To not toot our personal horn, however we all know a factor or two about the very best train leggings right here at SELF—in reality, we acknowledge a choose few of them yearly throughout our Activewear Awards. Whereas it could sound dramatic, we expect a high-quality pair of leggings could make all of the distinction in how your day goes. (For those who’ve ever tried lifting weights or having fun with a vinyasa stream whereas sporting leggings that slip down, pinch, or pull in all of the flawed locations, this to be true.)
With that in thoughts, we curated an inventory of nice train leggings for all kinds of actions, chosen from tons of pairs we’ve examined and had really helpful to us by specialists over time.
Our high picks
- Greatest General: Athleta Salutation Stash Tight
- Greatest Funds: Outdated Navy Excessive-Waisted PowerSoft Leggings
- Greatest for Yoga: Lululemon Align Excessive-Rise Pant
- Greatest for Operating: Tracksmith NDO Tights
- Greatest for Gymnasium Exercises: Reebok Lux Excessive-Rise Leggings
- Greatest for On a regular basis Put on: Spanx Booty Increase Lively 7/8 Leggings
On this article
What to search for when searching for train leggings
For those who’re able to replace your leggings assortment, listed here are a couple of suggestions we suggest conserving in thoughts as you store.
Excessive-impact actions, like operating, and gentler actions, like stretching, name for several types of leggings. For the previous, it’s your decision a pair that’s thicker, extra compressive, and sweatproof. In the meantime, you’ll in all probability favor softer, lighter-weight leggings for yoga, Pilates, and different lower-intensity exercises.
Leggings are available a spread of lengths, from full-length (that means they go all the best way to the underside of your ankle) to 7/8 (which hit round or simply above the ankle) to capri (which normally cease on the center of your calf). When unsure, measure your inseam size—the space out of your crotch to the spot in your leg or ankle the place you need the leggings to hit—and have your quantity helpful whilst you browse.
Any leggings ought to have a superb quantity of spandex, Lycra, elastane, or different stretchy materials to make sure they match near your physique with out limiting your motion. Past that, search for pairs made with moisture-wicking, breathable, squat-proof, additional delicate, or chilly weather-ready supplies. As talked about above, your go-to exercises can even aid you decide which materials will work finest.
That is extra a private desire than anything, nevertheless it’s nonetheless essential to examine how excessive the waistband goes on a brand new pair of leggings, particularly if protection and help are key for you. Yow will discover low-, medium-, and high-rise choices, however high-rise is the commonest.
Don’t overlook nice-to-have parts like a drawstring, well-placed pockets, and breathable mesh panels. Relying on what you want, these add-ons can flip a strong pair of leggings into an distinctive one.
FAQs about searching for train leggings
Ought to I dimension up or down in leggings?
For those who’re between sizes, it’s best to normally dimension down in leggings. Since they’re sometimes fabricated from stretchy materials, they need to develop to suit you, they usually are inclined to get looser over time, so beginning with a tighter pair is normally higher. (In spite of everything, leggings are supposed to be comfortable—and also you don’t need them to be falling down as you’re employed out.) That being stated, in case you’re contemplating a brilliant compressive pair of leggings, you would possibly need to dimension up, for the reason that cloth will match tighter and should really feel too restrictive in a smaller dimension.
Why do my leggings roll down on the waist?
Leggings which might be too massive, have misplaced their elasticity, or are lower-rise could also be extra more likely to roll down. So, if it is a widespread concern for you, search for types which might be high-waisted, with a thick, compressive waistband and a drawstring.
However, generally tremendous high-waisted types can roll down to satisfy the indent of your pure waist. Ideally, the highest of your leggings’ waistband will hit you proper at your pure waist or solely barely above. While you strive them on, soar round, bend, and stretch in your leggings to verify they’ll keep put.
Store the very best train leggings
Whether or not you’re a runner, a yoga fanatic, a hiker, a die arduous lounger, or the entire above, a superb new pair of leggings awaits you beneath.
Greatest General: Athleta Salutation Stash Tight
- Extraordinarily snug and versatile
- Breathable cloth
- Sturdy
- Subsequent to none—virtually excellent
Wherever your day takes you, you’ll be ready in Athleta’s best-selling Salutation Stash Excessive Rise Legging. It’s one of many model’s hottest leggings for its splendidly deep pockets (that one way or the other don’t add a ton of bulk); vast, comfortable waistband; and thick cloth.
Unbelievable sturdiness was one more reason we named the Salutation Stash the Greatest Leggings for Fairly A lot Something in our 2024 Activewear Awards—certainly one of our judges was assured that these can final for years of wear and tear. “These are my all the things leggings,” they wrote. “I’ve been shopping for the Stash from Athleta for years, they usually maintain up. I train barre, raise weights, hike trails, and browse the aisles of Dealer Joe’s in them always.”
