The 13 Best Leggings of 2026

Finding the perfect pair of athletic leggings is a journey. I’ve been on it for years, testing dozens of pairs through squats, sprints, yoga flows, and long-haul flights. Some sag, some are see-through, and some just feel… wrong.

So, I put my collection to the test to find the best leggings of 2026. This isn’t just a list; it’s a battle-tested guide. Whether you need something for a sweaty HIIT class or just for looking good at the grocery store, I found a pair for you.

 

 

Best for Yoga, Lounge & Low-Impact

Lululemon Align No Line High-Rise Pant 25″

The Lululemon Align pants are $108, and honestly, they’re famous for a reason. The Nulu fabric feels completely weightless, like a second skin. They manage to smooth everything out without ever feeling restrictive or tight.

I love these for yoga or just lounging around the house. The new seamless front panel is a huge improvement, making them look great even with shorter tops. They just feel buttery soft and incredibly comfortable.

The Downside: The higher price point is definitely a factor. It’s an investment piece.

 

 

Athleta Elation Ultra High Rise 7/8 Legging

At $89, the Athleta Elation is my go-to for everyday wear when I want a little more support. The fabric is thicker and more compressive than a typical lounge legging, which gives you a really nice, structured feel.

They offer a great middle ground between pure comfort and performance. You get that held-in feeling without being squeezed, which is perfect for running errands or a light workout. The ultra-high rise waist stays put all day.

The Downside: They aren’t the best pick for super intense, sweaty workouts.

 

 

Vuori Daily Form Legging

The Vuori Daily Form Legging costs $98. I was really impressed with how well these balance compression and comfort. They have a nice amount of hold, but the fabric is so stretchy and soft that you never feel stiff.

I wore these on a long travel day and they were amazing. They’re moisture-wicking and comfortable for hours of sitting but also supportive enough for a workout when you get there. The BlissBlend fabric is aptly named.

The Downside: The material is a bit thicker, so they might feel too warm for workouts in really hot weather.

 

 

Spanx Look at Me Now Everyday Legging

For $78, these Spanx leggings deliver on their promise of smoothing. The built-in shaping in the waistband is fantastic for a little extra tummy control, but it’s not uncomfortably tight like some shapewear can be.

The fabric is ridiculously soft and the seamless design makes them incredibly flattering. They are my secret weapon for days when I want to feel a little more put-together but still be comfortable. Great for low-impact stuff or just daily life.

The Downside: These are definitely not built for high-impact activities like running.

 

 

Aerie Offline Real Me High-Waisted Legging

These are a steal at just $45. The biggest win for me with the Aerie leggings is that they are truly opaque. I did every bend and squat test imaginable, and they never went see-through. That kind of reliability is hard to find at this price.

They are super comfortable for all-day wear, almost like you have nothing on. The crossover waistband is also a really flattering touch. They’ve become a staple for just living my life in comfort.

The Downside: They don’t offer much in the way of compression.

 

 

CRZ YOGA Butterluxe Yoga Leggings

Priced at only $32, these CRZ YOGA leggings are an amazing value. The Butterluxe fabric absolutely lives up to the name—it’s buttery-soft and feels incredible against the skin, very similar to more expensive brands.

They have a gentle, light compression that’s perfect for yoga, pilates, or just lounging. For the price, the quality and comfort are unbeatable. I reach for these constantly.

The Downside: Don’t expect them to hold up for intense, high-impact training.

 

 

Best for Workouts & High-Impact

Nike One High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings

The Nike One leggings are a solid choice at $60. They prove that you don’t have to spend a fortune for a durable pair of workout leggings. The fabric is lightweight and breathable, but it isn’t flimsy at all.

What I liked most is that they stay in place. Whether I was running or jumping, I wasn’t constantly pulling them up. They’re a reliable, no-fuss option for pretty much any daily activity.

The Downside: They offer limited compression, so they’re not ideal if you want a super held-in feel for high-impact workouts.

 

 

Alo Yoga Airlift High-Waist Legging

These are $134, putting them at the top of the price list, but they perform. The Airlift fabric has a unique, slight sheen to it and provides serious compression. They feel like they’re sculpting you.

I felt totally supported during tough workouts, and they are 100% squat-proof. Alo really gets the style part right, too. These are the black athletic leggings you wear when you want to look as good as your workout feels.

The Downside: They’re expensive, no way around it.

 

 

Gymshark Vital Seamless Leggings

At $54, the Gymshark Vital Seamless leggings are built for sweat. I wore these for a HIIT class and was shocked at how quickly they dried. The moisture-wicking is top-notch, and the seamless design means no chafing.

They are breathable yet compressive, and the high waistband stays exactly where you put it. If you’re someone who sweats a lot during your workouts, these are a fantastic option that won’t leave you feeling soaked.

The Downside: The complete lack of pockets is a bummer.

 

 

Sweaty Betty Power Workout Leggings

These run about $100, and they are a powerhouse for a reason. The fabric is super technical—it sculpts and supports in all the right places while still being incredibly stretchy and easy to move in. They make you feel ready to tackle anything.

I took these for a run and they didn’t budge an inch. They’re also fully squat-proof and sweat-wicking, making them a true multi-sport legging. Plus, they have a side pocket and a back zip pocket.

The Downside: The high price tag puts them in the premium category.

 

 

Best for Pockets & Everyday Wear

Girlfriend Collective Compressive Pocket Legging

The Girlfriend Collective leggings are $118, and they nail the pocket situation. The pockets on both sides are deep and secure enough to hold my phone, keys, and wallet without anything feeling like it’s going to fall out. It’s a game-changer for going hands-free.

The compressive fabric feels substantial and supportive, and they are completely squat-proof. I also love that they’re made from recycled materials and come in a huge range of sizes. They’re a bestseller for a reason.

The Downside: The pricing is on the premium side.

 

 

Zella Live In High Waist Leggings

For around $59, the Zella Live In legging is an absolute workhorse. It’s the pair I recommend to friends who want one legging that can do a little bit of everything. The fabric is thick enough to be smoothing but not so thick that it’s hot.

They have a nice amount of compression and a high waist that doesn’t roll down. I’ve worn these for workouts, errands, and just lounging. They’re one of the most versatile athletic leggings I’ve tried.

The Downside: After a lot of wear and washing, they can start to pill a bit.

 

 

Outdoor Voices Core 7/8 Legging

At $88, the Core Legging from Outdoor Voices is made for motion. The TechSweat fabric is really durable and has a firm, compressive feel that I love for more active days, like a long hike or a circuit workout.

They stay cool and handle sweat really well. The material feels tough, like it’s built to last through a lot of activity. It’s a great choice if you need a legging that can keep up with a variety of sports.

The Downside: The fabric can feel a little stiff and restrictive right out of the package.

After all these leggings reviews, it’s clear there’s no single “best” pair for everyone. The best workout leggings for you really depend on what you’re doing. A buttery-soft pair for yoga might not be what you want for a grueling run.

But having the right pair makes a huge difference. You can move without thinking about your clothes, which is the whole point. Hopefully, my trials can help you find the perfect athletic leggings to add to your rotation.