Confession: I’m scripting this whereas carrying leggings. You may even be studying this whereas carrying leggings. It’s unsurprising how seamlessly these stretchy, skin-tight pants have boomed in our each day lives. Try considering of one other garment that feels as pure in your sofa because it does at a heated exercise class or restaurant (albeit with a blazer and an amazing boot).
Like with any well-fitting, well-made piece of clothes, discovering the correct pair takes a little bit of trial and error. There are dozens, if not a whole bunch, of manufacturers producing high quality leggings. Understanding the varieties of materials and silhouettes that give you the results you want and your life-style requires some work — however not everybody has the time and assets for guesswork.
The NBC Select editorial staff got down to discover the best possible leggings available on the market. We centered our search on choices designed explicitly with health in thoughts however closely thought of how they carried out in different settings (learn: whether or not they had been snug sufficient to lounge in). Below’s our official rating of the 50 finest leggings of 2025.
SKIP AHEAD How we chose our contenders | What we considered | Methodology | Our ranking | Top 10 | Why trust NBC Select?
How we chose our contenders
Executing any dependable check begins with having a wide-ranging checklist of potential topics — on this case, leggings. To accomplish that, we compiled three lists, which we wove collectively to develop our last testing checklist of greater than 50 pairs of leggings. We first assembled the manufacturers our editors already put on of their on a regular basis lives (like Alo and Nike), then established an inventory of manufacturers we’ve covered before (together with expert-recommended options and Wellness Award winners) and at last, researched extremely rated choices that we thought we had been price contemplating.
We excluded bike shorts and unitards and as an alternative centered our search on full-length or 7/eighth leggings. We included compressive choices in addition to pairs designed for low-impact exercises. We got down to check choices from massive retailers like Target, Victoria’s Secret and Amazon and leggings from extra area of interest fitness-specific manufacturers like GymShark and Halfdays. We didn’t set tips round value besides to say that we didn’t check designer or fashion-forward choices you might discover at a luxurious division retailer.
What we considered
Every staff member has completely different likes and dislikes in terms of form, match and materials — some desire structured choices, whereas others search out light-weight, moisture-wicking choices for warm yoga classes or out of doors runs. Given our reporters’ completely different tastes, we requested them to contemplate the identical standards when evaluating each pair to be as goal and truthful as doable. Each entry may earn a most of three factors per class, as famous under:
- Wear over time: Did the leggings maintain up through the testing interval? Did they shrink or tablet after washing? Did the colour change or run? Did logos fade?
- Fabric high quality: Are the leggings see-through and squat-proof? Do they modify colour when moist from sweat? Are they too thick or too skinny?
- Performance: Did these carry out as described? For instance, if a model designed its leggings to be compressive, insulated, sweat-proof or quick-drying…was it?
- Sizing: Did the leggings run true to measurement? Did they transfer round or keep in place whereas exercising?
We additionally awarded two further factors per profit if a pair had:
- Pockets
- Waist ties
- Special sizing obtainable, like petite, tall or 7/eighth lengths
We additionally requested each staff member to assign every pair two extra scores based mostly on how they considered it as a exercise possibility and as a loungewear possibility. They may rank every pair on a scale of 1-10 (1 being the worst, 10 being the most effective).
Every staff member additionally supplied qualitative suggestions for every pair of leggings.
Methodology
Our staff examined over 50 pairs of leggings over eight weeks, a lot of which had been despatched to us as model samples. At least two editors tried each pair, although there have been usually three or extra for every pair. When calling in samples to check, when doable, we made certain to name in a dark-colored possibility and a lighter colour to evaluate whether or not they had been see-through and squat-proof. (Darker colours typically cover a few of these options.)
During testing, we requested each editor to train, lounge and clear their leggings a minimum of thrice. Each tester then supplied suggestions by assigning factors based mostly on the above standards and offering commentary and key takeaways about their expertise.
The greater the rating, the higher the product carried out in our rating. After including the information to get an preliminary rank based mostly on common scores, we adjusted the location of sure leggings on the checklist after contemplating our staff’s qualitative suggestions, product availability and value level. We tried to incorporate as many manufacturers as doable, with some incomes a number of spots on the checklist.
