The Best Leggings for Workouts and Everyday Wear

Best for...

Athleta Elation Ultra High Rise Flare Pant

Best leggings for a flare leg that’s workout-friendly

These leggings (which come in three lengths) have a flared leg that makes a style statement without looking exaggerated or hindering workouts. They feel smooth and silky, but they’re sturdy enough for strenuous exercise.

Buying Options

$99 from Athleta

The Athleta Elation Ultra High Rise Flare Pant is a soft, smooth pair with a kicky flare that’s au courant. But these leggings are not just a fashion moment: They’re substantial and built for real workouts.

They fit like a (flared) glove. The Elation Ultra High Rise leggings are pleasantly snug, with a properly high waistband that doesn’t pinch. They’re available in a trio of lengths: Petite (29½ inches), Regular (31½ inches), and Tall (34½ inches). (Sizes 1X to 3X come only in the 31½-inch length.) The bounty of inseam choices is a huge selling point, since nailing the length of flared leggings can be challenging.

This pair is both street- and workout-ready. Given these leggings’ cute, wide-but-not-too-wide flared legs, we expected them to be great for everyday life—and they are. What surprised us was how well they performed during workouts; the gently compressive Elation Ultra High Rise Flare leggings are sturdier than they look.

The fabric feels light and airy, but these leggings also have some structure—they stay put. One tester described them as “substantial and silky,” praising “the sturdiness they provided at my lower back” when she wore them to practice yoga. (They also work well for light strength training or a barre class.)

The sporty flare doesn’t get in the way. Some flared leggings are so wide that they’re too much—or the excess fabric interferes. The Elation Ultra High Rise Flare leggings have a flare that’s pronounced yet still practical. (“These are as wide as I’m willing to go,” said one tester.)

I’m 5-foot-10, and tested these in the 31½-inch length (size M), which just grazed the tops of my feet. If I were choosing flared pants solely for daily life, I would’ve gone longer, but the slightly shorter length was just right for trip-free workouts.

These leggings have a handy waistband pocket. In the back waistband, there’s a drop-in pocket about 8 inches wide. It’s useful for toting a couple keys or a credit card—and it’s actually big enough for a smaller-size phone, in the horizontal position.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Because of their flare, these leggings are not as ideal as traditional leggings for activities like running.
• If you go with an inseam that’s floor-length or longer, the flare could potentially trip you up during a yoga flow sequence, for instance.

Specs

• Size range: XXS (00) to 3X (24 to 26)
• Inseams: 29½ inches, 31½ inches, 34½ inches
• Material: 75% nylon, 25% Lycra spandex
• Colors: six (29½- and 31½-inch length), five (34½-inch length)

Best for...

Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Legging

Best versatile leggings for a wide range of workouts

Versatile and flattering, these medium-compression leggings have a structured fit and substantial feel, so they’re well suited to just about any activity. They come in a wide variety of sizes, two lengths, and about a dozen colors.

Buying Options

$88 from Girlfriend Collective

Girlfriend Collective Compressive Pocket Legging

Best versatile leggings for a wide range of workouts, with pockets

Versatile and flattering, these medium-compression leggings—with handy side pockets—have a structured fit and substantial feel, so they’re well suited to just about any activity. They come in a wide variety of sizes, two lengths, and eight colors.

Buying Options

$98 from Girlfriend Collective

Our testers loved the Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Legging and its pocketed counterpart, the Girlfriend Collective Compressive Pocket Legging. These versatile leggings have a substantial feel, and their medium compression supports and flatters during workouts and beyond.

They come in a wide range of sizes and two lengths. These leggings are available in more sizes (XXS to 6XL) than nearly any other pair we tested, and they come in two lengths (23¾ inches and 28½ inches).

One 5-foot-2 tester, who tried a size XS in the shorter length, deemed them “spot-on” for her frame. Another 5-foot-2 tester, who wore a size XXL in the shorter length, observed that although the Compressive leggings fit her well in the waist, she had to keep tugging the crotch and thighs to get them positioned comfortably. I’m 5-foot-10 and wore a size M, 28½-inch inseam; these leggings hit me at a just-right ankle length, and they felt supportive everywhere else.

