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We Found the 12 Best Leggings on Amazon, After Wear-Testing Dozens of Pairs

Stylish, comfortable leggings don't have to cost a small fortune

Three people wearing leggings and sneakers posing on a yellow yoga mat with their hands on their hips

Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao

Amazon makes it easy to discover new legging styles inspired by your favorite activewear brands. These pairs are often less expensive than fan favorites like Gymshark leggings or lululemon leggings, with many of the same key features. To find the best leggings on Amazon, we spoke with fitness trainers and other experts for their advice and shopping tips. We prioritized high-quality, sweat-wicking leggings made from performance materials, like nylon, Spandex, and polyester. We also broke down the physical and functional properties of different fabrics, finishes, and construction methods.

In addition, we've tested over 25 expert-approved Amazon leggings to date in the Verywell Testing Lab and the real world. We wear each pair for low-, medium-, and high-impact workouts, as well as during our daily routines. Often, we have two experts test each pair of leggings so we can assess how they fit and feel on a range of body types. We note how compressive the leggings are, whether they're opaque, and if the waistband sags or rolls down throughout the day. Our favorite pairs received high scores for material, opacity, fit, hold, durability, and value. A certified personal trainer from our Review Board also analyzed this article for accuracy and how to shop for leggings that last.

Best Overall

ODODOS Yoga Leggings with Pockets

ODODOS High Waisted Yoga Leggings with Pockets

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Opacity
    4.5/5
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Soft, brushed exterior with a silky, cooling interior

  • Deep side pockets

  • Budget-friendly

Cons
  • May pill over time

  • Fabric varies depending on print and color

Key Specs:

Rise: High-rise | Inseam Length: 25 or 28 inches | Materials: Pattern: Polyester and Spandex; Solid: Polyamide and elastane or polyester and Spandex | Sizes: XS to 3X (0 to 26) | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They're For

Best for people who lounge and do low- to medium-impact workouts in their leggings.

Why We Love Them

Out of all the leggings we've tested, we're most impressed by ODODOS' High Waisted Yoga Leggings. Made with performance fabric, they're soft to the touch and have a cool, silky interior. The blend of polyester and Spandex reminds us of lululemon's Everlux leggings. But we like that these feel thinner and stretchier, which makes them a great choice for tough workouts where you'll be sweating a lot.

We also love that ODODOS' leggings are completely opaque—even the lighter colors and patterns don't sheer out when we bend over. And the double-lined waistband stays securely in place, whether we're strength training or lounging.

The side pockets are deep enough to hold your phone, so you can work out hands-free. (As a bonus, we found that the material also keeps our phone in place—no bouncing or sliding around.) For even more storage, there's a hidden pocket inside the front of the waistband.

A flattering V-contoured seam in the back adds visual interest, making these leggings a stylish basic that can take you from the gym to the grocery store. Choose from over a dozen colors and patterns in seven sizes.

Potential Flaws

  • The leggings may pill due to friction from intense exercise, like running. But they perform well during walking, yoga, lounging, and strength training.
  • Certain colors and patterns are made with different blends of materials. Still, every pair is made with performance fabric that will hold up to most levels of activity.

Most Valuable Insight

"For an affordable pair of leggings, these punch above their weight. I was also pleasantly surprised that the White Camo print passed the squat test in broad daylight." —Emily Stone, Verywell Fit product tester

Person doing yoga while wearing Ododos Women's High-Waisted Leggings

Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao

Best with Pockets

FlipBelt Leggings with Pockets

FlipBelt Mid-Weight Leggings with Pockets

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Opacity
    5/5
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
Pros
  • Sweat-wicking and quick-drying

  • Sturdy, secure waistband

  • Squat-proof

Cons
  • May be too thick for hot weather

  • Limited size range

Key Specs:

Rise: High-rise | Inseam Length: Not listed | Materials: Polyester, Spandex | Sizes: XS to XL | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They're For

Best for runners and anyone who prefers hands-free storage.

