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22 Best Workout Leggings for All Your Workout Needs

Designed to move with you.

By Karissa Franklin and Meg Donohue
20 best workout leggings
Getty//Getty Images

The bond between you and your favorite pair of leggings could rival that of any lifelong friendship or romantic partner. We know because we relate. The best workout leggings are comfortable and stylish but also need to serve you in ways that your “normal leggings” don’t. For a pair of workout leggings to join the ranks of our most trusted workout clothes, they have to meet a few standards. We judged these for their opacity (because squats), their ability to wick moisture (because sweat), and whether they actually stay in place (because pulling up your waistband only slows down your pace).

  • Mesh-Paneled Leggings

    Cool & Dry

    Nike Mesh-Paneled Leggings

    $43 at Nike
    Read more
  • Airlift Legging

    Micro-Performance

    Alo Airlift Legging

    Read more
  • Stirrup Logo Leggings

    No Slip Grip

    Calvin Klein Stirrup Logo Leggings

    Read more
  • Perform 24/7 Leggings

    Ultra-Soft Finish

    Everlane Perform 24/7 Leggings

    Read more
  • Ankle-Tie Leggings

    Ballerina Style

    Sweaty Rocks Ankle-Tie Leggings

    Read more

Whether you’re a yogi or a hiker, below, you’ll find all of the leggings we love most for fitness and exercise. We pretty much live in our athleisure, so you can trust these are the real deal. Below, find the perfect fit for you.

Cool & Dry

Nike Mesh-Paneled Leggings

Mesh-Paneled Leggings
Cool & Dry

Nike Mesh-Paneled Leggings

Now 14% Off
$43 at Nike$50 at Dick's Sporting Goods$50 at Nordstrom
Pros
  • Waist doesn’t slide down
  • Supportive material
Cons
  • Not fully sweat proof

Perfect for training your inner professional athlete, whether hiking, biking, or weight-lifting.

Customer review: “Great feel and quality. The leggings fit like a glove”

Sizes AvailableXS - 3XL
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Micro-Performance

Alo Airlift Legging

Airlift Legging
Micro-Performance

Alo Airlift Legging

Pros
  • Fitted high-waist design
  • Tons of color options
Cons

    The compression waistband keeps your core tight as you breeze through your weekly yoga classes.

    Customer review: “High waist is super flattering and compression around the waistline is great. Held everything in place without feeling too tight.”

    Sizes AvailableXXS - L
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    No Slip Grip

    Calvin Klein Stirrup Logo Leggings

    Stirrup Logo Leggings
    No Slip Grip

    Calvin Klein Stirrup Logo Leggings

    Pros
    • Squat-proof fabric
    • Side seam pockets
    Cons

      You’ll feel supported from top to bottom during any fitness routine with the additional stirrups.

      Customer review: “Very Comfortable!”

      Sizes AvailableXS - XL
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      Ultra-Soft Finish

      Everlane Perform 24/7 Leggings

      Perform 24/7 Leggings
      Ultra-Soft Finish

      Everlane Perform 24/7 Leggings

      Now 71% Off
      Pros
      • Made from recycled material
      • Dual inseam options
      Cons
      • Waist may slide down

      Look great, feel cozy, and help save the environment. You literally can’t go wrong with these leggings made from recycled materials.

      Customer review: “These fit perfectly. They don’t fall down during intense Pilates classes, or while chasing after my small child. I’ve already purchased another pair!

      Sizes AvailableXXS - 3XL
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      Ballerina Style

      Sweaty Rocks Ankle-Tie Leggings

      Ankle-Tie Leggings
      Ballerina Style

      Sweaty Rocks Ankle-Tie Leggings

      Now 11% Off
      Pros
      • Unique design
      • Below $20
      Cons
      • Not much stretch

      Train tough while looking graceful in these ankle-tie leggings. So feminine and fierce!

      Customer review: “I will order more! I love everything about them. I do not like too sheer, but I like good quality fabric and they are.”

      Sizes AvailableXS - XL
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      Snatched Waistline

      Lululemon Align V-Waist Leggings

      Align V-Waist Leggings
      Snatched Waistline

      Lululemon Align V-Waist Leggings

      Pros
      • V-waist gives hourglass shape
      • Buttery soft fabric
      Cons
      • Higher price point

      Bring the focus to your waistline with this V-cut option from Lululemon. Perfectly designed to flatter and hold.

