We found the very best leggings for every style, fit, and function
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While they get their popularity from the athleisure world, leggings are far more than a pair of pants you can run, walk, lift, or do yoga in. Beyond the gym, you can wear leggings to the office, out with friends, while running errands, or as loungewear, making them a staple wardrobe item.
“The past few years, we have seen a surge in the popularity of leggings because they can be dressed up or down,” says Michelle Wahler, CEO and co-founder of Beyond Yoga. “Leggings are an everyday wardrobe staple as they are comfortable and functional." In addition to their versatility, leggings are a fantastic wardrobe investment because they “never go out of style,” says Jeni Elizabeth, a network and celebrity wardrobe stylist. “If purchased in the right size, they are a great article of clothing that is versatile from day to night in a blink."
We researched the best leggings for women based on quality, durability, color, style, size, and fit. Whether you’re on the hunt for the best pair of yoga leggings or you want a pair of leggings for everyday wear, we’ve got you covered with our top picks for the best leggings, ahead, including some we've tested ourselves.
These are the best leggings for women.
These leggings are ideal for anyone looking for a pair of comfortable, sweat-wicking leggings that are squat-proof.
These leggings don't have pockets.
For a legging that's as versatile as it is comfortable, the Alo Yoga 7/8 High-Waist Airbrush Legging has these qualities and then some. During our testing, we found these to be durable and supportive without being restrictive or suffocating. With a 7/8 length, these hit just below the ankle on someone who is 5-foot-2, so keep in mind if you're shorter or taller than average. Thanks to the thick material, they also passed our squat test, so we're happy to report these leggings are gym-friendly.
Constructed from a four-way stretch fabric with sweat-wicking and odor-resistant features, these comfortable leggings allow you to get your flow on while helping to maintain dryness, despite the heat. They also come in lots of fun colors, including classics like black and white and a beautiful dark plum, midnight green, and bright red. Worth noting: These weren't as great for HIIT workouts or running since the waistband tended to slip down a bit during these types of exercises. They also don't have pockets, so if that's important to you, keep scrolling for other options.
Material: Polyester, spandex | Size Range: XXS-XL | Colors: Black, white, cantaloupe, blue splash, red hot summer, oatmeal heather, lemonade, chalk blue, French vanilla, dark plum, green glow, midnight green
These are a good choice for someone shopping for basic leggings in a solid color.
Anyone shopping for a lagging for hardcore workouts or gym squats might want to choose a different brand.
Amazon is overflowing with some fantastic legging picks, however, the Leggings Depot High Waisted Leggings for Women is considered the best. These leggings are ideal everyday basics, thanks to their simple design, comfortable high-waist fit, super soft fabric, and stretch. Plus, the color options and sizing bring a wow factor like no other with sizes up to 5XL offered, along with 45 colors. While we don't recommend them for hardcore workouts or gym squats, if you need a comfy option to wear with sweaters to the office or for low-impact workouts and stretching on a yoga mat, you can’t go wrong with this budget buy from Amazon.
Material: 92% polyester, 8% spandex | Size Range: S-5XL (plus One Size and One Size Plus) | Colors: Black, burgundy, charcoal gray, heather gray, and 40 others
These are ideal for someone looking for a legging that can be worn for fashion and athleisure purposes, as well as high-intensity workouts.
These leggings might not be right for anyone who needs more individualized sizing.
Budget-friendly and high-quality, this four-pack of leggings is a total steal. The Campsnail High-Waisted Leggings set comes in 14 different color palettes and styles, including a pack of black, pink, blue, and green (as well as an all-black fleece-lined option) and is constructed from polyester with 8 percent stretch for maximum comfort and flexibility. Designed with durability in mind, these leggings are incredibly versatile and work well for everyday wear as well as high-intensity workouts, yoga, and running. They don't come in a wide range of sizes, so they may not be ideal for someone who prefers more individualized sizing.
Material: 92% polyester, 8% spandex | Size Range: S-XXL | Colors: Black, pink, blue, green, navy, gray, wine, dark gray, army green, camo, black leopard, gray slate, dim gray, white, coffee
These are a great choice for someone shopping for a buttery soft everyday legging that they can wear on and off the mat.
