I Shop For A Living, And These Are The Best Leggings I've Ever Worn (2024)

These leggings stood out among the bunch. "What I love about this pair in particular is the length, the fabric, the fit, and the stretch," says one of our testers. "I love how the material doesn't bunch up on the bottom, as that's a pet peeve of mine. You don't have to constantly adjust them (pull them up, down, etc). They literally feel like a second layer of skin on your body. The best part is that there's no pulling at all!"

I also am a proud tester of the Lululemon Align leggings. I own them in five colors (yup, you read that right), and they are always my go-to when I just wants a reliable pair of leggings. These leggings literally check every box: They're so soft, they're slimming with their slight compression, they're breathable and lightweight, they look super high-quality, they last forever, and they have a next-to-nothing feel." These bad boys are up there for the best leggings I've ever tried, and, as a shopping writer, I sure have tried a lot.

When I asked one of the testers if she has any cons about these leggings, she said she didn't have one bad thing to say. "I truly think this is the perfect pair of leggings," she answered. "They address all the common issues I'd typically have with other pairs, such as pilling, lack of stretch, or the need for constant adjustments."

Shop more: Best Lululemon Leggings

Alo Yoga's High-Waist Airlift Leggings def live up to the hype, according to the WH editors who tested them. One tester admitted that she has struggled with finding the perfect high-waisted compression leggings that actually stay up. "I've tried so many that give me the dreaded roll-down when I'm sitting or moving," she explains. "But, this Alo pair is Goldilocks for me."

Firstly, this tester was wowed by how thick they are, aka they're not see-through when squatting. "But, they're not so thick that they feel constrictive like a sausage casing," she says. "They stay where I went them for my entire workout and they never make me feel claustrophobic."

Another positive? The super sleek material. "They have a slight sheen that could absolutely pass for a casual brunch look if styled right," she adds.

Although this tester was very impressed with Alo's bestselling leggings, she notes that the only real negative is the price. "They're worth it, for sure, but shelling out $128 to get them in a few more colors is making me gulp a little bit. I'll be keeping my eye out for a sale!"

I also gave these leggings a whirl, and loved how much compression they offered. They make you look super sleek and snatched, but I think I ordered mine one size too small. I'd recommend sizing up with these to avoid feeling claustrophobic and so they don't roll down.

If you want a pair of leggings that will stick around forever, the Lululemon Wunder Train Tights are an option many of our testers loved. One of our testers said that no matter which pair of leggings she tries out, she "always goes back to these." Why? "I've had them for years and they still look pretty perfect—I can always rely on them."

This tester's fave feature? The hidden drawstring. "It allows for a custom fit, so you never have to worry about your leggings falling down. They stay exactly where you want them all workout long (or all day long, if you're me)." Another customizable aspect of these leggings is that you can choose from four different length options to suit your height.

The Lululemon Wunder High-Rise Tight also wowed this tester with their softness. "They're literally buttery soft to the touch," she says. And that's thanks to the brand's fast-drying Everlux fabric, which offers four-way stretch while still feeling supportive. Another pro about the fabric? It's suuuper good for those of you that like to sweat it out at the gym because it's very breathable and fast-drying.

Shop more: Best High-Waisted Leggings

If you love the outdoors, look no further than these leggings from Arcteryx. One of our testers, who wore these during two full days of rock climbing, can't say enough good things about them. "I first tried them out on a rock climbing trip," she says."It was hot and sunny, but I wanted more coverage so I wouldn't scrape my legs on the rough granite. These leggings held up and looked like new after two separate climbing days (I'm talking scraping my legs against the rock multiple times). There was not so much as a scratch or a pill in the fabric anywhere." Our tester noted that these leggings also have a bunch of pockets, so they're roomie enough to hold a phone or whatever else you need on hand securely.

If the thought of wearing thick leggings in the summer is scaring you away, hear our tester out. "I usually can't wear leggings in the summer because they are wayyy too hot. But, the fabric was breathable and sweat-wicking, so I didn't feel uncomfortable in the heat." The length was also excellent for our tester, who is 5'4". "I usually have extra fabric at the ankle and wrinkles at the bottom, but that wasn't a problem here."

Our tester's only note about this style is that it tends to run a bit small, and it doesn't have a ton of stretch. "For anyone with a bigger butt, it can take some hopping and maneuvering to get them on and there's some slight squashing versus my ideal lifting once they're on."