The fabric is comfortably compressive. The Compressive leggings are made from a medium-weight fabric that’s substantial, smooth, and cool to the touch. They provide a secure, held-in fit and the right amount of stretch, stopping short of resembling a superhero uniform. They’re also unusually flattering. With a structured fit and seams that wrap around the body, they create a more-appealing silhouette than many other pairs that rely solely on stretch.

They’re the most versatile leggings we tested. This pair is well suited to all kinds of movement; I regularly run outdoors in them, and I confidently pop them on for strength training, long walks, and errands. They felt great during an indoor-cycling class, and the waistband stayed put. (Afterward, they dried in roughly 30 minutes.)

The pocketed version hits the mark. Many leggings’ pockets are the wrong size, positioned awkwardly, or too slack. But the Compressive Pocket Legging (which costs around $10 more than the non-pocketed style with just one small back waistband pocket) has side-drop pockets; these pockets have enough integrity to sandwich an iPhone XS securely during higher-impact activities, without the weight dragging down the waistband. (One Wirecutter staffer did report that when she wears these to jog, her phone tends to slide up and down in the pocket; we didn’t experience this.)

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Though the mid-weight fabric breathes well, these leggings can get a bit warm.
• These leggings have less give in the waist than our stretchier picks, including the Offline by Aerie leggings.

Specs 

• Sizes: XXS to 6XL
• Inseams: 23¾ inches, 28½ inches
• Material: 79% recycled polyester, 21% spandex
• Colors: 11 (unpocketed), eight (pocketed)

Best for...

Beyond Yoga Spacedye Caught In The Midi High Waisted Legging

Best luxe leggings for low-impact workouts and lounging

These splurge-worthy, buttery-soft leggings are so decadently comfy it can seem as if you’re wearing nothing at all. The heathered fabric is lightweight and stretchy, rather than structured, so these leggings are ideal for lower-impact activities. But the fit may be too body-conscious for some.

Buying Options

$97 from REI

$97 from Zappos

$97 from Beyond Yoga

Wearing the Beyond Yoga Spacedye Caught In The Midi High Waisted Legging is the next best thing to being naked. Thanks to lots of stretch, this pair is ultra-soft and form-fitting, and the material has a subtly heathered look. These leggings are particularly well suited to lower-impact workouts—yoga, Pilates, stretching, walks—as well as to lounging. Our testers unanimously agreed that these were the softest and most comfortable yet luxe-feeling pair they tried.

They’re delightful for lighter exercise—and lounging. These leggings are thin and super-stretchy. In motion they feel flexible and fluid, ideal for low-impact activities or doing nothing at all. (With that said, I put them through a high-intensity kettlebell workout, and they were cool, comfortable, and not wholly unsupportive.)

The fabric is as soft as it gets. The Spacedye leggings have a luxurious, almost sueded texture; slipping into them feels like a little reward. “Love [the material],” said one tester. “Soft, velvety and stretchy, but substantial enough for light activity.”

They have a subtly heathered finish. As the name implies, these leggings are space-dyed, a technique that gives fabric a distinctive (though not heavy-handed) heathered appearance. One tester mentioned that she appreciated this special touch in a sea of flat, inky blacks.

Even for leggings, they’re quite form-fitting. The Spacedye leggings have a very body-conscious fit—there are no seams on the outer legs, and they’re less structured overall than others that we tested. Two panelists said they fit “perfectly,” but the freewheelin’ feel isn’t for everybody. “They hug and emphasize every lump and bump,” said one tester (5-foot-2, size XS).

Note: Beyond Yoga previously sold the Spacedye leggings in a size XXL (18 to 20); the leggings in that size range are now labeled size 1X instead.

There’s only one inseam option. The Spacedye leggings come in a single, 24-inch Midi length. On my 5-foot-10 frame, they hit right around the top of my ankle—remarkable, considering a 24-inch length typically feels too short. However, if you’re petite, these leggings may actually be too long, though their stretchiness does make them fairly accommodating (in both directions).

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• They have zero pockets.
• The fit is ultra-body-con and will show every curve, especially in lighter colors.
• They come in just one length, 24-inch Midi, which may not be right for everyone.
• One Wirecutter staffer’s pair developed loose threads on the waistband stitching after just a couple of months.

Specs

• Sizes: XXS (0 to 2) to XL (14 to 16), 1X (18 to 20) to 4X (30 to 32)
• Inseam: 24 inches
• Material: 87% polyester, 13% elastane
• Colors: 15

Best for...