      Customer review: “The V design seems even more flattering on curves than the regular align. Love it!”

      Sizes AvailableUS0 - US14
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      Everyday Essential

      Gap Power Split-Hem Legging

      Power Split-Hem Legging
      Everyday Essential

      Gap Power Split-Hem Legging

      Now 31% Off
      Pros
      • Multi-functional for everyday
      • Moisture-wicking
      Cons
      • No pockets

      These are the lovechild of flare pants and bodycon leggings. That little peek of skin is sure to have everyone asking, “Where’d you get those?!”

      Customer review: “Love everything about these: the look, the feel, the fit, and the style.”

      Sizes AvailableXXS - XXL
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      Seamless Design

      Wolford Perfect Fit Leggings

      Perfect Fit Leggings
      Seamless Design

      Wolford Perfect Fit Leggings

      Pros
      • No gusset seams
      • Extremely durable
      Cons
      • High price tag

      We want you to always splurge on your comfort, and leggings are no exclusion to that rule. Your legs will thank you for the luxurious fit.

      Customer review: “Highly recommend can be dressed up or down. Wolford perfect fit legging excellent quality. Bought 2 pairs so far & going to buy more, a wardrobe must have.”

      Sizes AvailableXS - XL
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      Sheer Skirted

      Eleven By Venus Williams Kudos Outskirt Capri

      Kudos Outskirt Capri
      Sheer Skirted

      Eleven By Venus Williams Kudos Outskirt Capri

      Pros
      • Made from recycled water bottles & organic cotton
      • UPF 50 to block ultraviolet rays
      Cons
      • Capri length only

      Your favorite leggings meets your favorite tennis skirt. These capris are essential to help you stay active on and off the court.

      Customer review: “Great fabric—substantial for the leggings, yet super comfortable. Skirt is light and fun with perfect coverage. Love the outskirt capri.”

      Sizes Available XS - XXL
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      Fit and Flare

      Aerie Real Me Crossover Flare Laggings

      Real Me Crossover Flare Laggings
      Fit and Flare

      Aerie Real Me Crossover Flare Laggings

      Now 40% Off
      Pros
      • Crossover fitted waistband
      • 3 length options
      Cons

        Flare leggings or yoga pants? Call them whatever you like as long as you get a pair. These will hug every part of you in all the right ways.

        Customer review: “These fit me better than I ever could have expected, and I loved that there was a “long” option, as leggings usually aren’t long enough for my legs. I was also a huge fan of the crossover waist and the overall material. Would definitely recommend!!!”

        Sizes AvailableXXS - XXL
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        Seamless Scrunch

        Alphalete Amplify Leggings

        Amplify Leggings
        Seamless Scrunch

        Alphalete Amplify Leggings

        Pros
        • Lots of color options
        • No front seam
        Cons
        • Scrunch detail not as pronounced

        Leggings are all about the booty. The scrunch booty-lifting detail is sure to show off your best ass-et.

        Customer review: “My items arrived promptly & I love my new leggings! Great quality!”

        Sizes AvailableXXS - XXL
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        4-Way Stretch

        Fabletics PureLuxe Maternity Leggings

        PureLuxe Maternity Leggings
        4-Way Stretch

        Fabletics PureLuxe Maternity Leggings

        Pros
        • Chafe-resistant fabric
        • Pockets
        Cons
        • Waistband may slide down

        Growing life requires leggings that grow with you in every trimester. Feel no restrictions as you bump around in Lamaze classes or on your daily walks.

        Customer review: “I lived in these leggings while I was pregnant!!! Super comfortable for running errands & weight training.”

        Sizes AvailableXXS - 4XL
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        Crisscross Bodycon

        Live The Process Orion Cutout Legging

        Orion Cutout Legging
        Crisscross Bodycon

        Live The Process Orion Cutout Legging

        Pros
        • Vibrant color options
        • Unique design
        Cons
        • Runs small

        You’ve worked hard for where you are, so why not show it off? The symmetrical cutouts will have you doing a double-take in the mirror.