Sizes: XXS to 3XL | Lengths: Petite, common, and tall | Supplies: Nylon, Lycra, recycled polyester, elastane, polyester (relying on the colour)
Greatest Funds: Outdated Navy Excessive-Waisted PowerSoft Leggings
- Nice worth
- Best for high-sweat actions
- Received’t present sweat
- Some reviewers be aware the material could possibly be thicker
These Outdated Navy leggings have been our readers’ decide for this yr’s Activewear Awards—and, wow, did they’ve lots to say: “I actually have 25 pairs, they usually’re the one bottoms I’ll do races in. The aspect pockets are so nice, I don’t even must put on operating belts throughout my coaching runs to maintain my telephone, gum, and keys helpful,” one defined.
One other reader shouted out their value level, sturdiness, compression degree, and, maybe most significantly, sweat resistance: “I put on them for my lengthy runs on the treadmill, they usually don’t present sweat stains.”
Sizes: XS to 4X | Lengths: Petite, common, and tall | Supplies: Polyester, spandex
Greatest for Yoga: Lululemon Align Excessive-Rise Pant
- Extraordinarily delicate and stretchy
- Wide selection of shade choices
Arguably the most-loved Lulu bottoms throughout the board, the Aligns belong within the dictionary beneath “yoga leggings.” Additional delicate and non-constricting, they’re designed to really feel like a second pores and skin that strikes with you as you stretch, bend, and stream.
“It really doesn’t really feel such as you’re sporting pants, they usually by no means trigger chafing,” wrote one 2024 Activewear Awards choose. Whereas they’re principally ideally suited for yoga, our judges and one SoulCycle teacher additionally really helpful the Align leggings for indoor biking and easily sporting round the home.
Sizes: 0 to twenty | Lengths: 23, 25, 28, and 31 inches | Supplies: Nylon, Lycra elastane
Greatest for Operating: Tracksmith NDO Tights
- A lot of pockets
- Adjustable match
- Reflective particulars
- Moisture-wicking
- Not tremendous compressive
- Dear
Each distance runner is aware of that pockets are all the things, and this pair packs lots. With two massive, envelope-style pockets and a 3rd, zippered one behind the waistband, you gained’t need to put on a operating belt on longer loops.
These high-waisted leggings are produced from a double-sided cloth that’ll preserve you heat on chilly mornings or evenings—plus, they’ve a drawstring, so you’ll be able to alter the match (that means they’ll nonetheless really feel good after the post-gel bloat). Zippers on the ankles additionally make them straightforward to get off while you’re sweaty.
Sizes: XS to L | Lengths: Common | Supplies: Lycra, polyester, nylon, polyamide, elastane Lycra, polyurethane
Greatest for Gymnasium Exercises: Reebok Lux Excessive-Rise Leggings
- Comparatively inexpensive for the standard
- Compressive, supportive match and really feel
- Additional high-rise waistband
- Some could discover the compression too robust
For those who’re on the lookout for workhorse leggings that’ll sustain with you thru HIIT courses, lifting periods, and cardio exercises, you want a pair of supportive, ultra-high-waisted Reebok Luxes, which gained a 2023 Activewear Award for his or her reliability and flexibility.
“Typically full-length leggings look ‘bunchy’ on the ankles, however these have been excellent,” one SELF tester wrote. “The excessive waistband is extraordinarily snug and flattering. They’re completely squat-proof as nicely. I felt very assured, and I used to be capable of full all exercises with out having to drag them up or alter them in any respect (even throughout a sweaty vinyasa yoga class).”
Sizes: XXS to XL | Lengths: Quick, common | Supplies: Nylon, elastane
Greatest for On a regular basis Put on: Spanx Booty Increase Lively 7/8 Leggings
- Thick and slightly compressive
- Sweat-resistant
- Comfortable, flattering match
- Might run small, in keeping with reviewers
A two-time Activewear Award winner in 2021 and 2022, Spanx’s Booty Increase Lively leggings are about as dependable as leggings get (and win bonus factors for his or her extremely flattering match). “These are perfection,” wrote one tester, who wears a dimension 2X. “They didn’t transfer. The leggings are high-waist and canopy my whole tummy as a plus-size girl. The place have these leggings been all my life?”
One other SELF tester raved about their versatility: “I may put on these leggings to the workplace and nobody would know that they’re for exercises.” They match like a glove and look nice even after hours of wear and tear, making the Booty Increase Lively our high decide for all-day put on (no contest!).