Why We Love Them

For runners, we highly recommend FlipBelt's Mid-Weight Leggings with Pockets. They feature FlipBelt's patented waistband, which has two side pockets and one back zipper pocket. But unlike our other top picks, we love that each pocket provides access to 360 degrees of storage: You can stash your essentials (including your iPhone 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy) throughout the entire "belt," or waistband. There's even an internal hook to safely hold a key.

We found the waistband to be more comfortable and less bulky than a fanny pack—even when we packed it full of items, the waistband stayed put and didn't slide down or dig in. And we like that FlipBelt's Leggings are made from polyester and Spandex, meaning they wick sweat away well and dry quickly. They're also completely opaque and squat-proof, making them a sure bet whether you're running errands or training for a 5k.

Potential Flaws

  • We wouldn't recommend these for hot weather workouts, since the material is on the thicker side. But they're ideal for running in colder temperatures (or air-conditioned gyms).
  • We wish these leggings came in more sizes, although the stretchy fabric ensures that most wearers will find the right fit.
Person wearing Flipbelt Women's Mid-Weight Leggings sitting on a yoga mat doing a stretch

Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao

Best Cropped

CRZ YOGA Capri Leggings

CRZ YOGA High Waisted Workout Capri Leggings

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Opacity
    4/5
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Waistband stays in place

  • Lightweight feel

  • Seams lay flat

Cons
  • Not as compressive

  • May show underwear lines

Key Specs

Rise: High-rise | Inseam Length: 19 inches | Materials: Spandex, polyamide | Sizes: XXS to XL | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They're For

Best for lounging and low-impact workouts.

Why We Love Them

For fans of lululemon leggings who are looking for an Align High-Rise Pant-inspired style, we recommend CRZ YOGA's High Waisted Workout Capri Leggings. The material—a combination of polyamide and Spandex—provides a smooth, sleek feel that moves with us like a second skin. Plus, it has maximum stretch, making these leggings extremely comfortable without any unwanted pressure from the high-rise waistband.

Like the Aligns, CRZ YOGA’s Leggings have front and back seams that lay flat against the fabric so you don’t feel them. We were pleased that the stitching and seams also perfectly match the fabric color, for a high-end look. In addition, these crops are reinforced with a long, U-shaped gusset that extends from the crotch to the knees, prolonging their lifespan.

Potential Flaws

  • These leggings aren't as compressive as other pairs we tested, but you can order one size down from your usual for a tighter fit.
  • The thin fabric may show underwear lines, although we noticed that it's still completely opaque.
Person doing a yoga pose while wearing Crz Yoga Women's Naked-Feeling Workout Capri Leggings

Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao

Best Lightweight

Colorfulkoala High Waisted Yoga Pants

Colorfulkoala High Waisted Yoga Pants

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Opacity
    4/5
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Run true to size

  • Comfortable, secure waistband

  • Deep side pockets

Cons
  • Limited size range

  • Waistband is compressive, but legs are not

Key Specs

Rise: High-rise | Inseam Length: 25 inches | Materials: Polyester, Spandex | Sizes: XS to XL | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who They're For

Best for lounging and low- to medium-impact workouts.

Why We Love Them

For thin leggings that don't skimp on opacity or comfort, Colorfulkoala's High Waisted Yoga Pants are our top pick. Crafted from polyester and Spandex, we found that the soft, lightweight fabric delivers the ideal balance of elasticity and hold, for a secure fit. The seamless, double-lined waistband stays in place whether you’re working out or chilling out, and we like the flattering V-seam in the back.

During our test, we found that the high-rise waistband delivered moderate compression, staying up and in place all day long. These leggings also have two side pockets on the upper thighs that fit most smartphones. Contouring, chafe-free seams along the legs and a U-shaped gusset add even more comfort and durability. 

Potential Flaws

  • While we found that these leggings run true to size, we wish they offered more options.
  • The waistband is comfortably compressive, but the legs have a looser fit. This makes these leggings a better choice for strength training or yoga, rather than running.