These leggings were not only a favorite among our testers (many WHers wanted to take these for a spin) but they also line the closests of many A-list celebrities like Jennifer Garner, Reese Witherspoon, and even Oprah.

All of our testers agreed that these leggings are true to the name. "I have the Spanx Booty Boost Leggings and they offer just the right amount of boost, especially if you already have a booty," notes one of our testers. "As someone who naturally has a muscular butt, the fabric supports and shapes without obvious scrunching or any seams or shadows to create a smooth silhouette."

Another chimes in saying that she loves their high-waisted fit. "They completely suck you in and they don't roll down," she notes. "They also have super discreet pockets on the sides if you want to store your phone or keys while taking a walk or run. I wear these for bike/bootcamp workouts on the Peloton (and they never show sweat!)."

Shop more: Best Butt-Lifting Leggings

I would say these Nike leggings are a tie with my coveted Lululemon Aligns, and that is saying a lot because I've had the Aligns for years, while the Nikes are a newer addition to my closet. I first tried them during a month-long Nike-lead running program (you can see me rocking them in the picture here). Ever since, I have run them through the wash weekly so they stay near the top of my drawer—I genuinely can't go seven days without wearing them. Let me tell you why.

First of all, they're *so* flattering. Even my mom told me I look good in them! I don't understand how they work, but the second you slip them on, every bump and curve on your legs and thighs magically disappear. If I could attribute their smoothing abilities to anything, I'd hand it to their InfinaSoft fabric, which is lightweight, squat-proof and just tight enough to give you that streamlined look. They left out side pockets when designing this one (but there is one in the back that's big enough to hold your phone!) which I think adds to why they look so flattering.

If you're not the biggest fan of a high-rise legging like I am, don't worry—they also come in a mid-rise fit. They look amazing on literally everyone, no matter your body size or shape, and they've garnered the most compliments I've ever received from a legging.

They're also awesome for running long distances—I never feel constricted in them, they don't slip down, they hold me in so I feel confident while jogging, and they don't show sweat.

Read more: Best Running Leggings

"I am absolutely obsessed with these leggings," writes one tester, who owns them in the pink color (pictured above!). "From the moment I put them on, I knew I needed to buy a few more pairs. They are so soft and buttery and they work great for any activity." This tester loves to wear the Vuori leggings for Pilates, but she adds that she can also lounge in them because of how comfy they are.

Another one of our testers loves how stretchy these are, thanks to their patented BlissBlend performance fabric. "I do a lot of stretching, and I'm never worried that these are going to rip or tug during yoga," they say.

Although both testers enjoy wearing these leggings during Pilates and yoga, they didn't quite pass the high-intensity test. "Although they claim to be moisture-wicking, they don't keep you as dry as other options on this list during high-impact workouts," says one of the testers. "The sweat unfortunately shows when I do intense HIIT workouts." Another con to note: the label is located in a bit of an awkward place, writes one of the testers. "It's smack-dab in the middle of the leg, so it's kind of an eye sore and not the most flattering."

Over the past few months, our team of editors and experts embarked on a mission to find the best leggings out there. We started with over 20 options and diligently narrowed it down to a carefully curated list of 10. To make this list as tailored as possible for our readers, we went even further and made a final list of seven.

Our approach involved not only calling in new pairs for testing, but also digging through our own closets to pull the leggings we genuinely wear in our daily lives. We assessed each pair based on essential criteria: fit, fabric quality, durability, and overall performance, all of which were established by Laura Berens, CEO and founder of the comfortable activewear brand Love & Fit (details on this criteria can be found below). Our commitment extended to testing a diverse array of leggings, from those claiming to combat sweat to ones designed for flexibility. Naturally, we didn't forget to evaluate the cozy options meant for lounging.

Some of our testers took leggings to the extremes, challenging them during activities like rock climbing or enduring a run in scorching 90-degree New York City weather. Others just wore them throughout their daily lives, taking notes on comfort, wear, and overall style.

So, who were our testers, you may ask? We had the invaluable input of five editors from the WH team, along with a stylist, all of whom played a crucial role in narrowing down our extensive list. See their official titles below.

