The best workout leggings for women, gathered and tested in one place. We tried a wide range of leggings for yoga, HIIT, running and everyday wear, then narrowed the list to three clear winners and several strong honorable mentions. Below you’ll find our process, what we looked for, and honest impressions of each top pick.
Best Workout Leggings Video Review
The Process
Readers frequently ask, “Which workout leggings do you recommend?” To answer, we set out to test many popular and up-and-coming brands across different price points. We visited both premium and budget retailers, plus tried a number of online brands recommended by readers, and each tester wore and worked out in the leggings to evaluate real-world performance.
Over the course of testing we tried on more than 20 pairs, did yoga flows, high-intensity intervals, outdoor runs and strength sessions in our top picks, and used everyday wear to judge comfort and durability. After careful comparison we identified three standout brands that performed consistently well: Athleta, Lululemon, and Ptula.
The Review
How did we decide? We focused on factors that matter in everyday training and movement. Our evaluation criteria included:
- Fabric quality and breathability
- Construction and overall durability
- Fit, rise and sizing consistency
- Price and value
- Versatility for different workouts and lifestyle wear
- Stretch, recovery and how they hold up under load
- Practical details such as pockets, seam placement, transparency when squatting, and comfort around the waistband
Because body shapes and workout preferences differ, the ideal legging varies by person. Still, the three brands below repeatedly stood out across testers for their balance of comfort, performance and style.
Athleta
Salutation Stash Pocket
The Salutation Stash Pocket is one of the softest leggings we’ve tried. It’s ideal for yoga and casual wear — breathable, flexible and comfortable with a flattering high-rise fit. The stash pocket is a practical athleisure detail that fits a phone for on-the-go days. If you prefer buttery soft fabric that still moves with you, this is a strong choice. -Lee // 5’8″
Savasana Macrame
The Savasana tight is exceptional for yoga. It stays put during flows, is exceptionally soft, and the macramé back detail adds a stylish touch. These feel less secure for running because the ultra-soft fabric can shift on the waist during longer runs, but they’re perfect for studio practice and everyday wear. -Emily // 5’8″
Elation
The Elation pant is a thicker, high-waisted option that offers firm support and stays in place. Its sturdier fabric makes it a reliable pick for outdoor runs in cooler weather or workouts when you want more hold. The 7/8 length fits especially well for shorter heights and provides true high-rise coverage during forward folds. -Linley // 5’3″
Lululemon
Wunder Under Hi-Rise
Lululemon’s Hi-Rise Wunder Under is a versatile staple available in many patterns and lengths. The high-rise design provides secure coverage for crunches, yoga poses and running, and the fabric breathes well while maintaining shape. They’re an investment, but many wearers find the fit and finish worth the price. -Emily // 5’8″
Align Pant
The Align pant has a famously soft, lightweight feel that still provides a flattering hold. It’s silky smooth against the skin and ideal for yoga, pilates and low-to-moderate intensity workouts. The high waist sits comfortably and the clean lines make it an excellent option for both the studio and everyday wear. -Linley // 5’3″
Ptula
Alainah Allure
Ptula’s Alainah Allure legging impressed us as a great mid-priced alternative to higher-end styles. It combines soft, supportive fabric with a high-rise fit that performs well in yoga and strength training. The color options and $65 price point make it an appealing value if you want Lululemon-like performance at a lower cost.
Desa’ree II Swift
The Desa’ree II is a crop we actually loved. The length hits in the right spot for shorter heights, and the fabric is thin, breathable and very stretchy. It performed well across yoga and strength workouts, and the fit stretched to match our testers without becoming see-through. -Linley // 5’3″
Other Workout Leggings We Love
Beyond Yoga
Beyond Yoga is an excellent choice for yogis seeking ultra-soft, high-waist leggings that double as comfy lounge wear.
Crane & Lion
Crane & Lion offers breathable, lightweight tights that perform well in cycling and studio classes without riding up or creating unflattering lines.
JoyLab (Target)
Target’s JoyLab line delivers solid athleisure options at an affordable price; the high-rise seamless leggings are great for casual wear and brisk outdoor walks, though they can be warm for intense cardio.
Zella
Zella from Nordstrom provides dependable, stylish leggings at a reasonable price point and remains a favorite for yoga, HIIT and everyday wear.
Nike
Nike’s high-waisted performance leggings, especially sculpt styles, are built for high-impact workouts and running—secure, supportive and designed to stay in place.
Senita
Senita is known for playful patterns and true high-rise fits that avoid uncomfortable pinching while offering secure coverage.
Outdoor Voices
Outdoor Voices pairs well-made leggings with inclusive sizing and natural photography; their coordinated sets and sports bras are consistently strong performers.
GapFit
GapFit’s GFast High Rise leggings are breathable, versatile and suitable for everything from yoga to running errands—good value for multi-use wear.
We hope this guide helps you discover leggings that match your workouts and lifestyle. If you have a favorite brand we didn’t cover, tell us which pair you love and why — we’re always testing new options and adding to our list.
Disclaimer: Some product mentions were provided by brands; a few links in the original article were affiliate links. Our recommendations are based on hands-on testing and honest impressions.