7 Best Leggings of 2024, Based on Expert Testing
We tested over 35 pairs of leggings to find the most comfortable and durable buys.
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Leggings need to do it all: Feel comfortable, stay put, wick away moisture and look good. As a product analyst for the Good Housekeeping Institute, I tested 36 pairs of leggings in the Textiles Lab to find the styles worth buying. Based on over 100 hours of testing in the Lab and over 500 hours of cumulative workouts from consumer testers, Lululemon Align Leggings and Colorfulkoala High Waisted Workout Leggings were the top performers.
We evaluate leggings in our Lab for durability, moisture management and stretch recovery. Instead of having just one editor try each pair, we had over 120 testers of different body types and with different fitness routines wear the leggings during at least three different workouts before giving their feedback. In addition to conducting the Lab tests, I also wore the leggings during my workout routine. After trying 36 different pairs, I can confirm that these are the best leggings for women.
Pros
- Buttery smooth fabric
- Can be worn to work out or lounge
- Available in lots of colors and patterns
Cons
- Testers found this pair to pill after extensive use
Who it's best for: Anyone who wears their leggings during workouts and everyday activities. They have a super soft fabric, ideal if you live in your leggings 24/7.
These Lululemon leggings earned our top spot because they're incredibly comfortable — the lightweight, buttery smooth fabric has a barely-there feel — and they're versatile enough to wear for pretty much any occasion. They're designed for yoga but testers and I agreed that they're equally useful as workout leggings, everyday wear and loungewear. "I really dislike a tight, restrictive or compressive legging, so the Align legging is my standard go-to for workouts, hanging out or traveling," reported one tester who has been wearing the same pair of Align leggings for years. She especially likes wearing this pair when weightlifting.
I like the flattering high-waist fit that doesn't roll down or dig in. The fabric is softer than any other pair of leggings I own, and it feels substantial for full coverage. My favorite aspect of these leggings is the fit; I feel confident wearing this pair in and out of the gym. I did notice some pilling after extensive use, which is common with brushed fabrics. When we tested this pair in the Lab, we noticed some pilling during our abrasion resistance tests too.
This pair doesn't have pockets, but the brand offers the same leggings with pockets at a higher price. Lululemon's best-selling Align fabric is also available in flare yoga pants, workout tops and shorts. It's easy to build a whole matching set.
Material: 81% Nylon, 19% Lycra elastane | Size range: 0–20 | Inseam: 23", 25", 28" and 31"
RELATED: Best Workout Leggings
Colorfulkoala High Waisted Workout Leggings 7/8 Length
Pros
- Soft compression
- Earned high comfort, fit and appearance scores from testers
- Outperformed styles over four times the price
Cons
- Not fully opaque based on Lab tests
Who it's best for: Budget mindful shoppers who want a high-performing pair without the high price tag. Because they aren't too tight, this is a great pair to wear when lounging too.
In our Lab and consumer tests, this affordable pair of leggings from Colorfulkoala outperformed pairs that cost quadruple their price, and it's an Amazon bestseller with nearly 50,000 Amazon reviews. The soft polyester/spandex fabric stayed in great condition after laundering and stretch recovery tests in our Lab. The fabric didn't wick away moisture as well as other picks and wasn't fully opaque, so it's best suited for light exercise.
Impressively, this pair received the highest overall consumer score from testers out of all the recent leggings we tested. One tester said, "I like them better than my other high-end expensive workout leggings." Another tester said, "They were super soft and comfortable, and relatively high on the waist (ie, not hip-hugging!)." She especially liked that "the waistband stayed in place and there are two pockets."
After reading the excellent tester feedback, I had to try this pair out during my next workout. The soft fabric stayed put during my Pilates workout because the wide waistband fit my waist perfectly. This pair ran true to size, but I wish they had more inseam options as 25" is a bit short on my frame. The two side pockets came in handy to hold my phone and keys when going on a walk or running errands. This pair is available in 26 colors, including bold hues and classic neutrals.
Material: 75% Polyester, 25% Spandex | Size range: XS–XL | Inseam: 25"
Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight
Pros
- Durable material with no pilling in Lab tests
- Compressive fit
- Hidden drawcord waistband
Cons
- Snug fit was too tight for some testers
Who it's best for: Gym lovers who like sweaty, high-impact workouts. This pair offers a snug, compressive fit that's great for anyone who hates leggings that roll down.
