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Great workout leggings are a sartorial Swiss Army knife: a technical powerhouse while in motion and a comfortable go-to when pants don’t appeal. Performance wear is expected to do double duty, providing both support and comfort, on the go and at rest. We worked out (and worked from home) in numerous pairs, scrutinizing fabric, fit, performance, and style to find the best pair of workout leggings for however you choose to move.
Our top picks include a flattering and versatile all-purpose legging; a splurge-worthy, extra-comfy pair; a budget-friendly choice with pockets; a lighter-weight layering piece that is also terrific for everyday wear; a high-performance basic with a high-end feel; and a high-quality, plus-size-only legging.
Versatile and flattering, these leggings offer a structured fit, a substantial feel, and medium compression. They’re also available in a wide variety of sizes (from XXS to 6XL), three lengths, and nine colors.
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How they fit: The flattering lines and structured fit of the Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Legging pleased nearly all of our testers. Our panel consisted of four testers: a 5-foot-2-inch petite tester who typically wears a size 4; a 5-foot-2-inch plus-size tester who typically wears a size 16–18; a 5-foot-9-inch tester who wears a size 2; and a 5-foot-10-inch tester who wears a size 6–8. These leggings have more seaming than other, simpler pairs we tried, but that contributed to their nice shape. Their fabric feels thick, smooth, and “cool” to the touch, and they are pleasantly compressive.
Why they’re great: If you want to buy one pair that does it all, these leggings were among the most versatile we found. They’re perfect for all sorts of sporty (or non-sporty) activities and available in a wide range of sizes and colors. These leggings are made of a smooth, medium-weight fabric that’s stretchy and comfortable yet compressive enough that you feel secure and held in. We found them to be true to size and just snug enough—they stop short of resembling a superhero uniform. The Girlfriend Collective leggings also have a nicely structured fit. The seams wrap around the body, so this pair provides a more flattering silhouette than many competing pairs that rely solely on stretch. We especially liked the V-shaped panel across the lower back because it made the bum look perkier than in other leggings. The Girlfriend Collective leggings come in more sizes (XXS to 6XL) than nearly every other pair we found, and they’re available in three lengths.
Our testers loved these leggings. One petite woman, who wears a size XS and tried a 23¾-inch inseam, considered them to be “spot-on” for her size. Another tester, who wears an XXL, observed that although these leggings fit her well in the waist, the crotch and thigh areas required some tugging and adjustments. I wore a size M, with a 28½-inch inseam, and they felt great during a 30-minute indoor-cycling class (afterward, they dried in roughly 30 minutes). The 11-inch rise stayed put throughout. I would confidently pop them on for running, strength training, and other workouts, as well as for less-rigorous pursuits like yoga and lounging. They have one small internal pocket, which fits a key or a credit card.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Though these leggings breathe well, they may feel warm in some scenarios due to the substantial fabric. One tester noted that the waistband itself had less give than waistbands on other pairs, so pulling this pair on was a bit more difficult. These leggings don’t have pockets big enough to fit a phone, but Girlfriend Collective also makes a Compressive Pocket Legging. One Wirecutter staffer has tried them, and reports that when she jogs, her phone tends to slide up and down in the pocket which drives her crazy.
Sizes: XXS to 6XL (sizing chart on the brand’s website has waist and hip measurements to determine size)
Inseam: 19½ inches, 23¾ inches, or 28½ inches
Colors: black, brown, ivory, navy, green, purple, and limited edition colors (citrine, light blue, blood orange)
These luxurious, buttery-soft leggings are so comfortable they feel like you’re wearing nothing at all. Their simple lines lend them to all-day wear, not just workouts.
