Top 10 Workout Leggings
These Are Officially The Best Leggings To Wear For Working Out
Leggings are a staple of most modern women’s wardrobes. Comfortable and convenient to throw on, there’s really no competition when it comes to athletic bottoms. Sure, you could try going for a run in sweatpants or holding a warrior two pose in lounge pants. But we all know the truth: when it’s time to break a sweat, leggings are the best option—more specifically, workout leggings.
In the same way that workout tops are designed to be breathable and move with you, exercise leggings are typically made from supportive, stretchy, sweat-wicking fabric blends. Unlike the fleece-lined pair you love to wear while lounging on the couch, exercise leggings will keep you comfortable during a hike, jog, or yoga session (not to mention, they’ll cover your assets during a set of squats).
On that same topic, there are a few things to avoid when choosing a pair of workout leggings. They can’t be see-through or slide down your waist all the time, and they also shouldn’t bunch around the ankles or look baggy around the crotch.
We know: it’s a lot to look out for, which is why we’re here to help.
How We Found The Best Workout Leggings
Ahead, you’ll find 10 top-rated pairs of workout leggings. We’re confident that the styles featured below are the best of the best, because we used our data-powered ranking algorithm (an unbiased tool that uses data to score products) to make sure. Approved by real people just like you, the 10 styles below appeal to a wide range of budgets and workout routines. Ready to find the pair that help you hit a new PR? Scroll on to shop the internet’s best gym leggings.
September 22, 2023
Written By:Sierra Rogers
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 28"
Overall Score
4.7
10
Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 28"
3.5
17229 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best High-Rise Workout Leggings
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
If you're reading this list, then you've most likely heard of Aligns. Loved for their weightless, buttery soft fabric, they're basically the next best thing to wearing nothing at all.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
These leggings come in tons of beautiful color options, and there's no need to worry about opacity—the white and light shades are double lined for extra security.
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CRZ Yoga Naked Feeling High Waist Workout Leggings
Overall Score
4.7
09
CRZ Yoga Naked Feeling High Waist Workout Leggings
4.5
26824 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Workout Leggings On Amazon
WHAT TO KNOW
Athletic leggings should feel like a second skin; that’s the standard to reach for if you want to train at your best. The Naked Feeling High-Waisted Workout Leggings are designed to give you just that sensation, and with 20,000+ 5-star reviews, we have a suspicion they live up to their promise.
PROMISING REVIEW
“I was VERY hesitant on buying these. I LOVE my lululemons, but I don’t want to spend $100 on each pair of leggings. I Googled best leggings and these came up; I really do love them. They are comfy, and I haven’t noticed any sheerness to them yet. I will be buying them in a couple other colors.”
More Colors
Beyond Yoga Caught In The Midi High Waist Leggings
Overall Score
4.75
08
Beyond Yoga Caught In The Midi High Waist Leggings
4.4
672 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Workout Leggings For LIIS
WHAT TO KNOW
Midi-length leggings help you avoid the weird bunching that can happen around your ankles when they don’t fit right. That’s one of the things Beyond Yoga’s Caught in the Midi High Waist Leggings have going for them, and they’re also made from a quick-drying fabric that’s reinforced for extra support.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
These athletic leggings come in seven different colors, so you can bring some much-needed brightness to your gym or studio.
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Inclusive
Sweaty Betty Power 7/8 Workout Leggings
Overall Score
4.8
07
Sweaty Betty Power 7/8 Workout Leggings
4.6
12376 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Sculpting Workout Leggings
WHAT TO KNOW
Leggings that give your backside a lift—no exercise required. That should be Sweaty Betty’s Power Workout Leggings’ tagline, because they’re built to flatter with thoughtfully-placed seams and a high-rise waistband.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Workout leggings with pockets: one of modern life’s little luxuries. This pair has two pockets: one on the waistband (for your keys and headphones), and one on the right leg (for slipping your smartphone into).
More Colors
Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight 25"
Overall Score
4.85
06
Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight 25"
4.1
6890 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Workout Leggings For HIIT
WHAT TO KNOW
The Wunder Train Leggings are pretty popular amongst lulu fans, with over 3,000 of them giving this style a perfect 5-star review. So, what’s all the hype about? These best-selling leggings are built for exercise, with a stretchy (yet supportive) structure and lulu’s fastest-drying fabric blend.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Oh, you thought we were done? Not yet, because these leggings have an adjustable drawcord waistband with a convenient hidden pocket.
More Colors
Alo Yoga 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging
Overall Score
4.9
05
Alo Yoga 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging
4.26
3080 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Lightweight Workout Leggings
WHAT TO KNOW
Yogis and gym rats alike can appreciate alo’s Airlift Leggings. They have chafe-preventing flatlock seams that will save your thighs from discomfort during an intense workout, and they also have a wide, high-rise waistband that won’t slip down during jogs.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Another thing that makes these some of the best gym leggings? Their moisture-wicking, antimicrobial fabric blend.
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Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II 7/8 Tight
Overall Score
4.9
04
Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II 7/8 Tight
4.6
7197 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Workout Leggings With Pockets
WHAT TO KNOW
Is it any surprise that Athleta makes some of the best workout leggings for women? They’ve been featured in our black leggings, fleece-lined leggings, and butt-lifting leggings lists, so it only makes sense that the Salutation Stash Tights earned their place near the top of this list.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
The Salutation Stash Tights are made with a nylon-lycra blend that is said to dry in a flash and provide UPF 50+. They have a high-rise waistband and a slightly compressive fit that makes them perfect for yoga practice, but based on the reviews, you might reach nirvana before you even unroll your mat.
More Colors
Inclusive
Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft 7/8 Leggings
Overall Score
4.95
03
Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft 7/8 Leggings
4.8
500 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Affordable Workout Leggigns
DEFINING DETAILS
Made from an exclusive PowerSoft fabric, these leggings offer an unbeatable combination of softness and stretch. Simply put: They move with you, providing the flexibility you need for any activity while keeping you comfortably supported.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
The high-waisted design offers extra coverage and a secure fit, so you can bend, stretch, and twist with confidence.
More Colors
Inclusive
Vuori Daily Leggings
Overall Score
4.95
02
Vuori Daily Leggings
4.7
4194 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Black Leggings Overall
WHAT TO KNOW
Vuori has only been around for nine years or so, but they’ve made quite a name for themselves in the athleisure world. For instance, their Daily Leggings are gym-approved, but you might find yourself gravitating towards them even on rest days because of their airbrushed, smooth finish.
PROMISING REVIEW
“Buy these! Very soft and stretchy, yet hella supportive. I have a hard time finding bottoms that are big enough through the legs and glutes while being small enough at the waist. These are perfect. Details are so cute. I’ve worn them for my traditional lifting days as well as my HIIT class days and they stayed in place like a dream.”
More Colors
Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Legging
Overall Score
4.95
01
Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Legging
4.7
17782 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Workout Leggings Overall
WHAT TO KNOW
Let’s be real: sustainability is hard to come by in an athletic wear brand. Girlfriend Collective is changing that, though, because their Compressive High-Rise Leggings are mostly made from recycled plastic bottles.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Designed for high-impact workouts, these athletic leggings are crafted from a sweat-wicking, squat-proof material.
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