Sizes: XS to 3XL | Lengths: 25 inches | Supplies: Nylon, elastane
Greatest Compression Leggings: SuperFit Hero SuperHold Pocket 7/8 Leggings
- Extraordinarily supportive
- Thick, opaque cloth
- Huge dimension vary
- Have a tendency to draw lint and pet hair, in keeping with reviewers
At this level, it’s an odd yr when SuperFit Hero’s extremely compressive, squat-test-passing SuperHold pocket leggings don’t win an Activewear Award (their earliest look was in 2019). All through the years, they’ve wowed our testers with their extraordinarily safe match, inclusive dimension vary, and general nice look (an influencer who examined a pair in 2022 stated the SuperHolds have been their go-to leggings for on-camera work).
“The leggings positively did all the things they have been speculated to do,” one 2023 tester wrote. “They have been supportive, snug, cute, and helped me keep dry after I was actually sweaty. I particularly appreciated how the waistband stayed in place, and general I didn’t have to regulate something throughout my exercises.”
Sizes: L to 7X | Lengths: 29 inches | Supplies: Polyester, spandex
Greatest for Lounging: Past Yoga Spacedye Caught In The Midi Excessive Waisted Legging
- Very delicate
- Tons of shade choices
- No outdoors seam
- Cloth has four-way stretch that strikes with you
- Inseam could also be too quick on some individuals
When you could have an extended day of nothing deliberate, a supremely comfortable pair of leggings makes for an excellent uniform. Those that come to thoughts for us are simply Past Yoga’s tremendous delicate, clean Spacedye tights.
“These leggings positively lived as much as my expectations,” wrote one 2023 Activewear Awards tester. “I discovered myself reaching for them many times, since they have been so snug, cute, and I didn’t need to fiddle with them whereas educating or working towards yoga.” In 2024, we additionally gave a nod to the Out of Pocket model of those leggings, that are simply as cuddly however characteristic two drop-in aspect pockets too.
Sizes: XXS to 4X | Lengths: 24 inches | Supplies: Polyester, elastane
Greatest for Chilly Climate: Baleaf Fleece-Lined Winter Leggings
- Lined for heat, but breathable
- Funds-friendly
- A lot of colours to select from
- Might bunch on the ankles, in keeping with reviewers
For those who courageous icy temps within the identify of your exercise (or commute), you want a pair of Baleaf’s refreshingly inexpensive fleece-lined leggings. “The wind doesn’t pierce by way of them like plenty of different leggings. They’re additionally sweat-wicking, so they’re nice for figuring out,” Lindsey Quebedeaux, a monitor and cross-country coach, runner, and walker from New Braunfels, Texas, beforehand advised SELF.
They’re accessible in a number of types: The one-pocket model has a mid-rise waist; the three-pocket is high-rise; and the water resistant model has an extra-high waist that ought to turn out to be useful when it’s chilly and moist outdoors.
Sizes: XS to 3XL | Lengths: 27-28 inches (relying on the dimensions) | Supplies: Polyester, spandex
Greatest for Mountaineering: Outside Analysis Advert-Vantage Leggings
- Very sturdy
- Stretchy
- UPF 30 helps shield your pores and skin from the solar’s rays
- Too light-weight for mountain climbing in chilly climate
- Restricted shade choices
Hikers ask plenty of their leggings: They need to be straightforward to maneuver in, however they will’t rip or snag when the path will get tough. Few pairs strike a steadiness between stretchy and difficult fairly just like the Advert-Vantage from Outside Analysis.
Made with mountaineering in thoughts, they’re abrasion-resistant by way of the knees and hips and supply full vary of movement. As our 2023 Activewear Awards tester put it, “I’m able to transfer at any angle in these they usually keep in place. I additionally really feel like they’re excellent for journey as a result of they’re sturdy, light-weight, and have some compression.”
Sizes: XS to XXL | Lengths: 25 inches | Supplies: Nylon, Lycra
Greatest Shade and Sample Choices: Sweaty Betty Energy Exercise Leggings
- Massive choice of sizes and styles
- Has two pockets
- Sweat-wicking cloth
- Adjustable drawstring contained in the waistband
These are an all-around glorious pair of leggings, and you’ll’t beat the choices in terms of colours and patterns—there are 28(!) to select from. These stretchy tights are nice for just about any exercise, with a big aspect pocket, a again zippered pocket, and an adjustable inside drawstring. Sweaty Betty is beloved for his or her vibrant patterns, so in case you’re on the lookout for a very distinctive set, this model is the one to buy.