How they fit: The Beyond Yoga Spacedye Caught In the Midi High Waisted Legging is stretchy instead of structured, with light compression. These leggings were so comfortable that most of our testers forgot they were wearing them. Our panel consisted of four testers: a 5-foot-2-inch petite tester who typically wears a size 4; a 5-foot-2-inch plus-size tester who typically wears a size 16–18; a 5-foot-9-inch tester who wears a size 2; and a 5-foot-10-inch tester who wears a size 6–8. The Beyond Yoga leggings are available in XXS (0–2) to 4X (30–32) and in one length, Midi (25-inch inseam). And the super-soft fabric has a luxurious, almost sueded texture.
Why they’re great: These leggings are the next best thing to being naked. Our testers unanimously agreed that they were the softest, most comfortable, super-luxe leggings they tried. Put them on in the morning, and you likely won’t think about them again all day. The fabric is softer than that of any other pair we tried—it feels almost like suede. They’re thin and stretchy versus structured, and they provide light compression. This pair has a simple, body-conscious silhouette that’s seamless down the outside of the legs (with no pockets) and a subtler aesthetic that lends itself to daily wear.
I stretched and put these leggings through a 30-minute high-intensity kettlebell workout, and they felt cool, comfortable, and not wholly unsupportive. In fact, I didn’t think about them at all—a good sign. Another tester wore them for a full day of running errands and forgot about them.
The Beyond Yoga leggings have a subtle heathered look, thanks to space dying (a technique that provides a blurred or textured appearance); one tester said they appreciated this look in a sea of inky blacks. These leggings come in a wide variety of colors (some are seasonal hues that can vary) and in sizes up to a 4XL, but only a Midi length. (Beyond Yoga does offer Long and Capri lengths in other styles, but we didn’t try them.) At $97, these leggings are one of the pricier pairs we tried, but they were also one of the few near-$100 pairs that we thought justified the price.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: These have a very body-conscious fit, even for leggings. With less seaming and structure than others we tried, they show every curve (lighter colors in particular might spotlight lumps and bumps). One tester, who wore a size XS, thought these were too tight, likening them to a “sausage casing” and “feeling overly compressed in all the wrong places.” But two other testers (one a size XXL and one a size S) said these leggings fit “perfectly.”
Size range: XXS (0–2) to XXL (18–20), 1X (18–20) to 4X (30–32). According to Beyond Yoga’s size chart, there is some overlap if you wear a size 18–20, but be aware that the XXL has a longer inseam than the 1X.
Inseam: Midi length (between capri and full length) varies by size
Colors: six core colors for XXS to XXL and four core colors for 1X to 4X (including black, black/charcoal, and navy). Plus nine seasonal colors for XXS to XXL and two seasonal colors for 1X to 4X
Soft and comfortable, these cheap leggings fit and feel better than any other we tried at this price, but the cut wasn’t perfect for some testers. These leggings also have functional, convenient pockets.
How they fit: With gentle but supportive compression and a flattering (though not quite perfect) cut, the IUGA High-Waist Yoga Pants are soft to the touch and medium-thick, with a comfy vibe. Available in sizes XS to 3X, they fit our panel fine, though some found that the 1-inch elastic band dug in at the waist. Our panel consisted of four testers: a 5-foot-2-inch petite tester who typically wears a size 4; a 5-foot-2-inch plus-size tester who typically wears a size 16–18; a 5-foot-9-inch tester who wears a size 2; and a 5-foot-10-inch tester who wears a size 6–8.
Why they’re great: These leggings are reasonably priced, so we can understand why they are a number-one best-seller on Amazon (more than 50,000 reviews give them a 4.6 rating out of 5). They’re made with a soft yet substantial fabric, and they offer gentle but supportive compression and a flattering—albeit not perfect—cut. They also have convenient side-drop pockets, which feel proportionally (and comfortably) placed and can fit an iPhone. One XS tester raved about the fit, noting the IUGAs didn’t sag or bunch. And she found the fabric to be as soft and comfortable as that of more expensive pairs. Seams down the sides and across the rear give them a gently sporty look and a nice shape. In fact, we thought they were surprisingly flattering for such an inexpensive legging. They are a little loose at the ankle, which isn’t an enormous deal, but it’s noticeable compared with other pairs we wore. The seams are nice and flat, and this pair is comfortable to wear all day.
