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Best Cult Favorite
Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant
Best Cult Favorite
Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant
Pros
Moisture-wicking- Multiple inseam options
- Added Lycra® fibre for shape retention
Moisture-wickingCons
- Expensive
ExpensiveIf you haven’t yet sung the praises of Lululemon’s cult-favorite Align leggings, your approach to workout gear is about to change. Expand your closet with this neon pink hue if you already own the classic black pair, but with 21 colors, you’re bound to find a style that suits you.
What people are saying: “I wear these constantly. I have tried numerous brands and these comes out on top, I finally get what all the talk is about…I will be buying more for sure!”
Key Specs
| Size Range | 0-20 |
|---|---|
| Color Options | 21 options |
| Material | Nylon, Lycra elastane |
| Length | 25”, 28”, 31” |
Best Purchase With Power
Spiritual Gangster Love Sculpt Seamless Legging
Best Purchase With Power
Spiritual Gangster Love Sculpt Seamless Legging
Pros
- Reinforced gusset
- New seasonal colors
Cons
- Limited size range
In partnership with Feeding America, this yogi-inspired brand will donate proceeds from each item sold to provide a meal to someone in need. So when you add a pair of these seamless performance leggings to your closet, you’re also giving back. Namaste.
What people are saying: “Super comfy ribbed leggings that feel sturdy and supportive! Obsessed with the color and feel!”
Key Specs
| Size Range | XS/S-XL/2X |
|---|---|
| Color Options | Nutmeg, Gold |
| Material | Nylon, Spandex |
Best Head Turner
Adidas x Stella McCartney Shiny Training Leggings
Best Head Turner
Adidas x Stella McCartney Shiny Training Leggings
Now 50% Off
Pros
- Laser-cut holes along the leg for extra ventilation
- Part of a matching set
Cons
- Only 1 color option
- Runs large
Glam up your workout routine with these shiny, designer collab leggings that one reviewer called out for collecting “lots of compliments” from fellow gym-goers.
What people are saying: “Looks fantastic on…fits perfect and also bought the matching top!”
Key Specs
| Size Range | XXS-XL |
|---|---|
| Color Options | Burgundy |
| Material | Recycled polyester, elastane |
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Best Breathability
CRZ YOGA Naked Feeling Workout Leggings
Best Breathability
CRZ YOGA Naked Feeling Workout Leggings
Pros
- Hidden waistband pocket
- Expansive color selection
Cons
- Limited compression and hold
This Lululemon dupe has a 4.5-star rating and 29,000+ Amazon reviews, so at $26, it’s hard to pass up.
What people are saying: “I found these recommended by a TikToker. She was right! These are the holy grail of leggings! Lightweight, breathable, soft, yet still tight enough for support during activity.”
Key Specs
| Size Range | XXS-2XL |
|---|---|
| Color Options | 45 options |
| Material | Polyamide, Spandex |
Best for Adventurers
Arc’teryx Essent High-Rise Legging
Best for Adventurers
Arc’teryx Essent High-Rise Legging
Composed of abrasion-resistant material, these leggings are specifically made to handle rock climbing, hiking, and the great outdoors.
What people are saying: “Tested these new leggings out on a few laps of the Sea to Summit trail and didn’t have to adjust the waist once. They stayed in place perfectly! So far they’ve crushed all my hikes and are nice and light—excited to bring them traveling as my go to!”
Key Specs
| Size Range | 00-16 |
|---|---|
| Color Options | Black, Forage |
| Material | Nylon, elastane |
Best for Barre
Neiwai Ballet Extra High-Waist Leggings
Best for Barre
Neiwai Ballet Extra High-Waist Leggings
Now 40% Off
Pros
- Crop fit
- Stretchy-soft fabric
Cons
- Not for high impact activities
Online barre classes are always great for those who can’t make it to the gym, and we’re grateful for the leggings that made us feel like we were actually in a ballet studio and not just shuffling around the kitchen table. This dance-inspired collection by Neiwai is nothing short of en pointe.
What people are saying: “I just wore them to my gym and have already received compliments! The color and pattern is so gorgeous and the material is super comfortable.”
Key Specs
| Size Range | XS-L |
|---|---|
| Color Options | Violet Sea, Black, Cocoa |
| Material | Nylon, Spandex |
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Best Squat Proof
Roam Loud Kono Legging
Best Squat Proof
Roam Loud Kono Legging
Credit: Courtesy
Pros
- Side mesh panels for added style and breathability
- 4.5” waistband
Cons
- Limited sizing
- Only 1 color option
Show off all the hard work you put in with this ultra-flattering contrast stitch pair. You can’t not get the matching top, right?
What people are saying: “These pants looked great after washing, and the quality of the fabric feels so soft. I was nervous about the sheer part on the side of the pants, but even that part is made of really durable material. The color is very bright, a perfect color for outdoor biking!”
