The best leggings of 2024, tested by editors

Choosing the right workout gear might make or break your next sweat session. Sometimes, landing on the perfect sports bra, comfy sneakers or weather-appropriate outfit can be just as crucial as picking your next warm-up or hype-worthy playlist.

Whether you’re a gym rat or athleisure enthusiast, you’ve probably washed, ripped and sweated your way through a fair share of leggings. Landing on a go-to pair is easier said than done in an oversaturated market — especially if you’re shopping online. That’s why we set out to find the best leggings for women in various prices, sizes and needs.

We rounded up our editors to test a range of leggings and find the best. Over weeks of testing, we were on the lookout for leggings suitable for both everyday wear and working out. The leggings sourced ranged in price from under $20 up to $128. We evaluated each pair in terms of quality, comfort, style and price point.

While most of the leggings we tried had their merits, ultimately three stood out to us as the comfiest, most durable, least constricting leggings out there.

Best leggings: Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant

Lululemon is practically synonymous with the word “athleisure,” and whether you love the brand or love to hate it, one thing is certain: Lululemon makes fantastic leggings with a fandom that might be best described as a cult. “I’ve wondered about the Aligns for years and thought they would be overrated, but these were one of my favorites,” said one tester. Yes, $98 may seem like a steep price to pay, but if you’re serious about finding a solid pair of workout leggings to add to your fitness gear, there are several reasons you’ll want to add the Lululemon Align Pant to your wardrobe.

The Lululemon fabric gives new meaning to the phrase “buttery soft.” One of our testers may or may not have audibly oohed and aahed the first time she put them on. The leggings scored perfect marks for everyday comfort and stretch even during high-impact activities. Take it from us — one of us took this pair to a Solidcore class and, despite its intensity, raved about their comfort levels. Other things we appreciated were the pair’s light weight, how opaque they were (even after several washings) and most importantly to many of us, how secure the high waistband remained throughout workouts (nobody likes saggy leggings).

“Lululemon material is always soft and comfortable,” noted one tester. “This pair is perfect for everything from running errands to lifting weights.” Only one tester had an issue with the waistband rolling, but that seemed to be a problem with its sizing. Based on our experience (and plenty of customer reviews noting the same), we might recommend sizing down one size for the most comfortable fit. As a bonus, the nylon-Lycra elastane fabric seemed to magically repel pet hair for one of our testers, who spent most days in black leggings covered in white dog and cat hair.

There were a few drawbacks: The material is a bit too thin to wear comfortably on chilly days outdoors for an extended time. One tester learned this the hard way while wearing the Aligns during an outdoor brunch. Also, according to our long-term wearers on staff, they tend to pill on the inner thighs — though this isn’t noticeable and has never resulted in holes or tearing.

The Align Pant is available in sizes 0 through 20 and in three inseams: 25-inch, 28-inch and 31-inch. Color offerings depend on the inseam, but rest assured, there are plenty of options. With a basic silhouette, the style also features a hidden waistband pocket big enough to fit a credit card, a small stash of cash or a key.

The Lululemon Align Pant is worth the investment for those looking for a sweat-wicking, breathable legging that’ll move with you no matter what type of workout you’re doing. These are so comfortable, you’ll forget you’re wearing them at all.

Best leggings, runner-up: Athleta Transcend High-Rise Tipped 7/8 Legging

Our testing pool loved Athleta’s dreamy leggings, especially for yoga and studio practice. According to Athleta’s website, these leggings are specially designed with Vitafree fabric made with Lycra fiber for their lightest-feel material. We all agreed this was the case; the fabric was extremely lightweight and breathable, which a few testers described as “barely there.” Yes, that means it was lighter than Lululemon’s fabric, but this pair is designed for low-intensity workouts, so it makes sense.

We also loved the stretch factor, which allowed for mobility and comfort. One tester wore these leggings to a back-breaking, high-movement Pvolve class and felt comfortable throughout the entire class (aside from aching muscles, which even the most expensive pair of leggings can’t fix). She found that, despite sweating bullets, the fabric was quick-drying, even in a sweaty gym room. The same tester also wore the Transcends to a pickleball class and noticed she could barely feel the fabric. “They never felt constricting and truly molded to my body,” she said.