Offline by Aerie The Hugger High Waisted Legging

Best reasonably priced leggings for low-impact workouts and lounging

These lightweight leggings are soft and stretchy—they feel nice when you’re on the move, and they’re so comfy that you’ll want to wear them all day. They come in three lengths, and they’re priced to stock up on—just beware that the brushed fabric broadcasts stains and moisture.

Buying Options

$25 from Aerie

For soft, lightweight leggings that don’t cost an arm and a leg, look to the Offline by Aerie The Hugger High Waisted Legging. Like our Beyond Yoga Spacedye pick, these stretchy leggings are notably soft and comfortable for lower-impact activities and lounging—and they’re about half the price (even less when they go on sale, which is often).

They’re amazingly comfy. Similar to our Spacedye pick, the Hugger leggings are more stretchy than structured; they live up to their name. “These do, indeed, feel like a hug,” noted supervising style editor Ingela Ratledge Amundson. “They gently envelop you.”

Testers also praised this pair’s soft, brushed fabric; one described it as feeling like a “broken-in old T-shirt.” Warning: Because of its texture and matte finish, this material will stain easily—sweat, water droplets from washing your hands, and oil and grease will announce themselves loudly.

They’re great for easy workouts. The Hugger leggings moved smoothly through a variety of activities, including mobility exercises, long walks, and stretching. A tester who wore them for yoga confirmed that they didn’t require any mid-session adjustments.

The general lack of structure makes these leggings best suited for lower-impact activities—or even for use as pajamas. (One panelist dubbed them “perfect sick-day pants.”) Still, I was pleasantly surprised by how they performed during a circuit workout. During a variety of activities, from kettlebell swings to lunges, the waistband flipped down only slightly.

They’re a major bargain. With so many expensive leggings out there, it’s refreshing to find a cute, well-made pair for around $55 that feels pretty darn close to premium. True, the Hugger leggings aren’t as refined as their $100 counterparts—and we don’t yet know how they’ll hold up. But considering the price difference, we’re willing to compromise a little.

With three length options, they cater to different heights—and they fit well. We like that the Hugger leggings come in three lengths: Short (24¾ inches), Regular (26¾ inches), and Long (28¾ inches). Most of our testers praised this pair’s fit; the waistband is appropriately high and doesn’t roll or dig. (One 5-foot-6 tester, who tried a size XXL in the 26¾-inch length, thought they were too loose at the ankle and sometimes gave “a camel toe look.”)

There are three small (but useful) waistband pockets. The Hugger leggings have a trio of back-waistband slot pockets, which are around 4 inches wide each. They’re large enough to hold credit cards and other small sundries, or even a small phone. In our experience, however, having bulky items pressed up against your lumbar region isn’t the comfiest feeling. (Note: These leggings also come in a pocketed version, which we haven’t tested.)

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• They don’t feel or look quite as sophisticated as some of our pricier picks.
• A couple of testers found the fabric a tad warm.
• They show sweat and stains readily, particularly in the lighter colors.

Specs

• Size range: XXS (000) to XXL (20)
• Inseams: 24¾ inches, 26¾ inches, 28¾ inches
• Materials: 87% recycled polyester, 13% spandex
• Colors: seven

Best for...

Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight

Best leggings for serious workouts

Breathable, supportive, and fast-drying, these leggings come in four lengths. They have the technical prowess to comfortably see you through the toughest exercise session—and to look good doing it. The medium-weight fabric feels cool and smooth, though the slightly brushed texture is prone to showing smudges and attracting lint.

Buying Options

$98 from Lululemon

Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight with Pockets

Best leggings for serious workouts, with pockets

Breathable, supportive, and fast-drying, these pocketed leggings come in three lengths. They have the technical prowess to comfortably see you through the toughest exercise session—and to look good doing it. The medium-weight fabric feels cool and smooth, though the slightly brushed texture is prone to showing smudges and attracting lint.

Buying Options

$128 from Lululemon

Lululemon is often credited (or blamed) for spearheading the fervor over booty-boosting premium workout leggings. The playing field has gotten far more crowded, but when it comes to a technical, great-looking legging with a spot-on fit, it’s still tough to do better than the Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight and its pocketed version, the Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight with Pockets.

