THE LEGGINGS GUIDE

THE LEGGINGS GUIDE

Finally find the leggings you’ve been looking for.

For more information, please visit UNIMETONE.

Finally find the leggings you’ve been looking for.

THE BESTSELLERS

Loved by the Gymshark community, and soon to be loved by you (obviously). These are our PBs to help you reach yours.

DO IT ALL

DO IT ALL

Get you leggings that can do…everything. Vital’s stay-put waistband, sweat-wicking tech and seamless design keeps you cool, comfy & confident.

Get you leggings that can do…everything. Vital’s stay-put waistband, sweat-wicking tech and comfy seamless design is gonna tick all your boxes.

HOW ARE YOU TRAINING?

Whether you’re after a squat-proof design for lifting, running leggings with pockets, or some super soft yoga leggings, take a look through our leggings guide and find your perfect match.

BUTT SCRUNCH LEGGINGS

IYKYK. Meet our leggings that lift, sculpt and contour to make your glutes pop.

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Whether you’re looking for comfy seamless leggings, high-waisted waistbands that actually stay in place, or just some leggings with pockets (pls), here are alllll the features that are gonna work for you.

THE PERFECT FIT

We know this isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ situation. That’s why we have bottoms that fit every leg length. See for yourself.

As a longtime health and fitness journalist, I’m not exaggerating when I say finding the best leggings has lead to me testing at least 50 pairs over the past decade, from black leggings designed for running to winter leggings that’ve kept me warm during the chilliest hikes, and some budget-friendly Amazon pairs that rival even the most expensive options on the market.

During my tireless quest to find the just-right pairs—ones with the perfect level of compression and comfy fabric that won’t slip, sag, or pill, I’ve locked in a few personal favorites (I wear the Vuori leggings on this list every day–they’re my top pick for versatility). I also polled Glamour editors and fellow fitness pros to share their own reviews. To narrow down the list, I took various factors into account, including whether or not the leggings rolled down at any point, how sweat-wicking they were, and how well they stood up to at least five washes. Ahead, the best leggings for the gym, yoga, cardio, wearing as legit pants, and everything in between.

The best leggings for women, at a glance

• Best Overall Leggings: Lululemon High Rise Align, 28 in, $98
• Best Leggings for Everyday Wear: Vuori AllTheFeels Leggings, $98
• Best Leggings to Wear as Pants: Natural Feelings Buttercloud High Waisted Leggings, $15
• Best Leggings With Pockets: Old Navy High-Waist Side-Pocket 7/8 Leggings, $15
• Best Workout Leggings: Athleta Elation, $99
• Best Leggings on Amazon: Colorfulkoala Buttery-Soft High-Waist Yoga Pants, $22
• Best Fleece-Lined Leggings: CRZ Yoga Fleece Leggings, $32

What we looked for

Here’s what we considered during testing:

• Slip and Squat Test: All leggings passed the slip test, meaning they didn’t slip, slide, or roll down during workouts. They were also “squat-proof,” meaning the fabric didn’t become transparent while squatting.
• Sizing: We noted brands that take size inclusivity into account, including the range of waist sizes along with inseam availability.
• Material: We considered which materials would be best suited for different fitness activities: Natural fabrics (usually cotton) tend to be more sustainable and breathable, while synthetic fabrics (such as nylon and polyester) are better for moisture wicking. As for synthetic fabrics, we sought out those made with recycled materials. We looked for leggings made of these high-quality fabrics, with appropriate thickness, moisture-wicking qualities, breathability, softness, and balanced compression. We also gave bonus points for eco-conscious materials.
• Pilling and Fading: We monitored how well the leggings stood up to a minimum of five wears and washes, noting pilling and fabric degradation.
• Fit and Design: We sought out leggings that were well-designed, fit comfortably on the body, weren’t too tight across the waist, and included innovative features (e.g., pockets or strategic mesh panels).

How we tested these leggings

Glamour is continuously monitoring the best products on the market on behalf of our readers, and that research extends to the best leggings for women. This year we’ve kept tabs on the most talked-about and trending leggings and the latest releases from the brands our editors stand by.

Our contributor Kristine Thomason is fitness editor and writer with more than a decade of experience who has tested over 50 pairs in her career. To narrow down the best leggings for women on this list, she considered brands and styles that suited various fitness and lifestyle needs. She also surveyed Glamour editors and testers to have a wide range of picks based on various preferences. Our other contributor, Jenny McCoy, is a fitness writer and certified personal trainer who basically lives in leggings and has lots of firsthand experience on what makes a great pair.

