the gym or going for an outdoor run; it's easy to keep your phone, keys, ID and credit cards accessible without carrying a bulky bag. Leggings and yoga pants with pockets are convenient and comfortable when you're not working out too.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab tests workout leggings and yoga pants by evaluating things like the construction, stretch recovery, pilling resistance, moisture management, opacity and washability. We then have consumer testers wear them during real workouts to get feedback on aspects like comfort, fit, breathability and appearance. Testers wore these pairs for over 300 hours of exercise during yoga practice, HIIT workouts, weight lifting, running, Pilates classes and more. We found the best leggings with pockets during our most recent test of 38 different pairs of leggings with over 150 testers.
Our top picks:
While some leggings have just a small insert in the waistband to hold a card or key, there are also workout pants with wider pockets at the waist, deep pockets against the thigh and even pockets with zippers so you don’t have to worry about larger items like your phone falling out. After reading through our top picks, keep reading to learn about our testing protocols and shopping tips.
lululemon - 2/18
1) Wunder Train High-Rise Tight with Pockets 25"
Lululemon
lululemon.com
$128.00
Lululemon's Everlux fabric featured on this pair of leggings was a favorite among GH analysts and testers alike for being moisture-wicking, sleek and durable. It showed minimal shrinkage after laundering and no pilling in Lab evaluations. Designed for sweaty, high impact exercise like CrossFit and HIIT, this pair has a very compressive fit and GH pros found that the fabric easily wicked away moisture. If pockets aren't a priority, this style is available pocket-less for a lower price tag.
Tester notes: Testers loved this pair's high-rise, compressive fit while still being flattering and stylish, but some wish it was less compressive. Raving about its moisture-wicking capabilities, one tester said, "I never felt sweaty, even when I was sweating profusely." Testers appreciated that "they aren't see through at all (squat proof)."
Lululemon - 3/18
2) High Waisted Workout Leggings 7/8 Length with Pockets
Colorfulkoala
amazon.com
$21.25
At an unbeatable price, these affordable Colorfulkoala leggings outperformed styles over quadruple (!!!) the price. Made with soft polyester/spandex fabric, this pair is great for low-impact workouts with comfy compression. Without sacrificing style, this pair is available in over 30 shades with roomy side pockets big enough to hold your phone. The material maintained its shape after being stretched in the Lab, but wasn't as durable as it showed some signs of pilling and was a bit see-through in opacity evaluations.
Tester notes: With the highest consumer score, one tester exclaims that "I like them better than my other high-end expensive workout leggings." Testers especially liked that they are "flattering and comfortable," giving this pair a perfect comfort score. Multiple testers called out the pockets specifically, raving that they're "deep" and noting there is one on each side.
Colorfulkoala - 4/18
3) Salutation Stash Pocket II Tight
Athleta
athleta.gap.com
$109.00
Ideal for soft compression during your yoga practice, this top performing style from Athleta aced Lab evaluations. Looking good as new out of the wash, GH pros noticed no changes in appearance with only slight shrinkage. The brand's signature Powervita nylon/lycra fabric is the perfect combination of soft and smooth, plus proved to be pill-resistant too. The material easily wicked away water during testing but received lower scores for stretch recovery.
Tester notes: All testers agree that this pair is "extremely flattering" and "supportive while still being comfortable," offering great coverage for group fitness classes. Testers appreciated that this style has regular, petite and tall sizing to find their best fit.
Athleta - 5/18
4) HeatGear High Waisted Pocketed Capri
Under Armour
amazon.com
$27.22
These running capris from Under Armour are lightweight and proved to be moisture-wicking in Lab tests, ideal for hot summer workouts. The fabric is smooth and lightweight so you don't have to worry about friction with your fast, repetitive movements. The material proved to be fully opaque, aced stretchy recovery testing and was pill-resistant too. Note there is one larger side pocket (not two) that can accommodate a phone.
Tester notes: With overall high marks from testers, one said “I loved where the pocket was placed and how accessible and large it was for workout leggings. I was able to put things in it and not worry about if they were going to fall out.” Testers also found this pair to be comfortable, flattering and fit well, though some testers didn't like the "shininess of the fabric."
Under Armour - 6/18
5) Soft Touch 7/8 Workout Leggings
Champion
amazon.com
$30.00
Optimal for chilly weather workouts and lounging at home, these Champion tights feature double brushed polyester/spandex fabric to trap heat while moving with you. While fleece-lined leggings are warmer, this pair is more lightweight, ideal for outdoor and indoor workouts alike. This pair has a 25" inseam for a versatile cropped length. The cozy fabric proved to be fully opaque (even during squats) but did show some pilling and wasn't as moisture-wicking, which is to be expected with a brushed fabric. There's a small waistband pocket to hold essentials.