They’re made to move. The Wunder Train leggings are up for anything. I wore them for sweaty indoor-cycling classes during a heat wave, and I appreciated their breathability and ability to dry in a relative snap. (After I got caught in a mix of rain, sleet, and snow during a run, these leggings dried in about 20 minutes.) I regularly don them for runs and strength workouts, and I generally feel free to squat, stretch, and jump to my heart’s content.

Our Girlfriend Collective High-Rise pick is the closest to these leggings on the technical front. Both pairs perform well, but the Wunder Train leggings are stretchier; their slightly brushed fabric feels less smooth and cool to the touch, but these leggings are actually lighter and less warm than the Girlfriend Collective leggings. (The Wunder Train leggings are the ones I’d reach for if I were headed to a group-fitness class where the room is sure to heat up.)

The fabric is technical and supportive. These leggings feel lightweight, but they’re substantial enough to provide medium support; they have an energizing edge to them. The fabric is smooth and soft, with a subtly brushed texture. Because the fabric is quite matte, testers noticed that it tended to attract lint and show smudges and moisture.

This pair delivers both form and function. Simple and flattering, these leggings have no extraneous seams and a wide, flat non-constricting waistband that stays put. The seam placement on the backside does, in fact, give the backside a low-key lift—not entirely transformative, but certainly flattering.

If you’re between sizes in these leggings, you may want to size up. (According to Lululemon’s measurements, I’m a size 8 in the waist and a size 6 in the hips. A pair in size 8, with a 25-inch inseam, fit flawlessly.)

Multiple inseam options allow you to nail the just-right length. The original, unpocketed Wunder Train leggings come in more lengths than any of our other picks: 23 inches, 25 inches, 28 inches, and 31 inches. The pocketed style is available in 23 inches, 25 inches, and 28 inches; note that not all lengths are available in every color. Due to this unusually wide variety, this pair is particularly ideal for shorter or taller people, who are often forced to settle for leggings in a less-than-ideal length.

The pocketed version is pricey but excellent. If you prefer pocketed leggings—and are willing to pay a hefty upcharge—the Wunder Train High-Rise Tight with Pockets pair won’t disappoint. These leggings have two nicely positioned, roomy side-drop pockets; plus, on the back waistband, they have a roughly 4-inch-wide slot pocket that’s big enough to hold a credit card or a key or two.

To accommodate the side pockets, there are two seams that run about a third of the way down the front leg; the seaming doesn’t deter from this pair’s clean lines. The pockets have enough integrity to hold a smaller iPhone securely, without sagging or pulling down the waistband. Also, these leggings are lined with mesh—a nice touch that provides some ventilation and sidesteps potential bulkiness. The mesh dries quickly, though my phone did get a little damp after a 35-minute run in drizzly weather.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• The fabric’s brushed finish attracts lint and smudges.
• The pocketed version is our priciest pick.
• The non-pocketed Wunder Train leggings have an internal slot pocket in the front waistband, with an opening of about 2½ inches; it’s pretty small and can be tricky to access.
• Though these fit most of our testers well, we’ve seen customer reviews online complaining of the waistband rolling or sliding down; this was echoed by a Wirecutter staffer.

Specs

• Size range: 0 to 20
• Inseams: 23 inches, 25 inches, 28 inches, 31 inches (unpocketed version only)
• Material: 77% nylon, 23% Lycra
• Colors: dozens (varies by inseam length and model)

Best for...

Iuga FlexTight High Waist Tummy Control Leggings with Pockets

Best leggings for under $25

Soft, flattering, and well made enough for even high-intensity workouts, these leggings deliver serious bang for the buck—plus, they have well-designed side pockets. But they come in just one length (28 inches), and some testers struggled to find the right size and fit.

Buying Options

$27 from Amazon

An unexpected overachiever, the well-priced Iuga FlexTight High Waist Tummy Control Leggings with Pockets are a comfortable, durable choice. This medium-weight pair performed well during yoga and high-intensity workouts alike. Plus, they fit and feel better than nearly any other budget leggings we tried—as well as many that cost far more.

They fit strikingly well for the price. The FlexTight leggings deliver a flattering, albeit not flawless, fit. They come in just one full-length inseam (around 28 inches; it varies slightly by size). Flat seams down the sides and across the rear lend these leggings a nice shape, while the soft material provides gentle yet supportive compression. Senior editor Catherine Kast raved, saying they are “the best leggings I own.” She added that they feel thicker than her Lululemon Wunder Train pair and “are even more flattering to my shape.”

