We Spent Hundreds of Hours Testing Workout Leggings to Find the 8 Best Squat-Proof, Sweat-Wicking Pairs
By Lauryn Higgins,
6 days ago
These are the absolute best for every type of workout.
Shape / Alexander Huang
You may think that all leggings for working out are the same, but you’d be mistaken. Nothing’s worse than wearing a pair of compression leggings to a yoga class, or a pair of sheer, thin leggings to lift weights. Or worse — mistaking a thick pair of starchy pants for a pair of running leggings . The truth is leggings can make or break your workout.
“It definitely matters which style you choose, depending on which form of exercise you’re doing,” says Allyn Wong, a classically trained Pilates instructor and owner of Greenpoint Pilates Studio in Brooklyn, New York. “But we are all wonderfully unique in our bodies and preferences, so I say go with a fit that makes you feel comfortable and confident.”
And feeling confident in the leggings you’re working out depends on a surprising amount of factors. From materials to cuts to styles to size range and opacity, finding what works best for you and your body can take some trial and error. But as someone who works out five days a week, enjoys weekly barre and Pilates classes, and even ran track in college, I’ve worn my fair share of leggings. So, I tested 12 popular styles, including some tried-and-true favorites from Lululemon and Nike, as well as some newer innovative options.
With over 50 hours of testing while doing Pilates classes, weightlifting, outdoor runs, and everyday wear, combined with the hours other editors put into doing their own tests, there are hundreds of hours' worth of revelations that allowed us to confidently create our list of the best workout leggings on the market. Read on to learn our favorite leggings for working out.
Best Leggings Overall: Alo Yoga 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging
When I pulled these out of their packaging, I could instantly tell these were going to be a great pair of workout leggings. The material is soft with no sheen and there are only seams down the inside of the legs, so the risk of pilling is minimal. After wearing these for several barre classes, a few outdoor runs, and during errands, these leggings never pilled or showed signs of wear or tear, and they continue to keep their compression no matter how many times I wear them.
These leggings also handle sweat and moisture well, especially in the folds behind the knee. They never bunch at the ankles or slide down at the waist, which is a major plus for strength training . These were by far the most comfortable leggings that I’ve worn.
Best Leggings for Lifting : adidas Optime Full-Length Leggings
You can push through a set of tricep curls or increase the weight on your deadlift, and these leggings will not let you down. They offer a four-way stretch that allows maximum flexibility, without losing their shape. I was most impressed by the waistband that never bunched or moved, regardless of what workout I was doing. And the extra supportive seams around the upper thigh and pelvic floor were a nice touch.
These leggings come with a built-in pouch on the left-hand side for your phone or keys, but I do recommend sizing up if you’re worried at all about them being too snug.
Best Leggings for Squatting: Sweaty Betty Power Workout Leggings
Sizes: XXS-XXL | Colors: 26 | Length: 7/8 or full-length
You want to feel supported while you’re doing squats or heavy lifts, and Sweaty Betty’s Power Workout Leggings are the perfect pair for just that. These leggings provide the perfect amount of cushion through the waist and upper thigh. Plus, they have an extra bit of sculpting compression in the butt to help with deeper and more intense squats. They're just as comfortable to wear throughout the day for errands as they are for intense workouts.
The material is thicker than other pairs of leggings, so I recommend wearing these indoors and not for outdoor summer workouts. But they provided full coverage, and with lots of colors and designs to choose from, you’re sure to find a pair that you love. They also get major bonus points for being the most size-inclusive brand I tested.
Best Leggings for Cardio: Nike Pro Women's Mid-Rise Cropped Mesh Panel Leggings
When it comes to finding the best leggings for running or cardio workouts, Nike always delivers. Their Pro Mid-Rise Crop Mesh Panel leggings are great for all types of cardio like a HIIT class, a long run, or a kickboxing session because of their lightweight material.
The pair includes a mid-rise waist that provides just the right amount of support at your natural waist, with the bottom of the leggings hitting at the lower calf with a mesh material that lets moisture escape. Even though the pair is breathable, the material provides full coverage with no issues of opacity, and sweat dried quickly, so you can wear these for even the sweatiest workouts.
Best Leggings for Yoga: Beyond Yoga POWERBEYOND Strive Pocket Midi Legging 2.0
Buttery, soft, and just the right amount of compression, these are my new go-to leggings for yoga. Putting these on felt like putting on pajamas or loungewear, and every time I wore them I didn’t want to take them off. The waistband doesn’t rub or crease during movement, and the thick material provides excellent support and a snug feeling that makes me feel secure in even the trickiest yoga poses .
But because the material is so lush, it does show sweat easily, so I recommend opting for a black pair if that’s a concern for you.
Best Leggings for Pilates: Athleta Interval Stash High Rise 7/8 Legging
Sizes: XXS-XXXL | Colors: 13 | Inseam: 7/8, tall, petite
Athleta is known for producing elite workout clothes, and their leggings are no exception. I found the Interval Stash High Rise ⅞ legging to be just the right combination of comfort with performance. The leggings themselves do not have much compression, but they have just the right amount for a Pilates class. They have a great range of motion and never feel too restrictive. The leggings have pockets on either side that are placed on the upper thigh which feel like you have better control of what's in them, as opposed to pockets that are lower.