To determine which leggings were truly the best in each category, our testers wore each pair a minimum of five times during various types of activity (running, hiking, lounging, running errands, and more). Each pair on this list excelled in every category of criteria (fit, e.g., if they managed not to roll down, slip, or sag; sizing; material; and durability).

• Best Overall Leggings: Lululemon High Rise Align, 28 inches

  • Original image by Glamour commerce writer Jenny McCoy
  • Courtesy of brand
  1/14

  Lululemon Align High-Rise Pants 28"

  $98

  Lululemon

  Best for: Everyday wear, walks, low-intensity workouts, tummy control

  “I wear this pair of leggings more than any other pants in my closet because they’re that amazing. Even after running them through the washer and dryer 50-plus times, the super-soft fabric still feels heavenly against my skin and the thick waistband strikes that elusive balance of comfortable yet supportive. They’re also impressively durable: I donned them throughout my pregnancy and am still wearing them nine months postpartum. Although my belly has changed a lot during that time, these full-length leggings somehow still fit like a glove–the fabric was generously stretchy when I needed it to be but retained its elasticity. I love these so much I ordered a second pair so I have a backup on laundry day. They’re my trusted companions for work-from-home life, running errands, and gentle workouts like yoga, stretching, walking, and hiking," says certified personal trainer and Glamour fitness writer Jenny McCoy.

  The rest of our editors almost universally agree that these are the most versatile on the list, but one note is that it pays to wear a solid pair of sweat-wicking underwear for working out, because these take awhile to dry after a run.

  • Pros: Super-soft and lightweight fabric; high-quality and durable
  • Cons: Pricey; while sweat-wicking, they don’t dry quickly
  • Sizes: 0–20
  • Fabrics: Nylon, Lycra elastane
  • Slip test: Passed
  • Pilling: Minimal after more than a year of avid wear

• Best for Low-Intensity Workouts: Alo High-Waist Airbrush Leggings

  • Original image by Glamour tester Kristine Thomason
  • Courtesy of brand
  2/14

  Alo High-Waist Airbrush 7/8 Leggings

  $98 $78

  Alo

  Best for: Working out at the gym, yoga, casual wear

  “The Alo High-Waist Airbrush leggings have garnered a bit of a cult following, and I have to admit, I’m proudly part of that group. The high waistband feels like a comforting hug around your middle, with just enough compression to feel supported but not stifled. The fabrication is also lovely, with a cotton-soft feel. They’re best-suited for low-intensity exercise, as the waistband does sometimes roll slightly during more high-intensity workouts. Nevertheless, I love having these Alo leggings in my rotation. I automatically feel effortlessly chic when I throw them on, and I feel just as comfortable wearing them to a Pilates class as I do pairing them with a sweatshirt for the plane,” says Glamour contributor Kristine Thomason.

  • Pros: Compression; smoothing; sculpting
  • Cons: Limited sizes
  • Sizes: XXS–XL
  • Fabric: Nylon, elastane
  • Slip test: Passed, but not during high-intensity workouts
  • Pilling: Minimal over time

• Best Flared Leggings: Girlfriend Collective Compressive Flare Leggings

  • Original image by Glamour tester Kristine Thomason
  • Courtesy of brand
  3/14

  Girlfriend Collective Compressive Flare Leggings

  $88 $53

  Girlfriend Collective

  Best for: Travel, yoga, casual wear

  “There’s so much to love about Girlfriend Collective: They’re size inclusive, their brand’s ethos is rooted in sustainability, and they use eco-conscious materials in all of their products. While I adore so many of their activewear pieces, this pair of flared leggings is a standout in my closet. They look gorgeous whether I’m running errands or heading to a yoga class—especially when worn with the matching top—and the wide leg is subtle, so it doesn’t get in the way of your activity. The fabric itself (made from recycled plastic bottles) is moisture-wicking, super sturdy, and squat-proof. Plus, the waistband stays in place—no slipping or rolling—and the high-quality material still looks brand new, even after 20 wears and washes,” says Thomason.