They weren’t a home run for everyone. One 5-foot-2, size XXL tester complained that the 1-inch elastic strip at the waistband dug in, making her feel “claustrophobic.” Another tester (5-foot-9, size S) found them to be too loose at the ankle.

They’re multi-purpose. The FlexTight leggings performed well during a variety of low-impact yoga poses and higher-intensity efforts. I wear them regularly for outdoor runs, particularly in cooler temperatures. Also, these leggings dry quickly—they never feel uncomfortably damp after a run.

The pockets are deep and secure. The side-drop pockets on the FlexTight leggings are comfortably placed and appropriately deep and secure. When I did jumping jacks and went for a run with my iPhone XS in one of the pockets, it didn’t cause the waistband to slip. (These leggings also have one small slot pocket in the front waistband; it’s large enough to hold a couple of keys or a credit card.)

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Some testers reported fit issues.
• The Iuga size chart is confusing. A size-XS tester noted that the hip measurement, in particular, was too small by a few inches.

Specs

• Size range: XS to 3XL
• Inseam: about 28 inches (varies by size)
• Material: 77% polyester, 23% spandex
• Colors: 20

Best for...

Superfit Hero Superhold Pocket Ankle Leggings

Best leggings for plus and extended sizes

These leggings—available exclusively in sizes L to 7X, and in three different lengths—have well-placed side pockets. They’re made from thick, compressive fabric that feels supportive yet breathable through all sorts of workouts.

Buying Options

$98 from Superfit Hero

Supportive and flattering, the Superfit Hero Superhold Pocket Ankle Leggings are a strong choice for plus-size people. (Superfit Hero transitioned to selling exclusively plus and extended sizes in late 2020.) These medium-weight leggings are thick yet breathable, with a high waist and roomy side-drop pockets.

They come in the highest range of sizes of all the leggings we tested. Available in sizes L (12 to 14) to 7X (40 to 44), the Superhold Pocket leggings cater to an under-serviced cohort. Our size-16-to-18 tester, who tried them in a size 2X, praised the quality feel of the thick fabric, and this tester mostly liked the fit, though the waist was a bit snug. (Of the more than 300 reviews on the company’s website, the majority are five-star ratings.)

They come in three lengths. The Superhold Pocket Ankle Leggings have a 29-inch inseam, which is full-length. But if you’d prefer, these are also available in a 26-inch length and a 20-inch capri version. (Our 5-foot-2, 2X tester liked the capris.)

The fabric is pleasingly compressive. Smooth, dense, and soft, with a decent amount of stretch, these leggings offer a held-in feel that isn’t a squeeze. “I really love these,” said one 5-foot-10 tester, who wore a size L. “They sit right where they’re supposed to on my size 12/14 waist and don’t fall down, even while power walking.”

All exercise feels good in this pair. These leggings strike a nice balance between ready to sweat and ready to recover. They felt great during serious workouts (a 45-minute indoor cycling class, a 3-mile run) and less-intense sessions. The two side drop-pockets are conveniently positioned, and they hold their contents securely; we didn’t experience any pulling at the waistband while in motion.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Although the majority of customer reviews describe these leggings as true to size, a few people thought they fit smaller—or larger—than expected. (In those cases, the company responded to help.)
• The fabric can feel a bit warm.

Specs

• Size range: L to 7X
• Inseam: 29 inches (also available in 26 inches and 20 inches)
• Materials: 88% polyester, 12% spandex
• Colors: six (29-inch length)

Best for...

Vuori AllTheFeels Legging

Best luxe leggings for stylish everyday wear

Available in three lengths and unusually appealing colors, these flattering and delightfully comfy leggings are worth the splurge. The luxe, super-smooth material is lightweight and low-compression, so these leggings are best suited to lower-impact workouts and casual daily wear.

Buying Options

$98 $78 from REI

(deal on green)

$98 from Vuori

$98 from Nordstrom

Remarkably soft and smooth, the Vuori AllTheFeels Legging is a worthwhile everyday luxury; this pair is a real treat. And they come in three lengths and have a streamlined fit and elevated look. Their light compression makes them best suited to relaxed, low-impact activities.

Note: Vuori is adding another version of the AllTheFeels legging to its collection; the new style will feature a slim-flare leg. We will test it and report back with our findings.