Tester notes: Testers raved that this pair feels "soft" and "thick," making it "best suited for winter workouts" while still having a flattering fit. Some testers found the waistband rolled down a bit during workouts.
Champion - 7/18
6) High-Rise Pocket Legging
Girlfriend Collective
girlfriend.com
$88.00
Popular for its impressive size range of XXS to 6XL with two inseam lengths, this pair of Girlfriend Collective leggings uses a blend of recycled water bottles (RPET) and spandex for a compressive feel, ideal for high-impact workouts. This pair diverts 25 water bottles from landfills, making this a more sustainable buy. They have two deep side pockets and a small hidden waistband pocket. The fabric showed no shrinkage after laundering and minimal pills.
Tester notes: Multiple testers called out the flattering seams on this pair in particular and the comfy high waistband that stayed put during vigorous exercise. Testers appreciated the "more substantial" fabric that offered complete opacity and coverage. Some consumer testers found it too compressive for their preferences, especially in the waistband.
Girlfriend Collective - 8/18
7) Align High-Rise Pant with Pockets
Lululemon
lululemon.com
$128.00
These lightweight leggings have a barely-there feel and move with you like second skin, making them perfect for low impact studio workouts with lots of movement. They’re also versatile for everyday use thanks to their buttery-soft feel. Besides the two side pockets, they also have a smaller pocket at the back waist for credit cards or keys. Though they’re pricey, our experts swear they’re worth it. Another standout feature is how the leggings lie flat on you.
Tester notes: There are no seams to poke you as you move and the waistband stays in place without feeling compressive, which testers love. On top of that, the fabric is stretchy enough to adapt as your body adjusts, whether from pregnancy or weight changes.
Lululemon - 9/18
8) Crossover Winter Trail Adventure High-Rise Leggings
Eddie Bauer
amazon.com
$59.40
Head on a winter hike in style with this pair of fleece-lined leggings from Eddie Bauer that has both convenient side pockets and a zippered pocket. With petite and tall inseams, the fabric aced stretch recovery testing and showed minimal shrinkage in Lab evaluations. GH analysts love that Eddie Bauer has its own resale site to get used gear at a discounted rate.
Tester notes: Without feeling too compressive, consumer testers found this pair to be "generously sized" with no digging in. Keeping testers warm "but not too hot," testers rave that this pair is perfect for long walks and hikes. As testers noticed a bit of fuzz after machine washing and drying, be sure to turn this pair inside out when laundering, per the care label.
Eddie Bauer - 10/18
9) Booty Boost Perfect Pocket Active 7/8 Leggings
Spanx
spanx.com
$118.00
Using the brand's sculpting fabric, this pair of leggings from Spanx has a fitted design for a flattering look and ultimate performance. This pair has two roomy side pockets and a hidden waistband pocket too. The fabric had a perfect pilling score, producing zero pills, but received lower scores for stretch recovery as it didn't return to its original shape as easily. This style is also available without pockets.
Tester notes: "Very comfortable, and thick material that is not see through," according to one tester who wore this pair running and biking. This pair received perfect consumer scores for being flattering and well-fitting. Some testers noted that because of its compressive design, it can be tough to take on and off.
Spanx - 11/18
10) Rainier Tight
Athleta
athleta.gap.com
$98.00
Fleece-lined for cold weather, this pair features zippered pockets to keep your belongings completely protected. This Athleta pair uses the brand's Supersonic fabric that's designed specifically for running with an added brushed interior for a cozy feel. The fabric maintained its shape perfectly after stretch recovery testing but GH analysts did note a bit of shrinkage and pilling.
Tester notes: Raving that this pair offers regular, petite and tall inseams, one tester said she "was shocked that the length, hips and waist were all perfect fit for me — that's a rare occurrence!" Another said "although the leggings are fleece-lined, they don't feel fleecey and don't hold onto my sweat, making them very comfortable in cold weather."
Athleta - 12/18
11) Maternity Full Length French Terry Leggings
Motherhood Maternity
amazon.com
$22.25
Comfortable fit and about $20? Yes, please. This pair of leggings from Motherhood Maternity is extremely versatile with a flexible panel that can be worn over the belly or under the bump: it's designed to grow with you so you never feel constricted. The material is lightweight, breathable and soft as it's made with cotton and spandex. Note that cotton isn't as opaque or moisture-wicking as synthetic material, so these aren't well suited for sweaty workouts. This pair has two back pockets for easy access.