Key Specs
| Size Range | S-XL |
|---|---|
| Color Options | Coral/Neon |
| Material | Spandex, nylon |
Best Plus Size
Nike Luxe Mid-Rise 7/8 Plus Size Leggings
Best Plus Size
Nike Luxe Mid-Rise 7/8 Plus Size Leggings
Now 31% Off
Pros
- Squat proof
- Dri-FIT Nike technology
- V-shaped back for support
Cons
- Limited color options
When it comes to intensive HIIT training, Nike leggings are up to the challenge. The brand’s staples are basically made for burpees. Nike is also great for looking like you just worked out, even if you just had to Google what a burpee is.
What people are saying: “Awesome plus size workout pants. I am 5’10” and the length of the pants lays correctly on the ankles. The fabric is smooth and you can’t see through them. These pants are even great to wear on the weekends.”
Key Specs
| Size Range | 1X-3X |
|---|---|
| Color Options | Black, Archaeo Pink, Jade Smoke |
| Material | Polyester, Spandex |
Best Petite
Tek Gear Ultrastretch High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings
Best Petite
Tek Gear Ultrastretch High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings
Now 43% Off
Pros
- Affordable
- Fun pattern choices
Cons
- May be too short for tall or standard inseam lengths
- Sells out quickly
If you’re under 5’6”, you probably know the pain of pulling on a pair of pants only to find they’re reaching well past your stature. Look to this pair of super stretch leggings that range from XS to 2XL in a petite inseam length.
What people are saying: “Love these pants! I am a short petite med, and the 7/8 style fit me perfectly. The length is a regular length on me.”
Key Specs
| Size Range | XSP-2XLP |
|---|---|
| Color Options | 10 options |
| Material | Polyester, Spandex |
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Best Cut Out
Aerie Real Me Crossover Cut-Out Legging
Best Cut Out
Aerie Real Me Crossover Cut-Out Legging
Now 31% Off
Pros
- Ultra lightweight support
- Short and long inseam lengths
- Stylish, ribbed cutout waistband
Cons
- Some reviewers claim this runs large
We’ve raved about Aerie’s workout leggings before, and they still hold up to the hype (seriously—two years later and my personal pair is still one of my faves). They also don’t skimp on style, like this ribbed cutout pair of leggings that double as a cute brunch look.
What people are saying: “Flatters my waist and looks great with crop tops. Love the material and easy fit.”
Key Specs
| Size Range | XXS-2XL |
|---|---|
| Color Options | 73 |
| Material | Nylon, elastane |
| Length | Short, Standard, Long |
Best Stirrup
Splits59 River High Waist Airweight Stirrup
Best Stirrup
Splits59 River High Waist Airweight Stirrup
Pros
- Second skin comfort
- Stirrup prevents material from bunching at your ankles
Cons
- Pricey
- Not as suitable for high-impact activity
Keep your leggings from gathering at your ankles and around your knees with this streamlined stirrup pair from Splits59.
What people are saying: “Absolutely loved these! Comfortable, slimming and stylish with the stirrup! I have some swelling in my ankles and the stirrup covers it up perfectly. So happy! Recommend!”
Key Specs
| Size Range | XS-XL |
|---|---|
| Color Options | Black, Heather Grey |
| Material | Nylon, Spandex |
Best Flare
prAna Bohemia Hill Flare Crop
Best Flare
prAna Bohemia Hill Flare Crop
These aren’t your everyday crop flare leggings—they’re actually hemp-infused, so you’re getting an earthier fabric that’s anti-bacterial and boasts near-magical stretch recovery.
What people are saying: “I love this fabric and these patterns, and I’m so glad prAna brought them back!”
Key Specs
| Size Range | XS-XL |
|---|---|
| Color Options | Pink Sand Mosaic, Dark Iron, Dark Iron Mosaic |
| Material | Organic cotton, hemp, elastane |
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Best Seamless
Gym Shark Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings
Best Seamless
Gym Shark Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings
Now 40% Off
Pros
- Figure-contouring shading
- Breathable marl mesh dots for keeping cool
- Made with a sustainable dyeing process
Cons
- Some reviewers complained these weren’t squat proof
Gym Shark’s leggings are made for more intense workouts, thanks to their seamless material that won’t rub your skin the wrong way. You’ll feel supported (yet weightless) with every side lunge and sumo squat.
What people are saying: “Favorite leggings…great compression, length, nice fabric, and love the seamless look.”
Key Specs
| Size Range | XS-2XL |
|---|---|
| Color Options | 16 options |
| Material | Nylon, elastane |
Best Compression
Beyond Yoga Spacedye At Your Leisure High-Waisted Midi Legging
Best Compression
Beyond Yoga Spacedye At Your Leisure High-Waisted Midi Legging
Credit: Courtesy
Pros
- 5” overlapping waistband
- No outer seams
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Some reviewers felt these were too tight
Beyond Yoga makes the absolute greatest leggings for those times you need support without restriction, like for a yoga class or light hike. It doesn’t hurt that their colorful matching sets will reel in the compliments as soon as you walk out the door.
