We may earn a commission when you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you. Brands can’t pay for placement, and it never changes our picks. How we make money.
The best leggings are the ones that match what you actually do in them. Based on the brand specs and what owners commonly report, three are worth a look first.
For soft, bare-feeling comfort, the Lululemon Align 25" is the benchmark at about $98. It suits yoga, Pilates and lounging, but it is light on compression. For lifting and studio classes, the Lululemon Wunder Train offers more hold at the same list price. If you want a lower price, the Gymshark Whitney lists at about $54 and the brand makes a squat-proof claim for it.
This hub compares 20 leggings across the main decisions: rise, inseam, fabric feel, compression, opacity and pockets. Not sure where to start? Take the leggings finder quiz and it will narrow the list in about a minute. Prices below are list prices and often drop during sales.
Start with what you will do most. A pair you love for the couch can disappoint at a deadlift, and the reverse is also true. Our full leggings buying guide goes deeper, but these are the decisions that matter most.
Rise: how high is high?
Most leggings here are high rise, which sits at or above the navel and stays put during squats and lunges. A few are "ultra" or extra-high, such as the Athleta Elation and the Alo Airlift Strength. Mid rise, like the Gymshark Lift Seamless, suits you if a tall waistband feels restrictive when you sit.
Inseam and length
Inseam decides whether a pair looks like a full-length legging or a cropped one on you. Brands offer 23.75 to 31 inches, and some sell petite, regular and tall versions. Athleta lists Petite 25, Regular 27 and Tall 30 on several styles. Our inseam guide explains how to measure. If length is your main problem, see the lists for petite and tall leggings.
Fabric feel and compression
Feel falls into a few camps in the data: buttery and soft (Align, CRZ Yoga Butterluxe), smooth, matte, fleece-backed and compressive. Compression is the other half. Light-compression pairs feel forgiving but offer less hold. Firmer pairs, like the Alo Airlift or the Girlfriend Collective Compressive, feel more supportive in lifting and running. Neither is better. It depends on whether you want a hug or a hold.
Squat-proof and opacity
Only a few brands make an explicit squat-proof claim, and many are silent. Owners often say light colors show through more than dark ones in any fabric, so check reviews for your shade. Read how to tell if leggings are squat-proof and browse the best squat-proof leggings.
Size ranges vary a lot. Girlfriend Collective runs XXS to 6XL, Athleta Elation XXS to 3X, and Fabletics Define Powerhold up to 4X. If you need extended sizes, see the best plus-size leggings. On price, the set spans about $32 (CRZ Yoga) to $138 (Alo Airlift Strength). The best cheap leggings and Lululemon dupes lists help you spend less.
Lifting and HIIT: the Wunder Train, Fabletics Define PowerHold, Alo Airlift Strength and Gymshark Whitney and Lift Seamless are tagged for training. Look for firmer compression.
Lounging and travel:Outdoor Voices Cloudknit Flared has the lowest compression rating in our data, so it is the softest hold of the set.
Common mistakes to avoid
Buying purely on a product name is the most common misstep. A soft, light-compression legging feels great on a long flight and may feel too loose for a heavy squat day. Likewise, a firm compressive pair can feel restrictive for all-day lounging.
Second, do not ignore length. Check the inseam options before you check the color, particularly if you are petite or tall.
Third, do not assume sizes are consistent between brands. Alpha sizes (XS to XL) and numeric sizes (0 to 20) differ, and some pages list sizes that were out of stock when we checked the data. Confirm the size range on the brand's page. Finally, read how to wash activewear so pairs last longer, because pilling is a commonly reported complaint on soft fabrics.
What is the best type of leggings for working out?
It depends on the workout. For lifting and HIIT, look for medium to high compression and an opacity claim, like the Wunder Train or Gymshark Whitney. For yoga and Pilates, softer, lighter-compression pairs such as the Align are popular. For running, pockets and a secure waistband usually matter most. The finder quiz can match these needs.
How do I know if leggings are squat-proof?
Check whether the brand makes an opacity claim. Several here do not, and owners commonly say lighter colors show more under stretch. Choose a dark shade, read reviews that mention squats and bending over, and check in bright light at home before cutting the tags. Return windows differ, so confirm the policy first.
High-rise or mid-rise leggings: which is better?
High rise is the most common choice because it stays in place during movement and covers the midsection. Mid rise suits people who find a tall waistband uncomfortable when sitting or bending. Try both if you can. If you are between sizes, a higher rise often feels more secure than sizing up.
Are expensive leggings worth it?
Sometimes. Higher-priced pairs often have better fabric feel, more length and size options, and easier returns, but owners also report pilling on soft fabrics at any price. Budget pairs from Gymshark or CRZ Yoga can cover many needs. Compare cost per wear, and see our dupes list before paying $98 or more.
What inseam should I choose?
Measure from your crotch seam to where you want the hem to land. Many brands offer around 25 inches for cropped, 27 to 28 for ankle length and 30 to 31 for full length. Petite and tall shoppers should look for brands with multiple inseams. Our inseam guide explains the measurement step by step.
