The best leggings for women to transform your workout wardrobe

Not all leggings are created equal. The best leggings for women provide support comfort, and style. 

Depending on your lifestyle and the type of workouts you’re into, you’ll want to find the right fit so you can focus on your movements  — without worrying about your leggings staying in place.

To help you style for options that deliver on both fashion and function, our editors rounded up the best pairs to consider. From classic black leggings to thick leggings for outdoor sweat sessions, the list below features top options for a variety of training styles.

Read more: Workout smarter with the best women’s gym shoes

Browse the best leggings for women

Top pick for high-intensity workouts

Anywhere Motion365+ High-Waisted Utility Legging

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$89.95 at Fabletics

Top faux leather option

Athleta Delancey Gleam Tight

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$98 at Athleta

Best for everyday wear

Alo Yoga ⅞ High-waist Airbrush Legging

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$98 at Alo

Best flared option

Gymshark Crossover Flared Leggings

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$58 at Gymshark

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Top pick for high-intensity workouts

Anywhere Motion365+ High-Waisted Utility Legging

$89.95

$89.95 at Fabletics

Pros & Cons

• Moisture wicking

• Invisible back pocket

• UPF Protection

• Reports of waist rolling down

• Material might feel plasticky for some

If high-intensity workouts are your thing, then you’ll definitely want to get your hands on the Anywhere Motion365+ High-Waisted Utility Legging from Fabletics. Its Motion365 fabric is designed to be breathable while providing you with maximum compression, making sure your leggings stay put no matter how tough your workouts get.

It’s also moisture-wicking so it will quickly absorb sweat, keeping you dry throughout. And for those who love to explore the outdoors, you’ll be happy to know that this workout legging has UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) Protection to keep you safe from the sun’s harmful rays.

Top faux leather option

Athleta Delancey Gleam Tight

$98

$98 at Athleta

Pros & Cons

• Breathable

• Suits work, travel and workouts

• Back pocket for essentials

• Doesn’t absorb sweat

• Only available in black

If you’re looking for tight leggings to wear to work and to run errands, this Athleta Delancey Gleam Tight will suit you perfectly! Made from nylon, it provides enough flexibility and breathability so it feels like second skin.

It's versatile enough to wear with heels or white sneakers and when it’s time to wash, simply pop it in your washing machine. We also love that it’s available in XXS to 3X and with a back pocket handy to fit your phone, it’s definitely one of the best faux leather leggings on the market.

Best for everyday wear

Alo Yoga ⅞ High-waist Airbrush Legging

$98

$98 at Alo

Pros & Cons

• Odor resistant

• Front smoothing panel for comfort

• Will have to follow specific instructions to wash

Looking for the perfect women’s leggings for everyday wear? This Alo Yoga ⅞ High-waist Airbrush Legging is your answer. Whether you workout daily or enjoy wearing leggings to run errands, this moisture-wicking and odor-resistant legging will make wearing it a breeze.

The leggings have no side seams to give you the ultimate comfort and a front smoothing panel that will look flattering on any body type. It’s also available in plenty of color options to suit your personal aesthetic.

Best flared option

Gymshark Crossover Flared Leggings

$58

$58 at Gymshark

Pros & Cons

• Unique waistband design

• Comfortable fabric

• Only available in two color options

Gymshark is known to be one of the top contenders in the activewear industry — thanks to the fact that the brand creates fashionable styles for serious workouts.

So, if you’re looking for leggings that are comfy for exercising but stylish enough to wear while running errands, these Gymshark Crossover Flared Leggings do just the trick. 

They’re made of a mix of nylon and elastane to give you ultimate comfort and a deep crossover waistband that will pair well with any stylish top. For this reason, this pair is definitely one of our favorite options for flared leggings.

Best for cold weather

Altitude Stash Tight in Polartec Power Stretch

$119

$119 at Athleta

Pros & Cons

• Features side and back pockets

• Keeps warm in cold climates

• Adjustable internal drawcord

• Higher price point

• Reports of seams coming undone

It’s easy to feel lazy during a cold day, especially if you don’t have the right workout gear for keeping warm outdoors. With this Altitude Stash Tight in Polartec Power Stretch, you’ll crush your workout — no matter how low the temperature drops. 

Made from high-quality fleece fabric that stretches with your every movement, these cozy pants feature side pockets and a back zip pocket. That way, you’ll have plenty of ways to carry along essentials while you break a sweat. 

As an added bonus, if you tend to sweat a lot, this pair is moisture-wicking, making it our top choice for fleece-lined leggings.

Best for yoga

FEATURED

lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 28-Inches

$98

$98 at lululemon

Pros & Cons

• Sweat-wicking

• Hidden waistband pocket

• Might not suit high-intensity workout

This lululemon Align High-Rise Pant is made with yoga and pilates enthusiasts in mind. Its Lycra fiber fabric offers four-way stretch and shape retention. That way, you can focus on nailing your yoga poses — without ever having to tug or pull at your pants.

Made to feel buttery-soft and weightless, these yoga pants provide you with complete freedom to stretch, bend and flow in any direction. And for those concerned about fit, this pair features a flattering high-rise waistband and is full-length to sit comfortably just above the ankle.

As an added plus, these leggings boast a hidden waistband pocket to store small items, such as your keys or credit cards. And due to the fact that they’re sweat-wicking, our editors say this is one of the best pairs of yoga leggings on the market.

Which leggings for women get our stamp of approval?

Whether you’re looking for the best running leggings or everyday leggings for comfort, all of the leggings in our editor-approved roundup are considered top picks — depending on your fitness style. 

That said, if you still can’t decide, these two pairs have received extra high praise, and for good reason. 

• lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 28-Inches: These sweat-wicking yoga pants provide optimal comfort as you stretch and move. They also feature a flattering fit, pockets and plenty of color options, making them one of the best women's leggings on our list.

• Anywhere Motion365+ High-Waisted Utility Legging: These leggings are designed to withstand powerful movements while still staying dry during your workout. And with its UPF protection, it’s definitely a must-have. 

Did we get you excited for your next workout yet? Shop now for a game-changing workout session.

The information presented above is accurate as of 09/011/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices. The 'Smart Shopper featured' badge indicates sponsored content, and we may earn a commission when you make a purchase.