They have a satisfying fit. The AllTheFeels leggings have a high waist that doesn’t pinch or slip, and they have a subtle, booty-flattering V-shaped back panel. They’re available in three lengths: Short (22 inches), Regular (24 inches), and Long (27 inches). (Every color may not be available in each length.)

All of our testers thought these leggings fit extremely well. “Couldn’t love these more,” enthused senior style editor Jennifer Hunter, who wore a size M in the 27-inch length.

Our testers found them super-soft, comfy, and lightweight. Smooth and buttery, the AllTheFeels pair’s fabric won raves in our testing. These leggings are markedly thin—on a par with the softness of our Beyond Yoga Spacedye pick, and a little thinner than our Offline by Aerie The Hugger pick. They provide a gentle level of compression that most (but not all) of our testers enjoyed.

“They’re thin enough for me to feel slightly ‘exposed,’” noted senior style writer Zoe Vanderweide, who wore a size M in the 24-inch length. “I want to cover up with a long T-shirt.” Another panelist thought that her (black) test leggings, though not actually see-through, were the least opaque of the leggings she tried. But she also noted that “they felt so nice, it didn’t matter much.”

They scream “quiet luxury.” Even among the other leggings in this pair’s (lofty) price range, these leggings look particularly chic and well made. They come in an elegant range of colors, and the hues are saturated and rich.

This pair is best reserved for low-impact days. The AllTheFeels leggings did fine during a circuit workout—kettle-bell swings included—though they did slip down a bit. But ultimately, because of their fluidity, this pair is best for low-impact exercise, daily wear, and lounging.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• They have only one, credit-card-size small slot pocket, in the side waistband.
• There’s a (noticeable) logo tag on the left thigh, and the internal hip tag can irritate sensitive skin. (One panelist removed as much of the tag as she could without cutting the seam, but she was still bothered by the material that remained.)

Specs

• Size range: XXS (00) to XXL (18 to 20)
• Inseams: 22 inches, 24 inches, 27 inches
• Material: 75% recycled polyamide, 25% elastane
• Colors: four (22-inch length), 10 (24-inch length), four (27-inch length)

If you want multitasking leggings with a soft shine: The Alo 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging has a glowy sheen that some testers loved. These pricey, medium-compression leggings felt great during strength-training workouts and stretching. Their size range—XXS (00 to 0) to XL (16 to 18)—is limited, though, and they also seem to run a little small. Their 7/8 length translates to around 24 inches (it varies slightly by size). A 28-inch inseam is also available in this style, though it goes up only to a size L and comes in a different array of colors.

If you want a bootcut legging with more substance: The Alo Airbrush High-Waist Bootcut Legging has a tame bootcut silhouette and a structured, flattering fit. This pair’s substantial fabric isn’t as soft or smooth as that of our other picks, and it can feel a bit heavy. The size offering—XXS (00 to 0) to XL (16 to 18)—is limited. And the inseam is around 32 inches (it varies slightly by size), which may not be long enough for very tall folks, but it was way too long for our 5-foot-6, size-L tester. If you’re 5-foot-5 or under, Alo recommends going with its 24½-inch inseam High-Waist 7/8 Bootcut Legging.

If you want leggings built for intense workouts: The pocketed Athleta Interval Stash High Rise 7/8 Legging—also available in an equally solid non-pocketed version—is a sturdy and supportive high-compression pair for hard efforts. These leggings are available in three lengths: 23 inches, 25 inches, and 28 inches. (One 6-foot-tall tester, who wore a size M in the 28-inch inseam, dealt with a “fair amount of adjusting” to get the fit right.) I wore these on four-mile runs, and I appreciated their energizing support, sleek look, and quick-drying ways. (They also breezed through my circuit workout test.)

If you want soft leggings for a variety of activities: We nearly made the stretchy, medium-weight Athleta Elation Ultra High Rise Legging a pick. These are available in three lengths (23 inches, 25 inches, and 28 inches); they hit testers of varying heights at a flattering spot on the ankle. These leggings were cool and gently supportive during down time, but they were also right at home during high-movement workouts, lower-impact exercise, and yoga. (Technically, they’re intended for yoga.)

