The 33 Best Workout Leggings for Every Body Type and Fitness Need, According to Real People
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried the “best” workout leggings, only to find that they slip down during spin class, are so sheer they show my underwear during downward dog or pill after just one wash. This might explain why I have trust issues with Instagram ads. So, I finally decided to take matters into my own hands and determine the best of the best workout leggings once and for all.
Despite my extensive experience trying almost every style from lululemon to Old Navy, I don’t quite feel qualified to give the final say on the best workout leggings for everyone. To get a better idea of the best workout leggings for women with different body types and fitness interests from my own, I did some serious research—by asking real people 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.
How to find the best workout leggings
Squat test. Put the leggings on and video yourself from behind doing a deep squat. Can you see your undies or your butt? If so, take note of that material and steer clear of it in the future.
How does the material feel? If you put the leggings on and they feel even slightly uncomfortable, move on to the next pair. Otherwise, they'll become the leggings that sit in your drawer (and you can't bear to throw away because they're new).
Check your wishlist. Need pockets? Make sure you are looking specifically for a pair with pockets. Hate a butt seam? Look for a seamless legging line like Gymshark.
Looking for additional factors like opacity, sweat-wicking fabric and a comfortable waistline certainly helps. But ultimately, it comes down to reading product descriptions and reviews, then biting the bullet and trying them yourself. Trial and a lot of error is how I’ve found the handful of pairs that I love and wear on the regular.
How we picked the best workout leggings
Our PureWow100 rating system breaks down the score we give an item on a scale of 100. Starting at 20 points for each category (value, functionality, quality, aesthetics and comfort) we knock off a point for any negative aspects we experience while testing. We then tally up our scores for the final rating. This system allows us to rate the key points of each pair of leggings thoroughly, so you can screen whether they'll be a good fit for you or not.
The Best Workout Leggings to Wear
1. lululemon Base Pace High-Rise Tight
Best for All Workouts
Value: 19/20
Functionality: 20/20
Quality/Ease of Use: 20/20
Aesthetics: 20/20
Comfort: 20/20
TOTAL: 99/100
These new leggings from lululemon hit the nail on the head in just about every aspect. They are extremely comfortable, durable and versatile for any workout. (I should know. I wore them running, lifting, holding yoga poses and spinning). The Nulux fabric is basically weightless and super breathable so if you are running outside on a hot day, they won't cause overheating. They 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.
Size range: 0 to 20
2. Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings
Best Seamless
Value: 18/20
Functionality: 19/20
Quality/Ease of Use: 18/20
Aesthetics: 19/20
Comfort: 19/20
TOTAL: 93/100
The seamless leggings we all need. The problem I usually face with seamless leggings is gapping and sagging in the butt area. These have incredible compression from the high waist down to the contoured calf, 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 and therefore, a sweaty girl's dream. Honestly, they're super cute, too.
Size range: XS to XXL
3. Core 10 ‘Build Your Own’ Leggings
Best Customizable Workout Leggings
Value: 18/20
Functionality: 19/20
Quality/Ease of Use: 20/20
Aesthetics: 20/20
Comfort: 19/20
TOTAL: 96/100
Ever wish you could design your own pair of workout leggings? Now you sort of can, thanks to Amazon’s activewear brand Core 10. With their ‘Build Your Own’ style, you can choose the waist type, length, color and size, resulting in a more customized fit. I have to admit, I was skeptical as to how the quality would be when I ordered my cross waist short black leggings. But as soon as I slipped them on, I was impressed. The material is thick and completely holds you in—and it’s not sheer or loose like I feared. Even better? I only had to adjust them once during my ab workout.
Size range: XS to 3X
4. Ultracor Ultra Lux Knockout Legging
Splurge-Worthy
Value: 16/20
Functionality: 19/20
Quality/Ease of Use: 18/20
Aesthetics: 20/20
Comfort: 19/20
TOTAL: 92/100
PureWow editor 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 a cool $198. After wearing them to a spin class and experiencing their high-stretch, soft compression and sweat-wicking abilities, she promptly retired her favorite Nike leggings. 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 damn good. Stiefvater has a hot tip for anyone else who is still cringing at that price: Wait until they go on sale. You can usually find them marked down at athletic wear sites like Carbon38 or Bandier.
