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The best leggings have become a wardrobe staple for many, offering comfort, versatility, and style for various occasions. From workout leggings that keep you supported during intense exercise to fleece-lined leggings that provide warmth on chilly days, there’s a perfect pair for every need. But with so many options available, from flared leggings to maternity leggings, compression leggings, and faux leather leggings, finding the right pair can be overwhelming.

To help you navigate the best leggings, we’ve put dozens of popular styles to the test over the past few years. Our comprehensive evaluation included assessing factors such as comfort, durability, fit, and performance across different activities. We examined how well butt-lifting leggings enhanced curves, how thermal leggings held up in cold weather, and whether seamless leggings truly eliminated visible panty lines.

We paid special attention to plus-size leggings to ensure inclusivity in our recommendations. Additionally, we looked for picks with practical functions, like leggings with pockets, which can be a game-changer for those who need to carry essentials during workouts or everyday wear.

“The Queen Bee of leggings, of course, makes the list, and they are for sure the best basic black leggings around. I had always wanted to try lululemon leggings, but something always stopped me from shelling out the cash for a pair. Now that I’ve tried them, I know I can never go back.

I got the Align Pant leggings in a great basic black. The 25-inch length was perfect on me and didn’t bunch up at the ankles or fold over at the top. Slipping them on was actually like slipping, as I didn’t have to tug or yank them up over my hips. The silky-smooth fabric glides over your body, even on curvy girls like myself. I ordered a size 12, and they fit like a glove with just a drop of room to grow (or eat), so I could have also sized down to a 10 and felt alright. The waistband is very forgiving while also holding you in, which is another point for an everyday-wear kind of legging.

The squat test on these was a bit less important to me, as I was planning to lounge in my pair all day after this. However, while doing a few squats, I did notice my underwear trying to peek out, so I would plan to wear darker colors or a thong-style pair if these are your new gym leggings. It wasn’t too noticeable though, just not a perfect passing score. They do get an A+ for not rolling down on my tummy when sitting down, which for me is a gold star and then some. The waistband won’t slip — not for sitting, jumping, bending, nothing.”

Reviewed by Sophie Cannon, Manager of Commerce Strategy & Development

Size range: 0-20 | Material: 81% Nylon, 19% Lycra elastane

The CRZ YOGA Women’s Butterluxe Workout Capri Leggings with Pockets offer a luxurious blend of comfort and functionality. These leggings are crafted from an extremely soft, buttery fabric that provides a weightless feel against the skin. The material features ultra-stretch properties with very gentle compression, ensuring a comfortable fit that moves with you during any activity. The high-rise design includes a seamless waistband for tummy control without digging into your skin, offering both support and a flattering silhouette.

“I have several of these Kyle Richards-approved leggings from Amazon, and I just love the quality for the price point,” raved Meaghan Roche, Sr. commerce SEO manager. “The butterluxe material is ultra soft and holds its shape while holding you in. I love the size, color, and length range of this brand’s leggings and have yet to be disappointed with the many pairs I own. Bonus: most of them also have pockets.”

Reviewed by Meaghan Roche, Sr. Commerce SEO Manager

Size range: XXS-XL | Material: 81% Polyamide, 19% Lycra

The Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II 7/8 Tight is the ultimate choice for those who prioritize functionality without compromising on comfort. Made with Athleta’s customer-obsessed Powervita fabric, these leggings offer a silky soft feel with gentle compression that hugs your body in all the right places. 

The high-rise waistband provides excellent coverage and support, while the bonded side stash pockets offer convenient storage for your essentials during yoga or studio practice. With a 7/8 length and improved waistband design, these leggings provide a smooth, flattering fit that’s perfect for distraction-free workouts.

Size range: XXS-3XL | Material: Powervita fabric

Bumpsuit’s The Maternity Legging is a game-changer for expectant mothers, combining style and comfort throughout pregnancy. These leggings feature a double-lined, ultra-soft fabric that provides gentle yet firm support for your growing bump. The super high-rise, over-the-bump waistband ensures maximum coverage and comfort. 

