We rounded up the best leggings for running, lifting, yoga, winter aand everyday wear – rigorously tested for comfort, compression, fit and performance
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No matter the workout, the best leggings should feel like a second skin. There’s nothing more distracting than fabric that traps moisture just as you’re warming up, or itchy seams that take your training down a notch.
Athletech rigorously tested dozens of styles to find the best leggings for women, spanning everything from the best pieces for running and high-impact training to ultra-soft options for yoga, Pilates and everyday wear. We evaluated fit, compression, fabric durability, waistband performance and how each pair held up across real workouts, like lifting, HIIT, long runs, cold-weather sessions and all-day comfort.
Whether you’re looking for supportive compression leggings, warm leggings for winter, or versatile pairs for working out and beyond, these are the styles we kept reaching for.
Best leggings overall
We promise you (like us) will find yourself reaching for Vuori’s Daily Form Leggings again and again, as they feel like a second set of skin. With a convenient drawstring for a snug waist fit, the leggings are perfect for everything from hiking to Pilates.
Best value
Fabletics Boost PowerHold High-Waisted Legging
$18.98 ($94.95), 80% off for members
Fabletics’ Boost PowerHold High-Waisted Legging packs in compression, sculpting and performance in an affordable silhouette. The celebrity-backed brand’s signature PowerHold fabric is made of a blend of polyester and elastane that wicks away sweat, dries quickly and features four-way stretch and UPF sun protection.
Best leggings for running
Best for running, Bandit’s Pop Stitch Leggings are built to stay put mile after mile. We have run dozens of miles in these leggings, and the secure fit holds steady without slipping. Their thoughtfully placed pockets actually keep essentials locked in without bounce, making them ideal for runs of any distance.
Best compression leggings
One of the hottest brands in activewear and for good reason, Alo’s Airlift leggings consistently deliver. With compression that keeps you feeling supported through any type of workout and sleek, fashion-forward designs, Alo continues to strike the balance between performance and celebrity-driven style.
Best leggings on Amazon
CRZ YOGA’s Butterluxe leggings are one of the best budget-friendly options if you want a buttery-soft, second-skin feel without spending over $100. The fabric offers light compression that’s comfortable for yoga, Pilates and all-day wear, with a flattering high-rise fit that doesn’t dig in. They’re not made for high-impact training, but for the price, the comfort and versatility are hard to beat.
Best leggings with knee grips
For no-slip support during yoga and Pilates, we’re fans of NikeSkims’ Matte Knee Grip Leggings. The high-waisted silhouette makes us feel tucked in and supported during every movement, while Nike’s proprietary Dri-Fit fabric keeps our sweat in check.
Best leggings for travel
Quince Whistler High-Rise Pocket Thermal Legging
$49.90 ($109), 54% off
Our favorite cold-weather essential for travel is Quince’s Whistler High-Rise Pocket Thermal Legging, which delivers lightweight warmth without overheating. A brushed interior keeps you cozy on cold flights or commutes, while breathable, moisture-wicking fabric stays comfortable on the move. (We love the pockets, too.)
Best for lifting
Gymshark Everyday Seamless Leggings
$22.80 ($38), 40% off
Gymshark offers some of the best affordable women’s leggings that hold up through even the toughest lifts. The Everyday Seamless Leggings are engineered to withstand everything from the friction of RDLs to repeated floor work – and they’re comfy and soft without digging in or feeling restrictive.
Best yoga leggings
Lululemon has been one of our go-to legging brands for decades, and it’s no secret why. Their leggings never ride down, are sweat-resistant, and last for years and years. I wore the same Lululemon leggings for seven years in over 10 races, and they showed almost no signs of wear and tear.
Best sculpting leggings
For some, workout confidence can come from the feeling of a tight and controlled core. Spanx’s CoreLuxe 7/8 Leggings are made of the bestselling shapewear brand’s bonded contour waistband and signature performance fabric, give you tummy compression and a sleek, seamless silhouette.
Best leggings for all-day wear
No list of the best women’s leggings would be complete without Beyond Yoga’s Spacedye leggings. We love the criss-cross waist and high-waisted design of the At Your Leisure midi style, which are made of the brand’s bestselling, buttery-smooth and ultra-comfortable fabric.
Best hiking leggings
REI Co-op Trailmade Tights
$67.73 ($79.95), 41% off
Made of a durable and moisture-wicking blend of nylon and spandex, REI’s ankle-length Trailmade Tights feature UPF 50+ sun protection and deep side pockets to keep you protected and prepared.
Best leggings for winter
The DO Tracksmith Tights keep you warm without weighing you down during outdoor runs in even the coldest months. The insulated fabric blocks cold while still allowing breathability and full range of motion, making them ideal for chilly runs and outdoor training. These are the leggings we continue to grab even during near-freezing temperatures.
Best leggings for HIIT
Girlfriend Collective’s Compressive High-Rise Leggings offer serious compression with just enough give to move comfortably through fast, high-impact workouts. We have found they feel supportive and secure without being stiff, and the thicker fabric provides extra warmth, making them a great option for winter training and for traveling to and from the gym.
