14 Best Leggings, According to a Fitness Editor Who’s Tested Over 100 Pairs

This top-rated pair of Amazon leggings (it has more than 11,000 five-star reviews) lives up to its “buttery-soft” name, according to Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz. “I don't like super high-rise leggings or anything too tight across the belly when I workout and this loose-fitting, extremely comfortable pair sits closer to the hip, making them easy (for me) to move in. They're also as stretchy as a legging should be, allowing for ample mobility, but they're better for lounging and doing errands than they are for running as they do slip down and bag a little in the crotch area despite them being true to size (which you can see in the second photo). So, if you don't want tugging to interrupt your gym sesh, I'd reserve these for coach hangs.”

• Pros: Affordable price; soft fabric; no pilling
• Cons: Slips down easily
• Sizes: XS–XL
• Fabric: Nylon, spandex

Lululemon is perhaps best known for its iconic Align leggings, which are a staple piece and absolutely worth checking out if you don’t already have a pair in your closet. But the brand has a number of other leggings styles that are worthy of praise, including the Wunder Train High-Rise Tights. “They are my fave—supersoft and stretchy,” says Sal Nakhlawi, a fitness coach in New York City. “They also help me feel snatched, as the girlies say.” These Lululemon tights feature the brand’s signature Everlux fabric, which is designed to keep you cool and dry during even the sweatiest workouts.

• Pros: Moisture wicking; quick drying
• Cons: Pricey
• Sizes: 0–20
• Fabric: Nylon, Lycra elastane

Another pair that recently became one of my go-tos, I’m a big fan of these Nike tights. They have the perfect high-rise cut that’s supportive but not restrictive (partially thanks to its extra-wide waistband). I’ve worn them during strength workouts, high-intensity sessions, and outdoor runs—and they’ve always performed impeccably, wicking moisture and keeping my lower body cool. Plus, they have a whopping six pockets discretely distributed along the thighs and waist, ideal for stashing essentials or a phone.

• Pros: Moisture-wicking; lots of pockets
• Cons: High waistband might not fit short torsos
• Sizes: XS–2XL
• Fabric: Nylon, spandex

The Alo High-Waist Airbrush leggings have garnered a bit of a cult following, and I have to admit, I’m proudly part of that group. The high waistband feels like a comforting hug around your middle, with just enough compression to feel supported but not stifled. The fabrication is also lovely, with a cotton-soft feel to the touch. I automatically feel effortlessly chic when I throw on these Alo leggings—and I feel just as comfortable wearing them to a Pilates class as I do pairing with a sweatshirt for the plane.

• Pros: Compression; smoothing; sculpting
• Cons: Limited sizes
• Sizes: XXS–XL
• Fabric: Nylon, elastane

There’s so much to love about Girlfriend Collective: They have an impressive range of sizes, their brand’s ethos is rooted in sustainability, and they use eco-conscious materials in all of their products. While I adore so many of their activewear pieces, this pair of flared leggings is a standout in my closet. They look gorgeous whether I’m running errands or heading to a yoga class—especially when worn with the matching top—and the wide leg is subtle, so it doesn’t get in the way of your activity. The fabric itself (made from recycled plastic bottles) is moisture wicking, super sturdy, and absolutely squat-proof.

• Pros: Size-inclusive; recycled material; moisture wicking
• Cons: Not suited for high-intensity workouts
• Sizes: XXS–6XL
• Fabric: Recycled plastic bottles (RPET), spandex

Every time I throw on these leggings, I feel confident, strong, and ready to take on any challenge. Why? They have a unique wide ribbed waistline that gives them a custom-feeling fit, along with some aesthetic appeal. The material is magically thick but ultrabreathable, with perforated detailing on the back of the leg for a little extra airflow. Plus, this style of yoga pants comes in the most gorgeous earthy colors (seriously, it takes a lot of self-control to keep from stocking up on all of them).