Dubbed “yoga pants,” they performed well during a variety of yoga poses and stretching, and they did fine during high-intensity efforts, too. The waistband didn’t slip much during jumping jacks with a phone in one of the pockets. They also dried quickly after unexpected rain interrupted a long walk. The inseam varies by size. (IUGA makes this legging in an even shorter, capri version, but we didn’t try it.)
One of our staffers who wears these leggings for weightlifting, reports that even after several sessions in which she repeatedly scraped the bar up her legs, they haven’t pilled or ripped.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: One XXL tester found the fit to be finicky; the size was right, and the leggings didn’t require much tugging, but the 1-inch elastic strip at the waistband dug in and made the tester feel “claustrophobic.” Another tester, who wore a size XS, noted that the sizing chart was confusing, with the hip measurement in particular feeling off (too small) by a few inches. Some testers also noticed that the fabric lost its shape a bit; after more than 10 washings, these leggings have retained their elasticity decently, and we’ve seen no pilling. A Wirecutter staffer ordered a pair of these and unexpectedly received one made with a ribbed fabric, which is not what we originally tested. She was underwhelmed by their lack of support.
Size range: XS to 3X
These stretchy leggings feel nice on the move and are comfortable enough to wear all day. They’re good for working out, but we think they’re truly ideal as a layering piece or a comfy alternative to pants.
How they fit: Smooth, stretchy, and thinner than most pairs we tried, the Universal Standard Next-to-Naked Legging (formerly named Core Legging) offers light support and a soft, fluid feel that’s perfect for lounging or casual outings. The waistband didn’t pinch, and it stayed put for all of our testers. Our panel consisted of four testers: a 5-foot-2-inch petite tester who typically wears a size 4; a 5-foot-2-inch plus-size tester who typically wears a size 16–18; a 5-foot-9-inch tester who wears a size 2; and a 5-foot-10-inch tester who wears a size 6–8. Be aware that Universal Standard’s sizing conversions don’t follow standard conventions: The leggings come in sizes 4XS (00–0) to 4XL (38–40) and in one length (27½ inches).
Why they’re great: We found these leggings to be fine for workouts, and they actually became our go-to for casual everyday wear. With a thinner fabric yet still a quality feel, these leggings won over wearers with their unrestrictive stretch and wearability. (The phrase “super-comfortable” popped up more than once.) They performed well during indoor-cycling classes, and they also planked and lunged their way through other workouts with ease.
These leggings did show a few sweat streaks post-cycling, but they dried speedily. Yet I found myself wearing them mostly on days that held lighter activity or longer spells of sitting (thank you, no-pinch waistband!). The fabric feels cool and smooth, and it’s more matte than shiny, so this pair doesn’t appear specifically geared toward workouts.
These leggings are also somewhat less supportive than some other pairs we recommend, and they feel refined enough to wear with non-sport clothing. Lounging in them just felt right. The company describes the Next-to-Naked Legging as having “soft support,” and that’s accurate: These are thinner and stretchier than many pairs we tried. We didn’t notice any issues with coverage (though thinner, the fabric wasn’t see-through). But if you prefer a higher level of compression or a fabric with a more substantial weight, these leggings may not provide adequate support.
We think they work well paired with a favorite T-shirt or a cozy cardigan for everyday wear or layered under shorts (for workouts) or skirts.
I expected the waistband, which is bolstered by an inch-wide band, to roll or flip down, but it stayed put. “This is the only pair I’ve tested with a band of elastic reinforcing the waistband that didn’t make me feel like a sausage,” said one tester, who wore a size M. She went on to note that these leggings didn’t “bunch, tug, or sag” (which are observations on fit that most of our testers shared). One 5-foot-2-inch petite tester, who wore a size 3XS, liked that they weren’t too tight; they were, however, a bit too long for her frame, bunching at her ankles.