Size range: XS to XL
5. Outdoor Voices Core ⅞ Leggings
Best for High-Intensity Workouts
Value: 16/20
Functionality: 19/20
Quality/Ease of Use: 19/20
Aesthetics: 18/20
Comfort: 18/20
TOTAL: 90/100
This pair of ⅞ leggings from Outdoor Voices is one of my personal favorites. Especially if I’m doing a high-intensity (and high sweat) workout like HIIT or a dance cardio class since they’re made to keep you cool during super sweaty workouts. Here’s how: The lightweight, quick-drying material doesn’t absorb sweat like some cotton blends do, and the engineered waistband stays put even during jumping jacks. I find that these run really small, so I’d recommend going up a size or two to avoid feeling like a cased sausage.
Size range: XS to XL
6. Everlane The Perform Leggings
Best for Low-Impact Workouts
Value: 19/20
Functionality: 15/20
Quality/Ease of Use: 17/20
Aesthetics: 18/20
Comfort: 19/20
TOTAL: 88/100
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 is 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.
Size range: XXS to XXXL
7. 90 Degree by Reflex High Waist Power Flex Tummy Control Leggings
Best for Yoga
Value: 20/20
Functionality: 18/20
Quality/Ease of Use: 17/20
Aesthetics: 18/20
Comfort: 20/20
TOTAL: 93/100
This pair is another one of my faves. I honestly do wear them for everything from running miles to running errands. And I have to say, the latter is where they truly shine. There’s nothing worse than having to stop mid-Vinyasa flow to yank up your waistband and I never have to do that with these. Also, their stretchy, supersoft fabric means that my legs and booty feel supported and sculpted, but not suffocated. The array of pretty colorways that are available changes often, which might explain how I’ve ended up with six pairs…
Size range: XS to XL
8. Superfit Hero Superfit Pocket Leggings
Best for Plus-Size Women
Value: 20/20
Functionality: 20/20
Quality/Ease of Use: 20/20
Aesthetics: 20/20
Comfort: 20/20
TOTAL: 100/100
For this pick, I turned to plus-size ultramarathon runner Latoya Shauntay Snell. She’s logged hundreds of miles wearing this exact pair, so you know they’re worth every penny. “Between the vibrant color and pockets, I feel a boost of confidence while wearing them. And as a plus-size woman, I like the added security of knowing that [they’re] not see-through, chafe-free and hold in my tummy when I’m doing high and low impact workouts,” she says. Snell is also a fan of the fact that the waistband never rolls down, even when she’s on mile 21.
Size range: L to 7XL
9. Girlfriend Collective Compressive Mid Rise ⅞ Legging
Most Sustainable Leggings
Value: 19/20
Functionality: 18/20
Quality/Ease of Use: 20/20
Aesthetics: 19/20
Comfort: 18/20
TOTAL: 94/100
As far as sustainability goes, Girlfriend Collective’s leggings are the best of the best. The fabric is made from 25 recycled water bottles, which saves three gallons of water and prevents 18 pounds of CO2 emissions, when compared to the average production process of leggings. That said, the material feels so luxe you’d never guess it had a previous life. I find that my Girlfriend Collective leggings are best suited for yoga and sculpt classes, because the compression material keeps me feeling sucked in, even if I’m attempting a particularly tricky move—looking at you, crow pose. Word to the wise: If you’re in-between sizes, go up. I kinda wish my Midnight pair was a tiny bit bigger.
Size range: XXS to 6XL
10. lululemon Align Pant 28’’
Best Overall
Value: 20/20
Functionality: 20/20
Quality/Ease of Use: 19/20
Aesthetics: 20/20
Comfort: 20/20
TOTAL: 99/100
Multiple women declared this best-selling style from lululemon their all-time fave, and that's true for me as well. I own multiple pairs of these leggings (and the shorts) and wear them as often as possible. Their patented Nulu fabric is the main selling point. (Two words: Buttery soft.) Though they're recommended for low impact workouts like yoga, they're my favorite leggings for barre and Pilates as well. Because I wear them for more than just yoga, I've noticed 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 my heart (and my drawer).