Another tester on the taller side of the spectrum wore these leggings to yoga and especially loved that they didn’t budge or bunch up. “I didn’t have to pull them up or readjust often,” she noted, adding that the waistband hit just the right spot. The Athleta leggings are designed with a high-rise waistband and come in inseams for petite sizes (23 inches) and taller frames (28 inches). “I’ve never felt leggings like this before,” that tester added, noting the buttery-soft fabric.

Why did this fabric feel so good to all of us? It’s constructed with 75% nylon and 25% Lycra, which is also moisture-wicking so sweat can evaporate quickly. Better yet, the leggings are rated UPF 40+ for sun protection, making them a great option for outdoor runners or even long walks. In the end, it was the leggings’ light-as-air feeling that set them apart from others we tested.

Aside from the smooth fabric, we also factored in the unique design. Unlike the others we tried, this pair had a white band at the waistband and ankles. It may seem like a small detail, but this design added to the overall wearability of the leggings. Many testers agreed, with one noting, “I loved the little white band. It gave it a nice extra touch.” The Athleta leggings come in various colors, with some starting at just $25. They also have inclusive sizing for both tall and petite shoppers. For under $90, our testers agreed these were a high-quality pair that we’d wear over and over again.

Best budget leggings: Quince Ultra-Form High-Rise Legging

“I could wear these leggings all day,” one tester noted, adding that she has previously relied on Quince to be a faithful brand for soft, stretchy fabric. Another tester agreed, adding that she wore them for strength training and working at home and found them “so soft and comfortable.”

At just $40, Quince’s leggings rivaled the quality of leggings more than double their price. Quince’s leggings are made using 78% nylon and 22% spandex — like most leggings we tested. They are also quick-drying and moisture-wicking thanks to the combination fabric. We also learned the material is specially certified to ensure that no hazardous substances are present, which is always a bonus.

Although the leggings were breathable, ultra-smooth and comfortable, we wouldn’t reach for this pair for an intense workout. One tester shared, ”They don’t offer a lot of support but then again, I don’t want a lot of it.” We recommend this pair for low-impact studio classes or everyday wear, especially since they come in a colorful, playful range of shades.

In terms of the overall fit, we found this pair to be comparable to other pricier brands we tested. One tester said, “The rise wasn’t too high and I felt like I could really move in these without having to readjust.”

The Ultra-Forms are designed with low-level compression, which felt noticeable compared to other leggings. The hidden pocket in the waistband did come in handy, although tiny compared to leggings from Beyond Yoga.

Unlike other leggings we tested, the Ultra-High Form leggings only come in XS-XL. However, they do offer different inseam lengths. Although we loved the quality and price of this pair, we were disappointed by the lack of inclusive sizing.

How we tested

We researched the top leggings on the market and considered staff-recommended pairs that our editors have worn for years. We considered brands for working out and everyday wear across various prices and settled on a diverse pool to test. While we didn’t consider leggings designed to keep you warm in the winter, we have looked at fleece-lined leggings separately.

We wore each leggings several times, both before and after washing them, during high-impact, sweaty workouts as well as while lounging around the house and doing low-impact everyday activities to determine how comfortable each pair was overall. We considered whether the waistband rode up or rolled down during workouts, and if the leggings pinched or were otherwise uncomfortable to wear.

We also observed whether the leggings attracted lint and pet hair, and used additional anecdotal evidence about durability from staffers with any long-term experience with the leggings we tested. We looked at whether sizing was accurate and aligned with our normal sizes and if the leggings fit well across a range of body types.

We also considered the range of sizes, inseams and colors available, and factored in our collective thoughts about each pair’s stylishness. We noted which pairs felt more comfortable and had a more flattering fit.

Finally, we looked at how much stretch and movement the fabric had and considered whether the leggings were crafted using eco-friendly, sustainable or organic materials. Here’s what we evaluated.

Other leggings we tested

Though these leggings are extremely fashionable, they were also surprisingly comfortable. “They have excellent support but I wouldn’t work out in them,” one tester said. “I would wear them out at night.”

“These wet-looking leggings are not my style at all and I would never usually buy these,” shared another tester. “I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked them,” she said, adding that she dressed them up with heels and an oversized shirt for the office and a baggy sweater and sneakers for the weekend.

The Carbon38 leggings can come in handy for costume parties and glamming up a boring look, or even for a fun night out. However, we weren’t sold on wearing this pair to a workout class.

