The Best Leggings for Working Out in 2026, Tested by Style Editors

ProsThey stay in place while in motionNo front seamThey don’t add any width or bulk to the thighs ConsThey’re pricey at over $100, but they’ve never declined in quality so I deem them worth the spendI’ve trusted Nike leggings since my middle school days, circa 2012, and this pair is no exception. I love that the waistband never moves, no matter how much I bend, jump, run, or sweat. I’ve worn the original pair for years, but I love that the newest version has no front seam, for an even more flattering look. Pictured here is the flared version (which I love for lounging), but I typically reach for the standard legging silhouette for most workouts to avoid the extra fabric getting in the way.“I first tried these Nike leggings during the brand’s month-long running challenge in 2025, and they’ve stayed at the top of my extensive leggings drawer ever since,” says style contributor Lily Wohlner. “They allow me to move freely during all sorts of movements, they’re super durable, and are buttery soft for maximum comfort.”I find these leggings to be extremely flattering—even my mom told me I look good in them (that’s how you know they’re good!). The second you slip these on, every curve on your legs and thighs magically tightens thanks to the body-hugging nylon and spandex in the fabric. I also appreciate that Nike left out the side pockets with this pair, so they don’t add any width to the thighs. But, there’s still a back pocket that’s big enough to hold your phone, which is a welcome plus.These are one of my favorite leggings to run in because they stay in place. The high waistband never moves or slips down, so I never find myself adjusting it while in motion. At the gym, they’re stretchy enough to accommodate any move from deadlifts to downward dog, but they still have enough compression to make me feel held in and supported. I’ve done my fair share of squats in these leggings—I actually wore them during a few lower-body training sessions—and they pass the squat test every time. Another bonus? They’re super moisture-wicking, so I worry less about sweat stains peeking through at the gym.If you're not the biggest fan of high-rise leggings, don't worry—they also come in a mid-rise fit. Plus, they have raw cut edges, so they can easily be tucked into your fave socks without any bunching in sight. They are super flattering, and they've garnered the most compliments I've ever received from a pair of leggings.At $105 they are on the pricer side, but they’ve never once declined in quality since I’ve owned them, and I’ve probably washed them over 80 times.Read More: Best Leggings For WomenMaterials63% nylon, 37% spandexBest ForRunning, HIIT, strength training, yogaSizesXXS—XXLColors9ProsLuxury feel despite low price tagDeep pocketsButtery fabricConsLight-to-medium compression if you need a tighter fitI’ve been singing praises for Crz Yoga ever since I joined the team at Women’s Health over a year ago. The affordable brand makes some of the best workout clothes on Amazon with quality that actually competes with high-end labels. Think: smooth, stretchy fabric that holds up over tons of wear and wash cycles.The 81% nylon and 19% elastane blend (aka the brand’s famed Butterluxe fabric) has the second-skin softness and light-to-moderate compression that feels good during just about any workout. I love the high-rise waistband that doesn’t slip down during HIIT workouts, weight lifting, or long walks.This pair even earned a spot in our guide to the best leggings with pockets for the dual side pockets that securely hold small essentials like a keycard or headphones without adding too much bulk to the hips. Oh, and I love that it comes in a ton of colors (most of them with sports bras to match!), from classic neutrals to brighter, bolder shades.My only con is that it only comes in a single length, which may bunch slightly at the ankles on petite frames, and while the pockets are handy, they’re not the most secure option for larger phones during high-impact workouts.Read More: Crz Yoga ReviewMaterials81% nylon, 19% elastaneBest ForAll workoutsSizesXXS—XLColors20+Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowCredit: Justin Steele For Women's HealthProsSupportive during high-impact exercise Hidden drawstring in the waistband keeps the pants in placeMoisture-wickingConsMight not hold up against sweat in the lighter shadesFor a long time, I always opted for the softest, stretchiest leggings in my drawer, no matter the workout. However, in the past year, I’ve been doing a lot more strength training, and I’ve found myself swapping soft pairs for more compressive options like the Wunder Train to stay locked in and supported during moves like jump squats, burpees, and quick-burst movements. I never thought I’d be a compression leggings gal, but once I tried them, I never went back.The Wunder Train Leggings are made out of 77 percent nylon and 23 percent elastane (a light, stretchy fabric). The higher elastane content makes them super stretchy. During my weekly Barry's HIIT workout class, these leggings stay put and keep me feeling secure, supported, and snatched. With softer leggings, I’m always adjusting them or feeling like they don’t offer enough support during deep bends and hinges. The hidden drawstring in the waistband of these leggings also helps.One of my top priorities when it comes to leggings