Head to your next gym sesh with confidence in this pair of top-tested Lululemon leggings. Ideal for your sweatiest, most intense workouts, this pair of high-impact leggings offers snug compression and a hidden drawcord at the waist to keep you supported and secure. In our Lab tests, this pair had perfect scores for moisture management, helping to keep you dry during sweaty workouts. This pair showed minimal shrinkage after laundering and experienced no pilling in abrasion resistance evaluations.
Multiple testers called this pair their "new favorite leggings," loving the comfortable, flattering fit that was entirely "squat-proof." One tester said, "I love the high waist; it's flattering and helps me feel secure, plus it doesn't roll down at all with movement." And, I agreed. When I'm heading to the gym, this is my go-to pair. I prefer fitted, compressive leggings as I like feeling supported when working out — and this pair checks every box. I like the snug, flattering fit that is fully opaque, even during deep squats. The sleek material didn't feel sweaty after cardio sessions too.
Material: 77% Nylon, 23% Lycra elastane | Size range: 0–14 | Inseam: 23", 25", 28" and 31"
IUGA High Waist Yoga Pants with Pockets
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Stretchy and opaque
- Multiple pockets
Cons
- Some testers and online reviewers reported that they are not high-waisted enough
Who it's best for: Shoppers who want more affordable workout wear. They aren't too tight and have multiple pockets, so they're great to wear when running errands.
These leggings with pockets from IUGA are perfect for exercise because they're made with performance fabric that's stretchy, opaque and comfortable to move in. They're also a fraction of the cost of other workout pants, yet verified reviewers have confirmed they're high quality. In fact, they have more than 2,000 reviews on Amazon with many shoppers saying they are their go-to leggings. The roomy side pockets can easily fit a phone and there's a hidden waistband pocket for extra storage.
During a 12-3-30 treadmill workout, this pair stayed put and felt comfortable with no chafing or sliding down. The waistband wasn't as high as my other leggings, so more of my stomach was exposed than I would like. A front pocket in the waistband made them feel a little bulky and look unflattering. The inseam is listed on Amazon as 19.7 inches for a size medium, but when I measured them in Lab, the inseam was 27 inches. For the price, I was impressed with the opaque fabric, but I prefer the fit of my other leggings.
Material: 77% Polyester, 23% Spandex | Sizing: XS-3X | Inseam: 19.7" for XS–M, 20.1" for L, 20.5" for XL and 21.3" for XXL
RELATED: Best Yoga Pants
Pros
- Pocket can fit phone or wallet
- Ideal for yoga and studio workouts
- Buttery soft and slightly compressive fabric
Cons
- Material stretched out a bit during stretch recovery tests in the Lab
Who it's best for: Yogis who want to feel comfortable and supported during downward dogs and sun salutations. The roomy side pockets are convenient when traveling or on the go.
This pair of yoga leggings from Athleta is so buttery soft it might just feel like a second skin. Whether you prefer yoga, Pilates or barre, the snug Powervita nylon/Lycra fabric is both soft and smooth to stay put without digging in. Of all the leggings I own, I credit these with having the best fit. When I wear this pair to yoga classes, the waistband lays perfectly flat, even when bending into challenging poses — the hidden drawcord helps keep them secure. The material proved to be pill-resistant and moisture-wicking in our Lab testing, though it stretched out a bit during our stretch recovery tests.
Testers particularly loved this pair for studio fitness classes. One said, "They are super flattering and soft to the touch. Highly recommended as a daily staple for anyone." All testers were happy with how this pair fit, with several saying that this pair is "extremely flattering." Testers loved the convenient side pockets that are roomy enough to fit a phone.
Material: Nylon/Lycra | Size range: XXS-3X | Inseam: Regular 27", Petite 25" and Tall 30"
Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Legging
Pros
- Thick, compressive material
- Material made using recycled water bottles
- Leggings stay put during intense exercise, according to testers
Cons
- Some testers found the material too thick
Who it's best for: Anyone who has trouble finding leggings that fit properly as the brand offers an inclusive size range from XXS to 6XL with three inseam lengths.
Girlfriend Collective's signature compressive fabric is thick and sturdy to keep you fully covered (totally opaque!) and supported during all types of exercise, especially high-impact workouts. This pair proves you don't have to sacrifice performance to go green. The fabric is made of recycled water bottles for a more sustainable buy. I immediately noticed just how thick and compressive these leggings are when I put them on for the first time. While I find the fabric a bit thick and warm for my liking, the snug waistband stayed perfectly in place during a kickboxing class without rolling down but it dug in a bit.
