We tested and ranked the top 50 leggings on the market — see which pair is No. 1

[ad_1] 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. Attempt 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 awesome boot).

Like with any well-fitting, well-made piece of clothes, discovering the appropriate pair takes a little bit of trial and error. There are dozens, if not a whole lot, of manufacturers producing high quality leggings. Understanding the forms of materials and silhouettes that be just right for you and your life-style requires some work — however not everybody has the time and sources for guesswork.

The NBC Choose editorial workforce 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-about how they carried out in different settings (learn: whether or not they had been snug sufficient to lounge in). Beneath’s our official rating of the 50 finest leggings of 2025.

How we selected our contenders Executing any dependable check begins with having a wide-ranging checklist of potential topics — on this case, leggings. To take action, we compiled three lists, which we wove collectively to develop our remaining 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 a listing of manufacturers we’ve lined earlier than (together with expert-recommended choices and Wellness Award winners) and eventually, researched extremely rated choices that we thought we had been value contemplating.

A snapshot of certainly one of our reporter's testing lineup. Courtesy Zoe Malin 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 giant retailers like Goal, Victoria’s Secret and Amazon and leggings from extra area of interest fitness-specific manufacturers like GymShark and Halfdays. We didn’t set pointers round value besides to say that we didn’t check designer or fashion-forward choices it's possible you'll discover at a luxurious division retailer.

What we thought-about Each workforce member has completely different likes and dislikes in terms of form, match and materials — some choose structured choices, whereas others hunt down light-weight, moisture-wicking choices for decent yoga lessons or outside runs. Given our reporters’ completely different tastes, we requested them to contemplate the identical standards when evaluating each pair to be as goal and honest as potential. Every entry might earn a most of three factors per class, as famous beneath:

Put on over time: Did the leggings maintain up in the course of the testing interval? Did they shrink or tablet after washing? Did the colour change or run? Did logos fade? Material 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? Efficiency: 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 additional factors per profit if a pair had:

PocketsWaist tiesSpecial sizing out there, like petite, tall or 7/eighth lengths We additionally requested each workforce member to assign every pair two extra scores based mostly on how they considered it as a exercise choice and as a loungewear choice. They might rank every pair on a scale of 1-10 (1 being the worst, 10 being the very best).

Each workforce member additionally supplied qualitative suggestions for every pair of leggings.

Methodology Our workforce examined over 50 pairs of leggings over eight weeks, lots of which had been despatched to us as model samples. At the very least two editors tried each pair, although there have been sometimes three or extra for every pair. When calling in samples to check, when potential, we made certain to name in a dark-colored choice and a lighter colour to evaluate whether or not they had been see-through and squat-proof. (Darker colours usually cover a few of these options.)

A few of the hottest manufacturers — together with Nike and Lululemon — ended up being a few of our favorites. Kara Birnbaum / NBC Information Throughout testing, we requested each editor to train, lounge and clear their leggings no less than thrice. Every tester then supplied suggestions by assigning factors based mostly on the above standards and offering commentary and key takeaways about their expertise.

The upper 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 workforce’s qualitative suggestions, product availability and value level. We tried to incorporate as many manufacturers as potential, with some incomes a number of spots on the checklist.

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Our rating 50: Smartwool Ladies’s Lively Legging

49: Goal All In Movement Ladies’s On a regular basis Smooth Extremely Excessive-Rise Leggings

48: Victoria’s Secret VSX Important Excessive-Rise Pocket Legging

47: Reebok Lux Excessive-Rise Leggings

46: FP Motion By no means Higher 7/8 Size Leggings

45: Aritzia Butter New Cheeky Hello-Rise Legging

44: Halfdays Sophia Leggings

43: Lands’ Finish Ladies’s Lively Excessive Affect Pocket Leggings

42: Forme Sculpt+ Legging

41: Veynd V_Sculpt Leggings

40: Terez TLC Facet Stripe Colorblock Legging in Blues

39: Zella Dwell In Excessive Waist Leggings

38: Adanola Final Leggings

37: Aerie Offline Actual Me Excessive Waisted Legging

36: Splits 59 Airweight Excessive Waist Legging

35: Nike Universa Leggings

34: DSG Ladies’s Momentum Seamless 7/8 Legging

A peek at our course of: We gave each pair an figuring out quantity to maintain observe of it throughout testing and suggestions rounds. Courtesy Zoe Malin 33: Quince Extremely-Type Excessive-Rise Pocket Legging