is absolutely no sweat stains. And this pair nails it thanks to the sweat-wicking nylon, which is super durable and keeps you dry. I’ve had some seriously sweaty gym sessions in them, and while sweat does build up after intense workouts, it dries way faster than other leggings I’ve tried thanks to its high nylon content in the fabric. I also love how the fabric feels light, breathable, and cool against the skin, so it doesn’t cause overheating like some of my other leggings. That said, I only own these in darker colors, so I can’t speak to how well they hide sweat stains on lighter shades.Read More: Lululemon Wunder Train Leggings Review Materials77% nylon, 23% elastaneBest ForHigh-Intensity workoutsSizes0—20Colors4Credit: Justin Steele For Women's HealthProsSide pockets are discreet, but big enough to hold a phoneSupportive yet comfortableUPF 50 for sun protection I’ve tried a ton of pieces from Rhone, like its workout dress and bra tops, but my favorites are these pocket leggings, which have tons of storage for my belongings, just enough compression, and maximum softness.Unlike many other pocketed leggings I’ve tried, these offer a sleek look—you can barely even notice the pockets. While discreet, the pockets still hold a ton. I can even fit my iPhone in them, and thanks to the pockets’ compression, it won’t slip out. Unlike most leggings with pockets, these don’t add any bulk to the thighs for a flattering finish.I’ve worn these leggings during many different types of workouts, and they always strike the perfect balance of support and comfort. These are soft enough for a stretching or yoga class, but really shine in any exercise that gets your heart rate pumping and the sweat flowing. Plus, the moisture-wicking fabric and its odor-fighting finish keep me feeling fresh, even when things get super sweaty.I’m also a mega fan of the wide waistband that stays put through any exercise. And get this: If you’re out in the sun, these leggings add a great extra layer of defense to your sunscreen, as they’re equipped with UPF 50 for sun protection.My one con with these leggings is that they run large, as does all of Rhone’s womenswear. I would size down if you’re looking for a normal fit with light compression.Materials81% nylon, 19% elastaneBest ForAll workoutsSizesXS—XXLColors15Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsSoft yet supportive performance fabricGreat for sweaty, high-intensity workouts Chafe-free construction ConsA little too compressive for loungingBeyond Yoga leggings in their signature (super soft) Spacedye fabric have been my go-to for lounging and low-impact yoga for years. But recently, the activewear label dropped Glowzone, its new high-performance line with a snappy fabric designed to support intense, sweaty movement while still offering the comfort we know and love.The Glowzone fabric is made of smooth nylon and a bit more elastane than the brand’s famed Spacedye fabric, giving it noticeably more compression. It’s snappy and compressive enough that it keeps me feeling supported and locked-in during my workouts without restricting movement or sliding down my waist (something I often have trouble with while wearing other compressive leggings).Despite the more snappy fabric, it’s every bit as soft and comfortable as I’d expect from a pair of Beyond Yoga leggings. I still reach for mine on more chill days spent walking the boardwalk near the beach or running errands around town—but the material is just a touch too compressive to wear for lazy days spent couch rotting. Where it really shines is for working out: I’ve worn it to the gym for cardio and lifting sessions as well as mat Pilates classes, and I love that I can basically forget about what I’m wearing while I focus on getting my reps in.Contributor Sidney Lee tested a few items from the Glowzone collection and agrees the fabric is every bit as soft as she hoped. “It’s slightly thinner than Spacedye, which makes Glowzone feel sleeker and more breathable against the skin,” she says. “Also, the four-way stretch and moisture-wicking technology of the new fabric offer more freedom of movement, especially during heated classes or summer workouts.”Another huge bonus? This pair is basically seamless (the only seams are located on the inside of the legs and at the buttock) so there’s no rubbing or chafing. There’s no front seam (which helps keep the fit looking flattering, if you know what I mean), and it has raw edges at the bottom, which means the legging basically melts into your skin.Read More: Beyond Yoga Glowzone ReviewMaterials75% recycled nylon, 25% elastaneBest ForAll workoutsSizesXXS—XXLColors4Credit: Justin Steele For Women's HealthProsTotally seamlessSuper moisture-wicking and quick dryingNice and compressive feelConsThey have no pockets for storageGymshark's bestselling leggings are incredibly breathable and dry quickly. That’s thanks to its sweat-proof fabric, made of 93% nylon (the highest nylon content on this list) and seven percent elastane. Nylon is a synthetic fabric that’s hydrophobic (i.e it resists the penetration of water), so these leggings are great for wicking sweat away from the body. Not only that, but they’re made with breathable mesh dots to help keep you cool during tough workouts. Of all the leggings I’ve tested, this pair does the best job of keeping me sweat-free even after the most intense sweat sessions. Even after a particularly grueling