        Customer review: “I love. Obsessed.”

        Sizes AvailableXS - XL
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        Versatile Function

        Athleta Elation 2 in 1 7/8 Tight

        Elation 2 in 1 7/8 Tight
        Versatile Function

        Athleta Elation 2 in 1 7/8 Tight

        Pros
        • Hidden back pocket
        • UPF 50+
        Cons
        • Fabric may be thin for some

        This skirt-legging combo is all about keeping it cute and covered. It may be the cutest, modest option we’ve seen yet.

        Customer review: “These are amazing. So soft. Pass the squat test. Will buy more.”

        Sizes AvailableXXS - 3XL
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        Carry ’N Go

        FP Movement Trail Cargo Leggings

        Trail Cargo Leggings
        Carry ’N Go

        FP Movement Trail Cargo Leggings

        Pros
        • 4 functional pockets
        • Warm knit fabric
        Cons
        • Thicker than typical workout leggings

        Worry no more about where you’re going to put your keys, a little cash, or that cool rock you found while hiking. These leggings have got you covered...in pockets.

        Customer review: “I absolutely love these. They are definitely thicker than your regular leggings. The pockets add just some extra flair, and I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on them.”

        Sizes AvailableXS - XL
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        Power Lounger

        Victoria’s Secret Love Cloud Ruched Legging

        Love Cloud Ruched Legging
        Power Lounger

        Victoria’s Secret Love Cloud Ruched Legging

        Pros
        • Interior waistband pocket
        • Moisture wicking fabric
        Cons

          You go all out when you train, so you need leggings to match that energy. Choose prints over solids for your next sweat session.

          Customer review: “These leggings are so comfortable. True to size. Enough stretch, but enough to hold you in as well. Love them! Bought in 2 colors.”

          Sizes AvailableXS - XXL
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          Lace-Up Front

          Year Of Ours Ribbed Football Leggings

          Ribbed Football Leggings
          Lace-Up Front

          Year Of Ours Ribbed Football Leggings

          Pros
          • Numerous color options
          • Moisture wicking fabric
          Cons
          • Thicker than typical workout leggings

          You had me at adjustable. Lace-up waistbands inspired by athletic uniforms are just what you need to get your head in the game.

          Customer review: “Makes you look great from any angle.”

          Sizes AvailableXS - XXL
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          Graphic Print

          Reebok Cardi B Tights

          Cardi B Tights
          Graphic Print

          Reebok Cardi B Tights

          Pros
          • Vibrant color
          • Made from recycled materials
          Cons

            Make money moves in these print leggings by Cardi B. The vector design highlights the best contours of you.

            Customer review: “I love these tights, very comfortable, great fit and I would order them again in every color.”

            Sizes AvailableXS - XL
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            Italian Perform

            Vaara Bonded Sports Legging

            Bonded Sports Legging
            Italian Perform

            Vaara Bonded Sports Legging

            Pros
            • Bonded seams for durability
            • Quick drying
            Cons
            • High price tag

            The bonded seams can withstand your HIIT workouts and on-the-go lifestyle.

            Customer review: “My favourite. Perfect as a set.”

            Sizes AvailableXS - L
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            Cult Following

            Gymshark Whitney Everyday Pocket Leggings

            Whitney Everyday Pocket Leggings
            Cult Following

            Gymshark Whitney Everyday Pocket Leggings

            Now 30% Off
            Pros
            • Pocket
            • Size inclusive
            Cons
            • Lighter colors may be sheer

            Everything you want in a pair of leggings can be found right here with the pocket, pretty colors, and buttery soft feel

            Customer review: They feel so nice on, they compress in the right places but don’t feel uncomfortable at all. I’m very happy with them.

            Sizes Available XS - XXL
            ElleElle Lettermark logo
            Karissa Franklin

            Karissa Franklin is one of the fashion assistants at ELLE Magazine. She loves traveling, trying new recipes, and hunting for vintage designer goodies.

            Headshot of Meg Donohue
            Associate Fashion Commerce Editor

            Meg is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com where she researches trends, tests products, and looks for answers to all your burning questions. She also co-writes a monthly column, Same Same But Different. Meg has previously written for Cosmopolitan and Town & Country. Her passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and sustainability. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.

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