The Best Workout Leggings for Women
Leggings have become a staple in a lot of women’s wardrobes. They’re versatile and comfortable enough to wear all day and great for working out in, too. But when you’re working out, you deserve to do so in comfort and style with the best workout leggings out there.
In the end, there’s nothing more uncomfortable than squatting in see-through leggings or realizing they’re not staying up while you’re out for a run. Here’s our selection of the best workout leggings for every different type of activity and its needs, from yoga to running or just lounging at home.
1. Best Overall Workout Leggings: Alo Yoga High-Waist Airlift Leggings
Price: $118
The Alo Yoga High-Waist Airlift Leggings are perfect for every workout or just lounging at home. They’re sleek, smooth, and truly feel like a second skin. The fabric wicks away sweat and is cool to the touch while being fully opaque (it’s double-knitted) and very breathable at the same time. They come in a wide range of colors and feature a silky feel and slight shine that makes them a stylish choice to wear outside of the gym, too. They’re the ideal everyday legging.
2. Best for Running: Nike Dri-Fit Run Division Fast Running Leggings
Price: $75
An essential for running, the Nike Dri-Fit Run Division Fast Running Leggings are made of a soft reflective print that is both stylish and great for exercising outside. They’re made of at least 50% recycled polyester fibers, and the fabric features Nike’s sweat-wicking technology that helps keep you dry by evaporating the sweat faster. A drawstring inside the waistband lets you adjust the fit and ensure they’ll stay in place for the entire run. They also feature several pockets, front and back, and a zippered waistband pocket at the back to fit your cell phone or any small headphones.
3. Best for Yoga and Pilates: Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant
Price: $98 - $118
Available in a variety of colors and prints, the Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant leggings are great if you’re looking for comfort and the best possible fit. They offer a wide size range and three different length options for each of them. They’re buttery soft and very lightweight, perfect for low-impact workouts like yoga, pilates, or barre, and are cut with the fewest possible seams for maximum comfort when doing exercises laying down. The fabric is thin and breathable without being frail, thanks to the added Lycra that helps with stretch and shape retention. They also feature a hidden waistband pocket to store a key or card seamlessly.
4. Best for High-Intensity Workouts: Under Armour Women's HeatGear No-Slip Waistband Full-Length Leggings
Price: $50
The Under Armour Women's HeatGear Leggings are comfortable, breathable, and durable; perfect for any kind of exercise that requires a lot of sweat and movement. They come in a wide range of sizes and lengths to fit all body types and in a variety of colors, from black to bright pink. They’re made of a very smooth fabric that delivers coverage (so no unwanted transparencies) while also elastic enough to not weigh you down. It’s also a fast-drying fabric to wick sweat easily. The waistband is high enough to stay put and create great support, and it features a small side drop-in pocket.
5. Best for Weight-Lifting: Outdoor Voices Core 3/4 Legging
Price: $88
High-performance leggings need to be stretchy, supportive, and squat-proof, and the Outdoor Voices Core 3/4 Legging checks all the boxes. They feature a high-rise waistband that will stay put the entire workout and a lightweight and breathable fabric that stands up to sweat and is thick enough for you to move comfortably without any sheerness in the wrong places. They also include a back pocket for on-the-go storage and come in a wide range of colors and sizes.
6. Best Compression Leggings: Girlfriend Collective Compression High-Rise Leggings
Price: $78
Made from 25 recycled water bottles, the Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Leggings aren’t only compressive but also a more sustainable choice. They’re lightweight but opaque and sturdy and come in a very inclusive size range. The fabric is sweat and squat-proof, as they’re specially designed for high-impact workouts, and there’s no pilling or chafing in the inner thigh area. They also feature a small hidden back pocket for keys and cards, and they are even recyclable with their ReGirlfriend program for when you want to get a new pair!
7. Best SPF Leggings: Uniqlo AIRism UV Protection Pocketed Soft Leggings
Price: $40
High-rise, smooth, and thick enough to wear on their own, the Uniqlo AIRism UV Protection Pocketed Soft Leggings also offer UPF50+. The fabric is stretchy and matte, great for keeping you protected during outdoor activities, like running. Because of their lightweight feeling, they’re also great for casual wear. They feature side pockets to store a small key or card and come in an array of sizes and muted colors.