Barry’s class, I was dry by the time I walked out the door.This legging is nearly seamless—the only seams are on the back buttock area— which helps shape the glutes—and on the inside of each leg. I love that there’s no front seam (way more comfy and flattering!) and that the few seams necessary here are totally flat and don’t cause any rubbing or discomfort.Lauture adds that this pair of leggings also does a great job at holding you in. “It might take you a few moments of jumping up and down to get them on, but they feel great on your body once you get them up,” she says. These leggings lean on the compressive side, but tighter leggings are great for higher intensity workouts because they hold you in. So, if you’re into HIIT, running, or strength training, this is another solid pair. Since they’re slightly tighter, I find that they shape and sculpt your body in all the right places.There are no pockets at the legs or in the waistband of these leggings, so if you don’t need storage, these are a great option.Materials93% nylon, 7% elastaneBest ForHigh-impact workoutsSizesXXS—XXLColors9Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowCredit: Justin Steele For Women's HealthProsPockets great for when you’re on the goFeel like a second skinSuper buttery soft and stretchy for low-impact exercise ConsLighter colors show sweat easily Unlike the lulu pair on this list, these have less compression, which I prefer for low-impact workouts. They don’t squeeze too much or make my skin bunch up, so I can move freely and comfortably in any move.And, the pockets in these leggings come in handy post-workout when you’re off running errands and need an easy place to store your key, credit card, or AirPods. But, they don’t add much width to the hips and have a flattering fit, which isn’t always the case with leggings with pockets. During testing, I found that these literally feel like a second skin—they are so soft and lightweight. Because they’re low compression, they’re also super comfortable for lounging.Like the Rhone leggings, these are treated with UPF 40, so I like to wear them out for long walks on sunny days because they provide a solid extra layer of sun protection. And, if it really starts to get warm out, they have a quick-drying fabric that’s made with a high nylon content. However, stylist Rose Lauture says that although sweat stains fade quickly, she does notice they show easily in the leggings' lighter colors.Materials75% nylon, 25% elastaneBest ForLow-impact workoutsSizesXXS—3XLColors14Credit: Justin Steele For Women's HealthProsMade to look flattering at your stomach and buttFabric is super softEasy to styleConsNot recommended for high-impact activity Of all the leggings I've tested, Spanx has the best smoothing fabric. They’re not super compressive (which is why I love them for low-impact exercises), but the fabric is insanely soft, sweat-wicking, and buttery smooth.“Just like the brand's famed shapewear, these are super flattering, with light stomach compression that snatches your waist, and a back waistband design that slightly dips down to enhance the shape of your booty,” says Wohlner. Their lack of a front seam also makes them much more flattering and so easy to style with anything from a sports bra to a cropped sweater.I’ve tried a high-intensity workout in these leggings and didn’t feel super supported, so if you’re looking for a pair that can hold you in during deep squats and burpees, these are not my strongest recommendation.Materials80% nylon, 20% elastaneBest ForLow-impact workoutsSizesXS—3XLColors4Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowCredit: Justin Steele For Women's HealthProsSmooth, matte material makes them look dressierThey actually stay upHave a nice, compressive fitConsThey run small, so you have to size upAlo's High-Waist Airbrush Leggings are super versatile because they’re nice and compressive for the gym, and their sleek look plays well with all my casual fits for a chic brunch look.I’ve struggled to find a pair of high-waisted compression leggings that actually stay up, but these never roll down when I’m moving or sitting, which I appreciate. Plus, they’re on the thinner side, so they don’t feel constrictive like a sausage casing. They stay where I want them for my entire workout and never make me feel claustrophobic.Another pro? The soft material, which has a super smooth, matte look that makes them a bit dressier. Even with sneakers and a zip-up, I find that these make my gym fits look super chic. I deem these leggings worth the buy because of how versatile they are, but shelling out $118 is no easy spend for leggings. So, I like to keep my eye out for a sale where I can get these leggings at a discount.My only gripe is that they run small. I’d recommend sizing up for a more comfortable fit—otherwise, they might feel too tight and could end up rolling down.Read More: Alo Yoga Brand Review Materials87% nylon, 13% elastaneBest ForAll workoutsSizesXXS—LColors3Shannen Zitz is the Associate Style & Reviews Editor at Women's Health, where she covers all-things sneakers and activewear. Previously, she was an assistant editor at Prevention. Shannen graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor's degree in English. If she’s not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym.Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men's Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.