These leggings come in a wide range of sizes (4XS to 4XL) and one inseam length (27 inches). Keep in mind that Universal Standard’s sizing conversions don’t follow standard conventions: XS is equivalent to a size 10–12; M is akin to a size 18–20; L is equivalent to a size 22–24; and 4XL is akin to a size 38–40. The high waist varies in rise according to size; for instance, size 2XS (6–8) has an 8-inch rise, while size M (18–20) has an 11½-inch rise. These leggings come in four colors: black, deep sea, black cherry, and rich cobalt.
After more than a year of wearing this pair on lower-key recovery days, I still really like them. I don't wear leggings much during the summer (too hot), but I've thrown these on a couple of times for errands, walks and they haven’t felt hot, scratchy, or given me that hermetically sealed feeling that I can't handle on a warm day. The smooth fabric is almost cooling. I have noticed a bit of piling in the inner-thigh area, though. Otherwise they're in great shape.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Next-to-Naked Leggings are stretchier and less compressive than most of our other picks. Because they are lighter and less constructed than other pairs we tried, these leggings are great to slip on for lounging post-workout or when errands (instead of intervals) are on the docket. Also, they don’t have a pocket (not even a small one for a credit card or keys), which gives them a less-workout-forward feel. Be prepared to stash your sundries elsewhere.
Size range: 4XS (00–0) to 4XL (38–40)
Colors: black, deep sea, black cherry, rich cobalt
These leggings deliver a winning combination of performance and comfort, with a pared-down silhouette and a smooth, supportive fabric that is ready for anything.
How they fit: Simple and flattering, the Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight has a wide, flat waistband that doesn’t feel constricting and stays put. These leggings come in sizes 0 to 20 and in four inseam lengths: 23 inches, 25 inches, 28 inches, and 31 inches. The fabric is cool and smooth to the touch, with a slightly brushed texture, but it isn’t slick or shiny.
Why they’re great: The Wunder Trains stood out for their simplicity, quality, and performance during and after activity. Lululemon is often credited with spearheading the fervor over pricey, bottom-boosting workout leggings. Based on our time spent in this pair—which replaces our previous Lululemon pick, the now-discontinued Wunder Under High-Rise Tight Full-On Luon—we think the hype is worth it.
The design of the Wunder Trains is spare, with no extraneous seams and one small internal slot pocket in the front of the waistband. The leggings are made from a fabric the company calls Everlux, which is meant to breathe well and dry quickly during and after intense exercise. The Wunder Trains excelled on both counts.
I put these through a variety of workouts in a variety of conditions and was impressed with their overall wearability. I wore them for sweaty indoor-cycling classes during a heat wave and appreciated their breathability and knack for drying in a relative snap. I donned them for strength workouts and felt free to squat, bend, stretch and jump to my heart’s content without a second thought. During a run in a wintry mix of rain, sleet, and snow, the Wunder Trains got pretty damp but dried afterwards in about 20 minutes. (I wore them for the rest of the day comfortably.)
After facing criticism in the past for its lack of size diversity, the company took a step toward broader sizing in 2020, when it announced that it was increasing its size range up to a size 20. I wore a size 8 in the 25-inch length, and the fit was appropriate for my 5-foot-10-inch frame.
These leggings fit true to size, though if your measurements put you in two different size camps, you may want to size up. (According to my measurements, I was a size 8 waist and size 6 hips; a size 8 fit just right.) Though substantial enough to provide medium support (by our estimation), the fabric still feels lightweight. After several months of regular washes, the Wunder Trains have retained their shape nicely.
Although we recommend other luxe-feeling leggings (like our extra-soft Beyond Yoga Spacedye Caught In the Midi High Waisted Legging pick)—and plenty of pairs that prioritize support and silhouette—the Wunder Trains feel like a versatile basic that is ready to roll. Intense workouts aside, whether I was playing with my kids, taking long walks, or performing mobility exercises, these leggings moved with me and were versatile enough to be worn daily.