  • Pros: Size-inclusive; recycled material; moisture-wicking
  • Cons: Not suited for high-intensity workouts
  • Sizes: XXS–6XL
  • Fabric: Recycled plastic bottles (RPET), spandex
  • Slip test: Can shift slightly during workouts; best for low-intensity
  • Pilling: None

• Best Amazon Leggings: Colorfulkoala Buttery-Soft High-Waist Yoga Pants

  • Original image by Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz
  • Original image by Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz
  • Courtesy of brand
  4/14

  Colorfulkoala Buttery-Soft High-Waist Yoga Pants

  $22

  Amazon

  Best for: Lounging, low-intensity workouts

  This top-rated pair of leggings (it has more than 11,000 five-star reviews referring to them as great Lululemon dupes) lives up to its “buttery-soft” name, according to Glamour’s commerce director, Brie Schwartz. “They feel dreamy on (so much so that they’re the first thing I reach for when I get home from work), sit comfortably at the mid-waist without digging and they’re almost slick to the touch. However, they do slip—you might want to size down—so I don’t recommend these for running (unless you like tugging every few feet). If you’re just looking to wear them for athleisure activities, lounging or a day at the gym when you’re focused on upper body, though, I give them a 10 out of 10. They’re also perfect for layering under jeans or sweats in winter if you’re looking to stay warm."

  Are you interested in learning more about Women's seamless workout leggings? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

  • Pros: Reasonable price; soft; no pilling
  • Cons: Slight sagging
  • Sizes: XS–XL
  • Fabrics: Nylon, spandex
  • Slip test: Slick material can sag
  • Pilling: None

• Best for Yoga: Lululemon Groove Nulu Super-High-Rise Flared Pants

  • Original image by Glamour reviewer Kassidy Davidson wearing Lululemon Groove Nulu Super-High-Rise Flared Pant
  • Courtesy of brand
  5/14

  Lululemon Groove Nulu Super-High-Rise Flared Pants

  $118

  Lululemon

  Best for: Yoga, everyday wear

  Glamour commerce producer and yoga instructor Kassidy Davidson is a fan of these high-rise leggings that she says are perfect for the hot yoga sculpt classes she teaches. “I’ve worn them five times a month for two years (and washed and hang-dried them each time after), and they still look good. They’re also the softest pair I’ve ever owned. The super-high waist allows me to teach comfortably without having to worry about them slipping down while I’m in downward dog,” she says. “And the moisture-wicking material has kept me mostly dry while I’m teaching and disguises sweat stains.” Glamour’s Schwartz adds that she’s had a pair for 10 years and they haven’t pilled after countless washes. She does note, though, that while they do sweat-wick better than any other leggings she’s owned, they’re not great at trapping odor.

  • Pros: Moisture-wicking; pockets; durable
  • Cons: Might be too thin
  • Sizes: 0–20
  • Fabrics: Nylon, Lycra
  • Slip test: Passed
  • Pilling: None

• Best Leggings for Pilates: FP Movement Good Karma Leggings

  • Original image by Glamour tester Kristine Thomason
  • Courtesy of brand
  6/14

  FP Movement Good Karma Leggings

  $78

  Free People

  Best for: Yoga, Pilates

  “Every time I throw on these leggings I feel confident, strong, and ready to take on any challenge. Why? They have a unique wide ribbed waistline that gives them a custom-feeling fit and reliably stays put, even during inversions and advanced yoga or Pilates postures. The material is thick but breathable, with perforated detailing on the back of the leg for a little extra airflow. I’m also impressed by their longevity—I’ve owned my pair of Good Karma Leggings for nearly five years, and they still look brand-new (no pilling in sight). Plus, this style of yoga pants comes in the most gorgeous earthy colors, winning them major style points.” says Thomason.

  • Pros: Breathable; high waist
  • Cons: Limited sizes
  • Sizes: XS–XL
  • Fabrics: Spandex, nylon
  • Slip test: Passed
  • Pilling: None

• Best Leggings with Pockets: Old Navy High-Waist Side-Pocket 7/8 Leggings

  • Original image by Glamour tester Kristine Thomason
  • Courtesy of brand
  7/14