Size range: 0 to 20
11. Blanqui Everyday Maternity Belly Support Leggings
Best for Pregnant Women
Value: 15/20
Functionality: 20/20
Quality/Ease of Use: 20/20
Aesthetics: 19/20
Comfort: 18/20
TOTAL: 92/100
According to PureWow’s executive editor Candace Davison, these maternity leggings were a total godsend when she was pregnant with her daughter. She wore them for everything from Orange Theory 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.
Size range: S to XL
12. Sweaty Betty Power 7/8 Workout Leggings
Best Butt-Sculpting Workout Leggings
Value: 17/20
Functionality: 20/20
Quality/Ease of Use: 20/20
Aesthetics: 20/20
Comfort: 18/20
TOTAL: 95/100
“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 VP of Growth Emily Kerr. She became a loyal fan of the style because they’re durable, never see-through and come in a variety of pretty shades and patterns. But her favorite thing about these leggings? They make her butt look amazing, thanks to the flattering seams that are designed to do just that.
Size range: XXS to XXL
13. Letsfit High Waisted Leggings
Best Luxe-for-Less
Value:19/20
Functionality: 19/20
Quality: 19/20
Aesthetics: 20/20
Comfort: 20/20
TOTAL: 97/100
Want the look and feel of a pair of high-end leggings? Opt for this high waisted pair from Amazon. Former fashion director Dena Silver agrees, adding “They have light compression and the seams fall right where they should for a flattering fit around the tummy and thighs.” And considering she rated them a 97/100, I’m not surprised they’re currently backordered in some shades. A tip: Reviewers say the patterned options tend to be stretchier and softer than the solid ones, so if you opt for a patterned pair, you might want to size down to avoid potential slippage.
Size range: XS to XXL
14. Zella Live In High Waist Leggings
Best for Big Butts
Value: 19/20
Functionality: 20/20
Quality/Ease of Use: 18/20
Aesthetics: 18/20
Comfort: 20/20
TOTAL: 95/100
PureWow’s senior editor 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, suction-cupped to my body in a way that feels like a second skin,” she says. Pro tip: She recommends checking Nordstrom Rack to see if you can find them on sale before you pay full price.
Size range: XXS to XXL
15. Tracksmith Turnover Tights
Best for Winter Running
Value: 19/20
Functionality: 19/20
Quality/Ease of Use: 20/20
Aesthetics: 18/20
Comfort: 18/20
TOTAL: 94/100
These leggings won't budge on your waist while you're out for a chilly run in the winter. They are made from their patented Inverno Blend fabric for warmth and effortlessness with every stride. PureWow's food editor, Katherine Gillan, 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."
Size range: XS to L
16. Old Navy High Waisted PowerSoft Leggings
Best for Breathability
Value: 20/20
Functionality: 18/20
Quality/Ease of Use: 17/20
Aesthetics: 18/20
Comfort: 19/20
TOTAL: 92/100
Comfy running leggings for cheap? We're in. These leggings 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 (although Old Navy also makes them without pockets), and I appreciate that they come in Tall and Petite lengths, too.
Size range: XS to 4X
17. Alo High Waist Airlift Legging
Best for HIIT
Value: 17/20
Functionality: 19/20
Quality/Ease of Use: 20/20
Aesthetics: 20/20
Comfort: 19/20
TOTAL: 95/100
These bestsellers have quickly become my favorite leggings to wear for a HIIT workout and to pair with my athleisure outfits. I love that they don't pill because of their nylon exterior, yet they still feel smooth against my skin.