Tester notes: GH experts and consumer testers alike have tried a variety of styles from Motherhood Maternity, giving consistent high marks for style, comfort and functionality. One tester said, "they fit great and they are very comfy!" She liked that the panel easily accommodated her growing bump, but noted that they're fairly thin and not fully opaque.
Motherhood Maternity - 13/18
12) Real Me Xtra Crossover High Waisted Pocket Legging
OFFLINE By Aerie
ae.com
$41.21
With a smooth feel and flattering criss-cross waistband, this best selling pair from Aerie was an athleisure favorite among GH experts and consumer testers. The material showed some shrinkage after laundering and stretched out a bit during testing. Because of the thinner, less durable material, this pair is ideal to wear as athleisure to wear when lounging or running errands with two roomy pockets.
Tester notes: Popular for its "flattering cut," multiple testers loved that it "accentuates the waist" and feels "super soft and smooth." Because they're not as moisture-wicking, testers noted they saw some sweat marks after strenuous exercise.
Aerie - 14/18
13) Ultra High Rise Elation 7/8 Tight
Athleta
athleta.gap.com
$89.00
For ultimate coverage, opt for a pair of ultra high rise leggings like this style from Athleta. This durable fabric proved to be pilling-resistant and maintained its shape after stretch recovery testing, but did show slight shrinkage after laundering. Although this pair doesn't have side pockets, there is a convenient back waistband pocket. Designed for yoga and studio workouts, this pick offers light compression that moves with you without constricting.
Tester notes: All testers agreed that they are "so comfortable and so flattering." One tester said "as someone with bigger thighs I am usually very aware of my pants/leggings and feel the need to be constantly adjusting. With these leggings I never have that problem. They are always flattering and stay in place." Multiple testers commented that these are their new go-to leggings.
Athleta - 15/18
14) Yoga Pants with Pockets
AFITNE
amazon.com
$22.90
Flare yoga pants have a bootleg design that's super comfy to wear when lounging and during light exercise. This best selling pair from AFITNE is available on Amazon, costs just $27 and has 7,000 reviews. While we haven't tested this pair in the Lab yet, GH analysts appreciate that this pair uses flat seams with a built-in gusset. Unlike most yoga pants, this pair has a zippered pocket that can accommodate most smartphones and has a smaller hidden front waistband pocket to hold keys or cards.
Tester notes: Obsessed with their "buttery smooth" feel, one GH editor swears by these yoga pants, loving that "the flattering fit makes them perfect for lounging but also sneaking into real outfits."
AFITNE - 16/18
15) Daily Pocket Legging
Vuori
vuoriclothing.com
$98.00
Most leggings don't have an adjustable waistband but this pair from Vuori has a chic drawstring waistband, so this pick always stays perfectly in place. In Lab evaluations, this pair stretched out a bit but GH analysts found it looked great wash after wash. It also aced opacity testing, proving to be fully opaque with its compressive material with six stylish color options.
Tester notes: GH pros love wearing this pair while working out and when running errands because of its flattering fit and comfy feel. "I love the ultra-high waistband and buttery soft feel," said one tester. Testers note that this pair runs a bit small.
Vuori - 17/18
16) High Waisted Double Pockets Plain 7/8 Leggings
Halara
thehalara.com
$39.95
While most featured leggings have one, maybe two side pockets, this pair from Halara has four different pockets to hold everything you need when working out. The two large pockets on each side are roomy enough to fit your cell phone. Designed for lower impact exercise, this pair wasn't as durable as other tested pairs, with slight shrinkage and pilling observed. GH analysts appreciate that this pair uses flat seams and has a gusset, plus it's available in 7/8 and capri lengths.
Tester notes: Testers found this pair "flattering" and said the "fabric feels smooth/buttery." All testers appreciated the easily accessible pockets that held an impressive amount. Most testers agreed that this style is better suited for casual wear instead of for intense exercise.
Halara - 18/18
17) High Waist Yoga Pants with Pockets
ODODOS
amazon.com
$23.98
Not only do they have deep pockets at the side, but they are available in over 50 different color options, including bright shades and bold patterns. The high waist is ideal if you're doing studio workouts like yoga and want to keep more skin covered as you (and your shirt) move around through different positions. Even though they have a low price, they have all the features you should look for in leggings: a gusseted crotch so they don't ride up, flat seams to prevent irritation and stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric.
ODODOS