Across the board, testers gave positive feedback for this pair. One tester said these were "more comfortable than my other leggings," and another said, "I appreciate that the brand is very size-inclusive; I like being able to support an ethical fashion line whose ideals align with mine." The waistband is thick and designed to stay put, which one tester confirmed, saying, "I even reach for these over running shorts, because I know the waistband will stay in place no matter how fast I sprint."
Material: 79% recycled plastic bottles (RPET) and 21% spandex | Sizing: XXS-6XL | Inseam: 28.5", 23.75" and 19.5"
Under Armour Women's HeatGear Leggings
Pros
- Moisture-wicking
- Compressive with flat seams
- 30+ color options
Cons
- Some testers reported that the waistband rolled down during mat exercises
Who it's best for: Runners or anyone doing intense cardio workouts. Whether you're running one mile or a whole marathon, these leggings wick away moisture thanks to its sleek fabric.
Perfect for any exercise that involves lots of sweat and movement, these leggings from Under Armour are smooth and moisture-wicking to help reduce friction. They're also more compressive than other workout leggings, which can help reduce muscle fatigue from high-intensity exercise. The flat seams and minimal pockets help prevent irritation during quick movements. We appreciate that there are hidden silicone panels in the waistband to prevent it from sliding down.
I only run a few miles at most, so I partnered with longer-distance runners who tested this pair too. After wearing this pair on multiple over five-mile runs, one tester said, "You couldn't see through them at all and any sweat couldn't be seen either because they dry pretty quickly." She reported that she plans to continue wearing this pair on future runs.
When I wore this pair when jogging on the treadmill, I appreciated the sleek and compressive material that helped me feel supported during cardio without feeling sweaty. I completed a core workout after my run and the waistband did roll down a bit — a few testers reported the same thing. We're also big fans of the brand's ColdGear leggings, which are fleece-lined leggings for cooler weather that are still breathable for running.
Material: 87% Polyester, 13% Elastane | Sizing: XS-3X | Inseam: Regular 29", Short 27" and Tall 31"
RELATED: Best Running Shorts
Other leggings we tested:
Spanx 7/8 Booty Boost Legging: A contender for our top list. Testers loved the flattering compression this pair offered. The wide waistband rolled down for some during exercise, but our Lab analysts appreciated its durable construction.
Alo Yoga AirBrush High Waist 7/8 Legging: The sleek and smooth fabric is very lightweight and comfortable, according to testers. Testers noted that they wish it offered more compression for exercise.
Knix HiTouch High Rise Leggings: The thick waistband on this pair of leggings divided testers. Some loved the flattering fit and others found it uncomfortable.
Meira Active Smooth Duo Leggings: While these performed well in our Lab with only a bit of shrinkage, testers were divided on the comfort of the built-in underwear.
Outdoor Research Women’s Ad-Vantage Leggings: Overall, these leggings performed well in the Lab and testers liked them, but we found them too bulky to make the shortlist.
Knix LeakStrong Leakproof Leggings: If you want leakproof leggings, these are an excellent buy, though the thick waistband was too tight, according to multiple testers.
Halara CrossOver Leggings: Testers loved the trendy crossover waistband, but in the Lab, we found them to be a bit see-through and they pilled easily.
Vuori Daily Legging: Popular among GH editors, this pair of leggings did great in the Lab but testers found it ran a bit snug.
Quince Ultra Soft Performance Legging: Great for yoga and low-impact exercise, this pair of leggings did well overall, but other styles outperformed it.
Year of Ours Ribbed Football Legging: Some testers liked the lace-up waistband while others didn’t find it flattering. The material stretched out a bit in Lab testing.
Terez Hi Shine Leggings: This style of leggings did great in Lab testing. If you want bold prints, this is an excellent buy. Most testers preferred more neutral leggings.
Girlfriend Collective FLOAT Leggings: Girlfriend Collective’s new fabrication did not perform as well as the original compressive leggings, but they still had decent overall performance.
Abercrombie YPB Legging: Testers praised the flattering cut of this pair, but analysts noted that the material didn’t wick away moisture as well as other tested styles.
Athleta Rainier Tight: This pair is featured in our best fleece-lined leggings. We love the zippered pockets. It’s a thick material, so best suited for very cold temperatures.