What people are saying: “I’ve been searching for the perfect legging and these are it! I love the waistband, I feel so supported and tucked in without too much compression, and they are so so flattering. The material is high quality, soft and breathable. I’m obsessed!”
Key Specs
| Size Range | XS-XL |
|---|---|
| Color Options | 7 options |
| Material | Polyester, elastane |
Best On TikTok
Seasum High Waist Booty Leggings
Best On TikTok
Seasum High Waist Booty Leggings
Credit: Courtesy
These leggings need no introduction, but if you’re living under a TikTok-less rock, know that these are the leggings for anyone looking to enhance their, ahem, assets.
What people are saying: “Y’all… TikTok made me buy these. You know how leggings just kinda go across your butt? They can look fine, form-fitting, cool, whatever….but THESE totally emphasize EACH INDIVIDUAL CHEEEEEK, making the bum look ON POINT. Just get them.”
Key Specs
| Size Range | XS-4XL |
|---|---|
| Color Options | 93 options |
| Material | Polyester, spandex |
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Most Comfortable
Zella Live In High Waist Leggings
Most Comfortable
Zella Live In High Waist Leggings
Pros
- No-slip waistband
- Hidden pocket for convenience
- Brushed, buttery soft fabric
Cons
- Less durable material than higher-end brands
Nordstrom shoppers are obsessed with Zella’s aptly named Live In leggings. With 4.5 stars from more than 7.3k reviews, rest assured that this perfect pair is one you’ll never want to take off.
What people are saying: “So soft and tight. They keep everything (mommy bulge) nice and smooth because of the high waist. The name says it all—you can totally live in them!”
Key Specs
| Size Range | XXS-2XL |
|---|---|
| Color Options | Green Sherbet, Blue Thistle, Burgundy Port, Grey Forged, Black |
| Material | Polyester, Spandex |
Best Shaping
TLF Sculpt Seamless Scrunch Butt Leggings
Best Shaping
TLF Sculpt Seamless Scrunch Butt Leggings
Pros
- Anti-microbial technology
- Booty shaping ruching and contour stitching
- Anti-camel toe (no front seams)
Cons
- Not as opaque as some wearers had hoped
Another TikTok-worthy brand, users can’t stop buzzing about TLF. This particular style features contour lines that are created to lift and visually accentuate your derrière.
What people are saying: “These leggings are smooth, stretchy, and so soft! They are camel toe-free, and the butt scrunch is very flattering!! I love them!”
Key Specs
| Size Range | XS-XL |
|---|---|
| Color Options | Orange, Storm, Blue, Black |
| Material | Polyamide, elastane |
Best Stretch
Melt Fit Essential Solid Leggings
Best Stretch
Melt Fit Essential Solid Leggings
Credit: Courtesy
Pros
- Medium strength compression
- Comes in plus sizes
Cons
- 30” inseam may run long on petite figures
Two words: Oprah’s favorite. Melt Fit leggings were on Oprah’s coveted Favorite Things list in 2021, so you can trust that these neutral, mid-compression leggings will suit any lifestyle.
What people are saying: “I’ve always loved Oprah’s Favorite Things list and I needed some leggings, so of course I had to try these Melt Fit ones. OMG!!! So glad I did! They are so comfortable yet so pretty you can wear them for different occasions!”
Key Specs
| Size Range | S-3X |
|---|---|
| Color Options | Burgundy, Black, Navy, Grey, Hunter |
| Material | Polyester, Spandex |
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Best With Pockets
Girlfriend Collective Compressive Pocket Legging
Best With Pockets
Girlfriend Collective Compressive Pocket Legging
Pros
- Featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things list 2022
- Inclusive size range
- Recycled and recyclable through ReGirlfriend
Cons
- Some reviews suggest sizing up
Consider this brand the Glossier of fitness gear: clean, simple, and Instagram-friendly. They’re also sustainable and size-inclusive, with this pair of leggings ranging from XXS to 6X.
What people are saying: “Was excited to try the pocket leggings and was not disappointed! First of all, great quality. LOVE the plum color, it’s the perfect shade. And the thickness is just right—I almost prefer them to the regular compressive leggings!”
Key Specs
| Size Range | XXS-6XL |
|---|---|
| Color Options | Plum, Midnight, Black, Moss, Earth |
| Material | Recycled materials, Spandex |
| Length | 23¾”, 28.5” |
Justine Carreon is the market editor at ELLE.com covering fashion, Dutch ovens, and fashion again. When she isn’t approaching style through a modern, accessible lens, she’s scouring eBay for vintage Levi’s and pretending she knows how to surf. Before joining ELLE.com in 2015 she worked as a freelance writer and stylist in New York City.
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