If you want everyday leggings that come in a broad range of sizes: The Universal Standard Next-to-Naked Legging, a former pick, comes in an unusually inclusive size range, 4XS (00 to 0) to 4XL (38 to 40), and two lengths, 27 inches and 21 inches. This sleek, versatile pair provides gentle compression and a smooth, cool feel. These leggings are thinner and less constructed than many other pairs we’ve tried, which was fine for lighter workouts; they actually became our go-to for casual wear. We also tested the pocketed version; the pockets weren’t quite as strong as we’d like.

I’m a supervising editor on the large-appliances beat. I spent my first three years at Wirecutter as a writer covering fitness, testing treadmills, indoor-cycling bikes, and GPS running watches. In a past life, I worked as a full-time certified personal trainer, for just over two years, wearing (you guessed it) a wardrobe of workout leggings. I’m a runner and a lifelong fitness enthusiast, and I have at least 15 pairs of leggings in my rotation.

We’ve been evaluating leggings since 2020. For this guide, I did the following:

• I interviewed several textile and performance-wear experts (to better understand the technical and textile aspects of workout leggings) and an extended-size fit model (to get background on the evolution of size inclusivity in performance wear).
• I researched hundreds of pairs of leggings before settling on styles to run, jump, stretch, cycle, and kick back in.
• I enlisted multiple body-diverse panels of testers to try out our top contenders.

Like all Wirecutter journalists, I review and test products with complete editorial independence. I’m never made aware of any business implications of my editorial recommendations. And in accordance with Wirecutter standards, I return or donate all products I’ve tested once my assessment of them is complete. Read more about our editorial standards.

Since this guide was first published, in 2020, we’ve tested nearly 70 pairs of leggings. For our most recent round of testing, in 2024, I personally evaluated 22 new pairs. (I’m 5-foot-10 and typically wear a women’s size 6 to 8 or M.)

I focused on finding versatile, high-quality leggings for various scenarios: an intense workout, a low-key yoga session, an afternoon full of errands. I did not consider high-performance compression leggings intended for recovery.

I wore each pair of leggings for one to two days minimum. I washed and dried them according to the care instructions. And I completed at least one workout in them—typically either an outdoor run of 3-plus miles or strength training. To compare the leggings in motion, I also wore each pair for the same circuit workout, which included kettlebell swings, overhead dumbbell presses, squats, plank walkouts with knee tucks, and Twisted Warrior (try it!).

After all that, I chose the most promising six pairs to move on for testing by four Wirecutter staffers, ranging in height from 5-foot-6 to 6 feet tall and in women’s sizes from 2 to 16/18. (In 2020, a panel of three staffers—ranging in height from 5-foot-2 to 5-foot-9, and in women’s sizes from 2 to 16/18—did the honors.)

Along the way, we zeroed in on the following criteria:

Fabric: We paid close attention to how the fabric felt to the touch and while being worn. We looked for opacity issues. We looked for material that would retain its integrity and texture over time, regardless of whether it was compressive or stretchy.

Fit: A good pair of workout leggings must fit well. Some of the pairs we tried were more structured, while others leaned on lots of stretch. Details like well-placed seams tend to be flattering. If a pair advertised a high waist, we expected it to reach the belly button or higher. Were the leggings too tight? Did they sag in the crotch or bag at the knees? Could they stay put?

Size range: We considered the range of available sizes, giving bonus points to more-inclusive brands. All of our picks are available in at least up to a size 20, and some of our favorites come in extended sizes. We preferred pairs with different inseam lengths, although it wasn’t a must. (This is helpful for all legging types, but it proved particularly crucial for flared styles.)

Performance: We wanted pairs that felt as good during workouts as they did at rest. Leggings won us over if they dried quickly and moved with (not against) us. Did they feel supportive and energizing or soft and relaxing? Were they breathable and moisture-wicking?

Style and versatility: We took note of how the leggings transitioned between activities and, importantly, how they looked while doing it. We considered whether they paired as well with a running shoe as they did with a street sneaker, and whether they could mix with non-athletic clothing.

This is not a comprehensive list of everything we tested in previous iterations of this guide, just what’s still available. 

The Alo 7/8 High-Waist Airbrush Legging felt soft and thick to the touch but scratchy on the body, and multiple testers had complaints (too tight in the thigh, too hot even when sitting around).

The Athleta Salutation Stash High Rise ⅞ Legging was fine yet inconsistent. Our petite tester (XS petite) liked the fit and length, but another tester (1X) wasn’t able to get them on.