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Our ranking
50: Smartwool Women’s Active Legging
49: Target All In Motion Women’s Everyday Soft Ultra High-Rise Leggings
48: Victoria’s Secret VSX Essential High-Rise Pocket Legging
47: Reebok Lux High-Rise Leggings
46: FP Movement Never Better 7/8 Length Leggings
45: Aritzia Butter New Cheeky Hi-Rise Legging
43: Lands’ End Women’s Active High Impact Pocket Leggings
40: Terez TLC Side Stripe Colorblock Legging in Blues
39: Zella Live In High Waist Leggings
37: Aerie Offline Real Me High Waisted Legging
36: Splits 59 Airweight High Waist Legging
34: DSG Women’s Momentum Seamless 7/8 Legging
33: Quince Ultra-Form High-Rise Pocket Legging
32: Vitality Cloud II Trouser Leggings
31: FP Movement Go To Leggings
30: Omorpho G-Tight
29: Beyond Yoga Spacedye High Waisted Legging
28: Brooks Running Spark Tight
27: Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft 7/8 Leggings
26: Alo 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging
25: Leonisa Super-Soft Dual Compression Legging
23: Calia Women’s Inspire High Rise 7/8 Legging
22: Zella Studio Luxe High Waist Pocket 7/8 Leggings
21: GymShark Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings
20: Spanx Soft and Smooth Active 7/8 Leggings
18: Knix LeakStrong Leakproof Legging
17: Baleaf Yoga Leggings with Pockets
16: Athleta Elation Ultra High Rise Legging
15: Fanka Body Sculpt Side Pocket Leggings
14: Elastique L’Original 27” Leggings
12: Fabletics Define PowerHold High-Waisted Legging
11: Wunder Train High-Rise Ribbed Tight 25”
Top 10
10: Aerie Offline Real Me High Waisted Crossover Legging
The very very first thing I observed about these Aerie leggings was the tender, light-weight texture of the material. Once I put them on, they comfortably hugged my decrease physique with out over-compressing or feeling too tight. The crossover waistband additionally provides them a really flattering, high-waisted match whereas conserving them from slipping down (which everyone knows is likely one of the worst points you may have with leggings).
My favourite factor about this pair is the material’s breathability. I’ve worn them within the gymnasium and on errands for hours at a time, and haven’t felt overheated or sweat-drenched even as soon as — the material wicks moisture nearly as quickly because it seems, which signifies that I can skip coping with the sweat-induced chafing or itchiness that I’ve skilled from different pairs. Although I just like the 7/eighth size, I want these got here in different size choices, or had a pocket for my cellphone throughout exercises, which is why they didn’t rank greater on our checklist. – Ashley Morris, affiliate search engine optimization reporter
Fabric: 88% nylon, 12% elastane | Compression: no | Special options: 7/8 size
9: Vuori AllTheFeels Leggings
My favourite factor about these leggings is that I by no means need to battle or uncomfortably shimmy round when placing these on. While they’re not compressive, they suck every thing in and look flattering on my physique. They are full-length leggings (which I’m not normally a fan of), however these by no means bunch up at my ankles or look awkward with sneakers.
I wouldn’t essentially attain for these for high-intensity exercises since they do lack that compression characteristic (so that they’re not fairly as supportive), however I do like them for exercises that require a bit extra flexibility, like yoga, Pilates and barre, as a result of they don’t constrict any motion. I can squat, stretch and raise my legs with none pressure or squeeze. It’s additionally lacking pockets so there’s nowhere to retailer my cellphone, AirPods or keys once I’m figuring out with these leggings, which is why they aren’t greater on this checklist. – Mili Godio, updates editor
Fabric: 75% recycled polyamide, 25% elastane | Compression: no | Special options: n/a
8: Abercrombie YPB sculptLUX Curve Love 7/8-Length Pocket Legging
I’m very choosy about my leggings. I prefer to work out, however I additionally like to lounge, so I’m at all times on the lookout for leggings which might be good for each events and tese have shortly turn out to be one among my most reached-for pairs.
The very first thing I observed was how properly they match. The materials is stretchy whereas nonetheless being supportive within the hip/thigh space, and there aren’t any gaps within the waistband. I primarily wore these to mat Pilates and spin lessons, and so they’re stretchy and light-weight sufficient to maneuver by means of a category with out feeling any pinching or restriction. They additionally take up sweat properly.
Pockets are a should for me in terms of leggings, and these have deep facet pockets that may match my cellphone, Airpods, keys, lip balm and different small objects. The solely draw back is that they is perhaps lengthy if you happen to’re on the shorter facet. I’m 5 ft 6.5 inches and so they match properly, however anybody shorter than me might need a problem with the size. I additionally want there have been extra colour choices, since they solely are available in Black proper now. – Caitlin Cusack, social media assistant
Fabric: 78% polyester, 22% elastane | Compression: no | Special options: 7/8 size, facet pockets
7: Girlfriend Collective Compressive Pocket Legging
Let’s get the apparent out of the best way — these are costly, however the advantages make up for the worth tag. The compressive material doesn’t really feel suffocating and the pockets are deep — I can match my cellphone, money and different small random issues in only one. (I at all times neglect there’s a again pocket however I like that it’s there.) I’m solely 5 ft tall so discovering leggings that aren’t loopy lengthy is a unending problem. These aren’t good however the shorter seam possibility is flattering sufficient, although there are different choices on this checklist that I might suggest extra for shorties like me, which is why this didn’t make the highest 5.