From the Women's Health team:

• Lily Wohlner, WH associate e-commerce editor
• Amanda Lucci, WH deputy editor of content strategy
  
• Rose Lauture, WH assistant fashion editor
  
• Kristen Saladino, WH executive fashion director
  
• Jennifer Nied, WH fitness editor

Outside expert:

• Elisabeth Kassab, wardrobe stylist and personal shopper

Fit: "Finding leggings that fit all body types is hard, but, of course, fit is always a main concern when looking for leggings," says Berens. First, she advised us to consider the rise for how high or low the waistband will hit, the inseam for our particular height or length preferences, and details like whether we prefer to have pockets or not. "You should also look for certain aspects like a front rise seam, which can be unflattering on many body types (see ya, camel toes) or waistband details like silicone grips that keep your leggings in place through any workout," she told us.

According to Kassab, if they’re not comfortable and body-hugging, you’re not going to reach for them. "With the buttery soft fabric on something like the Lululemon Align leggings, you forget you’re wearing skin tight leggings. Regardless of how many times you wear these, they’ll never lose their shape or stretch more in the waist like other leggings do."

Fabric: Berens told us that the number-one most important part of shopping for leggings is taking a close look at the fabric. "How the fabric stretches or compresses and how it feels on the skin is a huge part of how the leggings will overall perform for you." Her advice? "Look for four-way stretch for a comfortable, 'move-with-you' feel and fit. You also want something that excels at wicking away moisture, so something with synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon blended with spandex is great."

Since each roll of fabric can technically be different, Berens said it's important to touch, feel, and stretch the fabric of the leggings you are looking to buy. "Even if the blend is exactly the same, say 80 percent polyester and 20 percent spandex, the feel and stretch (and your overall happiness with the leggings) can be completely different from one brand to the next."

Berens also explained that there are many advances in the fabrics and leggings that are available today. "If you exercise outdoors and sun protection is a concern, try UPF leggings that provide UV protection. Taking health and safety a step further, look for bluesign certification, which indicates the fabric is made responsibly in respect to the environment and the safety of workers, while maintaining a higher level of consumer safety with products that are BPA-free."

Durability: Leggings are, a lot of the time, for working out, so make sure you can do that when you add-to-cart. "You want leggings that will not only last through your workouts, but also the washing process," Berens told us. "Look for leggings that can be washed and dried. After all, who wants to hand wash their leggings each time they’re worn?"

Pilling or unravelling seams can be so frustrating, she noted, so you want to look for well-sewn seams and fabric that doesn’t have too much of that brushed feeling. "If it's too soft and brushed, you will end up with the pilling little balls of fabric after washing and drying. Finding leggings that are soft and can last the test of time can be harder, but looking for these signs when shopping around will help you see how long the leggings will last, long term."

Performance: Fabrics designed with supportive compression and thickness will move with you through workouts while helping to avoid injury by reducing strain on muscles, said Berens. "When looking for leggings that are going to be used for the ultimate performance, say running a marathon or doing cross fit, I would look for very durable fabrics on the thicker side to make sure the body is supported. It would most likely have a spandex blend to make sure it stays tight to your legs with no slipping or sliding."

Vuori Daily Legging: These leggings were up there on my list of favorites, but other testers didn't love the fit of them. One said that the drawstring on the outside of the legging and the thick waistband felt unflattering, however I liked that those touches add a bit of flare, making them slightly more stylish than your average legging.

Nike Go High-Waisted Leggings With Pockets: Our testers thought these were awesome for running because they stay put, plus they have a bunch of pockets (they're practically the same at the winning Zenvy Leggings, just with pockets!). However, they didn't make it into our top seven because one tester thought the pockets were unflattering in the hip area.

Abercrombie YPB StudioSoft Legging: One tester said this was her all time favorite pair of leggings, which brought this pick towards the top of our list. But, others thought that, while they were soft, they weren't forgiving enough, which lowered their ranking a bit.

Beyond Yoga Spacedye Caught In The Midi High Waisted Legging: One of our testers adores these leggings for yoga, lighter workouts, or simply wearing day-to-day. However, they fell short when it came to meeting the demands of high-intensity training. When it was decision time between this pair and the winning Vuori option, we leaned toward the latter. The reason being, two testers awarded the Vuori pair a perfect five-star rating, while these leggings received a single high rating.

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