The Best Leggings for Women
The best leggings are the ones that match what you actually do in them. For soft, all-day comfort, the Lululemon Align is the benchmark. For lifting and sweaty studio classes, the Lululemon Wunder Train holds more. If you want a squat-proof claim without the premium price, Gymshark's New Whitney is the value pick.
We have not tested these. This list comes from brand specs, size and length data, and what owners and reviewers keep saying. Prices below are list prices and change often, so check the current one before you buy.
Eight leggings made the cut, and each one does a different job. Start with what you do most (yoga and errands, lifting, running), then use the trade-offs to rule things out. If you would rather answer a few questions and get a short list, try our leggings finder.
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Our picks at a glance
Our picks, in detail
Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 25"
- Women
- Sizes 0-20
- Rise: High
- Inseam options: 25″, 28″, 31″
- Pockets: Waistband
- Fabric feel: Buttery
- Plus sizes · Petite · Tall
The Align is the legging that made the "second skin" feel a category. It is a Nulu fabric (80% nylon, 20% Lycra) that owners describe as bare-feeling, and it comes in 25, 28 and 31 inch lengths and sizes 0 to 20. That range matters if you are petite, tall or plus size and tired of settling.
The trade-off is hold. Compression is light, so it is a yoga, Pilates, travel and lounge pick, not what most people want for heavy lifting or running. Owners also report pilling and snagging with friction, and light shades can show through when stretched. Darker colors tend to fare better.
It lists at about $98 and is often marked down, though the page flagged one sale colorway as final sale.
Skip it if you want firm compression, or you will not pay close to $100 for a soft legging. Read the full Align review for fit notes.
Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight 25"
- Women
- Sizes 0-20
- Rise: High
- Inseam options: 25″
- Pockets: Waistband
- Fabric feel: Smooth
- Plus sizes
If Align feels too loose for your workouts, the Wunder Train is the usual step up. It uses Everlux (77% nylon, 23% Lycra), which is quick-drying and brushed on the outside, with a firmer compression than Align. It adds a drawcord and a hidden waistband pocket, and it comes in sizes 0 to 20.
On paper it suits lifting, HIIT and Pilates better than a soft-feel legging. Owners often say it stays put during squats, though Lululemon makes no squat-proof or opacity claim, so check each color in good light.
The trade-off is feel. It is less buttery than Align, and the pocket only fits small items like a card or key. Only the 25 inch length is confirmed on the page.
It lists at about $98, and the page showed a lower sale price on the day we checked. Skip it if you want the softest possible fabric or a phone-sized pocket. See the Wunder Train review.
Athleta Elation Ultra High Rise Legging
- Women
- Sizes XXS-3X
- Rise: Ultra
- Inseam options: Petite 25, Regular/Plus 27, Tall 30
- Pockets: Waistband
- Fabric feel: Buttery
- Plus sizes · Petite · Tall
Athleta's Elation covers more bodies than almost anything else on this list. Sizes run XXS to 3X, and the inseam comes in Petite 25, Regular/Plus 27 and Tall 30. The fabric is Powervita (75% nylon, 25% Lycra), described as soft and second-skin, with a three-layer waistband and a small back drop-in pocket.
At about $89 at full price it undercuts the Lululemon leggings, and the product page showed a lower sale price when we checked. The page rating was 4.66 from about 11,500 ratings.
The trade-off is that it is not a high-compression training legging, and the back pocket is small. Owners suggest checking lighter colors for coverage.
Skip it if you need a phone pocket or firm compression. If you shop at Athleta, the brand's Give-It-A-Workout guarantee gives you 30 days from delivery to return it if it does not perform. Our Elation review has more.
Vuori Daily Legging
- Women
- Sizes XXS-XXL
- Rise: High
- Inseam options: Short, Regular (24.5), Long
- Pockets: None
- Fabric feel: Matte
- Petite · Tall
The Vuori Daily trades the slippery, buttery feel for a peach-like matte finish. Vuori calls its BreatheInterlock fabric (72% polyester, 28% elastane) its highest-coverage legging fabric, and owners generally report good coverage in black. It has a drawcord, a no-slip waistband and cuffed ankles, plus Short, Regular (24.5 inch) and Long lengths.
That makes it a good errands, travel, walking and light-workout legging, especially if you sit outside the standard inseam.