Size range: XXS to XL
18. lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight
Best for Moisture Wicking
Value: 19/20
Functionality: 20/20
Quality/Ease of Use: 19/20
Aesthetics: 20/20
Comfort: 19/20
TOTAL: 97/100
The thick waistband on these leggings are unmatched. I especially love them for high intensity workouts like circuit training. If you sweat a lot in the crotch/waist area, these leggings soak up the moisture almost instantly thanks to their Everlux fabric, which is lululemon's fastest drying fabric available. In sum, they'll keep you comfortable without leaving any dampness behind.
Size range: 0 to 20
More Great Options to Try:
19. Athleta Salutation Stash II Pocket 7/8 Tight
Best Size Range
Sure, a lot of the pants on this list have pretty impressive size ranges. But this particular Athleta pair (which has convenient pockets, BTW) comes in regular, tall, petite and plus sizes ranging from XXS to 3X. And according to Sophie W., they have major range in terms of what you can wear ‘em for, too. “I seriously have worn these for everything from sitting on the couch to skiing to running five miles,” she explains. Now that’s impressive.
Size range: XXS to 3X
20. Free People Movement Om Shanti Tie-Dye Leggings
Best Tie-Dye Workout Leggings
Still searching for a good pair of tie-dye leggings? According to Abby F., you can’t do much better than Free People Movement’s Om Shanti style. “The wide waistband is so comfortable and the material is super breathable,” she explains. However, she shared one caveat: They’re best for yoga and other low impact workouts since they tend to fall down when you run.
Size rage: XS/S to M/L
21. Alo High-Waist Airbrush Leggings
Best Workout Leggings for Short Women
Short ladies, listen up: Jessie L. has found the perfect leggings for you. She says this pair hits just above the ankle, rather than bunching up or looking full-length like most of the other 7/8 length ones she’s tried. “I like how the high waist design smooths my waist and moves with me,” she adds. According to the brand, the Airbrush material is designed to smooth and sculpt the legs and butt.
Size range: XXS to XL
22. Fabletics On-The-Go High-Waisted Legging
Best for Spinning
Spin enthusiast Jackie C. says these Fabletics leggings are her favorite ones to wear on the bike because the compression PowerHold fabric makes her feel secure and held in. At the waist, the extra support reminds her to keep her core engaged—something she admittedly struggles with. Oh, and Jackie confirms that they’re totally squat proof, if that’s something you’re concerned about. It’s also worth noting that they’re available in sizes XXS to 4X, making this pair a lot more size inclusive than others on the market.
Size range: XXS to 4X
23. Colorfulkoala High Waisted Pattern Leggings
Highest-Rated on Amazon
Colorfulkoala’s leggings are known for being among the most comfortable and affordable on Amazon, so it’s no wonder they’ve racked up over 5,000 five-star reviews. They’re comfy enough to rock for just about any type of workout, confirms Janine O. She says her Colorfulkoala leggings have never let her down, but she especially likes wearing them for HIIT and boxing classes, since they don’t need to be adjusted constantly. That’s the dream, right?
Size range: XS to XL
24. lululemon Fast and Free Tight
Best Stay-in-Place Leggings
"These are great. I have cycled, run and weight lifted in them. These did not slide down or roll on my waist, which was amazing. Pockets are super convenient, will be purchasing more!" says Gabriella. She’s so enamored with this pair’s comfort and sturdiness that she's ready to grab another pair. According to lululemon’s site, these leggings were specifically designed for running, but I’m considering investing in a pair for everyday errands like grocery shopping as well.
Size range: 0 to 20
25. Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation Capri
Most Durable
If you prefer to wear your leggings until they come apart at the seams, Athleta’s Ultra High Rise Elation Capri was made for you. These babies are so durable, Anne F. says she’s owned multiple pairs that have lasted six or seven years. Even more impressive? After all that time, they have yet to pill or become threadbare in high-friction areas. Reviewers say they’re opaque, ultra-flattering and buttery soft, too. And they’re available in tall, regular, petite and plus sizes, which is a major win for women everywhere.
