We Found the Best Workout Leggings Money Can Buy, After Testing 98 Pairs

Best Overall

lululemon Align High Rise Pant with Pockets

$128 at Lululemon

lululemon’s Align High-Rise Pant With Pockets earned a perfect score (5 out of 5) in every key category we tested for—and they’re Paris’s all-time favorite leggings. Soft, stretchy, and breathable, the leggings are great for various workouts and are our favorite lululemon leggings out of the 23 we tested from the brand. They’re also opaque, durable, and packed with pockets.

Made of soft Nulu fabric (a nylon-lycra blend), the leggings are cozy enough to lounge around in. And they stayed secure during every workout. The lightly compressive fabric didn’t sheer during squats and kept us supported during cardio. And we loved that the leggings were lightweight and breathable, even if that made them a little thin. (While the leggings proved opaque, they didn’t obscure underwear outlines.)

The cherry on top? The leggings have three built-in pockets. And they come in a range of sizes, lengths, and colors. They might seem pricey at a higher price than many on our list. But we think they’re worth the investment: They feel amazing right out of the box. And after several wears and washes, they still look as good as new. 

^{Key Specs: 
Rise: High | Inseam Length: 23–31 inches | Fabric: Nylon (81%), lycra elastane (19%) | Sizes: 0–20 | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low}

Best Budget

ODODOS Cross-Waist Leggings

$24 at Amazon View on Ododos.co

ODODOS’s Cross-Waist Yoga Leggings were the budget-friendliest leggings that impressed us the most during testing. Made of a sturdy performance fabric, the leggings are stretchy, smooth, and comfortable to work out in. And their on-trend crossover waistband makes them great for everyday wear.

Though the leggings cost considerably less than our overall favorite, they don’t skimp on quality. They’re moisture-wicking and machine-washable. And they’re fully opaque, even in the lightest colorways we tested. Though the crossover waistband is comfortable—never bunching up or digging in—it feels thick compared to the other leggings we tested. And we noticed that the feel of the leggings changes from colorway to colorway.

Given the budget-friendly price point, these felt like minor issues. (For the price of our overall favorite, you could buy five pairs of these.) And since the leggings come in various sizes, lengths, colors, and prints, they’re the perfect thing to stock up on.

^{Key Specs: 
Rise: High | Inseam Length: 21–28 inches | Fabric: Polyamide (72%), elastane (28%) | Sizes: 0-26 | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry}

Best for Running

lululemon Original Fast and Free High-Rise Crop

$128 at Lululemon

lululemon’s Fast and Free High-Rise Tights are a favorite among running coaches and some of our favorite running leggings. And the leggings also wowed us during our tests. Made of lightweight Nulux fabric (a nylon-lycra blend), the leggings wick sweat, dry quickly, and provide plenty of airflow. They also offer the perfect blend of stretch and compression. 

Since they’re stretchy and squat-proof, we’d happily wear them during any workout. But we think they’re especially great for runners. Thanks to their cool-to-the-touch feel and adjustable drawcord waistband, they keep us comfortable on hot days and never slip out of place. We love that they have seven pockets, though we find the side pockets too deep to comfortably use when working out.

The leggings are also machine-washable, making them convenient to clean between runs. And since they’re available in a range of sizes, lengths, and colors, it’s easy to find a pair worth investing in.

^{Key Specs: 
Rise: High | Inseam Length: 23–28 inches | Fabric: Nylon (84%), lycra elastane (16%) | Sizes: 0–20 | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low}

Best Maternity

Beyond Yoga Spacedye Love the Bump Maternity Pocket Midi Legging

$110 at Amazon $110 $77 at Zappos View on Beyondyoga.com

Beyond Yoga’s Spacedye Love the Bump Maternity Midi Leggings fit like a dream. Made of a stretchy polyester-elastane blend, the leggings feel soft and comfortable. And they seamlessly transition from activity to activity, so you don’t have to change between errands and exercising.

This pair is designed with an over-the-belly waistband that you can fold up or roll down during different trimesters. And they feel tight and supportive without being constricting. The leggings never sagged, dug in, or needed readjustment during our tests. And they always stay in place, whether we’re lounging on the couch or tackling a 45-minute yoga class.

