The Best Leggings for Working Out: What to Look For

Leggings are a great way to work out. You can also wear them when you go out and run errands. We will tell you about the best ones so that you can find the perfect pair for you.

Different Types of Leggings


The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab tested a lot of workout leggings to find the best ones. They discovered that Lululemon’s “SmoothCover” fabric is the best for training, yoga, etc. The leggings also have a stay-in-place waistband and sweat-wicking capabilities. Plus, they held up well after repeated washing evaluations.

PROS

  • Available in Four Colors
  • Waistband Stays in Place
  • Moisture-Wicking
  • Supportive and Buttery Soft Fabric

CONS

  • Only Available in One Length

If you want to add some excitement to your high-impact workouts, check out these leggings in 15 different colors. With over 40,000 reviews on Amazon and almost five stars, people love these for a reason. Made of a nylon and spandex mix, they’re soft, comfortable, and made to last. The leggings come with a high-rise waistband with a hidden pocket. Its moisture-wicking technology keeps you dry and comfortable as you sweat.

PROS

  • Available in 17 Colors
  • Moisture-Wicking Fabric
  • Opaque
  • Lightweight

CONS

  • Users Report Slipping Waistband

No one wants to be concerned about their waistband rolling down while running. That is why these Under Armour leggings are a good choice. The waistband will not move, and the fabric helps get rid of sweat and reduce friction. They also have pockets, which is a big plus. You can bring your phone, keys, and wallet on your next run.

PROS

  • Available in Regular, Short, and Tall Lengths
  • Available in Six Colors
  • Moisture-Wicking
  • Pockets
  • Lightweight

CONS

  • Slightly Compressive

These leggings are perfect for yoga and training. They are made of a unique Luxtreme fabric that absorbs sweat and keeps the skin cool. You’ll love the flat waistband that doesn’t dig into your skin or leave marks.

PROS

  • Breathable
  • Low-Friction Fabric
  • 2022 Fitness Awards Winner
  • Available in Six Colors

CONS

  • Only Available in One Length

These leggings have a five-star Amazon rating because they are excellent. They are made to keep you cool and dry when you are sweating. The leggings also come in different sizes to find the perfect fit. They have a hidden adjustable drawcord too.

PROS

  • Available in Seven Colors
  • Adjustable Drawcord in Waistband for Custom Fit
  • Sweat-Wicking and Quick-Drying

CONS

  • Pricey

According to the people who voted in our 2022 Fitness Awards, these are the best workout leggings. They’re a new colorway that’s taken the world by storm. People love them because they’re flattering for every body type and very comfortable. You can do HIIT classes, teach classes, train clients, or run errands in them. Plus, their V-shaped high waist is stylish.

PROS

  • Criss-Cross Waistband for Comfort
  • 2022 Fitness Awards Winner

CONS

  • Only Available in One ColorPricey

These leggings are famous on Amazon. They have over 55,000 ratings, and people seem to love them. They’re affordable and come in many colors. The waistband is vast and has some tummy control. Plus, the material is very soft.

PROS

  • Available in 41 Colors
  • Wide High-Rise Waistband
  • Hidden Pockets Opaque

CONS

  • Users Note Shrinkage After Washing

If you’ve ever worn leggings that were too see-through, you should buy workout leggings with a thicker fabric. Leggings like these Nikes have a comfortable design and are made with recycled materials. They also have mesh panels to help keep you cool.

PROS

  • Opaque
  • Sustainable Fabric
  • Mesh Panels for Cooling Effect

CONS

  • Not Ideal for Cold Weather
  • Only Available in 1 Color

This high-waisted legging has a five-star rating because people love it. It gives compression and has a flat waistband and flat-lock seams to prevent chafing.

PROS

  • Available in Regular and Tall Lengths
  • Chafe-Resistant
  • Compression

CONS

  • Slightly See-Through
  • Slightly See-ThroughOnly Available in Two Colors

The Institute notes that this style uses the brand’s SuperForm fabric that is lightweight, smooth, and compressive. It makes it great for more intense workouts. These high waist leggings also stay up well during movement and have pockets on both sides to hold your essentials.

PROS

  • Sweat-Wicking
  • High Waist
  • Pockets

CONS

  • Fabric Is Less Soft
  • Only Available in 1 Color

Athleta’s Powervita fabric is not only soft but also supports you when you work out. These yoga pants have side pockets, a new waistband, and fewer seams for a better fit.

PROS

  • Available in Regular, Tall, and Petite Lengths
  • Available in Eight Colors
  • Side Pockets
  • Supportive
  • Soft

CONS

  • Some Reviewers Note Pilling

The ideal workout leggings for long-distance running are made with materials that help keep you cool and dry. They have a drawstring closure to help them stay up, and they are designed to move with your body.

PROS

  • Available in 15 Colors
  • Moisture-Wicking
  • Drawstring Closure
  • Slightly Compressing

CONS

  • Reviewers Suggest Sizing Up

How to Choose the Best Workout Leggings

  • Determine what kind of legging you’ll need

To choose the right pair of leggings, you need to think about what you will use them for. If you only use them for regular activities, like walking around, you should not get workout leggings. They are made from a different material that is not good for everyday use. If you do a yoga workout, you should get high-waist airlift legging that offers tummy control and is longer. It will help keep your skin safe during floor movements.

  • Look for the right material.

If you are looking for a way to do intense workouts every day, buy leggings made with a spandex and polyester mix. Spandex helps the leggings keep their shape, especially when washed often. The blend of these two materials has an excellent, snug fit that won’t be too tight on your skin. If you also tend to sweat a lot, look for a breathable fabric to absorb sweat and dry your skin.

  • Do a squat test

Braganza recommends trying on all different types before purchasing to find the perfect pair of leggings. If you’re looking for high-waisted leggings that won’t ride down quickly, try out other moves from the workouts you plan to do and see how they fit. Make sure they stay up and don’t show anything in the process.

Learn more: How to Start Working Out – Smarter Living Guides 

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Leggings for Working Out

Is It Good to Work Out in Leggings?

Leggings are a type of clothing that helps you stay fit. They help keep everything in place while you work out. Leggings with a high waistband will help keep everything tucked in and tight. You’ll be supported in all the right areas, including your quads, calves, and glutes.

Why are Lululemon leggings good?

The brand’s fastest-drying Everlux fabric is used in these leggings. The supportive and sweat-wicking fabric is made with four-way stretch and feels cool and sleek on the inside. These leggings are available in 18 different colors and size up to a size 20. They come in lengths from 25 to 31 inches long.

Why Is Lululemon Quality So Good?

Lululemon’s high-quality apparel is manufactured with expensive machines and fabric developing techniques. The company also puts its products through rigorous testing and quality control to ensure that its clients receive only the best.

Is Gymshark or Lululemon More Expensive?

If you’re looking for leggings, many women recommend Lululemon. They can be more expensive than other brands, but they usually last longer.

Which Is Better, Alo or Lululemon?

Alo is more for loungewear, while Lululemon’s other products are for activities like hiking and camping, which compete with items from Patagonia and The North Face.

Is It Better to Size Up or Down in Leggings?

You could try a bigger size or a different type of fabric or material. You can also check the leggings’ crotch area to see if they fit well. If you see too much fabric pooling there, the leggings are too loose, and you should size down.

Are Seamless Leggings Flattering?

Seamless gym leggings are also a very flattering fit. They have a sculpted silhouette, and they fit closely to your body. The high waistband gives you support.

What Are Stretchy Leggings Called?

Almost every pair of activewear leggings has spandex in them. Spandex is stretchy and makes the leggings fit nicely on your body.

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