  Old Navy High-Waist Side-Pocket 7/8 Leggings

  $20

  Old Navy

  Best for: Casual wear, strength training

  Like a lot of workout clothes, quality leggings aren’t exactly kind to your credit card. However, this pair of pocket leggings from Old Navy costs just shy of $20 and features a style comparable to other products on this list. “I like them because they are reasonably priced for the quality,” says Glamour tester Rachel D’Amato. “They are lighter weight than a lot of leggings out there, but not sheer. The pocket is deep enough to fit a , and they fit like shapewear to keep you snatched.” Plus, these bestsellers have a nearly perfect five-star rating (among 2,000-plus reviews on the brand’s site). “While these are technically labeled as high-rise, they fit more mid than most leggings on the market, which I prefer,” says Glamour’s Schwartz. “I’ve had my pair for at least five years, and while the waistband has gotten looser over time and they’ve begun to sag in the tush, they’ve withstood countless washes without pilling. The one demerit is they take awhile to dry after workouts and aren’t as sweat-wicking as, say, the Lululemons on this list.”

  • Pros: Affordable price; useful pockets; snug fit
  • Cons: Sizing inconsistency
  • Sizes: XS–4XL
  • Fabrics: Cotton, spandex
  • Slip test: Looser waistband may slip during higher-intensity workouts.
  • Pilling: Moderate, over time

• Best Leggings to Wear as Pants: Natural Feelings Buttercloud High-Waist Leggings

  • Original image by Glamour contributor Alanna Martine Kilkeary
  • Courtesy of brand
  8/14

  Natural Feelings Buttercloud High-Waist Leggings

  $14

  Amazon

  Best for: Errands, wearing to work

  Glamour’s Alanna Martine Kilkeary is obsessed with these high-waist leggings and has them in three colors as proof. “They’re super stretchy, very soft to the touch, and the waistband is not tight at all. Instead, they’re comfortable but still fit snug around the hips for a toned look,” she says. Kilkeary also loves this pair because of their versatility. “I wear them when I’m doing yoga at home, but I’ve also worn them to work with a longer sweater. They look good with basically anything, especially a cute puffer vest.” Kilkeary does note that while these are comfortable leggings, they aren’t great with keeping sweat at bay. “I’d recommend going for a different pair if you’re really gonna sweat it out. These will hide any sweat stains, but they stay wet, which is no fun.”

  • Pros: Come in sizes up to 3X; available in packs
  • Cons: Kilkeary says one of her pairs did form a hole at the top waistband.
  • Sizes: S/M–3X
  • Fabrics: Polyester, spandex
  • Slip test: Passed
  • Pilling: None

• Best High-Waist Leggings: Leggings Depot High-Waist Flared Leggings

  • Original image by Glamour contributor Alanna Martine Kilkeary
  • Courtesy of brand
  9/14

  Leggings Depot High-Waist Flared Leggings

  $16

  Amazon

  Best for: Errands, lounging

  “I picked up these leggings during the pandemic when I discovered my athleisure aesthetic. For real—before , I used to wear jeans around the house,” says Kilkeary. She likes the baggier bottom and figure-hugging waist. “I love the way they look paired with platform sneakers or chunky Ugg boots,” she says. She can also attest to the fact that they’re very soft (perhaps the best part); they literally feel like pajama pants.

  • Pros: Easy accessibility because the material is stretchy
  • Cons: Kilkeary says that if you’re on the shorter side, you may not be able to wear them with flat shoes.
  • Sizes: S–XL
  • Fabrics: Polyester, spandex
  • Slip test: Passed
  • Pilling: None

• Best Leggings for Everyday Wear: Vuori AllTheFeels Legging

  • Original image by Glamour commerce writer Jenny McCoy
  • Courtesy of brand
  10/14

  Vuori AllTheFeels Legging

  $98

  Vuori

  Best for: Everyday wear, walks, low-impact workouts

  “I received these as a Christmas gift last year and they’ve quickly become a staple in my daily wardrobe. The fabric has a subtle velvety-soft feel that makes them easy to wear all day long, and the waistband is super supportive without being overly constricting, allowing me to comfortably perform a variety of movements in them—from jogging up the stairs to bending over to pick up my daughter to strolling around the neighborhood. They’re also really flattering, accentuating my booty and aiding in tummy control on days I feel bloated. The only thing I don’t love is the white square brand logo that sits prominently—it makes it hard to pull off wearing these leggings as pants (which I would otherwise love to do!).” —JM

  • Pros: Insanely comfortable; durable
  • Cons: Prominent brand logo; pricey
  • Sizes: XXS–XXL
  • Fabrics: Recycled polyamide, elastane
  • Slip test: Passed
  • Pilling: None