According to its website, Beyond Yoga aims to make beyond-soft activewear for every size, shape, moment and movement, with a special emphasis on non-restrictive support to “find strength in softness.” We can certainly attest to this mission; the Spacedye leggings were form-fitting yet comfortable and well worth the price.

One of the standout features of the Spacedyes is the seamless pocket. Unlike other leggings that typically have a minuscule hidden pocket in the waistband, this pair was designed for practicality. The roomy pockets on the hips can store a phone or card, all without ruining the overall look, making them a great option for running errands or even hands-free activity. “This made it easy to put my phone or ring away when lifting weights or walking around the gym,” one tester noted. Another tester agreed, “I never felt like they were going to fall when I added my phone to the pocket.”

The cozy Spacedyes are crafted with Beyond Yoga’s unique performance fabric (87% polyester and 13% elastane) with a four-way stretch for maximum comfort. The leggings are also designed with UV protection, so outdoorsy types will love them as well.

Aside from the high-quality look and feel, Beyond Yoga earned extra points for its inclusive size range. The Spacedyes are available in sizes XXS to 4X, all in seven seasonal colors. One petite tester, who struggles to find leggings, was amazed by the near-perfect fit. “They fit like a glove,” she wrote, adding that this was one of the few pairs of leggings that didn’t bunch up.

Another tester, however, found this pair to be a little too high-waisted. “They’re so comfortable and super soft, but way too high-waisted. On me, they almost came up to my ribs,” she noted. This could be due to the 5-inch waistband that is formulated to sit at the natural waist, so if you have a shorter torso, this may not be the pair for you. Nevertheless, with their price tag of nearly $100, we all thought this was an excellent pair for running errands, chilling and lounging at home.

One of the best features of this pair is that it’s free of a center seam, which is rare to find in a pair of leggings nowadays. Another standout feature was the eco-friendly fabric, made from Sensil EcoCore (aka recycled nylon).

As with most of Spanx’s products, many of which are meant for shaping, the company is aware that some products fit tighter. With these leggings specifically, you’ll find an online disclaimer suggesting you might size up. And, as a result, these were not leggings any of us wanted to work out in — they’re made for fashion, not function. “I got a size small like all the others, which fit like a glove, but with these, I couldn’t even get them past my knee,” one tester noted. On the other hand, they provided an incredible amount of support. “They are meant to be tight and restricting,” one tester shared, adding, “they do hold you in where you need it.”

One tester even shared she wore them under dresses or long shirts for an extra layer of compression, since they had the most support out of any pair we tried. The bottom line? If you are interested in Spanx seamless leggings, definitely size up.

Most testers agreed the Alo Yoga Airlifts ran small, in addition to the compressing material. “I didn’t love these as much for all-day wear,” one tester wrote. “They cut into my stomach when I sat down.” Another tester agreed and added it was a struggle to get these leggings on and off. We recommend sizing up if you splurge on Instagram’s favorite leggings.

However, the Airlift fabric is also incredibly soft. It’s made from 82% polyester and 18% elastane, which adds a sculpting, subtle sheen with powerful compression. We did feel the material was thicker and sturdier than other leggings, which could be perfect for colder weather or outdoor runs.

One thing was certain: We couldn’t ignore the hefty price tag. Alo Yoga Airlift leggings go for $128, making them one of the most expensive pairs we tested. Are they worth it? If you’re looking to tote the Alo Yoga logo, the answer is probably yes. However, for those more interested in fit and comfort, our other tested leggings won’t break the bank.

We know purchasing clothing from Amazon can be a hit-or-miss experience. That’s why we had to include an Amazon pair in our testing pool. After testing high-quality, tried-and-true brands, we were pleasantly surprised by this pair from Iuga that is currently available for just $20, making them one of the most affordable leggings in our testing.

“I’m actually shocked by how much I like these,” one tester shared. “They’re extremely soft for the price point. They’re not the most supportive, but I can see these being a go-to pair for a walk or Netflix binging session.”

This pair from Iuga is crafted from 80% polyester and 20% spandex, which are both ideal when looking for workout gear. “I felt like they were a hybrid between the Alo and Lululemon leggings,” one tester shared. “I wore these during a couple of workout classes and they stayed put and felt like they were sweat-wicking,” she added. All testers agreed: this pair felt cozy and comfortable — but they did stretch out during wear and tear.