Best Leggings for Compression: Physiclo Pro Resistance Tights
Hard to get on, harder to get off (especially if you sweat)
Sizes: XXS-XXXL | Colors: 1 | Inseam: Full-length
If you’re looking for the ultimate pair of compression leggings , Physiclo Pro Resistance Tights are all you need. Designed with built-in elastic layers that act like resistance bands around your legs, these leggings make your workouts more productive. They claim to increase muscle activation by 23% and calorie burn by 14%, and intentionally make your workout harder. Think: wearing a weighted vest but for your legs.
I finf these to be best for lifting or cardio-focused workouts, and not at all ideal for a slower-paced workout like yoga or Pilates. There's always a bit of a struggle to get them on and off, but once they're in place, I have no issues. I do recommend sizing up if you’re hesitant about them being too small, and would take them off as soon as you’re done working out to give your legs a chance to recover. You’ll need it.
Best Lululemon Leggings: lululemon Wunder Train High Rise Tight 25"
Lululemon is known for its variety of workout leggings made with an incredible array of materials and styles to choose from, and the Wunder Train High-Rise are my favorite workout leggings they offer. The adjustable waistband is a nice addition if you need a little extra support for some workouts, and the high-rise waist provides ample coverage. These leggings performed well for yoga, barre, long runs, daily errands, and everything in between. They’re incredibly sleek and could almost pass for real pants or tights if you wanted to pair them with an oversized button-down and jacket.
They are pricier than other leggings, but you’ll get your money’s worth with how many ways you can wear these. And because they are lightweight, they will keep you cool for any workout or for all-day wear.
What to Know About Workout Leggings
Type: Knowing what type of workout legging is right for you is key. “For example, for new moms with abdominal separation (diastasis recti), high-waisted leggings can provide gentle compression that helps stabilize and support the core and midsection,” says Molly Thomas , Master Trainer at Fit Athletic Club . “A ⅞ or capri cut can be great for shorter women so that you don’t have to be distracted or uncomfortable. The better you feel, the better you’ll be able to focus on your workout.” And it’s important to think about the features each type of legging has. If you’re doing Pilates you want to be mindful that you’re not wearing something too high-waisted that will roll at the waist when you bend or has too many pockets. And zippers, especially in the back waistband, can pinch your body and damage equipment, and too much compression can make it challenging to breathe fully. So, keep in mind what exercise you’ll be doing when you’re on the hunt for your next pair of workout leggings.
Material: In general, you can’t go wrong with a nylon or soft polyester with a high spandex count for mobility. The combination of polyester will help wick any moisture while the nylon will provide comfort and ease of movement. However, if you’re opting for a yoga or Pilates class, a cotton/nylon blend that doesn’t sag, snag, or is too compressive is what Wong recommends. And if you’re looking to squat or lift weight, any material that offers intense compression will help you feel secure and supported.
Brand: Everyone has a favorite, but Wong is impartial to Lululemon, Beyond Yoga, and Sweaty Betty, while Thomas prefers Nike.
Sizing: Our bodies and preferences are all unique, so go with a fit that makes you feel comfortable and confident. But a few tips include making sure that your leggings don’t crowd too much at the knee or at the ankle. And that there’s no extra sagging in the groin area. “Yoga leggings should fit snugly without being overly restrictive or uncomfortable,” says Thomas. “If you're between sizes, I usually recommend sizing down, because most leggings stretch as you wear them, and it’s uncomfortable to constantly be pulling them up when in poses.”
Opacity: You definitely want anyone to see your underwear when you’re in the middle of a squat, downward dog, or while out on a run. So, a simple squat test in the mirror or bending over while looking in the mirror will tell you if the leggings are too sheer for you. And when in doubt opt for black leggings just to provide an extra layer of coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best leggings for the gym?
Lululemon’s Wunder Train and Adidas Optime Full-length leggings are great options. And Sweaty Betty offers great high-compression for high-impact workouts and excellent wicking material.
What leggings material is best for working out?
While cotton is breathable for very low-intensity movement, it can also absorb moisture and leave you feeling damp, so opt for synthetic blends like nylon and polyester that help with moisture-wicking. More flexible fabrics like spandex are optimal in yoga or Pilates.
Is it OK to work out in leggings?
This is person and activity-specific. Thomas recommends leggings for the gym specifically because they offer flexibility, support, and comfort. “For some activities such as running, cycling, tennis or outdoor sports, leggings may feel too restrictive, hot or uncomfortable,” she adds. “Personally, I opt for shorts on my more intense days, and leggings for my regular routine.”
Be sure to change out of them when you’re finished working out so that you’re both comfortable and to reduce the risk of yeast infections.
What are the best Lululemon leggings for working out?
Wunder Train High-Rise and Align High-Rise with Pockets
Why Trust Shape
Lauryn Higgins is a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist whose work focuses primarily on public health and wellness. A native of North Carolina, she now resides in Nebraska where she earned her master's degree in journalism. She currently works as a freelance journalist, adjunct professor of journalism and as a Midwest stringer for the New York Times and The Washington Post. She has worked for the New York Times, NPR, Women's Health, Shape, Health.com, Teen Vogue and other outlets.
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