Designed to adapt to your body’s changing needs, these leggings have earned the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award and are a favorite among celebrities like Kylie Jenner. With their 4-way stretch and full-body length, they’re perfect for everything from lounging to staying active during pregnancy

Size range: XS-XL | Material: 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex

The Aritzia Golden BUTTER Infinite Hi-Rise Legging is designed for ultimate comfort and a flattering fit. These high-rise leggings feature a wide waistband and no front seam for a smooth silhouette. Made from the brand’s signature BUTTER fabric, they are buttery soft, sweat-wicking, and shape perfectly to your body. The updated gusset and shaping design enhance mobility and provide an even better fit. With numeric sizing options, these leggings ensure a tailored fit for almost every body type, making them ideal for both workouts and everyday wear.

“I have a drawer full of leggings from all different brands, but the ones I bought the most and the ones I wear the most are still from Aritzia,” recalled commerce reporter Angela Tricarico. “When I say these don’t move, I mean it. There’s no slipping, the wide waistband stays in place, and the ankle length is perfect for shorties (5”1’) like me. They’re made with a fabric called BUTTER and it really is like butter — soft and not too heavy, while still being sweat-wicking and smoothing.”

Reviewed by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Reporter

Size range: 2XS-2XL | Material: 80% Nylon, 20% Elastane

“These SPANX leggings are different from the rest, as I wanted to dip my toe into fashion leggings as opposed to ones solely for function,” says Cannon.

I” ordered the best-selling faux leather leggings, and lucky for me, they came in a petite length, even in a size large. So many brands confuse waist size with height, so thank you, Spanx, for seeing all of us short and curvy girls out there. The first thing I noticed when holding the leggings up was that they didn’t have that shine of cheap fake leather. As a comparison, I grabbed an old faux leather wallet of mine, and, sure enough, it had the look (and smell) of cheap polyester. The leggings didn’t have either, and while the outside felt smooth and leather-like, the inside was even softer on my skin.

To get them on, I did have to do quite an extensive pants dance, which is expected for any leather pants, let alone tight faux leather leggings. Once on, they looked great, and the stretching I had to do to pull them up didn’t warp the finish of the pants in the slightest. The website even states that many say the pants fit on the smaller side, and in my normal size large, I did feel some compression. If these are ordered to be worn only as fashion pants, I’d advise you to size up. But, if compression is what you’re looking for, order your normal size and squeeze into it.

Since mine did fit pretty tightly, my normal workout test was cut a bit short. Again, if you need pants for a workout, any of the options above are a better match. However, should you find yourself squatting down, they are not see-through and do pass the squat test. The waistband does want to roll down when bending over and sitting, but that may be due to the size that I ordered. Since I plan to wear these out and about and not for yoga or long periods of sitting, it’s okay, but do size up if these are part of your new work-from-home uniform.”

Size range: XS-3X | Material: 87% Nylon, 13% Elastane with Polyurethane Coating

The Under Armour Women’s ColdGear OG Leggings are a revival of the brand’s original ColdGear design, offering superior warmth and performance for cold weather activities. These leggings feature a thicker, more compressive fabric that provides an ultra-tight, second-skin fit. The 4-way stretch material ensures excellent mobility, while the ultra-warm, smooth, and fast-drying properties of the original ColdGear fabric keep you comfortable in chilly conditions.

With an ergonomic design that places seams away from high abrasion areas and an exposed elastic waistband with wordmark detail, these leggings combine functionality with style. The moisture-wicking and quick-drying capabilities help manage sweat during intense activities. With a 26.5″ inseam and a composition of 64% Nylon, 21% Polyester, and 15% Elastane, these leggings are designed to keep you warm and focused throughout the cold season.

“I LOVE Under Armour, and the Women’s ColdGear OG Leggings are my favorite brand item,” said Holly J Coley, our updates editor. “I’ve had them for at least four years, and they’re still in primo condition. They’re designed with dual layers of fabric, which is what keeps you warm. They’re not thick, though — in fact, I find them the opposite. They’re thin enough that they don’t add extra inches to your frame and are stretchy and light enough that I can wear them during the summer, too. I’ve done all sorts of activities in these: sumo squats, aerial tricks, running — everything, and they haven’t torn, lost their shape. Their moisture-wicking technology also works. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve comfortably worn these to the store after a 5-mile run — no stink or stains to speak of. Worth every darn penny!”

Reviewed by Holly J Coley, Commerce Updates Editor

Size range: XS-XXL | Material: 87% Polyester, 13% Elastane

The New Balance Athletics Heat High Rise Legging is designed for cold-weather runs, combining warmth, comfort, and functionality. Made with NB HEAT technology, these leggings retain heat while wicking moisture to keep you dry and comfortable. The high-rise waistband offers a secure, flattering fit, and the 27-inch inseam provides full coverage.