The trade-off is range and features. There are no pockets, and sizes stop at XXL. It lists at about $98.
Vuori also has one of the longest return windows in this group: 120 days for purchases made on its site and in its stores. The help-center text was truncated, so confirm the conditions before you rely on it.
Skip it if you want pockets, sizes above XXL or heavy compression. The Vuori Daily review goes deeper.
Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Tight 25" (7-pocket)
- Women
- Sizes 2-14
- Rise: High
- Inseam options: 25″
- Pockets: Multi
- Fabric feel: Smooth
The Fast and Free is built for runners who are tired of tucking keys into a waistband. It has a drawcord waist, reflective details and multiple pockets (the name says seven; the page does not give a count), in lightweight, quick-drying Nulux (84% nylon, 16% Lycra). The page showed a 4.8 rating from 19 reviews, so treat the fit read as early.
Compression is medium, which is a sensible middle ground for long runs and walks.
The trade-offs are practical. Sizes only run 2 to 14 on the page, only black was listed, and it is about $128 at full price. Owners tend to say Nulux is fine in black and thinner in lighter colors.
Skip it if you need sizes above 14 or just want a soft lounge legging. Read the Fast and Free review.
Girlfriend Collective Compressive Pocket Legging
- Women
- Sizes XXS-6XL
- Rise: Ultra
- Inseam options: 23.75″, 28″, 31″
- Pockets: Side
- Fabric feel: Compressive
- Plus sizes · Petite · Tall
This is the pick if you want a big pocket and a wide size run in the same legging. Girlfriend Collective offers XXS to 6XL, three inseams (23.75, 28 and 31 inches) and two deep side pockets the brand sizes for most phones. It is an ultra-high rise in a compressive fabric (79% recycled water bottles, 21% spandex, per the brand).
The brand calls it squat-proof and sheer-proof; those are manufacturer claims. It runs true to size, and the brand suggests sizing down for more compression.
The trade-offs: about $118 at full price, a snug first-wear feel, and a recent review saying compression felt weaker and the legging slid on a run. The page also marked it final sale.
Skip it if you want a soft, light feel or a lower price. Our Girlfriend Collective review covers fit.
Gymshark New Whitney High-Rise Leggings
- Women
- Sizes XXS-XXL (0-14)
- Rise: High
- Inseam options: Regular
- Pockets: None
- Fabric feel: Smooth
At about $54, the New Whitney is the cheapest legging here with a squat-proof claim from the brand. The ButterSmooth fabric (78% nylon, 22% elastane, 230gsm) is described as thicker, and it has a ruched back and four-way stretch.
It suits lifting, HIIT and everyday wear, and it is the sensible choice if you want to spend roughly half what Lululemon charges.
Read the care note, though. Gymshark warns that Haze Pink and Butter Yellow can become sheer when stretched, so the claim is not equal across colors. Sizes end at XXL (US 12 to 14), there are no pockets, and the page gives no inseam in inches.
Skip it if you need plus sizes, pockets or an exact inseam. Our Gymshark Whitney review has more.
Alo Yoga High-Waist Airlift Legging
- Women
- Sizes XXS-XL
- Rise: High
- Inseam options: full (28-28.5)
- Pockets: None
- Fabric feel: Compressive
Alo's Airlift is for people who like a firm, glove-like fit and a slight sheen. The fabric is 82% polyester and 18% elastane, and Alo adds a double-layered waistband. At 28 to 28.5 inches it is a full-length legging, and owners say it holds its shape well and looks opaque in most shades, though pale colors vary.
It works for yoga, Pilates and everyday wear, and the compression suits the gym too.
The trade-off is price and polarizing looks. It is about $134 at full price, there are no pockets, and the shine and squeeze are not for everyone. Sizes run XXS to XL, so there is no plus range. The black colorway showed an out-of-stock notice when we checked.
Skip it if you prefer a soft, light feel, or if you want pockets or sizes above XL. The Airlift review has details.
How to choose leggings
Start with the activity, because it decides the fabric.
Soft and buttery fabrics (Align, Athleta Elation, Beyond Yoga Spacedye) feel almost weightless and suit yoga, Pilates, travel and lounging. They give light compression, so they are a weaker choice for heavy squats or running. Owners also tend to report that light colors show through more.
