The best workout leggings have built-in stretch to hug your body like a second skin without restricting your movement or uncomfortably bunching around the knees or groin. They should also have sweat-wicking technology and breathable, ventilated fabrics to keep you cool and dry during even the sweatiest cardio routines, along with squat-proof designs (material that won’t show what you’re wearing underneath your leggings) that give you the confidence to stake out a spot in the front of the class. Most importantly, they should be super comfortable and suited for your preferred workout.
So Who Makes the Best Workout Leggings?
Of course, plenty of leggings claim to be the best, but that is more of a personal preference. To help you differentiate between the workout leggings actually worth buying—and those you can live without—we’ve gathered some of our favorite picks, brands we have used and tested. Read on to learn which workout leggings made our favorites list. Most are available in different rises and lengths to meet your personal preference.
Worried about sweat showing through? It is a concern for a lot of people and in some spots it can even be a little embarrassing, but remember if you are sweating then you are working hard, and what’s embarrassing about that? As most of us know darker colored leggings are not going to show sweat like lighter colors. We are happy to report that most of the leggings in our review are offered in dark hues so you’ll have one less thing to worry about.
Patagonia Peak Mission Tights
Patagonia is a brand that needs no introduction, but their workout wear might. Known more for their eye-catching outdoor apparel and gear and their environmental stance, the brand also offers some really nice workout attire. They’ve taken the knowledge they’ve gained over the years and implemented it into their workout gear. These cool-to-cold-weather running tights will keep you warm while also wicking away moisture when you start to heat up. Key features include Internal flat elastic in the waistband for comfort and lasting durability, secure zipper pocket that fits a key or phone and reflective accents for safety. Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
Available online for $119.00 at patagonia.com. Shown above with the Patagonia Ridge Flow Shirt and Wild Trail Sports Bra.
Lululemon Wunder Train Leggings
Lululemon may be one the most recognizable brands in the legging world. Designed for training and going hard, this legging lives up to the reputation. Lululemon is just not a status symbol, they make legit workout wear. Powered by Lululemon’s Everlux fabric, the Wunder Train collection provides a mild compression, is highly breathable and quickly wicks sweat so you feel more comfortable during (and after) your workout. The waistband includes a drawcord to keep your leggings in place while along with a hidden pocket for your card and keys. Train hard, not hot.
The material quality of the Wunder Train Leggings is top notch. Running, gym workouts or even yoga, you won’t be disappointed.
Available online for $98 – $118 at lululemon.com. Shown with the Lululemon Energy Bra.
Lolë Step Up Ultra High-Waisted Ankle Leggings
Feel supported in all of your sweaty endeavors in Lolë Step Up Ankle Leggings; ultra high-waisted leggings with high compression that’ll keep you feeling secure and confident throughout your workout. Designed with their new ultra high-waisted fit, the raw edge bottom hem gives you an elongated, seamless feeling from the high-waist all the way to the bottom and doesn’t cut against the skin. The bonded hem side pockets are designed to not dig in when stretched, yet are wide enough to fit your phone.The laser cut edge inner pocket on the centre back of the waistband offers seamless extra storage, combining fashion and function.
Available online for $95.00 at lolelife.com. Also shown above are the matching Step Up High Support sports bra and Elisia Tank.
Vuori Daily Legging
Another brand we have come to love here at the office. The Vuori Daily Legging features a high waist, drawstring tie, an upgraded no-slip fit, 7/8 length and cuffed ankles. This mid-weight fabric offers a medium compression which is suitable for anything from running to browsing the farmer’s market. There’s no mistake in the name‚ you’ll want to wear these daily. Pick up two pair, one for workouts and one to relax in after work.
Also, hats off to Vuori for reducing packaging and waste. Their leggings are rolled and tied and both their leggings and bras are shipping without the use of plastic bags! You can read more on the Vuori sustainability mission here.
Available online for $84 at vuori.com. Shown above with the matching Yosemite Bra.
Allbirds Women’s Natural Legging
Allbirds has taken the legging game to a new level with their buttery-soft, mid-weight performance leggings made from a mix of sustainable materials. The brand is well recognized for their all-natural shoes and most recently has brought that passion to the apparel game. This mid-weight legging offers compression complemented by fabric that moves with you and is breathable – it passed our squat test too!
The All Birds Women’s Natural Legging features a very unique material blend made from 43% tencel lyocell, 30% recycled nylon, 18% ZQ merino wool, 9% elastane.
Available online for $98 at allbirds.com. Also shown above is the Natural Run Form Tank.
Fabletics Trinity High-Waisted Utility Legging
Don’t judge a book by its cover. When you see the flashy signs that say leggings 2 for $22.00 it’s hard to think that you are looking at a quality product but that is not the case. The Fabletics Trinity High-Waisted Utility Legging is top-notch. Be sure to read about their membership plan below.
Motion365, Fabletics most versatile fabric, is designed to give you all of the sculpting benefits of high compression with maximum breathability. This state-of-the-art fabric is crafted from resilient nylon that wicks away sweat and enables full range of motion—whether you’re at boot camp, barre class or out on the trail. Pair this with their No-Bounce Sports Bra and you have the perfect workout set. Visit Fabletics.com to check out their extensive line of apparel or stop into one of their new stores popping up around the country.
Available online for $79.00 at fabletics.com. Shown above with the No-Bounce Sports Bra.
Fabletics Membership Plan
Fabletics offers a flexible VIP Membership that is no cost to join. Here is how the membership works: On the 6th of each month, members are charged $49.95 for a member credit, which can be redeemed for an outfit or item up to $80, online or in-store. If members don’t want a credit, they an visit the site between the 1st and 5th of the month, click “Skip the Month”, and they won’t be charged. Any unused credits expire after 12 months and members can skip as often as they would like- there is no limit on how many months members can skip. VIP members get 20-50% off everything and free access to our Fabletics FIT app.
Some brands listed above may be part of an affiliate program.
Also be sure to check out KRONIS leggings.