These might not be the best pick for those looking for a more fashion-forward legging versus activewear.
Designed for athleisure and movement alike, the Athleta Salutation Stash Tight has a buttery soft feel that can move with you on your mat but also looks cute with a sweater and sneakers for a comfortable everyday look. They also feature one of the best size spectrums on our list with sizes XXS-3XL in regular, XS-XL in tall, and XXS-L in petite. With a range of excellent color options, including neutrals like black and tan, as well as bright red, green, orange, and a gorgeous burgundy brown, you're sure to find exactly what you need. They're more functional than stylish, so they may not be the right pick for someone looking for a more fashion-forward legging style.
Material: Nylon, lycra | Size Range: XXS-3XL (regular), XS-XL (tall), XXS-L (petite) | Colors: Rustic beige, spiced cabernet, seaweed snack, navy, black, candy red, foliage orange
These are a great pick for anyone looking for a pair of leggings for everyday wear.
Those shopping for more breathable, sweat-wicking styles might choose a different pair of leggings.
If you’re on the hunt for a pair of leggings that will keep you warm and toasty during the frigid winter months, the Baleaf fleece-lined leggings are our top pick for the best fleece-lined leggings. These leggings have rave reviews for their well-made construction, warm and comfortable design, and fit. Plus, they come in three different styles — water resistant, without pockets, and with pockets — so you can choose a style that best fits your needs. The fleece leggings are made from a durable polyester fabric with 13 percent spandex stretch — so, despite their warmth, they can still move with you. With that said, they’re ideal for everyday wear and might be a little too thick for workouts as they aren’t as breathable as more sweat-wicking styles.
Material: 82% polyester, 18% spandex | Size Range: XS-3XL | Colors: Black, army green, dark blue, gray, purple, wine, niagara, white, blue ice, brown
These leggings would be a great choice for anyone looking for a durable, supportive pair of leggings with sweat-wicking fabric.
Anyone looking for more breathable leggings for a hot climate (or hot yoga) might prefer a different pair.
The Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight with Pockets is known to be great for training, and our tests confirmed this. They are designed to withstand ultra-sweaty workouts with the brand’s fastest-drying fabric. On top of that, they are durable, supportive, and have a flexible four-way stretch, with a drawstring waist that helps keep them secure. Despite all the movement, these leggings kept their shape after multiple wears and washes, thanks to the addition of lycra fiber, which allows them to stretch without losing their structure.
The leggings also come in a variety of vibrant and neutral colors, including classic black, pomegranate red, roasted brown, and cayenne orange, and they have pockets so you can keep your phone and keys close as needed. One thing worth mentioning is that while sweat-wicking, they aren't super breathable, so if you need a more lightweight pair of leggings for hot yoga or if you live in a hot climate, these may be too thick for your liking.
Material: Nylon, lycra, elastane | Size Range: 0-20 | Colors: Java, blue nile, roasted brown, pomegranate, cayenne, heather graphite grey, black
These are a great choice for someone looking for comfortable leggings that they can move in easily or workout in.
These might not be the first choice of those seeking a more fashion-forward legging.
The best workout legging for moms-to-be is the Girlfriend Collective Seamless Maternity Legging. Much like other Girlfriend Collective leggings, these are constructed from eco-friendly fabric consisting of recycled nylon (derived from fishing nets in the ocean) and spandex. They’re designed with a foldable over-the-belly rise, have a second skin feel, and four-way stretch, allowing you to move comfortably in your workouts without worrying about restrictions. While they may not be the first pick of someone looking for a more fashion-forward legging, they’re ideal for sweaty workouts with their moisture-wicking and breathable design.
Material: 83% recycled nylon, 17% spandex | Size Range: XXS-6XL (in two inseam lengths) | Colors: Black, midnight, moss, plum, smoke
These are a great pick for someone shopping for a pair of comfortable leggings with built-in shapewear.
These might not be the best choice for someone who wants more color options.
Leather pants are cute but not always the most comfortable. For a pair of leather pants that moves with you without restrictions, we recommend the faux leather leggings from Spanx. PEOPLE Commerce Writer Madison Yauger says she loves these leggings because "they're so sleek and can make any outfit a little more elevated."