Compressive fabrics (Alo Airlift, Girlfriend Collective, Fabletics PowerHold) hold you in and stay put, which is what most lifters and runners want. They can feel snug on the first wear, and they are less forgiving if you like a loose fit.
Matte, medium-hold fabrics (Vuori Daily) sit in the middle and work well for a mix of walking, errands and light workouts.
Next, check these four things. Each one can rule a legging out faster than brand or price can:
- Length. Inseams vary a lot. Athleta lists Petite 25, Regular 27 and Tall 30 inches; Girlfriend Collective lists 23.75, 28 and 31. Our leggings finder can match inseam to your height.
- Sizes. Several brands stop at XL or XXL. If you wear plus sizes, look at Girlfriend Collective (to 6XL), Fabletics (to 4X) and Athleta (to 3X).
- Pockets. A hidden waistband pocket holds a card or key. A true phone pocket is a side or multi-pocket design.
- Opacity. Few brands make a squat-proof claim. Gymshark and Girlfriend Collective (pocket version) do; Lululemon, Alo and Athleta stay silent on it. Dark colors are the safe bet either way. Our squat-proof leggings list goes further.
Returns also matter when you cannot try before you buy, and policies vary more than most people expect. Most brands here give 30 days. Vuori gives 120, and Athleta adds a workout guarantee. Check each brand's policy before you order.
How we picked
We have not tested any of these leggings. Instead we compared each product record on the same checklist: brand specs, fabric, rise, inseams, size range, pockets, price and return policy. We then weighed what owners and reviewers commonly report on fit, durability and opacity, and we down-ranked anything with a repeated complaint. Ratings are editorial estimates, not lab results.
We also tried to avoid picking eight versions of the same legging. Each one earns its spot for a specific reader. Read the full process on our methodology page.
Here is a quick side-by-side of three picks that cover soft, firm and budget.
| Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 25" | Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight 25" | Gymshark New Whitney High-Rise Leggings | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $98 seen $89 | $98 seen $59 | $54 |
| For | Women | Women | Women |
| Sizes | 0-20 | 0-20 | XXS-XXL (0-14) |
| Fabric | 80% nylon, 20% Lycra elastane (Nulu) | 77% nylon, 23% Lycra elastane (Everlux) | 78% nylon, 22% elastane (ButterSmooth, 230gsm) |
| Rise | High | High | High |
| Inseam options | 25″, 28″, 31″ | 25″ | Regular |
| Pockets | Waistband | Waistband | None |
| Fabric feel | Buttery | Smooth | Smooth |
| Compression | 2/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Squat-proof claim | Silent | Silent | Yes |
| Flared | No | No | No |
| Fleece-lined | No | No | No |
| Comfort (our rating) | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Performance (our rating) | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Durability (our rating) | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Value (our rating) | 3/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Returns | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Check price | Check price | Check price |
Not sure which fits you? Answer a few questions and we will narrow it down.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best brand of leggings?
There is no single best brand. Lululemon leads for softness (Align) and hold (Wunder Train), Athleta for sizes and lengths, Girlfriend Collective for extended sizes and pockets, and Gymshark for price. The right brand depends on your activity and size, so match the legging to the job.
Are expensive leggings worth it?
Sometimes. Premium leggings often add a wider size and length range, better-reviewed fabrics and easier returns. But owners report pilling on some pricey pairs, and a $54 Gymshark squat-proof legging does the lifting job well. Spend more when fabric feel or inseam options matter to you.
Which leggings are best for lifting?
Look for compressive or medium-hold fabric and a stay-put waistband. On paper, the Lululemon Wunder Train, Fabletics Define PowerHold, Girlfriend Collective Compressive and Gymshark New Whitney fit that brief. Check the brand's opacity note, since only some make a squat-proof claim, and prefer darker colors.
How should leggings fit?
They should feel snug without digging in at the waist or rolling at the hip, and they should not slide down when you squat or move. If you are between sizes, brands like Girlfriend Collective say sizing down adds compression. Check the inseam against your height, or use our leggings finder.
Do leggings with a higher price last longer?
Not always. Durability depends on the fabric and how you wash it. Owners report pilling and snagging on soft fabrics at any price, and some budget options hold up less well. Wash inside out on a gentle cycle and skip heat to extend life.
