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The 23 Best Leggings for Every Activity

By Christine Flammia Plus Icon

Christine Flammia

Recent Articles by Christine Flammia

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July 27, 2022, 6:20pm

best leggings for women

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Finding the best leggings is an art, one which takes years of experience and trial and of error. There are leggings for everything you could ever need pants to do, from sitting on your couch to working out at the gym. All said, navigating the world of leggings is a beast.

The different types of leggings

You can choose styles with buttery soft fabric, high-tech compression, moisture-wicking capabilities and fleece linings. Leggings can be cropped or full length, fitted or flared and cost anywhere between $20 and $200. “Not all leggings are created equal,” says endurance athlete Brooke Danielson. “Some are high-rise, some are low-rise and some are made from softer less supporting fabrics, while others have more technical fabrication. This will give you a starting place for the research phase,” she adds.

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Based on the fabric and design of the leggings, you might also see some trendy stuff around what leggings have the ability to do — including offering booty-lifting compression and strategically placed seams for an ultra-flattering fit.

Common legging fabrics include:

Common hemlines on leggings include:

Go ahead and shop the 23 best leggings for women to fit every activity and need. We included styles highly recommended by our experts, as well as options that are beloved by customers and personally tested and approved by this author.

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Top Leggings for Women

Athleta Ultimate Stash 7/8 Tights

Best Leggings for Running

Athleta’s Ultimate Stash 7/8 Tight is one of Danielson’s favorites. She’s an endurance runner, so her pants need to stay up and hold up over time. These are made with a recycled blend of nylon and lycra for a stretchy fit that’s both sweat-wicking and quick-drying. This combo is perfect for long runs, where you don’t want your pants holding onto sweat and feeling wet. They’re also one of the best leggings with pockets, perfect for stashing your phone and keys. 

What reviewers say: “Really comfortable and versatile workout tights. Beautiful sage green color. Fits better than the original ultimate stash legging that didn’t stay up/put during a workout.”

Athleta Stash Leggings

Athleta Ultimate Stash 7/8 Tight $109 Buy Now

Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Tights

Best High-Waisted Leggings

Lululemon’s Fast and Free high-rise tights are a favorite for trainers, including Tuttle. They have the perfect high-waisted fit and don’t budge when you workout. (For this reason, they’re my personal choice leggings for running, too.) Tuttle also highlights the style’s handy side pockets, which are ideal for holding a phone.

What reviewers say: “Fast and free are my go to workout pants. Cycling lifting running, they stay in place move well and are all around awesome!”

Lululemon Fast and Free Tight $128 Buy Now

Everlane The Perform Leggings

Best Black Leggings

If you’re searching for a good, simple, inexpensive black legging, Everlane’s The Perform legging is for you. It has a thick waistband for optimal comfort and a cool, stretchy fabric that makes these one of the best leggings to wear as pants. I wear them with a bodysuit and a cardigan or with a hoodie and oversized coat. They don’t look like workout pants, per say, which is why they look sleek for everyday wear. I don’t particularly love them for working out because they tend to slide down around the waist for me. But at $68, they’re the kind of leggings I don’t feel bad about stocking up on. 

What reviewers say: “These leggings are incredibly comfy. For winter mornings, the fabric is a little thin and chilly, but once it warms up above the mid 50s, they are fine. I like the extra high waistband that stayed up through a long and heavy brunch. After a day of vigorous yard work with lots of squatting, bending over, and shoveling, these leggings stayed in place and comfortable.”

Everlane The Perform Legging $68 Buy Now

Alo ⅞ High-Waist Airlift Legging

Most Comfortable Leggings Overall

Alo’s 7/8 high-waist Airlift leggings are some of the most comfortable leggings you can wear, thanks to their minimal shape and super-soft fabric. They really, truly feel like you aren’t wearing anything. Wear them for yoga or your favorite mobility class. Plus, the brand is always coming out with stylish sports bras and tanks to pair with them for an easy outfit. To extend their life, hand wash them cold and lay them to dry.

What reviewers say: “These leggings are really comfortable and hit my ankle at the right spot. The shape hold well. I would recommend!” 

Alo Airlift Legging

Alo 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging $118 Buy Now

Nike One Luxe Mid-Rise Leggings

Another one of Danielson’s favorites is Nike’s One Luxe mid-rise leggings. They’re great for every type of workout and one of the best leggings to wear as pants. Nike’s Luxe line is next-level good, really delivering on its name. The fabric on these leggings are silky and sustainable, made from 50% recycled polyester fibers. These are the kind of leggings you can wear while you’re working all day long, and then take ’em straight to the gym for a lifting session.

