Finding the perfect leggings can feel like a demanding task. After extensive testing of countless pairs, this guide highlights the leggings that consistently rise to the challenge. These leggings aren’s just versatile; they are stylish enough for wear outside the gym, durable enough to withstand regular washing, and comfortable enough for all-day wear—often featuring thoughtful details like zippered pouches and deep pockets.
For additional activewear recommendations, explore our guides on the Best Running Shoes, Best Hoodies, and Best Sports Bras.
Comparing Top Leggings
Here’s a quick comparison chart for our top picks:
| Product | Best For | Materials | Size Range | Colors | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athleta Salutation Stash High Rise Legging | Yoga, moderate activities, everyday wear | 75% nylon, 25% Lycra | XXS-3X | 7 | $109 |
| Lululemon Align No Line High-Rise Pant 28″ | Yoga, low-impact activities | 81% nylon, 19% Lycra elastane | 0-12 | 15 | $108 |
| Vuori Daily Pocket Legging | High-impact workouts, everyday wear | 72% polyester, 28% elastane | XXS-XXL | 2 | $98 |
| Alo Yoga High-Waist Airlift Legging | High-impact workouts | 82% polyester, 18% elastane | XXS-L | 20 | $134 |
| Set Active AirLuxe Breathe High-Rise Leggings | Moderate activities, everyday wear | 72% nylon, 28% Spandex | XS-XXL | 7 | $74 |
| CRZ Yoga Butterluxe High-Waisted Leggings 28″ | Yoga, everyday wear | 81% polyamide, 19% Lycra | XXS-XL | 20+ | $32 |
| Fanka Body Sculpt Training Leggings | High-impact activities | 70% recycled polyamide, 30% elastane | S-XL | 2 | $90 |
| Vuori AllTheFeels Legging | Everyday wear, low-impact activities | 75% recycled polyamide, 25% elastane | XXS-XXL | 7 | $98 |
| Wool& Summit Legging | Cold weather, outdoor activities | Lightweight Knit: 75% merino wool, 22% nylon, 3% Spandex. Midweight Knit: 68% merino wool, 22% nylon, 10% Spandex. Ponte: 71% merino wool, 24% nylon, 5% Spandex | XXS-3X | 5 | $108 |
Our Top Picks
- Athleta Salutation Stash High Rise Legging: Ideal for yoga, moderate activities, and everyday wear.
- Lululemon Align No Line High-Rise Pant 28″: Perfect for yoga and low-impact activities, known for its smooth, comfortable feel.
- Vuori Daily Pocket Legging: Great for high-impact workouts and everyday wear.
- Alo Yoga High-Waist Airlift Legging: Designed for high-impact workouts with a supportive fit.
- Set Active AirLuxe Breathe High-Rise Leggings: Suitable for moderate activities and everyday wear, providing a breathable feel.
- CRZ Yoga Butterluxe High-Waisted Leggings 28″: Great for yoga and everyday wear, offering a budget-friendly option.
- Fanka Body Sculpt Training Leggings: Perfect for high-impact activities thanks to its sculpting design.
- Vuori AllTheFeels Legging: Suitable for everyday wear and low-impact activities, prioritizing comfort.
- Wool& Summit Legging: Specifically designed for cold weather and outdoor activities with merino wool.
Honorable Mentions
- Forme Sculpt+ Legging: These leggings feature a multi-panel waistband and special fabric layers intended to promote muscle memory and improve posture. While not transformative, they offer subtle core support and a comfortable, compressive feel.
- On Active Tights: An excellent choice for strength training, these tights are silky, lightweight, and supportive with a convenient iPhone pocket.
- Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant with Pockets: A versatile option for working from home, running errands, or traveling, these pants offer light compression and a snug fit. However, the fabric is prone to pilling and lint collection.
- Gymshark Legacy Regular Leggings: A favorite for deadlifts, these leggings are soft, stretchy, and squat-proof, making them a great value.
- Gymshark Mesh Waistband Leggings: Suitable for weight lifting, but the mesh waistband can be slightly uncomfortable.
- Nike Women’s Go High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings with Pockets: Highly rated for running due to its unique Nike Infinalock treatment that provides a secure and supportive fit.
- SPANX Shape Booty Boost 7/8 Leggings: While the center-seam-free design is appealing and they dry quickly, the “booty boost” promise falls short, and the compression can feel uncomfortable.
- prAna Heavana 7/8 Leggings: A good alternative to the On Active Tights, offering similar features at a lower price point.
What’s Being Tested Next?
We will be evaluating the Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight 28″, Sweaty Betty’s Zero Gravity High-Waisted Running Tights, Old Navy’s High-Waisted PowerSoft Full-Length Pocket Leggings, and Girlfriend Collective’s Luxe Leggings in upcoming reviews.
Finding the perfect leggings requires careful consideration of materials, fit, and intended use. We aim to provide the most insightful and useful guidance for consumers seeking versatile and reliable activewear options.