They’re breathable, moisture-wicking, and machine-washable. And they’re designed with two spacious pockets. The only place the leggings lose points is opacity: While they aren’t sheer or see-through, we occasionally spot some panty lines. But we still feel comfortable wearing them everywhere, and we’d happily spend more money on another pair.

^{Key Specs: 
Rise: High | Inseam Length: 25 inches | Fabric: Polyester (87%), elastane (13%) | Sizes: 2–16 | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash, tumble dry}

Best Size Range

ZUTY 7/8 Leggings

$28 at Amazon

ZUTY’s Ankle High-Waisted Leggings With Pockets come in a wider size range (XS-5X) than any leggings we tested. And they’re genuinely great. While other size-inclusive leggings have fit, feel, and opacity issues, these are comfortable, stretchy, and totally squat-proof.

Made of polyester and spandex, the leggings are thick and moisture-wicking. And they passed our squat test, concealing any underwear we paired them with. The leggings also boast a supportive high-rise waistband, deep side pockets, and a U-shaped gusset that cuts down on cameltoe. But they run one size too big. And their rise (the distance from waistband to crotch seam) is a bit too long, so we often have to wear them extra-high. 

For the price, we’re happy to deal with these tradeoffs. And we’re excited to find great leggings in many sizes. We also love that the leggings come in 18 shades and prints—though we’d like to see more inseam options too. 

^{Key Specs: 
Rise: High | Inseam Length: 25 inches | Fabric: Polyester (80%), spandex (20%) | Sizes: XS–5XL | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry}

Best for Spin

Gymshark Legacy Leggings

View on Gymshark.com

The brand's Legacy Leggings stood out when we tested 12 pairs of Gymshark leggings. And we especially love them for spin class. Though the leggings are sturdy and squat-proof, they’re also lightweight and breathable. So they’re perfect for cycling and other fast-paced activities.

While some workout leggings are supportive and compressive, these feel more flexible. And they give you the range of motion to tackle a spin class. They’re also lightweight, breathable, and great at wicking sweat. And even in their lightest colorways, the leggings proved opaque—never sheering during squats or plyo box exercises.

When we washed the leggings, they thinned a little in the thighs. But even then, they didn’t lose their opacity. And for the sake of versatility, we wish they had pockets. Still, these leggings offer some of the best value on our list. They feel like an absolute steal at their current price—and they’re perfect for high-intensity exercise.

^{Key Specs: 
Rise: High | Inseam Length: 30.5 inches | Fabric: Nylon (78%), elastane (22%) | Sizes: XS–XXL | Pockets: No | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry}

Best Compression

CW-X Compression Tights

$120 $93 at Amazon $120 at Zappos View on Roadrunnersports.com

CW-X’s Stabilyx Compression Leggings aren’t just great compression leggings. While the leggings are some of the tightest and most intense we’ve tested, they’re also designed to support and stabilize your joints. And we found they delivered on that promise.

Made of an ultra-tight performance fabric, the leggings feel intensely compressive. And they’re lined with seams and panels that mimic the feel of kinesiology tape. We feel that support when we wear them during workouts: The leggings gently align our hips and stabilize our knees. They’re also moisture-wicking, fast-drying, and machine-washable.

Like other compression leggings, these run really small. And depending on the fit you’re looking for, you might want to size up. But once you score the right fit, they’re a standout find—well worth their premium price point. We’ve never experienced anything like them. And the moment our initial testing period ended, we immediately ordered a second pair.

^{Key Specs: 
Rise: Medium | Inseam Length: 24–26.5 inches | Fabric: Polyester (80%), lycra elastane (20%) | Sizes: XS–XXL | Pockets: No | Care: Machine wash, air dry}

Best With Pockets

FlipBelt Leggings with Pockets

$59 at Amazon View on Flipbelt.com

FlipBelt’s Mid-Weight Leggings aren’t just packed with pockets. They’re also designed with an integrated storage belt that comfortably holds as much as a fanny pack.