Sizes: XXS to XXL | Lengths: ⅞, full-length | Supplies: Polyamide, elastane
Greatest Dimension Vary: Girlfriend Collective Luxe Legging
- Mushy and compressive
- Has three pockets
- Moisture-wicking
- Wide selection of sizes
- Heavy cloth isn’t the very best for warm exercises
These high-waisted leggings are thick and compressive—excellent for anybody who likes their tights to really feel like a robust hug. With a delicate sheen, these would work equally nicely for a gymnasium day or a cute errands outfit. They’ve three small pockets (two on the entrance waistband and one on the again) and are made with cozy, peach-fuzz-like cloth.
Sizes: XXS to 6XL | Lengths: 23.75 inches, 28.5 inches | Supplies: Recycled plastic bottles (RPET), spandex
Greatest for HIIT: Vuori Day by day Legging
- Keep-put waistband
- Exceptionally snug
- Adjustable drawstring outdoors the waistband
- 4-way stretch strikes with you
- No pockets
- Not tremendous compressive
- ⅞ size could also be too quick for tall individuals
For those who really feel like your tights by no means keep in place, you want to strive Vuori’s Day by day Legging. One SELF author swears by it for operating, HIIT exercises, or actually any train that’ll have you ever bouncing round.
“The tremendous excessive, vast, segmented waistband and drawstring combo actually helps them keep put and never roll down, it doesn’t matter what I’m doing. I by no means have to drag these up and alter them throughout exercises, which makes me attain for them time and again,” she says. They’re lower to a ⅞ size, in order that they’re excellent for anybody on the shorter aspect who hates when their full-length leggings bunch up. The thick cloth makes them ideally suited for sweaty exercises, and, per our author, they’re extremely delicate and flattering.
Sizes: XXS to XXL | Lengths: quick, common, lengthy | Supplies: Polyester, elastane
Greatest with Pockets: Nike Go Agency-Help Excessive-Waisted ⅞ Leggings
- Supportive, hold-you-in really feel
- Six pockets
- Additional-wide waistband
- ⅞ size could not work for tall of us
For those who’ve received stuff to carry, these leggings have the cupboard space you want. Nike’s Go tights have two angled aspect pockets alongside the thighs, three drop-in pockets alongside the again waistband, and a zipper pocket on the thigh, so you’ll be able to simply pack your telephone, gels, headphone case, lip balm, keys, and playing cards. Compressive and supportive, with an extra-wide waistband, these will sustain with you as you run, squat, and hike.
Sizes: XS to XXL | Lengths: Common | Supplies: Nylon, spandex
Most Stretchy: Gymshark Important Seamless 2.0 Leggings
- Comfy
- Seamless across the waist
- Moisture-wicking cloth
- A lot of colours to select from
- Not compressive
- No pockets
Gymshark’s Important Seamless 2.0 leggings will transfer with you all day lengthy, with a large, ribbed, seamless waistband and stretchy, safe cloth that’s shaded to contour your physique. Moisture-wicking nylon makes them a strong decide for sweaty conditioning periods too.
Sizes: XS to XXL | Lengths: Common | Supplies: Nylon, elastane
Greatest Splurge: LNDR Limitless Pocket ⅞ Legging
- Tremendous light-weight
- Sweat-wicking cloth
- Has two waistband pockets
- Mild compression
- Some reviewers say they’re not thick or opaque sufficient
- Restricted dimension vary
This pair from LNDR is ideal for anybody who doesn’t like cumbersome aspect pockets, however needs extra cupboard space than a zippered again pocket. The drop-in pockets on these are uniquely positioned excessive on the waistband, so you’ll be able to simply cowl them with a shirt or tank.
These leggings are additionally very smoothing and light-weight, in order that they’ll really feel notably good in sizzling settings. “These are my favourite leggings of all time,” wrote one LNDR buyer. “They’re tight in all the fitting locations and tremendous snug.”
Sizes: XS to XL | Lengths: 8/8 (full-length), ⅞, 6/8 (capri) | Supplies: Polyamide, elastane
How SELF assessments and selects train leggings
For SELF’s Activewear Awards, we faucet staffers, on a regular basis exercisers, and specialists of all stripes (together with hikers, marathon runners, weight lifting trainers, and health coaches) to check dozens of leggings. They put their gear by way of the wringer, sweating, transferring, and dwelling of their attire for weeks all through the testing interval, then use our official Activewear Shopping for Information to find out which objects have been really the very best. You possibly can relaxation assured that the leggings that made the lower have been road-tested to the fullest.
Once we search for suggestions outdoors of our yearly awards, we ask trusted health specialists within the subject for his or her absolute favorites. Whereas a flashy new pair that they’re enthusiastic about is at all times of curiosity, we need to know which leggings they arrive again to time after time—these are those we characteristic.
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