32: Vitality Cloud II Trouser Leggings

31: FP Motion Go To Leggings

30: Omorpho G-Tight

29: Past Yoga Spacedye Excessive Waisted Legging

28: Brooks Operating Spark Tight

27: Previous Navy Excessive-Waisted PowerSoft 7/8 Leggings

26: Alo 7/8 Excessive-Waist Airlift Legging

25: Leonisa Tremendous-Smooth Twin Compression Legging

24: Nike Zenvy Leggings

23: Calia Ladies’s Encourage Excessive Rise 7/8 Legging

22: Zella Studio Luxe Excessive Waist Pocket 7/8 Leggings

21: GymShark Very important Seamless 2.0 Leggings

20: Spanx Smooth and Clean Lively 7/8 Leggings

19: Buff Bunny Legacy Legging

18: Knix LeakStrong Leakproof Legging

17: Baleaf Yoga Leggings with Pockets

16: Athleta Elation Extremely Excessive Rise Legging

15: Fanka Physique Sculpt Facet Pocket Leggings

14: Elastique L’Authentic 27” Leggings

13: Forme Sculpt+ Legging

12: Fabletics Outline PowerHold Excessive-Waisted Legging

11: Wunder Practice Excessive-Rise Ribbed Tight 25”

Prime 10 10: Aerie Offline Actual Me Excessive Waisted Crossover Legging The very very first thing I seen about these Aerie leggings was the delicate, light-weight texture of the material. As soon as 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 maintaining them from slipping down (which everyone knows is without doubt one of the worst points you possibly can 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. Though 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 increased on our checklist. - Ashley Morris, affiliate search engine optimization reporter

Material: 88% nylon, 12% elastane | Compression: no | Particular 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. Whereas they’re not compressive, they suck all the pieces in and look flattering on my physique. They're 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 carry my legs with none pressure or squeeze. It’s additionally lacking pockets so there’s nowhere to retailer my cellphone, AirPods or keys after I’m figuring out with these leggings, which is why they aren’t increased on this checklist. – Mili Godio, updates editor

Material: 75% recycled polyamide, 25% elastane | Compression: no | Particular options: n/a

8: Abercrombie YPB sculptLUX Curve Love 7/8-Size Pocket Legging I’m very choosy about my leggings. I wish to work out, however I additionally like to lounge, so I’m all the time searching for leggings which are good for each events and tese have rapidly grow to be certainly one of my most reached-for pairs.

The very first thing I seen was how effectively they match. The fabric 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, they usually’re stretchy and light-weight sufficient to maneuver via a category with out feeling any pinching or restriction. In addition they soak up sweat effectively.

Pockets are a should for me in terms of leggings, and these have deep aspect pockets that may match my cellphone, Airpods, keys, lip balm and different small gadgets. The one draw back is that they is likely to be lengthy in case you’re on the shorter aspect. I’m 5 ft 6.5 inches they usually match effectively, however anybody shorter than me may need a problem with the size. I additionally want there have been extra colour choices, since they solely are available Black proper now. – Caitlin Cusack, social media assistant

Material: 78% polyester, 22% elastane | Compression: no | Particular options: 7/8 size, aspect pockets

7: Girlfriend Collective Compressive Pocket Legging Let’s get the plain out of the best way — these are costly, however the advantages make up for the value 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 all the time overlook there’s a again pocket however I really 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 choice is flattering sufficient, although there are different choices on this checklist that I'd suggest extra for shorties like me, which is why this didn’t make the highest 5.

How deep every pair's pockets had been was one of many issues we thought-about throughout testing. Kara Birnbaum / NBC Information I like that these are made sustainably as a result of I’m all the time searching for methods to scale back waste in my everyday life. The material thickness is likely to be my favourite characteristic, it’s not too skinny or thick, I really feel effectively supported and the leggings don’t shift an excessive amount of after I’m strolling or figuring out. – Nikki Brown, search engine optimization editor

Material: 79% recycled water bottles, 21% spandex | Compression: sure | Particular options: 2 aspect 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 certainly one of my most used pairs of leggings for yoga or barre class and even after 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 wire’s a pleasant characteristic, so I can simply tailor the waistband’s match to present me essentially the most flattering look with out compromising its help.

The double-fold waistband on these by no means felt proscribing. Kara Birnbaum / NBC Information The most important draw back is that they’re not essentially 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. However in case you’re solely going to yoga and barre lessons (or simply need a pair to put in your sofa in), these are an awesome selection. They’re moisture wicking, straightforward to maneuver in and extremely delicate and opulent feeling. I by no means wish to take them off, in reality — severely, I might sleep in these. – Bianca Alvarez, affiliate reporter

Material: 69% nylon, 31% spandex | Compression: no | Particular options: 7/8 size out there, drawstring waistband

5: On Efficiency Tights I’ve by no means been extra grateful for On’s Efficiency 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 might simply entry them. The waistband, which I tighten utilizing the interior drawstring, additionally stays up with out me having to regulate it a lot, letting me concentrate on my tempo as an alternative of what I used to be carrying.

Past the 5K, I’ve ceaselessly worn these leggings, which have a light quantity of compression, throughout lengthy distance runs via Central Park. They don’t maintain onto moisture, so I’m all the time as snug on the finish of my run as I'm initially. They’re a tremendous selection for indoor runs on the treadmill, however they actually shine throughout outside jogs within the colder climate.