How we test the best leggings
Fiber scientists and fitness experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test all types of leggings to find the best buys, including fleece-lined, compression, faux-leather and workout leggings for all types of exercise. We evaluated 36 different styles of leggings in our most recent test, leading to over 1,080 data points to analyze before making these picks.
✔️ Consumer feedback: Partnering with over a hundred different testers overall (all with a range of body types and workout routines), GH analysts assigned each style of leggings to five testers who wore them while exercising. They gave feedback on comfort, fit, opacity, breathability, appearance and more, noting which type of exercise each legging is best suited for. For over 500 collective hours, testers ran marathons, practiced yoga, did workouts at home, etc., before giving feedback.
✔️ Moisture management: We drop water on the inside of the legging's fabric and measure how quickly the water is wicked away to evaluate the legging's moisture-wicking capabilities, which is especially important for sweaty cardio exercise.
✔️ Opacity: Using a specialized room with industry-standard lighting, we squat, bend and move around in each pair of leggings to ensure they are not see-through.
✔️ Stretch recovery: To determine how well the material will return to its original shape after use, a swatch of legging fabric is stretched to a standard length for two hours (seen here). After it's released, we measure a benchmarked length after one minute and one hour to see how well the fabric returns to its original shape.
✔️ Washability: GH product analysts wash each pair of leggings five times according to its care label to evaluate changes in appearance or if any shrinkage occurred.
✔️ Pilling resistance: Using a specialized piece of textile testing equipment, we evaluate whether each legging will form pills. Swatches of fabric are rubbed together a thousand times using our abrasion machine to see whether or not the fabric will form those pesky little balls of fibers.
✔️ Construction: We evaluate each pair of leggings to ensure that they have key features for a more comfortable workout like a built-in gusset and flat seams.
What to consider when shopping for leggings
✔️ Material: Synthetic performance fabrics (like polyester or nylon) are ideal for workout leggings because they are stretchy, durable, opaque and often moisture-wicking to help manage sweat. Opt for cotton, lyocell or modal if you want something softer to layer under longer tops or dresses. You can also wear leggings as pants if they're made of thicker fabric — faux leather leggings are popular!
✔️ Construction: Pay close attention to the seams — if they're raised on the inside, it could be an indicator of cheaper quality. Flat seams are especially important for exercise because they help prevent irritation and friction. You'll also want to check for a gusset (an extra piece of fabric around the crotch) to prevent leggings from riding up if you're going to be moving around.
✔️ Opacity: Try on the leggings under a bright light to make sure they aren't see-through. Natural daylight is your best bet, and if you can't bend over in front of a mirror, you can check by deeply bending your knee. It's also a good idea to check over time since leggings can become see-through after extended use.
✔️ Type of workout: Leggings are designed for specific workouts, so consider which types of workouts you plan to wear them during before purchasing. Leggings for lower impact workouts are usually less tight with softer materials that'll move with you without feeling constricting when bending into yoga poses or Pilates moves. Higher impact exercise requires sleeker leggings that will wick away moisture with a snug fit to stay put during cardio exercises.
✔️ Fit: Most leggings have a high-waisted fit for more coverage, but some styles have mid or low-rise waistbands. If you are concerned about the waistband rolling down, look for styles with a hidden drawcord in the waistband to keep them extra secure. Consider the pair's inseam: the distance from the crotch to the ankle, especially if you are petite or tall.
How much should leggings cost?
We take into consideration the price of each pair of leggings we test before making our recommendations. There is no exact price leggings should cost — we have tested $150 pairs that fell apart and $20 pairs that blew us away. Generally, our tests show that a good pair of leggings is usually in the $30 to $100 range, but there are some splurge-worthy styles and cheaper options that are still top performers. We recommend reading through our reviews to find out which pair of leggings is right for you and your workout routine.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Emma Seymour is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab where she tested over 35 leggings for this story. Seymour is a leading expert on fitness gear; in her five years at Good Housekeeping, she has tested sports bras, walking shoes and yoga mats. In addition to testing the leggings in the Lab, she tried each pair during multiple workouts, including Pilates classes, yoga sessions and treadmill jogs. She has a degree from Cornell University in Fiber Science and Apparel Design where she worked in the Body Scanner Laboratory to help design workout apparel to maximize athletes' performance.
Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.
Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
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