We chose not to test leggings from Fabletics, a subscription-based company, because we just don’t think it’s necessary to receive new leggings on a monthly basis.

The high-compression Fanka Body Sculpt 7/8 Leggings (Reversible Wear) fit very tightly. Though they weren’t wholly uncomfortable during a run and strength exercises, they wore me instead of me wearing them.

The stretchy, seamless, full-length Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings are very specific. They’re like a thick, snug pair of tights with an ultra-high waist, resulting in a saucy silhouette that put a little swagger in the step of a few testers. They felt great while exercising, but they’re not for everyone.

The thick, bright Loony Legs Recycled Floral Leggings “Fireflies” Blue/Yellow with Pockets felt cool to the touch, though not particularly smooth or soft. They have nicely sized side pockets, but I found them a tad droopy in the crotch.

We tried four pairs from Nike. The Pro 365 leggings have mesh vents at the calves and slick, techy fabric with a nice weight to it, but the mid-rise waist didn’t fly with some testers. The Go Women's Firm-Support High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings with Pockets look great and have a super-slick, almost slippery texture. They have six pockets, including a zippered one on the thigh that seemed extraneous. (Ultimately, they felt like a lot.) The wetsuit-like Universal Women's Medium-Support High-Waisted Full-Length Leggings with Pockets looked sleek, but we struggled to get our phones in and out of the side-drop pockets. And the slightly coarse Zenvy Women’s Gentle-Support High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings had a wide, deep back pocket that didn’t hold our phones as securely as we would’ve liked.

The thin fabric of the Offline By Aerie Real Me High Waisted Crossover Legging doesn’t have enough body to hold up the pair’s crossover V-shape waistband, which folded over repeatedly during testing.

Sleek, smooth, and well made, the On Performance Tights have a waistband that hits closer to mid-rise than high-rise. Alas, during a run, my phone bounced around in their large back pocket; also, the pocket’s location makes it trickier to access items while in motion.

We tried the Pact Everyday Legging, a pair made from 92% organic cotton and 8% elastane. (That exact model has been discontinued, but this similar pair is still available.) They felt fine—if a bit rough and stiff—but didn’t move with the same fluidity as our picks, fitting tightly at the waist and ankle and gathering behind the knees.

With their slightly nipped-in waist and snug, held-in feel, the Spanxshape Booty Boost 7/8 Leggings are more like shapewear than workout leggings. But the seam across the midsection seems awkwardly placed, and they weren’t as sleek or invigorating in motion as we’d like.

The Sweaty Betty Power 7/8 Gym Leggings performed great on a 5½-mile run, and we liked the techy fabric, flattering seams, and smooth texture. They have a zippered back pocket for keys or a credit card, but there’s just one drop-in pocket on the left side, which felt a hair unbalanced.

The light, slippery Vuori Evolve Legging performed just fine in testing, though the waistband slipped about an inch. But their pick-worthy sibling, the Vuori AllTheFeels Legging, proved comfier and more versatile.

The Zella Live In High Waist Leggings made it through a lot of activities (indoor cycling, stretching, running errands), and they also have a warm, loungy feel. But our petite tester (size petite XS) found them much to be too tight, and another (size XL) thought they felt cheap and not stretchy enough.

Flared leggings

Smooth and comfortable, the Beyond Yoga Spacedye All Day Flare High Waisted Pant (a wider-leg cousin of our Beyond Yoga pick) has a very high waist and pronounced flare, which makes them feel less versatile. And (somewhat oddly) this pair has small front slash pockets, which bulged if we put anything in them.

The two small back pockets on the Halara HaloTek Air High-waisted  Flare Yoga Leggings with Pockets were an insurmountable dealbreaker. (One tester called them “embarrassing,” while another remarked, “Are these leggings trying to masquerade as slacks?”)

We liked the ultra-smooth fabric of the Lululemon Align Mini-Flare Pant. But the proportions were off, striking an awkward silhouette for most of our testers. This pair was tight in the calf before opening slightly to a “mini-flare” at the hem, so it was caught between a standard legging and a boot-cut legging.

The thin, stretchy fabric of the Offline by Aerie Real Me High Waisted Crossover Flare Legging feels cheap, and it doesn’t have enough heft to keep the waistband up and in its properly crossed-over form.

This article was edited by Ingela Ratledge Amundson and Jennifer Hunter.