In case you’re not a runner, these leggings may not be the best 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 whenever you want flexibility. Nonetheless, I’ve lifted weights in them after a jog and felt supported. So in case you’re a runner who likes to combine in power coaching earlier than or after you get just a few miles in, otherwise you hit the pavement regardless of close to freezing temperatures, On’s Efficiency Tights must be a staple in your closet. – Zoe Malin, reporter

Material: 75% recycled polyester, 25% elastane | Compression: some | Particular options: zippered again pocket, inner drawstring

4: Athleta Salutation Stash Excessive 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 might break up aside with any wash and include a thick waistband that retains them in place. I hardly ever need to tug on these to maintain them from falling down, plus the 2 aspect pockets are each deep and vast sufficient to simply maintain a cellphone or Airpods case. The one cause they’re not increased on the checklist is as a result of they’re on the thicker aspect. In case you overheat or are likely to run sizzling, these may not be supreme for you throughout a steamy yoga session in the summertime — in any other case you actually can’t go unsuitable. – Lindsay Schneider, editor

Material: 75% nylon, 25% lycra elastane | Compression: some | Particular options: UPF 40+, aspect pockets, petite & tall sizing out there

3: Spanx Booty Increase Facet Pocket Leggings As somebody who goes to a number of exercise lessons per week, I've very particular necessities in terms of pair of leggings: they have to 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 appropriate locations. My abdomen, hips and legs look completely toned after I’m carrying these, and I really feel snug pairing them with a sports activities bra or tight exercise shirt with out feeling self aware. The waistband has a singular 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 sometimes put on these to lounge round my home or after I wish to really feel cozy operating errands. I additionally discover them to be a bit tougher to placed on since they run fairly tight, which is what held these again from rating in our prime 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 likely to really feel uncomfortably lengthy and bunch up at my ankles, making me really feel shorter than I already am. (In case you’re shorter than me, these leggings will doubtless really feel extra full size than 7/8 size.) The deep aspect pocket is one other enormous bonus since I stroll to the gymnasium — I can retailer my cellphone, keys and lip balm with no need to hold a big gymnasium bag.

I’ll admit the value tag is slightly jarring. They’re over $100, which is rather more than I'd sometimes spend on a pair of black leggings. Nonetheless, the sturdiness and luxury make it effectively value it, in my view. – Mili Godio, updates editor

Material: 64% nylon, 36% elastane | Compression: sure | Particular options: aspect pockets

2: Lululemon Wunder Practice Excessive-Rise Tight with Pockets 25” These leggings are all the time near the highest of my drawer as a result of they really have all of it: a drawstring, a breathable, sweat-wicking material, two aspect pockets and a further hidden pocket within the waistband. They’re equally good for reformer Pilates periods and power coaching within the gymnasium.

The primary difficulty I are likely 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 after I wish to journey mild and never deliver a gymnasium bag with me.

My favourite factor about these leggings is the material. I hate being sizzling and these don’t lure 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 after I’m carrying them.

I used to be fortunate sufficient to check these and our primary selection 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 yr they usually’re nonetheless as nice as after I first bought them. - Rebecca Rodriguez, editorial tasks supervisor

Material: 77% nylon, 23% lycra elastane | Compression: no | Particular options: aspect pockets, hidden waistband pocket, waistband drawstring, 3 inseam choices: 23 in., 25 in., 28 in.

1: Nike Go Agency Help Excessive Rise Leggings As somebody who’s been a runner for a decade, I’m very conscious of my legging pet peeves: waistbands that consistently 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 decide.

Our editors just like the mini zippered entrance pockets for storing operating gels and electrolyte powders. Kara Birnbaum / NBC Information I depend on them whether or not I’m operating 4 or 10 miles, and throw them on for HIIT exercises, together with sizzling yoga. The vast, clean waistband lays flat in opposition to my physique and doesn’t transfer round a lot so I don’t need to consistently readjust it. It additionally has a drawstring and slightly clasp that locks the slot in place. Plus, the leggings have six pockets, together with some with zipper closures forkeys, money, additional hair ties and cellphone, plus a pair hand heaters in the course of the winter.

My favourite factor about these leggings is their compressive materials, which feels neoprene-like and just like the material a wetsuit is constituted of. It’s supportive whereas nonetheless being versatile, so it doesn’t prohibit my motion in any respect. The fabric additionally dries extremely rapidly — these are some 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.

"This drawcord with the beaded tab is elite," says Malin. Kara Birnbaum / NBC Information These are available mid-rise and high-waisted suits, in addition to three completely different lengths, together with tall choices so there’s a legging for physique forms of all sizes and styles. — Zoe Malin, reporter

Material: 68% nylon, 32% spandex | Compression: sure | Particular options: aspect pockets, waistband drawstring, 3 inseam choices: cropped, 7/8 and full-length, two waistbands out there: (mid-rise, high-waisted

Why belief NBC Choose? Lindsay Schneider is an editor for NBC Choose with greater than 8 years of expertise within the life-style journalism area. For this package deal, our workers examined greater than 50 pairs of leggings over eight weeks to seek out our favorites. We thought-about numerous choices from common exercise manufacturers and well-known retailers and ranked our prime contenders based mostly on a collection of qualitative suggestions and quantitative knowledge.

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