What reviewers say: “Very happy with these leggings, they are tight, so nicely shapes your body, but also not too tight, so you feel very comfortable in them. They are very soft and very flattering!!! I am in love with them from the first second I got them!” 

23 Best Leggings of 2022

Courtesy of Nike

Nike One Luxe Mid-Rise Leggings $90 Buy Now

Girlfriend Collective High-Waist Leggings

Best Leggings for Curvy Figures

Girlfriend Collective’s high-waisted leggings are some of the most size-inclusive pants around and best leggings for a curvy figure. (It’s no wonder the brand has become insanely popular.) This pair is high-waisted, compressive and come in sizes XXS to 6XL. Like the rest of the brand’s styles, it’s also made with recycled water bottles.

What reviewers say: “I love the feel and fit of these leggings! They have a lustrous smooth feel, yet they also don’t seem to stretch out and keep everything in place. I would recommend these 100% – the sustainable, comfortable, compressed leggings are just perfect!”

Girlfriend Collective High-Waist Leggings

Girlfriend Collective High-Waist Leggings $88 Buy Now

Tory Burch High-Rise Sculpt Compression Leggings

Most Fashionable Leggings

Danielson has been around workout clothes for a minute, so we know to trust her rec when she says she loves Tory Burch’s high-rise Sculpt compression leggings. Not only are they super stylish, but they also have that tight compression that’s good for improving blood flow — one of Danielson’s keys to finding the best leggings. The pair’s compressive fit and four-way stretch is meant to be tested out in a HIIT workout.

What reviewers say: “These pants are incredible. Sleek style and easy move in. Order a size up. I’m 5’4” and 115lbs and the xs I could barely pull on. Small fit perfectly! The material is thick enough not to have “see through” problems and light enough to move easily.”

Tory Burch High-Rise Sculpt Compression Leggings $128 Buy Now

Spanx Look at Me Now Seamless Leggings

Best Leggings on Amazon

Spanx Look at Me Now seamless leggings are one of the great leggings you can buy on Amazon. Spanx has low-key been making some popular workout clothes for some time now, so use this as your sign to try them — we promise they don’t fit like shapewear. However, the double-layer waistband does provide a little compression and shape. Wear them for your favorite HIIT class or cardio session.

What reviewers say: “These leggings are wonderful. They fit beautifully, are very comfortable and are flattering. They are not too tight and have a great texture. I am a size 6/8 and bought a medium. I brought them on a week long trip and was able to dress them up or down for any occasion. I wore them with long tops and both short and long boots and a jacket to dinner multiple evenings. They pack like a charm and will not wrinkle. Worth every penny.”

23 Best Leggings of 2022

Courtesy of Spanx

Spanx Look at Me Now Seamless Leggings $62-$169 Buy Now

Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings

Best Affordable Leggings

A seamless, compressive style (featuring more compression in the waistband than in the legs), Gymshark’s Vital Seamless 2.0 are some of the most comfortable and best affordable leggings you can wear for strength training and other types of in-studio workouts. Priced at $50 — and often on sale — they’re a great pair for stocking up on, too.

What reviewers say: “Loved the leggings! For reference, I’m 5’3” (150-160 pounds curvy gal) and I bought a large. Buy the size you usually wear for compression or size up for a comfy fit, because the fabric is stretchy. The black leggings are squat proof . Hope this helps!”

Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 $50 Buy Now

Carbon38 Diamond Compression Leggings

Best Compression Leggings

Carbon38’s diamond compression leggings are one of the best compression leggings for those who are new to trying the category. That’s because Carbon38’s signature Cloud Compression is tight and supportive without making you feel sucked in. And if that isn’t enough to convince you, the leggings are stellar all the way down to the little details, as they’re full length and complete with pockets.

What reviewers say: “These are my all time favorite leggings. Can’t live without them. Perfect weight, perfect fit for my curvy shape. I highly recommend these!”

Carbon38 Diamond Compression

Carbon38 Diamond Compression Legging $98 Buy Now

Lululemon Align High-Rise Leggings

Best Leggings for Every Day 

Lululemon’s Align high-rise leggings are the holy grail of leggings. In fact, if there’s one legging that could have a chance at doing it all, it’s this one. Tuttle wears these pants all day, “from street to studio and back again,” she says, and Rachel Nicks, another Mirror trainer and Lululemon Ambassador, swears by them for pregnant women.

I also wear these every day, and found they are the softest legging I’ve ever felt (the only drawback is they might be too soft for some activities, like running). Their shining feature, however, is the thick, seamless waistband that never makes you feel sucked in or cut off.