Another plus: Minimal seams lend a streamlined look. Lululemon is famous (or infamous, depending on how you look at it) for shaping rear ends, and I felt that these leggings delivered in a low-key way for me—not entirely transformative, but certainly flattering.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: If you prefer leggings with multiple pockets, including at least one for a phone, these might not fit the bill. We noticed some customer reviews mentioning issues with the waistband rolling or sliding down and the stitching coming apart after a few washes. We didn’t experience either scenario, but we’ll keep an eye on things.
Inseam: 23 inches, 25 inches, 28 inches, 31 inches
These leggings are made with a thick, compressive fabric, and they have well-placed side pockets. They’re available exclusively in plus and extended sizes.
How they fit: Smooth and dense with a supportive hold, the Superfit Hero Superhold Pocket Leggings have conveniently placed pockets. They felt good during sweaty workouts and less-intense sessions. Available in sizes L (12–14) to 7X (40–44) and in one length (29 inches), they fit our 5-foot-2-inch plus-size tester (who wore a size 2X) a bit snugly in the waist, but were otherwise comfortable. Why they’re great: Superfit Hero transitioned to all plus and extended sizes in late 2020, allowing the company to cater fully to an often underrepresented population of athletic-wear aficionados. All of our picks offer sizing up to at least a 20 (and several of our favorites also come in extended sizes, including Girlfriend Collective and Universal Standard). But Superfit Hero goes the highest (40–44).
Dense and soft with a good amount of stretch, these leggings are pleasantly compressive and felt great on—a nice dose of support versus a too-tight squeeze. Our plus-size tester, who wore a size 2X and typically wears a size 16–18, liked the quality feel of the thick fabric. Though they fit her a bit snugly in the waist, they worked “mostly fine”; she noted that she also liked the capri version, which has a 20-inch inseam (she is 5 feet 2 inches tall). The inseam of the standard Superhold is 29 inches (they are also available in a 26-inch inseam). She also particularly liked the fit of the Beyond Yoga Spacedye Caught In the Midi High Waisted Legging.
Of roughly 200 reviews for the Superhold leggings on the brand’s website, the majority gives them five stars. I wore a size M, which is, full disclosure, no longer represented in the lineup (Superfit Hero moved to exclusively plus and extended sizes right around the time we were testing). They have a held-in feel and large, well-placed side-drop pockets. For what it’s worth, they performed well during a 45-minute indoor cycling class and a 3-mile run with my phone in one of the pockets. Made for all types of exercise, these leggings feel less slick than some of the other high-activity pairs in our pool. Yet they strike a nice balance between ready to sweat and ready to recover.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: At about $100 each, these are an investment. Given their quality feel and construction, we’d expect them to hold up over time, and we’ll continue to long-term test them. (Though we did notice that the printed logo, located on the left-side pocket, began to crack slightly after a few washes.)
Size range: L (EarthFit) to 7X (InfiniFit) (equivalent to 12–14 to 40–42)
Colors: black, blue, cobalt, moonlight marble, green, cactus leaf-print (purple)
To understand more about the textile side of workout leggings for this guide, I spoke (and emailed) with several textile and performance-wear experts, including Andre West, director of the Zeis Textiles Extension for Economic Development at NC State University; Preeti Arya, assistant professor of textile development and marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology; and Susan Sokolowski, PhD, a professor and director of the sports product design MS program at the University of Oregon, who also worked at Nike for 20 years.
I spent years writing about fitness for Wirecutter, wearing workout leggings nearly every day in anticipation of testing items like treadmills, indoor-cycling bikes, yoga mats, and GPS running watches. For nearly two years as a full-time personal trainer, my daily uniform was workout gear. I currently own more than 20 pairs of leggings.
The rise of athleisure—high-performance, sports-oriented clothing worn, well, just about everywhere—has arguably changed the way many people dress. Workout leggings in particular occupy an outsize space in the athleisure-verse. Vice President Kamala Harris famously wore them on Election Day 2020; many of us donned them daily for the better part of that year, thanks to the pandemic.