Surprisingly, the leggings weren’t sheer at all. They also claim to have a “lifting” design, meaning the wide high-rise waistband contours legs and the waist. After testing them out, however, we didn’t notice any contouring effect.

The main fault of this pair? The fabric attracted lint — and fast. “This pair attracted dirt like a magnet,” one tester lamented. “I noticed after two days of wearing them that they looked dirty even though they weren’t.”

We’ve long been fans of the Athleta brand for all things active-related. Case in point: we tried and loved their breathable masks for working out. It was no surprise we were impressed by the Salutation Stash High-Rise 7/8 Legging. A newer version of Athleta’s customer-favorite Salutation Stash Pocket Tight, this pair is crafted from the same fabric as the original but with some hefty improvements, like a sturdier waistband and fewer seams for a smoother legging.

The breathable leggings are made from Powervita fabric, a blend of nylon/Lycra spandex that the brand describes as having “interlocking construction to provide light compression that delivers just-right support.” Based on our testing, we can indeed confirm this to be accurate. After working out in these and wearing them for everyday activities — including a lot of lounging around the house — we found the leggings were equal parts comfortable, sweat-wicking and flattering. Even after wearing them for a few days without washing them, they continued to be form-fitting and didn’t stretch or sag in any areas. We had no issues with the secure waistband.

The Salutation Stash Pocket II are available in sizes XXS–3XL in their regular inseam length (25 inches), XXS–XL in the petite inseam (23 inches) and XS-XL in tall (28 inches). For taller folks or those looking for full-length leggings, the style is also available in inseams up to 30 inches. We found sizing accurate, and appreciated how opaque the pair was — there was no chance of a see-through surprise while wearing these. They also feature discreet side pockets that lie flat against the legging, for convenience that doesn’t add bulkiness to their design. This was impressive considering the pockets are substantial enough to fit a phone or wallet. In eight muted colors, including plenty of neutrals, their aesthetic doesn’t scream “workout legging,” and we could see ourselves just as easily wearing them to brunch as we could to the fitness studio. And for outdoor wear, this pair has the bonus of UPF 50+ for protection against UV rays.

After washing and drying these leggings several times during our testing, we didn’t observe any noticeable pilling, fading or stretching, though one of our testers did notice some lint/pet hair buildup, which was easily removable with a sticky roller.

We realize that at their normal price, this pair may cause some sticker shock, but you get, as they say, what you pay for. In this case, that’s high-quality, versatile leggings with all the features and comfort you’d expect in an ideal pair for everyday and high-impact activities. As one of our testers said, “This is my first pair of upscale leggings and it’s a world of difference.” If you’re looking for comfortable, durable and stylish leggings that you can seamlessly take from an outdoor run to a meal with friends, we can’t think of a better pair.

Perhaps you’ve stumbled across leggings from this delightfully named brand on Amazon and, like us, immediately wondered, “Could more than 20,000 five-star reviews be wrong?” Well, reader, it turns out, they could not: In our opinion, the Colorful Koala Women’s High-Waisted Leggings are indeed 5-star budget-priced leggings that tick pretty much all the boxes given their affordable price point.

We loved how supportive the stretchy, soft material was during workouts, and though these leggings aren’t as buttery-soft or stretchy as the Lululemon Align Pant, for almost a quarter of the price tag, they come pretty darn close. While one of our testers had issues with the waistband periodically rolling down, she still appreciated how secure the leggings made her feel while exercising, particularly given the price.

Colorful Koala came through in the durability department as well. One editor who’s been wearing this pair regularly noted that while they do start to attract fuzz and fade after some time, after wearing them at least twice a week for several months, she even found them to be holding up better than her Align leggings as far as pilling. We also noticed that they did a good job of repelling pet hair, as the fibers of this poly-spandex fabric repelled stiff hairs.

Available in 33 colors and patterns, these Colorful Koala leggings come in sizes XS-XL. While we wish they offered more expansive sizing options, there are alternative options. If your size isn’t available, the CRZ Yoga leggings are a worthy budget runner-up that offers sizes XXS and XXL. While these Colorful Koala leggings come only in an approximately 25-inch inseam, the brand also offers a full-length legging with a 28-inch inseam that trades side pockets for hidden waistband pockets.