What reviewers say: “The fabric is thin, which I originally disliked. I was wrong. They are so light and airy and soft. They don’t bind or dig in anywhere. They aren’t see through. The feel very high quality. The waist band sits flat and does not roll. They are extremely flattering and the most comfortable legging I have ever worn.”

Lululemon Align High-Rise $98 - $118 Buy Now

Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tights

Best for Cross Training

Tuttle and I agree that Lululemon’s Wunder Train Tight is the best gym legging around. These have a similar shape to the Align style featuring a thick, easy-to-wear waistband, but with a bit more structure at the top so they don’t slip and slide. The EverLux fabric, made of nylon and elastane, also wicks away sweat.

Tuttle takes them to the gym to lift weights or swing kettlebells. “They move well with me and are sturdy enough to stand up to everything that I put them through,” she says. For all types of cross-training, these leggings are it.

What reviewers say: “Love these tights. I got 28” and they were too long. Traded them in store for 25” and it was perfect. They reach my ankles just how I wanted it. The 25” is not a capri fit like it is in the picture, because I’m 5’5”.”

Blanqi Maternity Belly Support Leggings

Best Maternity Leggings

Blanqi’s maternity leggings are a favorite choice for the best maternity leggings you can get. They look like an easy black legging you can wear all day, and they are certainly ones that count as pants. The key is in the belly support which is super stretchy and will work with your fluctuating figure. The back fabric is formed into an X for a little extra back support.

What reviewers say: “

Have had a couple pair of these for almost 3 years and they are still holding up pretty well. After 3 years they are definitely starting to wear out and thin a little, but still holding up super nice otherwise! I literally tell every person I know about these leggings!”

Blanqi Maternity Belly Support Leggings $64 Buy Now

Aerie ​​Offline Real Me Crossover Leggings

Best Lounge Leggings

American Eagle’s ​​Offline Real Me leggings come highly recommended on the Internet, and they’re certainly one of the comfiest leggings made for lounging. They’re beloved because of the crossover waistband, which sits softly on the hips. The fabric is super soft and there isn’t a ton of support, which is why these are perfect to wear while working from home or crushing movies from the couch.

What reviewers say: “As an athlete and avid weightlifter I am always looking for leggings that fit my athletic build. I bought Lululemon and they constantly fall down at the waist. I bought these and I have them in 3 colors and I love them for the gym or any activity!”

AE ​​Offline Real Me Crossover Legging $45  $33.71 Buy Now

Fabletics Ultra High-Waist Leggings

Fabletics Ultra high-waist leggings are an internet favorite, and if you’ve never tried the brand’s leggings before, this is a good pair to start with. The silhouette is high-waisted with a classic 7/8 length, which is a great place to start with leggings for all sorts of workouts. These will stay up but give you a little breathing room on the legs once you start getting sweaty. Plus, they have some hidden pockets if you’re not trying to bring a bag to the gym.

What reviewers say: “Super cute and buttery soft. These leggings go with everything!”

Fabletics Ultra High-Waist Leggings $80 Buy Now

Lululemon InStill High-Rise Tight

Best Workout Leggings

Nicks is a big fan of Lululemon’s InStill high-rise tight, a new style from the brand. “I love the seams and support I get around my waist,” she says. “When I do yoga, Instill passes the test of not rolling down when I am making moves on the mat. And when I’m strength training, Instill remains my favorite and doesn’t ‘move’ when I am in the gym.” She adds that they feel quite similar to the Aligns but with a less constructed waist. All thumbs up.

What reviewers say: “Love these leggings! They stay up, they are thicker than the Align, and they aren’t shiny when stretched. I wore these for the second time the other day and tripped… skinned my knee underneath the leggings and NOTHING HAPPENED TO THE LEGGINGS. I thought there would be a hole or a snag, but they still look like new.”

Lululemon InStill High-Rise Tight $118 - $128 Buy Now

All Access High-Waisted Center Stage Capri Leggings

All Access’ High-Waisted Center Stage Capri are buttery soft and a great pair of black leggings in which to build a collection. They’re made with 50% spandex and 50% nylon and offer a totally seamless construction. The capri is a great option for a little less coverage, but the same legging also comes in mid-rise and high-rise silhouettes with pockets, if you so desire.

What reviewers say: “The leggings are so comfortable and they suck you right in. The stomach portion is a little bit thicker than the rest of the leggings which I really like. These are going to be my new go-to leggings.”