I like that these are made sustainably as a result of I’m at all times on the lookout for methods to scale back waste in my day after day life. The material thickness is perhaps my favourite characteristic, it’s not too skinny or thick, I really feel properly supported and the leggings don’t shift an excessive amount of once I’m strolling or figuring out. – Nikki Brown, search engine optimization editor
Fabric: 79% recycled water bottles, 21% spandex | Compression: sure | Special options: 2 facet pockets, hidden again pocket, 2 inseam choices: 23 ¾ in., 28.5 in.; sizing runs as much as 6XL
6: Neiwai Ballet Drawstring Leggings
These are one among my most used pairs of leggings for yoga or barre class and even once I’m lounging round at house. They’re so stretchy and I by no means really feel restricted no matter what number of poses, stretches and sweat I produce in an hour lengthy class. The drawstring twine’s a pleasant characteristic, so I can simply tailor the waistband’s match to present me probably the most flattering look with out compromising its help.
The largest draw back is that they’re not probably the most versatile. They don’t have compression and are fairly skinny — they’re designed for low-impact actions and weren’t our favourite for high-impact exercises since they lack that wanted construction to carry you in or hold them in place. But if you happen to’re solely going to yoga and barre lessons (or simply desire a pair to put in your sofa in), these are an amazing alternative. They’re moisture wicking, simple to maneuver in and extremely tender and opulent feeling. I by no means wish to take them off, the truth is — critically, I may sleep in these. – Bianca Alvarez, affiliate reporter
Fabric: 69% nylon, 31% spandex | Compression: no | Special options: 7/8 size obtainable, drawstring waistband
5: On Performance Tights
I’ve by no means been extra grateful for On’s Performance Tights than I used to be whereas carrying them to run a 5K on a 19 diploma winter day. Their thick material retains my legs heat and shielded from wind gusts, and their pockets maintain all my necessities so I may simply entry them. The waistband, which I tighten utilizing the inner drawstring, additionally stays up with out me having to regulate it a lot, letting me deal with my tempo as an alternative of what I used to be carrying.
Beyond the 5K, I’ve continuously worn these leggings, which have a light quantity of compression, throughout lengthy distance runs by means of Central Park. They don’t maintain onto moisture, so I’m at all times as snug on the finish of my run as I’m in the beginning. They’re a superb alternative for indoor runs on the treadmill, however they actually shine throughout out of doors jogs within the colder climate.
If you’re not a runner, these leggings won’t be the most suitable choice for you, which is why they’re not nearer to primary on our checklist. They aren’t tremendous stretchy, so I don’t suggest carrying them for exercises like barre, yoga and Pilates once you want flexibility. However, I’ve lifted weights in them after a jog and felt supported. So if you happen to’re a runner who likes to combine in power coaching earlier than or after you get a number of miles in, otherwise you hit the pavement regardless of close to freezing temperatures, On’s Performance Tights must be a staple in your closet. – Zoe Malin, reporter
Fabric: 75% recycled polyester, 25% elastane | Compression: some | Special options: zippered again pocket, inner drawstring
4: Athleta Salutation Stash High Rise 7/8 Legging
These are nearly good: they’re supportive however not restrictive, have well-made seams that don’t really feel as if they may cut up aside with any wash and include a thick waistband that retains them in place. I not often need to tug on these to maintain them from falling down, plus the 2 facet pockets are each deep and broad sufficient to simply maintain a cellphone or Airpods case. The solely purpose they’re not greater on the checklist is as a result of they’re on the thicker facet. If you overheat or are inclined to run sizzling, these won’t be excellent for you throughout a steamy yoga session in the summertime — in any other case you actually can’t go improper. – Lindsay Schneider, editor
Fabric: 75% nylon, 25% lycra elastane | Compression: some | Special options: UPF 40+, facet pockets, petite & tall sizing obtainable
3: Spanx Booty Boost Side Pocket Leggings
As somebody who goes to a number of exercise lessons per week, I’ve very particular necessities in terms of a very good pair of leggings: they should be supportive, compressive (particularly across the abdomen), sag-free and quick-drying. These match the invoice.