These beloved leggings are also a favorite amongst influencers like Dani Austin and celebrities from Kelly Clarkson to Hailee Steinfeld. We loved that they come in an inclusive size range — with regular, petite, and tall options — so you can trust that they will hug you in all the right places. And because they are Spanx leggings, they also come with a side of shapewear, featuring a shaping waistband, a contoured design for shaping the booty, and built-in camel-toe prevention (which we very much appreciated). They just come in one color — black — so you may want to check out some of the other pairs if you're looking for more color options.
Material: 87% nylon, 13% elastane with polyurethane coating | Size Range: XS-3X (regular, petite, tall) | Colors: Black
These are a great choice for anyone shopping for super comfortable leggings that double as pajamas.
These might not be the best choice for those who only want leggings that are good to workout in.
Leggings can often double as loungewear — or pajamas — especially when they're the Skims Cotton Rib Leggings. These leggings are made from a super comfy and stretchy ribbed cotton jersey material with 5 percent spandex stretch for a glove-like fit. They’re breathable, stylish, and have a boxer-like look that is Kardashian-approved. On top of that, they come in lots of amazing colors, including a range of skin tones, and neutrals like gray, white, and black, as well as bright red and cobalt blue. Like many of our favorite SKIMS products, they're also available in a wide range of sizes, from XXS to 4X. If you're in search of straight-up workout leggings, these thermal leggings might not be for you.
Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex | Size Range: XXS-4X | Colors: Cobalt, ruby, sangria, umber, Sedona, camel, black, kyanite, mineral, light heather gray, white
These are great for someone looking for a pair of leggings with style.
These only come in four colors, so they might not be ideal for anyone wanting a pair of leggings with a brighter color range.
Flare is back and the best way to get into the trend is with an adorable pair of bootcut leggings, like these stylish leggings from Alo Yoga. The Airbrush High-Waist Bootcut Legging has the perfect silhouette with a hem that reaches just beyond the ankle for a stylish fit. And much like the beloved Alo Yoga 7/8 High-Waist Airbrush Legging, these are constructed from an ultra stretchy polyester and spandex material that boasts lots of breathability while wicking away sweat to keep you nice and dry during your workouts. While they only come in four colors, these are the best trendy leggings for an athleisure look and can be worn with a pair of chunky white sneakers and an oversized sweater for a celeb-worthy ensemble.
Material: 87% nylon, 13% spandex | Size Range: XXS-XL | Colors: Black, white, ivory, espresso
These are ideal for anyone looking for a pair of super stretchy leggings.
If you prefer leggings that are plain and don't have a logo, these might not be your first choice.
If you need a pair of leggings with a phone pocket, we love ours from Lorna Jane. The Superior Phone Pocket Ankle Biter Leggings come in seven sizes and are made with a comfortable, supportive high-rise waist. They feature a large side pocket that sits seamlessly against the leg when not in use but is still big enough to hold your smartphone, keys, and AirPods, too. Constructed from polyester with 29 percent elastane, the leggings are out-of-this-world stretchy, making them ideal for almost every kind of workout, especially pilates and yoga. They have a fun logo design on the sides of the waist for added detail and flair, but that might not be for everyone.
Material: 71% polyester, 29% elastane | Size Range: XXS-XXL | Colors: Black, sunset orange
These leggings are a great choice for anyone seeking a pair of quick-dry, sweat-wicking, breathable leggings.
These may not be ideal for those who prefer a dressier pair of leggings for everyday wear.
The best shapewear leggings are undoubtedly the Spanx Booty Boost Active 7/8 Leggings, which are designed for an active lifestyle while providing just the right amount of life, support, and shape. While they may not be ideal for those who prefer a dressier pair of leggings, these are constructed from the brand’s unique sculpting performance fabric and feature a contoured waistline to help lift the booty and keep the waist feeling secure. In addition to its shapewear features, the leggings are also quick-dry, sweat-wicking, and breathable with four-way stretch so they can withstand high-intensity workouts, too. Plus, they feature a hidden phone pocket so you can keep your essentials close.