All Access High-Waisted Center Stage Capri $95 Buy Now

Beyond Yoga Caught in the Midi Leggings

Comfortable leggings for work you can wear all day long? Count us in. Beyond Yoga’s Caught in the Midi leggings feature stretchy polyester and spandex fabric for freedom of movement, but also have a reinforced waistband to keep you feeling supported. Put these on in the morning and wear them until you’re ready to hit the gym — and no need to change. Pair them with a very comfortable shoe to stay on theme.

What reviewers say: “As a Pilates instructor I am in leggings all day most days. These are the only ones I will wear now as they are so soft and comfortable! I do wear Chantelle panties with them and they rarely show a panty line. Perfect fabric, great colors.”

Beyond Yoga Caught in the Midi Leggings $97 Buy Now

Adidas Ivy Park Seamless Leggings

Most Stylish Leggings

When it comes to cool leggings, the Adidas Ivy Park Seamless Leggings always rank high on our list. The latest Ivy Park drop is full of cool neutrals and bright hits of neon. This ivory color is unique yet not too in-your-face and begs to be paired with your favorite Adidas sneakers. In terms of function, these are high-waisted, super stretchy and have ventilation details on the back of the legs. They’re also made in part with recycled fabrics.

Adidas Ivy Park

Adidas Ivy Park Seamless Leggings $120 Buy Now

Abercrombie YPB Flared Leggings

Best Flared Leggings

Abercrombie recently launched activewear and the pieces are not to be slept on. The Abercrombie YPB Flared Leggings are a great mix of leggings that have the sweat-wicking and stretch you want in a legging but with a little more of a casual style than your standard tight ankle fit.

Abercrombie Flared Leggings

Abercrombie YPB Flared Leggings $70  $56 Buy Now

Vuori Daily Leggings

Best Jogger-Meets-Legging Combo

Vuori Daily Leggings have blown up on social media, thanks to the absolute comfort they provide. The daily leggings are a combination of leggings and jogger feel, which makes them right for jus about any occasion. We like them in particular for putting on in the morning before you hit the gym in them later on.

What reviewers say: “I am really surprised with the quality of these leggings. The outer fabric is a slight brushed fabric while the inside is more if a sleek fabric. They don’t have a ton of stretch but they do have enough for a little compression. I was worried about lumps and bumps but I dont see any. I love the cuff it gives a nice detail. 4 stars because I’m not a fan of the tie waist and I really dislike the placement of the brand tag. The thigh is always a terrible place to put tags. I am 5’4, 145lbs, I purchased a size medium. I’m a small in Athleta, 4 in Aligns, Medium in most Zella.”

Vuori Daily Legging

Vuori Daily Leggings $89 Buy Now

CRZ Yoga Butterluxe Legging

Best Affordable Leggings on Amazon

CRZ Yoga Butterluxe Legging are a favorite Lululemon dupe on the internet, and at less than $30, it’s a convincing way to test them out. Look for the Butterluxe fabric here, which has that super-soft feel the minute you put them on.

CRZ Yoga Leggings

CRZ Yoga Butterluxe Legging $28 Buy Now

Set Active Sportbody Leggings

Set Active Sportbody Leggings are a thicker, more substantial option for those who, rather than something thin and airy, want to feel supported. The easy, streamlined silhouette is a great option for all kinds of workouts — especially HIIT and pilates — but they also look great dressed up with an oxford or oversized blazer and your favorite sneakers.

Set Active Legging

Courtesy of Set Active

Set Active Sportbody Leggings $78 Buy Now

What to Consider When Purchasing Leggings

In addition to considering the look and feel you want out of your leggings, “it’s important to know what activity you will be doing most often in them,” says Mirror Trainer and Lululemon Ambassador Hollis Tuttle.

The best leggings for you might actually be a few different pairs you like for different activities. A legging that feels super soft and comfortable without sliding down during your favorite yoga class might not work — in fact, probably won’t work — for a run.

“Let the activity point you in the right direction, and then you can narrow down your selection from there,” Tuttle says. “Take the time to try several different styles to find what fits you best — a few extra minutes in the fitting room are worth it.” To make your search more purposeful and less overwhelming, choose one activity to shop for first, she advises.

How to Wear Leggings

Remember when we thought that athleisure would be a passing trend? And now it’s just…how most of us live? It’s time to 1. Let that be OK. If you love wearing leggings, go right ahead. 2. You don’t have to only wear them athleisure-ly, although of course you can. A great pair of leggings is always going to look great with a cool sports bra or a simple workout tank. But you can have fun with it, too. You can start with that leggings and sports bra foundation and add an oversized denim jacket. Or for a lighter option, layer a linen white button-down on top for an outfit that’s super comfortable but still feels put together. Add a pair of platform sneakers, stylish sunglasses and a low bun for a very on-trend (and impossibly easy to do) outfit. 

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