Crafted from a warm poly knit fabric with 75% recycled polyester and 25% spandex, they are both sustainable and stretchy. Reflective details enhance visibility during low-light conditions, making them ideal for outdoor winter workouts. Perfect for runners seeking performance and coziness in chilly weather. 

“I bought these New Balance heat leggings in an outlet store years ago, and I was so pleasantly surprised with the quality,” recalled Roche. “While Lululemon or Nike might be more synonymous with their leggings and New Balance more with their dad sneakers, the brand really comes through on quality with their workout gear, too. The heat technology on these leggings is top-notch, keeping me warm on cold hot girl walks or even skiing while still wicking away any sweat. I also love the form-fitting high-rise and full-length of these classic black leggings.”

Size range: XS-XXL | Material: 75% Recycled Polyester, 25% Spandex

The Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings are a versatile and performance-driven addition to any workout wardrobe. Designed for comfort and functionality, these leggings feature a seamless construction that minimizes chafing and provides a smooth, flattering silhouette. The high-rise waistband offers support and coverage, while the stretchy fabric allows for unrestricted movement during various activities. Available in a range of colors from classic Black Marl to vibrant options like Lift Blue and Woodland Green, these leggings cater to different style preferences.

The Vital Seamless 2.0 technology ensures moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry during intense workouts. With a compression fit that offers light to moderate support, these leggings are suitable for various fitness activities, from yoga to high-intensity training. The Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings embody Gymshark’s commitment to helping athletes feel and perform their best, making them a popular choice for those seeking both style and functionality in their workout gear.

“I was really into fit Youtubers back in the day, so obviously, I own a few pairs of Gymshark leggings,” said Coley. “I love them for their flexibility and how the material molds to curves and muscles. The compression is legit — incredibly smoothing and hides any types of lumps or dimples without feeling suffocating. I’ve conquered many a run and Tracy Anderson workout in them. The pair shown above is no longer available, but the Vital Seamless 2.0. Leggings are similar with sweat-wicking tech and a supportive waistband.”

Size range: XS-XXL | Material: 93% Nylon, 7% Elastane

The Baleaf Fleece-Lined Leggings are the ideal choice for staying warm and comfortable in cold weather. These leggings combine a polyester-spandex blend with a soft fleece lining, providing excellent insulation without sacrificing flexibility. The high-rise waistband offers optimal coverage and support, while the contour design lines create a flattering, sculpted look. 

With two drop-in side pockets and a hidden waistband pocket, these leggings offer convenient storage options. The chafe-free, ergonomic seams ensure a natural range of motion, making them perfect for various activities from running to yoga, or simply casual wear.

Size range: XS-3XL | Material: 87% Polyester, 13% Spandex

The Beyond Yoga Spacedye Caught in the Midi High Waisted Legging is renowned for its incredibly soft feel, making it a customer favorite with over 3 million pairs sold. These leggings are crafted from Beyond Yoga’s signature Spacedye fabric, which is buttery soft and features a unique texture. The 5-inch high waistband sits at the natural waist, providing comfortable coverage and support. 

Designed without outside seams and with gentle compression, these leggings offer a flawless silhouette and are suitable for various activities, from workouts to lounging. The midi length with a 24-inch inseam extends between the calf and ankle, making it a versatile option for different body types.

“Beyond Yoga’s leggings bring new meaning to buttery soft,” raved Page Six Commerce Writer Hannah Southwick. “They’re truly the perfect fusion of loungewear and legging, and I’m tempted to buy them in every color (much like many celebrities).”

Reviewed by Hannah Southwick, Commerce Reporter

Size range: XS-3X | Material: 87% Polyester, 13% Elastane

To determine the best leggings, our team of writers conducted an extensive evaluation process over at least three weeks of use. Collectively, we’ve tested more than 35 different leggings from various brands, including popular options and lesser-known contenders. We assessed each pair based on the following criteria:

Bonus points were awarded for features such as pockets, waist ties, and vast or special sizing options. Each pair we reviewed was worn for various activities, including workouts and lounging, and washed at least three times. Editors provided both quantitative scores and qualitative feedback to create a comprehensive review of each legging.

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