The material is thick, stretchy and flattering in all the correct locations. My abdomen, hips and legs look completely toned once I’m carrying these, and I really feel snug pairing them with a sports activities bra or tight exercise shirt with out feeling self acutely aware. The waistband has a novel sloping form that’s slimming, too. Plus, the thicker material isn’t see-through and doesn’t sag.
Since they’ve a tighter match, I don’t usually put on these to lounge round my home or once I wish to really feel cozy working errands. I additionally discover them to be a bit more durable to placed on since they run fairly tight, which is what held these again from rating in our high two.
At 5 ft 3 inches, I just like the 7/8 size as a result of it sits simply above my ankle. Most full-length leggings are inclined to really feel uncomfortably lengthy and bunch up at my ankles, making me really feel shorter than I already am. (If you’re shorter than me, these leggings will doubtless really feel extra full size than 7/8 size.) The deep facet pocket is one other large bonus since I stroll to the gymnasium — I can retailer my cellphone, keys and lip balm while not having to hold a big gymnasium bag.
I’ll admit the worth tag is a bit jarring. They’re over $100, which is far more than I might usually spend on a pair of black leggings. However, the sturdiness and luxury make it properly price it, for my part. – Mili Godio, updates editor
Fabric: 64% nylon, 36% elastane | Compression: sure | Special options: facet pockets
2: Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight with Pockets 25”
These leggings are at all times near the highest of my drawer as a result of they really have all of it: a drawstring, a breathable, sweat-wicking material, two facet pockets and an extra hidden pocket within the waistband. They’re equally good for reformer Pilates periods and power coaching within the gymnasium.
The primary situation I are inclined to have with leggings is that they slide down, however the waistband drawstring lets me safe these in place with no points. The interior pocket can be nice for once I wish to journey mild and never convey a gymnasium bag with me.
My favourite factor about these leggings is the material. I hate being sizzling and these don’t entice warmth and as an alternative, really feel extremely breathable, giving my legs that cool breeze sensation. The 4 manner stretch material can be flattering, making me really feel extra assured once I’m carrying them.
I used to be fortunate sufficient to check these and our primary alternative pair, that are a bit extra supportive and have barely higher moisture wicking capabilities, although these are undoubtedly a detailed second. These aren’t low-cost, however I’ve had these for over a 12 months and so they’re nonetheless as nice as once I first obtained them. – Rebecca Rodriguez, editorial initiatives supervisor
Fabric: 77% nylon, 23% lycra elastane | Compression: no | Special options: facet pockets, hidden waistband pocket, waistband drawstring, 3 inseam choices: 23 in., 25 in., 28 in.
1: Nike Go Firm Support High Rise Leggings
As somebody who’s been a runner for a decade, I’m very conscious of my legging pet peeves: waistbands that always slip down, no moisture-wicking talents and skinny, unsupportive materials. These Nike leggings don’t have any of these points, which is why they’re our primary choose.
I depend on them whether or not I’m working 4 or 10 miles, and throw them on for HIIT exercises, together with sizzling yoga. The broad, clean waistband lays flat towards my physique and doesn’t transfer round a lot so I don’t need to always readjust it. It additionally has a drawstring and a bit clasp that locks the slot in place. Plus, the leggings have six pockets, together with some with zipper closures forkeys, money, further hair ties and cellphone, plus a pair hand warmers through the winter.
My favourite factor about these leggings is their compressive materials, which feels neoprene-like and just like the material a wetsuit is constructed from. It’s supportive whereas nonetheless being versatile, so it doesn’t prohibit my motion in any respect. The materials additionally dries extremely shortly — these are one of the moisture-wicking leggings I’ve ever worn, making them higher than all the opposite choices on our checklist for sweaty, excessive depth exercises. And regardless of the fabric being a bit thicker, it by no means makes me sizzling.
These are available in mid-rise and high-waisted matches, in addition to three completely different lengths, together with tall choices so there’s a legging for physique varieties of all sizes and styles. — Zoe Malin, reporter
Fabric: 68% nylon, 32% spandex | Compression: sure | Special options: facet pockets, waistband drawstring, 3 inseam choices: cropped, 7/8 and full-length, two waistbands obtainable: (mid-rise, high-waisted
Why trust NBC Select?
Lindsay Schneider is an editor for NBC Select with greater than 8 years of expertise within the life-style journalism house. For this bundle, our employees examined greater than 50 pairs of leggings over eight weeks to search out our favorites. We thought of numerous choices from in style exercise manufacturers and well-known retailers and ranked our high contenders based mostly on a sequence of qualitative suggestions and quantitative information.
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