For less than $30, we think you’ll be more than pleased by the quality, fit and comfort of these leggings.

Some long-term wearers of the Wunder Unders have noted they’ve held up exceedingly well after years of washes, with no pilling, lint or fading to note, making them a worthy investment for their nearly three-figure price tag.

Our testers considered this pair stylish enough to wear outside the gym or for errands. They have a hidden waistband pocket big enough to fit a credit card, making them great for a hands-free outing. The thicker fabric also makes them a good choice to wear in chillier weather. That said, some of us felt the material was a little too thick and constricting for optimally comfortable workouts in warmer weather, and one found the waistband to sometimes roll beneath her belly button during workouts, which wasn’t ideal.

If, however, you’re looking for leggings that feel a bit more like shapewear and give you that “held in” feeling or if you want a good pair for running outdoors when the weather isn’t sweltering, these are a great option and have proven excellent at standing up to years of wear. They’re available in sizes 00–20, in 25-inch and 28-inch inseams and seven colors.

A few other stellar features we loved about these leggings: They’re available in perhaps the widest range of sizes of all the pairs we tested, from XXS to 6XL. For context, they accommodate waists from 22.5 to 52 inches and hips from 32 to 62.5 inches, and their three inseams also span a wide range (19.5, 23.75 and 28.5 inches). Finding the ideal length, no matter your height, is a breeze. From our experience, they seem to be true to size. The leggings are available in six colors. They also wash and dry beautifully, looking as good as new after several wash cycles.

The material, true to this product’s name, is compressive without feeling restrictive, plus the leggings also feature much-coveted small side pockets. This pair ultimately didn’t snag a winning spot because we found them to be a bit too stiff for comfortable high-impact workouts, and our testers had mixed feelings about the waistband consistently staying put throughout an exercise session.

If you’re looking for a pair of everyday leggings you can feel good about wearing, we think these are a solid choice. Ultimately, the brand’s commitment to inclusive sizing and eco-friendly manufacturing wowed us more than any other evaluation point.

They also feature a tiny hidden waistband pocket, like the Align. While most of us found them to be just as comfortable for intense workouts as for lounging around the house, one tester did have some issues with the waistband, which tended to roll down consistently during runs.

Other reasons we didn’t ultimately name the CRZ Yoga leggings our best budget pair: Larger sizes tended to be less opaque, and the fabric attracted more lint and pet hair than we’d prefer. Still, after several washes, we didn’t observe any noticeable pilling or fading, and they remained as soft and comfortable as the first wear. We also appreciated that these leggings are available in sizes XXS through XXL, a wider range than most budget-priced pairs we tested.

The Colorful Koala leggings edged out this pair by just a tiny margin, pushed ahead because of their convenient larger pockets and a more secure waistband. And like with the Colorful Koala leggings, if you’re on the taller side, you might find the cropped length a tad too short, particularly for outdoor wear in colder weather, but they are also available in a 28-inch inseam.

Unlike all the other leggings in our testing pool, this pair is not designed with a gusset, meaning they’re more likely to tear at the crotch area. While the leggings scored high marks in the opacity and stretchiness categories, and they’re soft inside and out, they’re not optimal for working out.

We found the material a bit thick for ideal comfort during a sweat sesh. They didn’t seem to be very sweat-wicking either. If you’re looking for a pair to lounge around or sleep in and not much else, though? These will do just fine and you won’t break the bank stocking up on a few. They’re also available in a staggering 44 colors and patterns.

We also liked how they fared after multiple wash-and-dry cycles, snapping right back into shape and looking as good as new. They also kept us warm outdoors in near-freezing temperatures. They come in three inseams, are offered in sizes XXS–4XL and are available in 11 colors, from neutrals to bright and bold hues.

A few things to mention: Although certainly useful, the pockets don’t lie flush against the shape of the leggings, so when sitting down they kind of stuck out. Also, after hours of wear, one of our testers noted that the compressing high waist started to feel a little tight.

One of the main reasons we didn’t crown these our overall winning pair, though? Fabletics’ subscription-based business model. If you don’t want to commit to a $60-per-month membership, you’ll be shelling out at least $75 per pair. If you’ve already bought into the Fabletics membership or are thinking about it, you can’t go wrong with these leggings.

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