Made of polyester and spandex, the leggings fit like a glove. And they’re stretchy, sweat-wicking, and squat-proof during every workout. But their real selling point is their storage capacity: They have two side pockets, a front pocket, and an around-the-waist storage belt. That storage belt holds as much as a fanny pack but lies flat. And even when we put large items in it, it doesn’t stick out or bounce around. 

Since the leggings are so thick, they’re not very breathable. And we’d love more inseam and size options to choose from. But we like that these allow you to go on jogs, run errands, and head to the gym bag-free. 

^{Key Specs: 
Rise: Medium | Inseam Length: 26 inches | Fabric: Polyester (75%), spandex (25%) | Sizes: XS–XL | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low}

Best Opaque

Under Armour ColdGear Compression Leggings

$55 $37 at Amazon $45 at Zappos $55 at Dicks Sporting Goods

If you’re looking for opacity, fleece-lined leggings are always a great bet. And Under Armour’s ColdGear Authentics Leggings deliver. The leggings proved completely squat-proof, staying opaque in every situation. And they showed no signs of moisture, even when sweat pooled behind our legs.

This pair is made of a dual-layer fabric that’s smooth on the outside and cozy on the inside. And they were some of the most breathable fleece-lined leggings we’d ever worn. The leggings kept us warm on cold days but didn’t overheat us during workouts. And we love that they’re sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and easy to move around in.

They come in a range of sizes, colors, and lengths—which is good because we found their inseam too long. And naturally, we wish they were designed with pockets. But we’re happy with their quality and their price. Given the quality, we’d expect them to be much more expensive.

^{Key Specs: 
Rise: Medium | Inseam Length: 26–31 inches | Fabric: Polyester (87%), elastane (13%) | Sizes: 0–18 | Pockets: No | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low}

Best on Amazon

ODODOS Yoga Leggings with Pockets

$25 at Amazon View on Ododos.co

When we tested 25 pairs of Amazon leggings, ODODOS’s High-Waist Yoga Leggings With Pockets won out. The leggings are on offer for a budget-friendly price. And given their quality, stretch, and opacity, we think they punch above their weight.

They’re made of performance fabric, so they wick, sweat, and dry quickly. And they offer the perfect balance of stretch and rebound. They’re also soft, lightweight, and comfortable to work out in. And despite their second-skin feel, they provide plenty of coverage: They passed our squat test in broad daylight, even when we wore them in a light colorway. 

At times, the leggings felt a little heavy. But there’s nothing else we’d change about them— they feel like a steal. And since they come in two lengths, 38 colors, and an inclusive range of sizes, they’re dangerously easy to stock up on. 

^{Key Specs: 
Rise: High | Inseam Length: 25–28 inches | Fabric: Polyester (72%), elastane (28%) | Sizes: 0–26 | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry}

Best lululemon

lululemon Wunder Train High Rise Tight 25"

$98 at Lululemon

When we tested lululemon leggings, the brand’s Wunder Train Leggings earned a perfect score (5 out of 5) in every key category. They’re comfortable, supportive, and easy to clean—and they’re some of the best workout leggings that lululemon sells.

The leggings are made of Everlux fabric, a nylon-lycra blend that wicks sweat and dries quickly. And they feel ultra-supportive, thanks to their compressive fit. They held up during every workout: They didn’t sheer during squats or deadlifts and stayed in place during high-impact exercise. But since they’re so thick, they might be too heavy for hot-weather workouts. 

The leggings come in a range of sizes, lengths, and colors. And we love that you can toss them in the washer and dryer. Compared to our Best Overall pick (another pair of our favorite lululemon leggings), these aren’t quite as versatile. But they’re cheaper—and truly perfect for high-impact workouts.

^{Key Specs: 
Rise: High | Inseam Length: 23–31 inches | Fabric: Nylon (77%), lycra elastane (23%) | Sizes: 0–20 | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low}

Best Tall

BUBBLELIME High Waist Bootcut Yoga Pants

$34 $29 at Amazon

When shopping for leggings, long inseams are hard to find. A few of our favorites have 35-inch-long inseams, and most are much shorter. But Bubblelime’s High-Waist Bootcut Yoga Pants come in five lengths, including an extra-long option with a 37-inch inseam.