Material: 68% nylon, 32% elastane | Size Range: XS-3X | Colors: Dark palm, black, navy haze, dark fig, rich red, maroon purple, storm blue, jade, graphite dust
These leggings are ideal for anyone shopping for a pair of high-waisted, sweat-wicking leggings.
These hit just beyond the ankles, so they may not be the first choice of someone looking for floor-length leggings.
Flares with slits at the ankles are another popular legging style at the moment. For the best pair of leggings in this style, consider the Athleta Elation Split Flare Pant, which features a flared hem silhouette with a slit up the front of the ankles. We love these because they are designed to reach just beyond the ankles (so they don’t drag on the floor) and have a slit size that is just big enough to expose our favorite chunky sneakers. Additionally, the leggings have a comfortable high-waist fit with a sweat-wicking lycra and nylon material that helps evaporate moisture during challenging workouts.
Material: Nylon and lycra | Size Range: XXS-3XL (regular, petite, tall) | Colors: Black, ancient mahogany, noble blue
These are a great choice for anyone looking for a pair of shiny, statement-making leggings.
These might be too flashy for those who prefer a more subtle look.
The best leggings for going out are the Good American Vinyl Leggings, which feature a glossy patent leather-like finish. These faux leather leggings are ultra shiny and slick and come in an inclusive size range of XS through 5X. They’re constructed from a stretchy, lightweight, and breathable faux leather fabric that boasts lots of comfort, too, making them ideal for a night of dancing and fun. Anyone looking for a more subtle look might find these statement-making leggings too flashy.
Material: 50% polyester, 46% cotton, 4% elastane | Size Range: XS-5X | Colors: Black, dark cocoa
These are a great choice for those who want a pair of leggings with unique yet subtle details.
Those wanting a more traditional waistband instead of a lace-up look might not choose these leggings.
Ribbed leggings not only provide a nice texture but also a comfortable and subtle design detail we love. Our top pick for the best-ribbed leggings is the Year of Ours Ribbed Football Legging, which we live in. These leggings are inspired by retro football pants (hence the name) and feature a minimalistic ribbed detail with a comfortable lace-up waistline that allows for a more custom fit. Constructed from nylon and spandex, the leggings are ideal for sweaty workouts with their breathable and moisture-wicking technology, plus they boast lots of style, making them dreamy for athleisure days, too. If you prefer leggings with a more traditional waistband, these might not be the best choice.
Material: 85% nylon, 15% spandex | Size Range: XS-2X | Colors: Rose violet, blue flame, black, navy, dune, white, desert rose, honeycomb, dark oak, bone, deep teal, terra-cotta, heather gray, hot pink
These are great for anyone looking for leggings that come in a wide range of sizes.
These may not be ideal for anyone doing weight training as the material may be a bit too soft and thin to be fully squat-proof.
These super soft and stretchy leggings from Beyond Yoga provide plenty of support and are made with a material we love. They come in three core colors (black, charcoal, and navy), plus three seasonal shades. Two large pockets also mean there’s plenty of space to store your phone and other essentials while you’re working out or running errands. We also appreciate that these come in an inclusive size range. While the material is soft and comfortable, these may not be fully squat-proof.
Material: 87% polyester, 13% elastane | Size Range: XXS-4X | Colors: Core: darkest night, black charcoal, nocturnal navy; seasonal: pink punch heather, midnight green heather, blue gem heather
These leggings are great for anyone who likes leggings made with lightweight fabric and an adjustable waist.
If you don't like highly compressive fabric, these leggings might not be for you.
These high-waisted 7/8 leggings from Sweaty Betty are made for runners. They fit like a dream thanks to lightweight, high-compression sculpting fabric. They also feature a breathable perforated fabric at the sides of the thighs that helps keep you cool and dry during long runs. Thanks to the compressive waistband and the adjustable drawstring, you won’t have to worry about these leggings falling down. They also feature UV 40+ protection, a back zip pocket, and a deep side pocket. If you don’t like highly compressive fabric, these leggings might not be right for you.
Material: Ultra-light, sweat-wicking Italian fabric | Size Range: XXS-XXL | Colors: Black, deep blue
These leggings are reasonably priced and come in 41 colors, so they're ideal for anyone who likes to have leggings in several fun colors available at all times.
If you're looking for leggings that have a flared leg or a wrap waist, these might not be for you.
If you’re looking for a comfortable pair of leggings that are supportive and provide tummy control and a thick, opaque fabric, these leggings from The Gym People should be at the top of your list. They have a high waist that won’t roll down when you’re doing squats, and the thicker fabric will keep you warm on winter outings. Plus, they’re reasonably priced and come in 41 colors, so you can keep several on hand at all times. These leggings have a traditional fit in the leg and a high waist, so if you prefer a flared leg or a wrap waist, these might not be for you.
Material: 88% polyamide, 12% spandex | Size Range: XS-3XL | Colors: Black, black leopard, marble, bright pink, army green camo, and 36 other colors
First and foremost, the most important thing to look for in a legging for women is size, says Elizabeth. “You want the legging to fit and be comfortable, but not so tight that it leaves marks on your body or shows underwear lines,” she explains. When considering size, it helps to take note of any insights from product reviews to find out whether or not a legging is true to size, as well as the product description for insight from the brand. If you are unsure of your size, consider taking your measurements and reviewing the brand’s size chart, which will help guide you to the right legging for women for your specific body.
Next, Elizabeth says to consider color, which can vary from person to person and is very much dependent on personal style preferences and wardrobe needs. “I would first invest in colors that are universal for your wardrobe,” she explains. “Blacks and tans always seem to roll from season to season and typically blend well into a closet."
In addition to color, Elizabeth also says to look at the style of the leggings and choose options based on your needs and preferences. Many leggings for women come in high-waist silhouettes, but you can also find mid-rise options, too. Additionally, leggings fit snugly around the ankle as well as flare out like a pair of statement-making jeans. When shopping for leggings for women, Elizabeth says a three-quarter legging style can be worn with both sneakers or heels. She also recommends starting with a high-waist style.
“Quality is also important as you need pieces to hold up for as many workouts and washes as possible,” says Wahler. A quality legging can be marked in a variety of ways. “Depending on the fabric, you want to make sure that they are not see-through and, if necessary, they come above your stomach and hold you in or at the minimum sit above your hip bones,” says Elizabeth. She also adds that thicker compression fabrics can smooth out the look of the legs and tend to indicate a higher quality, too. With this in mind, consider the material type, how much stretch a legging has, and any insight on the overall performance, shape retention, and technology used to create the leggings. Most high-quality leggings for women will have transparent product pages with this information so you can easily research the best leggings for you and your activity needs.
All the leggings for women on our list of top picks are considered high-quality for their price point and performance capabilities. However, our top pick for the best leggings for women— the Alo Yoga 7/8 High-Waist Airbrush Legging — has impressive construction that is worth noting. This legging has a buttery soft texture with enough compression to keep its shape while providing a comfortable and flexible stretch for activities such as yoga, pilates, and more.
When it comes to the best leggings for women to wear as pants, Wahler says you can go wrong with a black style, as the color is easy to dress up or down, be it high heels and a blouse or boots and a sweater. Our top pick for going out leggings is the Good American Vinyl Leggings which feature a glossy patent finish that feels luxurious and stylish. We also love the Spanx Faux Leather Leggings for a leather-inspired option as they can be dressed up or down, depending on your needs.
The Kardashians are known to represent their own brands and have been photographed in both Skims and Good American leggings. Our top pick for the best lounge leggings, the Skims Cotton Rib Legging is a favorite. And the Good American Vinyl Leggings are another Kardashian-approved must-have.
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When researching the best leggings for women, Jessie considered both fashion, athleisure, and workout options, and carefully looked at the quality of construction, design, and material to find her top picks. She also made note of sweat-wicking styles, along with other important features like built-in pockets, support, and stretch. Additionally, Jessie reached out to top legging and fashion expert Jeni Elizabeth and CEO and co-founder of Beyond Yoga, Michelle Wahler to learn more about what makes a pair of leggings the best. As a result, she curated a list of the best leggings.
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