When we Googled the term “workout leggings,” we got about 160 million results. To narrow the enormous field, I surveyed my own wardrobe of leggings, noting the brands I wore the most. I read numerous best-of lists from the likes of The Strategist, Who What Wear, Good Housekeeping, Runner’s World, and Yoga Journal. I focused on versatile, quality pieces that could carry you through a sweaty workout, a low-key yoga session, an afternoon of errands, or a day spent working at your dining room table. I did not consider high-performance compression leggings meant for recovery.
A quick note on vocabulary: We refer to these garments as leggings throughout this piece. Others, however, including Susan Sokolowski, PhD, a professor and director of the sports product design MS program at University of Oregon (who also worked at Nike for 20 years), told us that those in the sports-apparel industry call them “tights.”
I narrowed down the field to 42 pairs and tried on each one, noting the quality, feel, and opacity of the fabric; general fit and comfort; performance while in motion; and overall first impressions. I squatted and stretched, hauled around my then 2½-year-old, and did household chores.
From there, 19 pairs rose to the top. I completed at least one workout in each pair, along with one to two days of general wear, looking out for both winning characteristics and missteps. Did the waistband dig in or slip down? Were they “squat-proof” or see-through? Was the fabric scratchy, hot, or slow to dry? Did wayward seams irritate? Did I look forward to wearing them?
I washed and dried each pair according to the instructions (thoughtful laundering of workout clothing can help increase longevity), and I considered the range of sizes a brand offered. Then I called on a panel of three testers—one petite (5 feet 2 inches tall and typically a size 4); one plus-size (5 feet 2 inches tall and typically a size 16–18); and one a 5-foot-9-inch size 2—who wore each pair and assessed their fabric, fit, performance, and style. (I’m 5 feet 10 inches tall and typically wear a size M or 6–8).
For a better understanding of what goes into a pair of workout leggings, I took a closer look at some of their key elements:
Fabric: We paid close attention to how a legging’s fabric felt—both to the touch and while being worn. Leggings won points if they dried quickly after sweaty workouts and moved with (not against) us. We wanted material—whether compressive or stretchy—that would retain its shape and texture through lots of wears and washes. We looked for opacity issues. Leggings that felt scratchy, hot, or too slack to be supportive didn’t make the cut.
Fit: A pair of leggings can feel wonderful to the touch, but that doesn’t mean much if they don’t fit well. Some of the pairs we tried were more structured, details like well-placed seams lending themselves to a flattering fit. Others leaned on lots of stretch. If a pair advertised a high waist, we expected it to fit at the belly button or higher. Was the length comfortable and appropriate? Were they just too tight in general, even if the size was correct? Were there uncomfortable (and unflattering) fit flaws, like sagging in the crotch or bagging at the knees? Did they stay put through all types of activities?
For some perspective on sizing, we spoke with Marcy Cruz, a fit model and board member of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, who told us that “plus size” is generally categorized to be sizes 12 to 24, and “extended” sizes are considered anything above a size 24 (though there is debate that plus-size begins at size 14). Girlfriend Collective, maker of our Compressive High-Rise Legging pick, offers up to a size 6XL; Superfit Hero carries exclusively plus and extended sizes, up to a size 7X (equivalent to size 40–44); and Athleta recently expanded its fleet to a size 3X (equivalent to size 24–26). But it takes work to get it right (including the time it takes to survey a wide range of bodies and measurements when designing plus-size garments), and there’s still a long way to go.
“I feel like it’s great that a lot of these designers and straight size brands want to expand into plus sizes,” said Cruz, “but I feel like you have to really look at what’s inclusive and really educate yourself on what the size range truly is.” (According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average waist circumference for women in the US is 38.7 inches.)
Performance: We wanted pairs that felt as good during workouts and activity as they did at rest. If we put them through a sweaty workout, did they dry quickly? Did they feel supportive and energizing or soft and relaxing? Did they keep their shape during movements?