This length sets the leggings apart, but it’s not the only reason we love them. Made of a nylon-spandex blend, they’re thick, stretchy, and great for any situation. They stay in place during workouts and emerge from the wash looking as good as new. They’re thick and opaque, so we can comfortably wear them while running errands.

The leggings never pinched, rolled, or dug in during our tests, but they did bunch in the crotch. And while they have one small pocket, we wish they offered more storage space. For their reasonable price, we’re happy to tolerate these tradeoffs. And we appreciate that they come in several sizes, colors, and prints.

^{Key Specs: 
Rise: High | Inseam Length: 29–37 inches | Fabric: Nylon (75%), spandex (25%) | Sizes: XS–XXL | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash, air dry}

Best Petite

Yogipace Bootcut Yoga Pants

$34 at Amazon View on Yogipace.com

It’s tough to find flare leggings in petite sizes. But Yogipace’s Bootcut Yoga pants come in 10 inseam lengths, including short inseams that range from 25 to 28 inches and petite inseams that range from 29 to 30 inches.

Made of nylon and spandex, the leggings are thick and sturdy. And they proved opaque in every situation. They also wick sweat, hold their shape, and show no signs of wear after several workouts and washes. But they’re not quite as stretchy as other leggings we’ve tested. So we think they’re best for low-impact workouts and lounging.

Though the leggings showed no signs of thinning, stretching, or pilling, they didn’t feel very high-quality. And we found their double-layer gusset tight and uncomfortable. Still, for their budget-friendly price, we think they’re a worthwhile buy for petite exercisers. And since they come in several sizes and colors, you can find them in a style you love.

^{Key Specs: 
Rise: Medium | Inseam Length: 25–37 inches | Fabric: Nylon (87%), spandex (13%) | Sizes: XS–XXL | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry}

Best Sustainable

GapFit Sky High Rise Recycled Power Flare Leggings

View on Gap.com

There’s a lot to love about Gap’s GapFit Sky Power Flare Leggings. They’re comfortable, flexible, and supportive. And since they’re made of spandex and recycled polyester, they’re a great option if you want to shop sustainably. 

Though mostly made of recycled fabric, they’re as sturdy and supportive as our other favorites. And the moment we slipped them on, they felt high-quality. The leggings feel soft to the touch and have a snug, supportive fit that’s ideal for exercise. They’re also thick and durable, so they passed our squat test and held up in the wash. 

We had some trouble with the cut of the leggings: Their high-rise waistband didn’t sit very high, and their legs were so long that fabric bunched around our thighs. But they never dug in or slipped out of place—and we’d happily buy a second pair.

^{Key Specs: 
Rise: High | Inseam Length: 29–35.5 inches | Fabric: Polyester (79%), spandex (21%) | Sizes: XXS–XXL | Pockets: No | Care: Machine wash, air dry}

Best Hold

Beyond Yoga Midi High Waisted Legging

$97 at Amazon $97 at Zappos $97 at Zappos

Beyond Yoga’s Spacedye High-Waisted Midi Leggings aren’t just stretchy, snug, and supportive. They’re also washer- and dryer-safe. After weeks of wear and washes, they still feel as tight as they did the first time we wore them. And since lots of stretchy materials lose shape in the washer and dryer, that’s remarkable.

The leggings are made of Beyond Yoga’s signature Spacedye fabric, a polyester-elastane blend that feels buttery-soft. And since they’re stretchy, sweat-wicking, and breathable, they’re a joy to work out in. The leggings are also UV-protective, and they stay in place during workouts. But since their high-rise waistband is a whopping 11 inches long, we have to pull them up really high.

They come in a range of colors and sizes. And while they’re pricier, we think their quality and longevity make them a perfect investment piece.

^{Key Specs: 
Rise: High | Inseam Length: 25 inches | Fabric: Polyester (87%), elastane (13%) | Sizes: 0–32 | Pockets: No | Care: Machine wash, tumble dry}

Best Cropped

CRZ YOGA Capri Leggings

$24 at Amazon

If you want a pair of cropped leggings you can wear during any workout, CRZ YOGA’s Naked Feeling Workout Capri Leggings get the job done. 