Size range: XXS to 3XL
26. Target All in Motion Women’s High-Waisted Capri Leggings
Most Squat-Proof Leggings
Eliza K., who recommended these Target brand leggings to us, is crazy about them. As a matter of fact, she was hesitant to mention them for fear that they might sell out once others catch on. Alas, she decided to share her $30 secret with the rest of us. The All in Motion capris are made from a thick material that Eliza says makes them totally opaque regardless of the workout. The polyester-spandex blend sculpts while wicking away moisture, so they're appropriate for all levels of intensity. Just note that you might want to size up, as some reviewers say the waistband tends to dig in a bit.
Size range: XS to 4X
27. Beyond Yoga Spacedye Essential Long Legging
Softest Workout Leggings
Tiffany K. says these Beyond Yoga workout bottoms are crazy soft and smooth over your legs and butt for a flattering fit. And nope, they won’t start sagging five minutes into your Zumba class. They also happen to be moisture-wicking, making them ideal for your next hot yoga class.
Size range: XS to XL
28. Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft Crop Leggings
Best Value
Under $40 for a pair of leggings that are equally comfortable for jogging, hiking, TRX and rowing? It might sound a little too good to be true but according to Izzy C., it’s not. She insists these Old Navy cropped leggings are great for all of the above, thanks to their impressive range of motion and breathable fabric. And as a curvy woman, she likes that they don’t roll down around her stomach. But the best aspect of these workout leggings is—obviously—their price. “You can usually get them on sale, and even if you pay full price, they don’t break the bank,” she says. Just keep in mind that you might experience a little pilling around the thighs, but you can mostly mitigate that by air drying these leggings, instead of tossing them in the dryer.
Size range: XS to 4X
29. Aerie Offline Real Me High Waisted Legging
Best Lightweight Workout Leggings
If you’re familiar with the v-waist Aerie leggings that went viral on TikTok, these are basically their sister pair. They’re made from the same figure-flattering material customers love—just with a traditional straight across waist instead of a cross front waist. “These aren’t necessarily intended for working out, but I work out in them because they don’t budge. They’re the softest and silkiest ever, and they’ve held up through, like, 600 washes,” says Lauren E.
Size range: XXS to XXL
30. Sweaty Betty Therma Running Leggings
Best for Cold Weather
“I’ve tried so many fleece-lined leggings in my attempt to run outside in the winter, and Sweaty Betty’s are by far the best,” says Lindsey M. She’s referring to the brand’s Therma Running Leggings, which feature brushed fleece lining, plus a special temperature-regulating thermal material to keep you warm. Psst, they also have two side pockets and a zippered pocket in the back, plus they come in by 7/8 and full length inseams.
Size range: XXS to XXL
31. The Gym People High Waist Yoga Pants
Best Leggings with Pockets
"I love the pockets, there's one on each side large enough to hold my cellphone. The pocket in the waistband also fits my phone, and held it there through a pretty strenuous jump/burpee test. Very convenient place to hold your phone if you want to make sure it doesn't fall out while working out," says Liz, a happy customer. She loves the snug fit and says she would even grab a size down for some extra compression. Nearly 4,000 others back Liz up, giving five-star ratings that proclaim they're a must-have.
Size range: XS to 3XL
32. Free People High Rise Running Through My Mind Legging
Most Flattering
"Love! Love! Love! Got these in four different colors. They are very flattering. They may look like they may run a little small when you pull them out the package—but don’t panic—once you put them on, you’ll fall in love instantly! They don’t slip, and they make my bum look amazing!" says Unity Lee. They have a high compression waist band with adorable cutout details on the sides for extra breathability and all around contour your body beautifully. Not sold yet? Check out the adorable matching bra.
Size range: XS to XL
33. Alo Yoga Airbrush Low Rise Boot Cut Legging
Trendiest Leggings
"I'm obsessed with these leggings at the moment because I can wear them out as athleisure and to yoga class. Normally, I wouldn't be a fan of the low-rise fit, but these hit nicely on my hips and give me nostalgia for the Victoria's Secret Pink yoga pants I wore back in college," says commerce editor Olivia Kappler.
Size range: XXS to L
RELATED: 13 Pairs of Pants That Feel Like Leggings (But Look Way More Polished)
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