Best Compression

CW-X Stabilyx Compression Tight

CW-X Stabilyx Joint Support Compression Tight

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Opacity
    5/5
  • Fit
    3.5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
Pros
  • Interior drawstring

  • Subtle, sporty design

  • UPF 50+ fabric provides sun protection

Cons
  • May run small

  • Expensive

Key Specs

Rise: Mid-rise | Inseam Length: 24 to 26.5 inches | Materials: Nylon, Lycra Spandex, polyester | Sizes: XS to XXL | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who They're For

Best for athletes, people with short torsos, or anyone who likes a very supportive, compressive fit.

Why We Love Them

If you've ever worn kinesiology tape—an athletic tape that stabilizes your muscles and joints—you know what a powerful tool it can be. For that same support in a pair of leggings, we recommend CW-X's Stabilyx Joint Support Compression Tight. We love that these leggings are just as stylish as they are stabilizing, with a subtle, sporty design that sets them apart.

Unlike many of our other top picks, CW-X's Tight is mid-rise—so if you struggle with getting wide waistbands to hit you in the right spot, we recommend giving these a try. This pair is made from breathable, moisture-wicking material that's rated UPF 50+, meaning it blocks 98% of UVA and UVB radiation from the sun's rays. We also like that the reinforced elastic waistband features a flat drawstring and a built-in pocket. 

Potential Flaws

  • These leggings tend to run small because of how compressive they are, so we suggest sizing up.
  • These are one of our most expensive picks, although we think you get what you pay for in terms of high-quality materials and additional support.

Most Valuable Insight

"I noticed the extra boost of stability in my knees during workouts. In fact, I liked these so much I ordered the capri version." —Emily Stone, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Investment

Beyond Yoga High Waisted Midi Leggings

Beyond Yoga High Waisted Midi Leggings

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Opacity
    5/5
  • Fit
    4/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
Pros
  • UPF 50+ fabric provides sun protection

  • Sweat-wicking and quick-drying

  • Easy to wash and dry

Cons
  • No side pockets

  • Waistband may be too high for some

Key Specs

Rise: Super-high-rise | Inseam Length: 25 inches | Materials: Polyester, Lycra | Sizes: XXS to XXL | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They're For

Best for people who want super soft, low-maintenance leggings.

Why We Love Them

Another more expensive pair that's truly worth the investment, we recommend Beyond Yoga's High Waisted Midi Leggings for their high-end feel and thoughtful features. Crafted from Beyond Yoga's signature Spacedye performance fabric, we love that they're exceptionally cozy, soft, and durable. This polyester and Lycra fabric is also Bluesign Certified, meaning it's made using a more efficient process that doesn't rely on harsh chemicals.

Lightweight with four-way stretch, these leggings retain their shape and are rated UPF 50+ for additional protection in the sun. They're also washer- and dryer-safe (a huge plus), and we found that they maintained their rich color and quality after continued washing. Plus, we noticed that they dried quickly and kept us comfortable during sweaty outdoor workouts.

Potential Flaws

  • These leggings don't have any side pockets. If storage is important to you, we recommend FlipBelt's Mid-Weight Leggings instead.
  • While we like how much support the super-high-rise waistband offers, it may be too wide for shorter wearers.

Most Valuable Insight

"These leggings were among the softest pairs I’ve tried. They have a brushed-out suede feel and are so cozy you want to sleep in them." —Emily Stone, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Sweat-Wicking

Under Armour HeatGear Leggings

Under Armour Women's HeatGear Pocketed Leggings

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Opacity
    5/5
  • Fit
    3.5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
Pros
  • Durable and won't pill

  • Anti-odor

  • Four-way stretch

Cons
  • Labeled high-rise, but fits mid-rise

  • May run large

Key Specs

Rise: Mid-rise | Inseam Length: 27 to 31 inches | Fabric: Polyester, elastane | Sizes: XS to XXL (00 to 26) | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who They're For

Best for athletes.