• Pros: Breathable; high waist
• Cons: Limited sizes
• Sizes: XS–XL
• Fabrics: Spandex, nylon

Currently in my closet, there’s a pair of Sweaty Betty Power Leggings that I’ve quite literally owned for nine years—yeah, they’re that durable. I even wore them while hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park, which involves trudging through icy water for miles, and I felt comfortable the entire time. In short: These sturdy yet stretchy tights do not disappoint, whether you’re heading out for a long run or cranking through squats at the gym. These leggings do fall on the thicker side, so I prefer to wear them in chillier months, but they’re technically sweat-wicking enough to sport year-round.

• Pros: Durable material; high quality
• Cons: On the thicker side
• Sizes: XXS–XXL
• Fabric: Polyamide elastane

Like a lot of activewear, quality leggings aren’t exactly kind to your credit card. However, this pair from Old Navy costs just shy of $20 and features a comparable style to other products on this list. “I like them because they are reasonably priced for the quality,” says Glamour tester Rachel D’Amato. “They are lighter weight than a lot of leggings out there, but not sheer. They have good-size pockets and even have a shapewear-like fit.” Plus, these bestsellers have a nearly perfect five-star rating (among 2,000+ reviews on the brand’s site), with customers raving about the fit and the side pockets.

• Pros: Affordable price; useful pockets; snug fit
• Cons: Sizing inconsistency
• Sizes: XS–4XL
• Fabrics: Cotton, spandex

Let’s face it, leggings can sometimes come with a pretty steep price tag. However, Fabletics is making high-quality leggings with a much more budget-conscious price—especially when you become a brand member. I’m a fan of these high-waist leggings, which I’ve worn during yoga classes, HIIT workouts, even dance classes. Worth noting: These feature the brand’s signature Powerhold material, which is an awesome thickness while still being pretty breathable and moisture wicking. What’s more, they’re sweat-wicking, UPF 50+ material, and are super size inclusive.

• Pros: Low price; size inclusive
• Cons: Need to be a member for lowest price
• Sizes: XXS–4XL
• Fabric: Polyester, spandex

As mentioned, I’ve tried more leggings than I can even count, so it’s rare that I’m genuinely surprised and intrigued by a new pair. However, when I tried Elastique’s leggings earlier this year, that’s exactly what happened. This brand designs activewear to support lymphatic flow and circulation, using compression fabric and strategically positioned resin beads that press against your skin. In my experience, whenever I’ve worn these on a long-haul plane ride, my legs feel refreshed when I reach my destination (rather than swollen and sluggish). The brand also recommends wearing them during workouts to help promote recovery.

• Pros: Compression; lymphatic flow technology
• Cons: Not the most comfortable
• Sizes: XS–XL
• Fabric: Polyamide, elastane

These leggings burst onto the scene back in 2021 and have since become a go-to workout leggings for the Glamour team and beyond. “I’ve had these since they first went viral on TikTok about two years ago,” says Navarro. “There’s some magic in this waistband, because it accentuates the shape of my torso unlike any other leggings I’ve tried. I usually wear these with just a sports bra or crop top because they make me feel that confident.” The cut and fit work great for both long and short torsos, which can be hard to find. Plus, they don’t pill easily, so you can wear them daily without worry.

• Pros: Size-inclusive; crossover waistband; opaque fabric
• Cons: Often sold out in some sizes
• Sizes: XXS–2XL
• Fabric: Nylon, elastane

“I consider myself a very discerning black-leggings aficionado,” says Glamour contributor Abby Gardner. “What I’m looking for most often is something that I can comfortably wear at my desk that also looks socially acceptable for running errands or a casual dinner when I throw a sweater over them. Zella’s high-waist style checks all of these boxes, and if I want to wear them to Pilates, they totally work for that too.”

• Pros: Hidden pocket; soft material
• Cons: Long inseam
• Sizes: XXS–2XL
• Fabric: Polyester, spandex