Versatility: We wore these for nearly equal amounts of exercise and errands, taking note of how well they transitioned from activity to down time and how they looked while doing it. Did they work as well with a running shoe as they did with a sneaker? Were they comfortable enough to wear for a full workday and then a yoga class? Did they look conspicuously sporty, or did they have a lower-key vibe?
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The basis of a pair of leggings is core-spun yarn, which Preeti Arya, assistant professor of textile development and marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology, describes as a fine filament of elastane yarn with fiber (nylon, polyester, cotton) surrounding it. (Elastane is a general term for synthetic fibers like spandex and Lycra.)
No matter the brand, the basic yarn type is often roughly the same, as we found out from reading the tags of our contenders. Whether a pair feels thick and provides adequate coverage comes down to the density of the fabric’s knit. Two pairs can have nearly identical fiber content, but if the knit on one is less dense, its opacity will be altered.
Fabrics that wick are meant to keep you dry during a workout. Unlike natural fibers such as cotton or linen, which are known to become waterlogged, synthetic fibers operate similarly to capillary action, with the space between the fibers acting like a capillary tube. “So the minute ... perspiration touches it, it gets sucked up,” explained Arya. From there, it evaporates. Antimicrobial finishes, meant to sidestep stink, can be applied directly to a fabric by (for instance) dipping it into a chemical bath containing an antimicrobial formulation.
Once a legging is produced, brands usually put it through standardized tests to evaluate how well it holds up to, say, the equivalent of 20 washes, the steadfastness of a dye (a process called crocking), and its ability to withstand abrasion, pilling, tensile strength, and stretchability. (There are no rules that specify what a company should put its garments through. Andre West, director of the Zeis Textiles Extension for Economic Development, told us that more-reputable brands will typically do more testing.)
Most leggings are made with a combination of traditional cutting and sewing and machines that knit in a circle and are “very sophisticated,” said West. “You’re actually creating the material as you make the garment. Normally, in the fabric industry or the fashion industry, you’re cutting fabric and then sewing it up. In this industry, you’re knitting the fabric to fit the person.”
Some of the leggings we tested were made of fabrics proprietary to their respective brand. (Lululemon’s Wunder Train High-Rise Tight is made with one of the company’s own fabrics, called Everlux. Athleta’s Ultra High-Rise Elation Tights are made with a fabric it calls Powervita. And Superfit Hero’s Superhold fabric is behind its Superhold Pocket Leggings.)
This might seem like marketing, but it’s not a quick process. “It’s not easy to do what they do,” said Arya. “That’s what makes them special.” Jana Henning, chief product officer at Athleta at the time of our interview, told us that Athleta can take up to two years to produce a fabric all its own.
Fabletics is a subscription-based company that allows members to buy an array of leggings (as well as sports bras and other activewear) on a monthly basis. It debuted in 2013, with Kate Hudson as the face of the brand. On the sixth of each month, members are charged $54.95, which translates into a member credit redeemable for an item (or a two-piece outfit) up to $80. We chose not to test the subscription this time, but we might try it out during a subsequent round of testing. While Fabletics does offer more than just leggings, we tend to favor quality over quantity, and don’t necessarily think a new pair of leggings monthly is necessary.
The very soft and comfy Athleta Ultra High-Rise Elation Tight is a nice staple and nearly made it into our lineup of top picks. The Athleta leggings hit all of our testers—from our petite 5-foot-2-inch tester to our 5-foot-10-inch one—at a flattering spot on the ankle. They felt cool and gently supportive during activities (they’re geared for yoga, but were pretty versatile), as well as when testers were relaxing. The Athletas felt right at home during yoga classes and other high-movement, lower-impact exercise. One tester, who wore a 1X, reported that they gave her a muffin top and felt constricting through her middle, though she liked the stretchy, thick fabric. Like many of Athleta’s styles, these are offered in sizes up to 3X.