Why We Love Them

Under Armour's HeatGear Pocketed Leggings made our list for their elite sweat-wicking and quick-drying abilities. The polyester and elastane blend kept us cool, dry, and comfortable during outdoor summer workouts. Plus, it has four-way stretch and doesn't chafe, with all-over light compression for gentle support.

The fabric is also anti-odor, which means that there’s a finish applied that helps prevent bacteria from building up and causing unpleasant smells over time. Smooth and durable, we were also pleased by how these leggings held up—we didn't find any pilling, even after multiple washes. The waistband has silicone webbing inside the back panel that prevents any slipping, and the convenient side pocket is deep enough to hold most smartphones.

Potential Flaws

  • While Under Armour labels these as a high-waisted legging, we found them to be more of a mid-rise fit, sitting below the belly button. But we like how secure the waistband is.
  • They also tend to run large, so we suggest sizing down for the right compression. This helps the waistband stay in place during workouts.

Best Everyday

ODODOS Cross-Waist Leggings

ODODOS Cross Waist 7/8 Yoga Leggings

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Opacity
    4.5/5
  • Fit
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Wide range of sizes

  • Silky performance fabric

  • Repels lint

Cons
  • Fabrics can vary among prints and colors

  • Waistband may be too thick for some

Key Specs

Rise: High-rise | Inseam Length: 21 to 28 inches | Fabric: Solid: polyamide and elastane or polyester and Spandex; pattern: polyester and Spandex | Sizes: XS to 3X (0 to 26) | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They're For

Best for busy people who want leggings that look just as good at brunch as they do at the gym.

Why We Love Them

With a flattering, crossover waistband, ODODOS' Cross Waist 7/8 Yoga Leggings are our favorite pair for everyday wear. Double-lined with an interior pocket, the waistband ultimately offers four layers of coverage and support across your midsection. In testing, we noticed that these looked and felt similar to Aerie's popular Crossover Pocket Legging—but they're more durable, which we think makes them a better investment.

These leggings' soft exterior and silky, cooling inner lining makes them a solid choice for daily workouts. The fabric also repels lint, for easy wearing. Choose from dozens of colors, three inseam lengths, and styles with added side pockets and side seams to find your new go-to pair.

Potential Flaws

  • However, we did find that the layered construction makes these less breathable than some of our other picks.
  • Like our top overall pick, ODODOS' High Waisted Yoga Leggings, these are available in three fabric blends, depending on the color or print you choose. But we found that they're all designed for high performance, whether you're working out or relaxing.

Best Flared

Copyleaf Flare Yogo Pants

Copyleaf Flare Yogo Pants

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Opacity
    5/5
  • Fit
    4.9/5
  • Value
    4.8/5
Pros
  • Flattering, crossover waistband

  • Opaque and squat-proof

  • Don't show sweat or hold onto odor

Cons
  • May show underwear lines

Key Specs

Rise: High-rise | Inseam Length: Not listed | Fabric: Nylon, Spandex | Sizes: XS to 2XL | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They're For

Best for low- to medium-impact workouts like yoga, walking, or Pilates.

Why We Love Them

Copyleaf's Flare Yogo Pants are the best flared leggings from Amazon we've tested so far. The nylon and Spandex fabric is thick, compressive, and completely squat-proof. And we love the way these leggings fit—the high-rise, crossover waistband holds everything in, while the thick, stretchy material hugged our curves in all the right places.

The deep side pockets are secure, for stashing your phone or other small essentials. We also noticed that these leggings don't show sweat or hold onto odor, making them ideal for low- to medium-impact workouts (unlike other, thinner flared pairs). Available in a range of neutral colors, we think these Copyleaf leggings are ideal for expanding your everyday athleisure wardrobe.

Potential Flaws

  • We did notice that these leggings show underwear lines. However, the fabric is totally opaque, meaning no colors or patterns will show through.