Made of polyamide and spandex, the leggings are incredibly stretchy. And they feel like a second skin. They never pinch, bunch, or dig in; their high-rise waistband always stays in place. Despite their lightweight feel, the leggings also pass our squat test—though we noticed that you could see panty lines through them. 

Unfortunately, this pair is hand-wash-only. And when we gently machine-washed them, they started to fray at the seams. They also run large, so we had to size down to find our perfect fit. To us, these issues felt minor. And at a budget-friendly price, these still offer some of the best value on our list. We’d happily buy them in several more colors. And since they come in 33 shades, that’s easy to do.

^{Key Specs: 
Rise: High | Inseam Length: 19 inches | Fabric: Polyamide (71%), spandex (29%) | Sizes: 0–14 | Pockets: Yes | Care: Hand wash cold, air dry}

Best Sweat-Wicking

Under Armour HeatGear Leggings

$50 $28 at Amazon $38 at Underarmour.com View on Basspro.com

Under Armour’s HeatGear High-Waisted Pocketed Leggings are designed to keep you comfortable on hot days. And they really do. During our tests, the leggings proved incredibly sweat-wicking and fast-drying. And their lightweight fabric didn’t weigh us down in the heat.

Made of a performance blend of polyester and elastane, the leggings wick sweat, dry quickly, and offer just enough compression. They also pass our squat test and hold up in the wash. As fans of high-rise leggings, this mid-rise pair sits lower than we’re used to. But their waistband stays in place during every workout. And though the leggings have an ultra-tight fit, we still needed to size down.

We love the side pockets that hold small valuables and that this pair is available in several sizes, lengths, and colors. Given their quality, we’d happily wear them on any hot day.

^{Key Specs: 
Rise: High | Inseam Length: 27–31 inches | Fabric: Polyester (87%), elastane (13%) | Sizes: 0–18 | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low}

Best for Hiking

Eddie Bauer Crossover Winter Trail Adventure High-Rise Leggings

$99 at Amazon View on Eddiebauer.com

Eddie Bauer’s Crossover Winter Trail Adventure High-Rise Leggings are some of our favorite fleece-lined leggings. And they’re especially great for hiking. This pair is made of a performance fabric that wicks moisture, offers sun protection, and reduces odor. And they’re lined with brushed fleece for added warmth. 

Though the leggings feel thick and cozy, they’re not bulky. And they proved opaque in every situation. Throughout our tests, this pair never showed signs of wear. And though they run a little big, we don’t mind: They still feel comfortable and stay in place during workouts.

They’re also lined with pockets, including a zip-up pocket perfect for small valuables. And they come in several sizes, lengths, and colors. This pair is pricier compared to other options on our list. But we think they’re worth the price. They’re comfortable and sturdy—the kind of thing you can buy now and wear for years.

^{Key Specs: 
Rise: High | Inseam Length: 25–31 inches | Fabric: Polyester (88%), spandex (12%) | Sizes: 0–26 | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low}

Best for Strength Training

Gymshark Seamless Leggings

$54 at Gymshark.com

When we tested 12 pairs of Gymshark leggings, these Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings impressed us—and ultimately earned our top spot. The leggings are stretchy, sweat-wicking, and durable. And while we comfortably wore them during a range of workouts, their snug, supportive fit makes them especially great for strength training.

Made of polyester and elastane, the leggings feel tight and compressive. And while they’re breathable enough for a sweat session, they’re also squat-proof enough for a strength-training workout. They’re versatile, seamlessly taking us from studio classes to cross-training exercises. And they held up in the wash, never sheering, thinning, or losing their shape.

Since the leggings are so form-fitting, we found them hard to slip into. And naturally, we wish they had pockets. But this pair is sturdy, comfortable, and versatile and offers incredible value.

^{Key Specs: 
Rise: High | Inseam Length: 30.5 inches | Fabric: Nylon (93%), elastane (7%) | Sizes: XS–XXL | Pockets: No | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry}