The Best Athleta Leggings for Doing All the Things
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If there’s one item we love to shop, it's leggings. And the best Athleta leggings are particularly good, striking the right balance of comfort and performance—putting the retailer alongside other athleisure faves like Lululemon, Amazon, and (surprise) Old Navy. Whether your activewear collection calls for new black leggings or you’re finally committing to that yoga studio down the block, the best workout leggings from Athleta have you covered.
What stands out is the range of Athleta’s fabrics. Some have breathability ideal for lounging and yoga flows, while more compressive styles can stand up to HIIT workouts and summer hikes—no chafing here. And if you’re one to hit the pavement in the early mornings or late nights, there are even reflective leggings to help keep you safe in the dark. (FYI, the brand also has great sports bras and tank tops to pair with their leggings.) Plus, all Athleta leggings range from XXS to plus sizes.
Want more of this from the same source? You’re in luck: We culled through Athleta’s selection of workout clothes to find the best Athleta leggings for every workout and preference. Below, the perfect pair(s) to scoop up now.
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Best Overall: Salutation Stash Pocket II 7/8 Tight
1/9Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II 7/8 Tight
Key selling points: Love high-rise tights? Look no further. Think of these best-sellers as Athleta’s answer to the Lululemon Align pants. Not only do they hold you in without restricting breathing, but they also feel weightless on, thanks to fewer seams in their updated design.
What customers say: These leggings have served me for 5+ years. As a massage therapist, I need comfort and flexibility to move at the moment, and the added bonus of a hidden pocket to house my phone discreetly helps me to maintain volume appropriately on the device in my room that streams music. The Salutation Stash Pocket II 7/8 are the perfect length, and the fabric from which they are sewn feels like nothing more than a second skin. —Jessie B., reviewer on Athleta
Best for Lounging, Walking, or Doing Yoga: Elation Capri
Courtesy of brand2/9Athleta Elation Capri
Key selling points: Designed with Athleta’s sweat-wicking Powervita fabric, these luxe capri leggings are buttery-soft and comfy to wear as yoga pants for at-home or studio workouts. The cropped length is a more forgiving option for summer—and thanks to a fitted waistband, you don’t have to worry about them bunching or rolling as you go into side crow.
What customers say: As soon as I tried them on, I knew I would love them! I’ve worn them twice so far to the gym to lift weights, and they are perfect: incredibly soft, perfect amount of compression, and most important to me, the high waistband smooths without feeling too tight and without pinching or rolling! During two 1-hour-long workouts, I didn’t have to pull them up or adjust them once. —Elizabeth S., reviewer on Athleta
Best for Sweaty Workouts: Ultra-High Rise Elation 7/8 Tights
3/9Athleta Ultra-High Rise Elation 7/8 Tight
Key selling points: Thanks to a smoothing, moisture-wicking fabric, these compression tights are a fan favorite. The waistband won’t pinch at the sides, and the breathable, supersoft fabric ensures you don’t overheat during your yoga flows.
What customers say: I recently tried these on in the store as a suggestion from one of the sales staff. I immediately knew they were going to work well for me. They’re plenty long enough, and I tried them in a pure barre class and they didn’t budge. Also, they were not hot at all, which is what I’ve experienced with other brands. —Gina, reviewer on Athleta
Best for Cold Weather: Rainier Reflective Tights
Courtesy of brand4/9Rainier Reflective Tight
Key selling points: We see you, evening runners—literally! These reflective leggings help you stay visible in the dark, even in a cute camo pattern. Plus, the soft, lined interior adds warmth, which will be a godsend once cold weather hits or if you happen to hike above the tree line.
What customers say: Not only are they comfortable and I love the material, but they look really cool when they glow. I had my picture taken with some friends, and they stood out so bright. Great to wear out to run or walk at night! —Tammy M., reviewer on Athleta
Best for Running: Rainier Unbrushed 7/8 Tights
Courtesy of brand5/9Athleta Rainier Unbrushed 7/8 Tight
Key selling points: These compression leggings also have reflective panels for early morning or after-dusk runners, joggers, and walkers. With multiple pockets, including a back-drop pocket and zippered side pockets, you can run in peace knowing that your keys and other essentials are secure.
What customers say: Love my brushed Ranier tights for running so wanted to try these for the gym. Love the 7/8 length, lighter feel, and perfect amount of compression. And, they don’t fall down! —Laurie G., reviewer on Athleta
Best for Everyday Activities: Transcend 7/8 Tights
Courtesy of brand6/9Athleta Transcend 7/8 Tight
Key selling points: These leggings are made with one of Athleta’s lightest fabrics: The brand’s signature VitaFree fabric features stretchy Lycra fiber to feel like a second skin. The barely there feeling makes these leggings ideal for everyday wear—whether or not you’re actually working out.
What customers say: My favorite thing about them is that they are the softest leggings I own. I also love the high waist and compression they have. I was so impressed that I bought another pair and will eventually buy every color. —Melissa S., reviewer on Athleta
Best for Petites: Ultimate Stash II Crop
Courtesy of brand7/9Ultimate Stash II Crop
Key selling points: Some circumstances, like intense Spin classes and weeklong heat waves, call for cropped leggings—and now, ultra-cropped leggings are here to keep you that much cooler. With a 16-inch inseam, these are somewhere in the middle of standard capris and bike shorts; the sweat-wicking, quick-drying fabric is a nice perk too.
What customers say: Cropped leggings are hard to find but oh so necessary in Arizona in the summer. These are soft, and the reengineered bigger side pocket even holds my iPhone 13 ProMax. —Sue S., reviewer on Athleta
Best for Tall People: Elation Over the Heel Tights
Courtesy of brand8/9Elation Over the Heel Tight
Key selling points: While these aren’t your traditional pair of leggings, the over-the-heel style is ideal if you’re looking for length. Ideal for low-impact workouts or running errands, they can be rolled up to the ankle to accommodate shoes and socks.
What customers say: Finally, an Athleta legging that goes past my ankle! I despise the 7/8 length, and it seems that even the “full-length” Athleta leggings are shorter than they’ve been in the past. These even bunch a little, which I much prefer to them being too short. The only thing that would make them better are pockets on the side!” —Ali S., reviewer on Athleta
Best for Strength Training: Ultimate Stash II Textured 7/8 Tights
Courtesy of brand9/9Ultimate Stash II Textured 7/8 Tight
Key selling points: For medium- to high-impact workouts, good news: These compressive leggings were designed for both. Aside from the strong, moves-with-you fabric, the leggings feature a back-drop pocket and two newly designed side pockets for items like your phone and keys—not to mention UPF 50 (the clothing version of SPF) in case you’re taking it outdoors.
What customers say: These tights are one of my favorites! The pattern is subtle and a great change from my standard solid black. But the texture and the fit are like no other! These fit like a glove with just the right amount of compression. They are soft to the touch and just feel and look great. —Tina C., reviewer on Athleta