Most Valuable Insight

"The more I wear these leggings, the more I love them. I have worn the same pair of leggings for the past ten years because I couldn't find a pair that I felt comfortable in, so it was incredible to wear these leggings and feel completely at home immediately." —Sophia Noulas, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Fleece-Lined

Baleaf Laureate Multi-Colored Thermal Leggings

Baleaf Women's Fleece Lined High Waisted Winter Leggings

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Opacity
    5/5
  • Fit
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.7/5
Pros
  • Easy to wash and dry

  • Multiple pocket options

  • Soft, comfortable fabric

Cons
  • May be too long for some

Key Specs

Rise: High-rise | Inseam Length: 26.8 to 28.6 inches | Fabric: Polyester, Spandex | Sizes: XS to 3XL (0 to 26) | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They're For

Anyone who exercises outdoors in cold temperatures, like runners, hikers, skiiers, and snowboarders.

Why We Love Them

With superior coverage and a soft fleece lining, BALEAF's Fleece Lined High Waisted Winter Leggings are our top pick for cold weather. We were immediately impressed by how thick they were, with a secure fit that gave us plenty of confidence. Unlike some leggings, these wash well: We didn't notice any pilling or shrinking, even after tossing them in the dryer multiple times.

Although they're lined, they aren't bulky—we felt we could layer them underneath snow pants just as easily as we could wear them alone. Ultra-soft and comfortable, BALEAF's Leggings are a pair we love living in. Choose from a range of modern, neutral colors, with options that have anywhere from one to four pockets.

Potential Flaws

  • These are long, with inseams starting at around 27 inches. But we appreciate that the inseam varies with each size, for a fit that works for most people.

Most Valuable Insight

"I don't normally wear leggings as pants without something long over them, but these made me feel completely covered and secure. The fabric is nice and thick, and the inner fleece is incredibly soft." —Taylor Fox, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Size Range

ZUTY 7/8 Leggings

ZUTY Ankle High-Waisted Leggings With Pockets

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Opacity
    5/5
  • Fit
    3.5/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Interior drawstring

  • Thick, squat-proof material

  • Deep side pockets

Cons
  • May run large

  • Waistband may be too wide for some

Key Specs

Rise: Super-high-rise | Inseam Length: 21 or 25 inches | Materials: Polyester, Spandex | Sizes: XS to 5X | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who They're For

Best for taller people with long torsos.

Why We Love Them

Some of our top picks only come in a few sizes, but ZUTY's 7/8 Workout Leggings are available in nine sizes (up to 5X), making it easy to find the right fit. They're made from a lightly brushed fabric that’s completely matte and opaque, with a thick, compressive, ultra-high-rise waistband for plenty of support.

The waistband is also double-lined and has an interior drawstring, to prevent any slipping or rolling down. And we like that it has a hidden pocket for your cards or keys. We also love the spacious, secure side pockets, which are large enough to stash a smartphone or other essentials. Choose from a range of jewel tones and fun patterns, like Black Leopard and Green Camo Splinter.

Potential Flaws

  • We did find that the waistband may be a little bit too high-rise for some shorter wearers. But the interior drawstring keeps it secure and in place.
  • These leggings may run large—we recommend sizing down for a more compressive fit.

Best Petite

HeyNuts 7/8 Leggings

HeyNuts Hawthorn 7/8 Leggings

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Opacity
    4/5
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Durability
    4/5
Pros
  • Seamless waistband 

  • Buttery-soft fabric

  • High-end design

Cons
  • Limited size range

  • Only one inseam length

Key Specs

Rise: High-rise | Length: 25 inches | Materials: Nylon, Spandex | Sizes: XXS to XL | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who They're For

Best for shorter wearers.

Why We Love Them

We love that HeyNuts' Essential 7/8 Leggings look and feel like a luxury pair of leggings at a fraction of the price. And with a 25-inch inseam length, they're our top choice if you're tired of bunching and rolling excess fabric at your ankles. The high-rise waistband is double lined for support and features a slight V-seam in the back that provides some extra contouring, plus an interior pocket that we found fits an iPhone 12.

These leggings are made from nylon and Spandex material that's lightly brushed on both sides. This adds thickness for better coverage, without any additional weight. Seamless legs, a U-shaped gusset, and flatlock seams all add to this pair's high-quality construction.