The Lululemon Invigorate High-Rise Tight is a high-performance, high-tech choice made for high-energy workouts. At $128, they are the most expensive pair we tested. But they felt great on runs and dried quickly. Their two drop-in pockets proved to be convenient and sturdy, though our petite tester wished they were a bit bigger and placed slightly differently (she said they felt a little like saddle bags). The fabric of these leggings felt luxe and dense, and their sporty vibe motivated us to move. One tester, who wore a size 18, noted, “These make me want to throw on sneakers and go get some fresh air.”
About the same price as our IUGA High-Waist Yoga Pants pick from Amazon, the budget-friendly Old Navy High-Waisted Elevate Compression Legging felt scratchier than other pairs our testers tried (not as smooth, soft, or cosseting). But they were mostly comfortable to wear, and we appreciated that they are easy to find and try on in Old Navy stores. “Once the leggings are on, they’re not scratchy,” said one tester, who wore an XL. “They just don’t feel special.” Another tester, who wore an XS petite, found them to be too warm and shiny for her taste. I wore them for a 30-minute indoor-cycling class, around the house, and on long walks, and I had no glaring complaints; they just didn’t knock my socks off. But for the price, they’re fine.
Even though the fabric of the Alo 7/8 High-Waist Airbrush Leggings felt great to the touch (soft and thick), this pair tended to feel scratchy when testers wore them. One tester (a size S) thought they were a bit too tight in the thigh, and another (an XS) felt hot in them even when sitting around. Yet another tester, who wore an XL, loved the fit and thought they were flattering, smoothing, and “cute.”
Our petite tester, who wore an XS petite, liked the fit and the length of the Athleta Salutation Stash 7/8 Tight (petite sizes have a 25-inch inseam), though they wished the drop-in pockets were a tad larger. Another tester, who tried a 1X, wasn’t able to get them on. All in all these were generally fine in form and function, but they didn’t wow.
An unmistakable workout pair, the Nike Women’s Victory Training Capris feature a wrap-around seam on the thighs, mesh vents at the calves (lending them some edge), and a techy, slick fabric with a nice weight and shape. These have a mid-rise waist (without the defined shape of some higher-rise styles we tried), which a few of our testers didn’t love. The largest size they come in is an XXL.
The SweatyBetty Power 7/8 Workout Leggings performed great on a 5½-mile run, and we liked the techy fabric, flattering seams, and smooth texture. They have a zippered back pocket for keys or a credit card but just one drop-in pocket on the left side (which felt a hair unbalanced). One tester thought they had a “cool, energizing feel” during a longer wear. But another tester, who wears an XXL, couldn’t pull them all the way on. And a strip of elastic at the top of the waistband dug into the skin of one of our testers.
Zella Live-In High-Waist Leggings made it through a lot of activities (indoor cycling, stretching, running errands), and they also have a warm, loungy feel. But our petite tester (who wore an XS) found them to be much too tight, and another (who wore an XL) thought they felt cheap and not stretchy enough.
This article was edited by Ingela Ratledge Amundson, Jennifer Hunter, and Jason Chen.
Andre West, director of the Zeis Textiles Extension for Economic Development at NC State University, phone interview, August 24, 2020
Marcy Cruz, National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, board member, writer, educator, and fit model, phone interview, August 31, 2020
Preeti Arya, assistant professor of textile development and marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology, phone interview, August 24, 2020
Susan Sokolowski, associate professor and director of the Sports Product Design Program at the University of Oregon, email interview, August 29, 2020
Jana Henning, chief product officer at Athleta, Zoom interview, August 28, 2020
Ingrid Skjong is a supervising editor on the appliance team, focusing on the likes of ranges, refrigerators, dryers, and dishwashers. She previously covered fitness for Wirecutter and has been an editor and writer at various lifestyle magazines. She is an avid runner and lives in New York City.
After testing nine sets of top-rated yoga blocks in all manner of poses, we’ve determined that Manduka Cork Yoga Blocks are the ones to get.
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Here are 75(ish) of our top fitness picks to help you get your year started right.
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Soft Textured Fabric Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time).