• Best Leggings for Working Out: Athleta Elation

  • Original image by Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle
  • Courtesy of brand
  11/14

  Athleta Elation High-Rise Tights

  $89

  Athleta

  Best for: Pilates, hot workouts, treadmill running, stair exercises, and strength training

  These workout leggings are a favorite of Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle, who wears them multiple times a week. “This set is constantly getting washed because I use it so much during the week. I wear it to the gym for strength training, to my Pilates reformer classes, and on days when I don’t want to wear real clothes. I took a NYC Fuze hot workout class and it surprisingly didn’t slip, so I recommend it for hot yoga or hot Pilates classes. I’m a five two and wear a size medium. The length is petite-friendly because it doesn’t bunch up at the bottom.”

  • Pros: Doesn’t dig into skin; no slipping down; silky soft
  • Cons: Not super thick so might be prone to rips in the future
  • Sizes: XXS–XL
  • Fabrics: Nylon, Lycra
  • Slip test: Passed
  • Pilling: Passed

• Most Comfortable Leggings: Fabletics Oasis PureLuxe High-Waisted Legging

  • Original image by Glamour commerce writer Megan Starmer
  • Courtesy of brand
  12/14

  Fabletics Oasis PureLuxe High-Waisted Legging

  $85

  Fabletics

  Best for: Everyday wear, weight training/gym workouts, walking

  Colorado-based tester Megan Starmer loves these ultra-comfy leggings for a lot of reasons. “The fabric is buttery soft but lightweight enough that you’re not dying from heat,” she says. The thick, high waistband is another plus: “They’re not digging into you but they’re very supportive.” And the external pockets come in clutch too. “I love that there’s a pocket for carrying around your or key at the gym (also great for travel if you need quick access to cards or IDs),” Starmer says. To boot, these come in a wide range of inclusive sizes, making them a smart option for the plus-size shopper.

  • Pros: Buttery-soft fabric, inclusive sizing
  • Cons: Limited color options
  • Sizes: XXS–4X
  • Fabrics: Polyester, spandex
  • Slip test: Passed
  • Pilling: None

• Best Fleece-Lined Leggings: CRZ Yoga Thermal Fleece-Lined Leggings

  • Courtesy of brand
  • Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
  13/14

  CRZ YOGA Thermal Fleece Lined Leggings

  $30

  Amazon

  Best for: Winter workouts, layering

  “I run extra cold," says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary, who has tried over a dozen fleece-lined leggings to find this Goldilocks pair. “I’ve worn these leggings under my ski suit without any stretches or tears, on weekends running errands, and even on my work-from-home days when I want to be extra comfy,” she says. “I’ve probably put them in the wash about 25 times since I got them a few months ago and there hasn’t been a pill in sight. They don’t slip down in the slightest and hug my waist really comfortably. I’ve worn these in 20-degree New York City weather and in nearly 10-degree weather while atop a green—they’ve kept me warm every single time!”

  • Pros: Versatile; cozy; good value for money
  • Cons: Some sizing inconsistencies
  • Sizes: XXS–XL
  • Fabrics: Polyamide, spandex
  • Slip test: Passed
  • Pilling: None

• Best Faux-Leather Leggings: Spanxshape™ Faux Leather Leggings

  Courtesy of brand14/14

  SPANXshape™ Faux Leather Leggings

  $98 $49

  Spanx

  Best for: Wearing as pants, running errands (not for working out)

  For this trendy category, we went straight to the OG. If you’re looking for something a little more elevated that can actually pass as pants (you could even get away with wearing them to work, depending on your office environment), then these moto-esque Spanx leggings are it. “I’ve had mine for at least five years and they look as good as they did the day they were born,” says Schwartz. “They’re tummy controlling, look cool with boots, and pull together an outfit more than your average pair thanks to the slick finishing, though a word to the wise: They’re not suitable for winter since you really feel the air in them and they’re cold to the touch; however, if you run hot, you’ll love them. Because they’re also ultra tight, they’re tough to pull on, but once you’re wearing them, they’re actually really comfortable and easy to move in.” They don't exactly come cheap though, so peep these Spanx promo codes to save when you're ready to pick up a pair.

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  • Pros: Trendy, moto-style look; tummy control
  • Cons: The air goes right through them
  • Sizes: XXS–3XL
  • Fabrics: Faux-fur leather
  • Slip test: Passed
  • Pilling: None