Potential Flaws

  • We found that HeyNuts' leggings run true to size, but we wish they came in more sizes and inseam lengths.

Leggings We Also Tested

We tested over 25 pairs of leggings, but not all of them made the cut. These leggings just didn't stack up against our other Amazon favorites:

Where We Stand

After testing over 25 pairs of leggings on Amazon, ODODOS' High Waisted Yoga Leggings were our clear favorite for their opaque fabric, many pockets, and budget-friendly price. We continue to test each pair of leggings at home, and we'll update our recommendations in the future if we notice any significant features or changes we haven't already noted here.

Graphic of key features to look for in leggings over a person wearing leggings posing on yellow yoga mat
Five key features to look for in leggings.

Verywell Fit / Michelle Parente

What to Look for When Shopping for Leggings on Amazon

  • Fabric: Most leggings are made from performance fabric that includes a blend of synthetic fibers. You'll often find nylon and polyester, which are lightweight, durable, and sweat-wicking. Polyester isn't as breathable as nylon, though, so our experts recommend washing polyester leggings after each wear to prevent odors from building up. Both are usually blended with Spandex (also called Lycra or elastane) for a comfortable, compressive fit. Steer clear of cotton leggings—they're highly absorbent and don't wick away sweat very well.
  • Finishes: Manufacturers may use physical, chemical, or mechanical finishes to change how their legging fabrics feel or perform. Brushing is a physical finish that adds softness and thickness without changing how much a fabric weighs. During our test, we noticed that brushed fabrics are more opaque and squat-proof. Synthetic fabrics sometimes have an anti-odor or antimicrobial finish to help prevent bacteria from causing odors—Under Armour Women's HeatGear High Waisted Pocketed Leggings are made this way.
  • Rise: Leggings come in low-, mid-, high-, and super-high-rise styles. Low-rise or low-waisted leggings sit far below your belly button, while mid-rise leggings sit just below your belly button. High-rise or high-waisted leggings sit at your natural waist, around your belly button. Super-high-rise leggings sit slightly higher, coming closer to your bra line. Just keep in mind that the way each rise fits you depends on your torso length.
  • Inseam Length: A legging's inseam length tells you how long it is. It's the measurement of the inside of the leg from the crotch to the bottom of the ankle. Cropped leggings tend to have inseams between 17 and 23 inches and may hit just below your knee or at the middle of your calf. 7/8 leggings sit above your ankle and are often 25 inches long. Full-length styles usually range between 28 and 33 inches long and are designed to hit at your ankle. To find your ideal inseam length, you can measure yourself or measure the inseam of a pair of leggings you already love.
  • Seams: Our experts recommend paying close attention to where the seams are placed in each pair of leggings. You may want to avoid seams that aren't as flattering or look for seams that contour your figure (if so, try ODODOS' High Waisted Yoga Leggings with Pockets). Look for seams that lay flat to prevent chafing or irritation during workouts. Or, try a high-quality pair of seamless leggings for a second-skin-like feel.
Person doing a yoga stretch while wearing Crz Yoga Women's Naked-Feeling Workout Capri Leggings

Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao

How We Tested the Best Leggings on Amazon

To find the best leggings on Amazon, we've tested over 25 pairs to date in the Verywell Testing Lab and in the real world. During the testing process, we evaluate each one based on these six key attributes:

  • Material: When we first try the leggings on, we assess how the material feels to the touch. Is it soft and brushed or cool and silky smooth? We're also checking to see how thin the fabric is, which helps us determine which activities each pair is best for. Finally, we consider how compressive the material is and how much support it provides.
  • Opacity: We perform multiple squat tests in front of a mirror to check how opaque the leggings are. We prioritize leggings that are completely squat-proof, meaning we can't see any skin or underwear color through the fabric.
  • Fit: To assess how the leggings fit, we have multiple testers wear them. We prioritize leggings that fit a range of body types well, meaning the inseam length is consistent between sizes and the waistband hits each wearer in the correct spot.
  • Hold: Hold refers to how secure the leggings are—do they stay in place, or do we find ourselves readjusting them often? When it comes to hold, we're mostly referring to the leggings' waistbands, although we also check for this feature in the legs and the crotch.
  • Durability: As we wear the leggings, we pay attention to how they hold up over time. Do they still look the same after multiple wears and washes? Or have we found any loose threads, pilling, sheering, or other signs of wear?
  • Value: To accurately rate each pair's value, we don't look at the price of each legging until after we put it through our full testing process and evaluate it for the other five categories. Leggings that receive a high value score are usually priced below what we would consider paying for them, based on our experiences.
Person doing a calf stretch in ODODOS' High Waisted Leggings

Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao

Our Experts

  • Alexis Sweeney, founder of the Silhouette by Alexis App
  • Tara Lyn Emerson, a TRX Trainer based in Los Angeles, California
  • Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital

Frequently Asked Questions

How should leggings fit?

You might prefer soft, stretchy leggings for running errands but want a more compressive pair for running or HIIT workouts. No matter what you're looking for, your leggings should be comfortable and provide a supportive hold, with a waistband that doesn't dig in or gap in the back.

What should you wear under leggings?

Going commando or wearing a seamless pair of underwear with leggings can prevent panty lines. If you do decide to wear underwear, remember to change out of them after a workout to prevent odors and bacteria from building up.

How long do leggings last?

“The longevity of leggings depends on how much you sweat, if the fabric is antimicrobial, how you launder it, and the roughness of activity you are engaging in,” Emerson says. Key indicators that your leggings may be wearing out include thinning or sheer spots, excess stretch, a lack of support, fraying seams, pilling, or needing to hoist up the waistband more than usual.

Do leggings contain BPA?

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical found in some types of plastic. Research has shown that exposure to high levels of BPA can lead to obesity, hormonal imbalances, and uterine cancer, among other health complications. In May 2023, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) announced that, after testing, it found high levels of BPA in certain activewear pieces containing blends of polyester and spandex, including sports bras from Sweaty Betty, leggings from Nike, Athleta, Champion, Patagonia, and Kohl’s, shorts from Champion, Nike, and Adidas, and athletic shirts from Fabletics.

We may recommend some of these products or similar items from these brands in this list, as these products have not been recalled and the science on transdermal absorption of BPA is still not settled. 

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Emily Stone is a writer for Verywell Fit covering health, fitness, and apparel. To write this article, Emily participated in our test, trying on multiple pairs of leggings to assess their fit, material, value, and more. Having worked for a women’s activewear company, she’s passionate about selecting quality fits and fabrics from inclusive, ethical brands.

Additional reporting contributed by Michelle Parente, CYT, and Sarah Felbin

Michelle Parente, CYT, is a New York City-based yoga sculpt instructor and lifestyle journalist specializing in health, wellness, and fitness content. As a commerce writer, Michelle participated in our test and helped review feedback from our experienced product testers, who tried every single pair of leggings we tested. As a fitness instructor, finding the right pair of leggings is very important to Michelle—she still wears FlipBelt's Mid-Weight Leggings with Pockets often as she runs from the office to the studio.

Sarah Felbin loves diving into the latest health and fitness research. With over two decades of dance experience, she knows how important it is to find durable, comfortable leggings that hold up to high-impact workouts. She also participated in our test, reviewing comments from testers and trying ODODOS' High Waisted Yoga Leggings for herself. They're now one of her go-to pairs for yoga classes, Pilates sessions, or just running errands around New York City.

3 Sources
Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. The Skin Cancer Foundation. Sun protective clothing.

  2. FDA. Questions & answers on bisphenol a (Bpa) use in food contact applications.

  3. Ohore O., Zhang S. Endocrine disrupting effects of bisphenol A exposure and recent advances on its removal by water treatment systems. A review. Scientific African. 2019;5:e00135. doi:10.1016/j.sciaf.2019.e00135