These flattering leggings will give you the motivation you need to hit the gym. (Lululemon, Athleta, Spanx)
What did we even do before leggings? They're among the comfiest bottoms out there — not to mention the ultimate multitaskers. Think of another piece of clothing you can rock at the gym, to brunch with friends and even at work (with the right styling tricks, of course). We didn't think so.
That said, not all leggings are created equal — especially ones you wear when exercising. Many look similar, but only certain ones stay in place, flatter your figure and aren't see-through (the worst). Instead of wasting your hard-earned cash on pairs that can’t pass the squat test or have waistbands that keep rolling down, we tapped our trusted team of shopping experts to find out which leggings they wear when they hit the gym. Turns out, we love Lululemon like the rest of 'em, but we also go nuts for Aerie, Alo and Spanx.
Scroll for the 7 best editor-tested workout leggings for every budget and activity.
Looking for comfy leggings that feel like a second skin? Our Senior Commerce Writer Kristin Granero recommends this pair from Aerie. Perfect for low to medium-impact workouts, she loves that they have a relaxed fit but are still supportive enough to "hold everything in." Made from a soft blend of cotton, spandex and polyester, they're lightweight, breathable and oh-so-stretchy. They come in regular, short and long sizes so you should be able to find a length that fits.
Kristin is a huge fan of their versatility too. She mentions, “Because they have a light sheen to them and don't fade, they can be paired with oversized sweaters, or even with a fun blouse and heels or boots, for going out.” Plus, they’re great for travel since they pack down small and don’t wrinkle easily — she's even toted them in a fanny pack. Just a quick note: They're fairly thin, so might not be the best choice for super cold workouts. "I wear them year-round inside, and often outside, but wouldn't recommend them for outdoor use in really frigid temps," she tells us.
Kristin Granero has a soft spot for these bestsellers. "For a splurge, these leggings from Alo are a solid investment. They feel great, look great and, in my experience, are supportive enough to withstand everything from everyday wear to high-impact workouts," she says. They offer medium compression and a four-way stretch, which means they move with you without any fuss.
One of the things Kristin loves is the ⅞ length, ideal for those who are a bit short; she’s 5'4” and they hit right at her ankles. They're not cheap, but they last. She’s had a pair for years and they still look great — no stretching out or pilling here. No cleaning issues either: They’re machine-washable and dryer-friendly.
Our Editorial Manager, Zainab Akande, is crazy about these, as they boast a "firm compression, but are far from uncomfortable." Zainab wears them for everything from yoga and barre to pilates and even while running errands. She says they do a fantastic job at holding her tummy in and flattering her curves. And after more than three years, they’re still just as firm as the day she got them. They don't pill easily and are machine-washable.
Zainab swears they pass the squat test "with flying colors," so you can confidently break a swat without worrying about feeling exposed. "Overall, these are fantastic leggings that are extremely flattering, especially on curvier figures," she tells us. You can choose between full and capri lengths and there is even a fleece-lined style for ultra-cold days. What's not to love?
These offer high compression for those intense HIIT sessions and long-distance runs. Our Gifting Editor, Amanda Garrity, reports that they keep everything in place, even during the toughest workouts. While she wouldn’t necessarily pick them for lounging around at home, they're comfy enough to wear all day, especially if she has a workout planned for the evening.
Amanda has had her pair for over four years, and they still look as good as new — though she notes she always hangs them to air dry to maintain their shape and quality. Another reason Amanda is such a big fan? She's only 5"1', but was able to find her match as they come in four lengths. She mentioned that while the leggings fit true to size, they have an internal drawcord that allows you to adjust the fit.
Despite being "hard" on her activewear, Shopping Manager Julia Webb says these quick-drying gems "still look great after going through the washer and dryer numerous times." Even though they’re designed for low-impact activities, Julia has taken them to spin class and out for jogs, and they've held up wonderfully.
She rates them a solid five out of five for comfort and mentions she’s never had any trouble with the waistband slipping down. With a UPF 40+ rating, they're great for outdoor workouts under the sun. With 19 colors and sizes ranging from XXS to 3XL, including tall, regular and petite, it's no surprise Julia and over 11,000 other shoppers are believers.
Designed with the brand’s signature sculpting performance fabric, these have a built-in booty lift that makes your backside look great. Even though the name "Booty Boost" sounds a bit silly, Senior Home & Garden Editor Jessica Dodell-Feder admits: "They actually do make my butt look perkier and rounder! I have a fairly flat behind so this feels like some kind of sorcery." She adds, "I have worn them for weight lifting, yoga and running. I like how contained and supported my legs feel."
I have a pair myself, and I was impressed from the very first time I tried them on years ago. The side pocket is deep enough to hold my cell phone, keys and cash, but it’s barely visible if I have nothing in it. Along with the bum-lift capabilities, I love how breathable and sweat-wicking these are. But my favorite part is the high waistband that sucks me in like the brand's famous shapewear and doesn’t slide down as I move around.
These are my go-tos for when I want to be comfortable in and out of workout classes. After having them for over a year, I couldn’t resist getting three more pairs! The four-way stretch is incredible; it feels like they move with me, and I hardly notice I'm even wearing them. Honestly, they might just be the softest leggings I’ve put on, and they’re super flattering without being tight or restrictive.
I’m not alone in my obsession. Laura Kenney, our Editor-in-Chief of Commerce Content, raves about them too. "They're magic," she says. "The high waist helps my waist look cinched, and the fabric, seams and cut work together to visually sculpt and whittle my legs. The pockets hold all of my essentials. I didn't get the whole Lululemon obsession until I tried a pair, but now I understand — and actually feel confident leaving the house in leggings."
