I Tested 30+ Pairs of Leggings. These Are the Best for Working Out.

Best sellers on Amazon and cost only around $30? I had to try these IUGA leggings during my workouts to see if they really stacked up. Needless to say, I was impressed. For the price, this versatile pair is a great buy, plus they're available in 20 colors and are designed with two spacious side pockets. The fit is not too compressive, making them comfortable enough for lounging too.

WHAT TESTERS SAY: I found this pair to be fully opaque, which isn't very common when it comes to affordable leggings. Even when bending into yoga poses, they weren't the least bit see-through. They aren't as high-waisted as other leggings I've tested, so more of my stomach was exposed than I would have liked.

These leggings are made of a super-smooth and stretchy fabric that quickly wicks moisture and reduces friction for exercise that involves a lot of sweat and movement. They're also more compressive than many other pairs, which can help with muscle fatigue. Plus, they have pockets that lie flat in case you need to carry anything with you.

WHAT TESTERS SAY: Under Armour leggings are always favorites in our tests, especially for their comfort, breathability, and durability. I especially liked wearing this pair of sleek leggings on runs, because the compressive fit helped support my legs. Since I only run shorter distances, I partnered with testers who regularly run five or more miles. One tester said, "They fit very well and stayed put during high-intensity exercise."

Because of the compressive fit, many testers said this pair wasn't as comfy to wear outside the gym. If you're going to be running in cold weather, we recommend the brand's ColdGear Leggings which are fleece-lined yet still breathable for your run.

These are the type of yoga pants you can live in—they're comfortable enough to wear as loungewear yet they perform well when you need them to during workouts. The fabric is incredibly lightweight and smooth, and they have a versatile fit for a variety of body types that doesn't squeeze or roll at the waist.

They are known to pill a bit more than other workout leggings, so we suggest washing them inside out on the delicate cycle and letting them air dry to prevent that. Since they're more lightweight, they're best suited for low-impact exercise.

WHAT TESTERS SAY: I felt immediately confident as soon as I put this pair on, because the wide waistband is extremely flattering and laid flat with no digging in. Plus, the material is buttery soft, so it felt great wearing them all day long.

"These leggings are insanely soft," said one tester. "They have a lightweight feel that is cozy like a second skin. They didn't feel compressive or too snug yet they looked very flattering. I didn't want to take them off!"

Studio loyalists will appreciate the compressive, high-waist fit of this Athleta pair. Optimal for yoga, Pilates, and barre classes, the brand's signature Powervita nylon/Lycra fabric gives you that perfect combination of soft and smooth.

After our wash test, the leggings still looked good as new and we didn't noticed any changes in appearance except for slight shrinkage. The fabric proved to be pill-resistant and moisture-wicking too, but it stretched out a bit during stretch recovery tests.

WHAT TESTERS SAY: I regularly wear this pair to yoga classes because the soft material doesn't get too sweaty even in hot yoga studios. There are two spacious side pockets to hold my phone and wallet so I don't have to worry about carrying a bag.

All testers agreed that this pair is "extremely flattering" and "supportive while still being comfortable," offering great coverage for group fitness classes.

Designed specifically for lifting, Gymshark's Adapt collection features these seamless leggings with a high-waisted, ribbed waistband that'll stay up. Without a front crotch seam like most leggings, this pair helps prevent cameltoe or any uncomfortable digging in while squatting low or doing RDLs. They're available in nine colors. Note that this pair is only available in one length (30.5 inches), which some testers found a tad long.

WHAT TESTERS SAY: One tester who is an avid weightlifter said this pair is one of her favorites to wear while lifting, thanks to its compressive fit. She said, "I also loved how they looked on my shape. They were very flattering giving you an hourglass shape because the waist has a design that hugs your curves. They are compressive without being constrictive or tight." These were a tester favorite for their thicker feel that's totally squat-proof.

A bit of sheen makes this pair of Alo Yoga leggings a trendy option for workouts and casual wear alike. The sleek material is lightweight to easily move with you through exercises though it doesn't feel as substantial as other pairs. The material aced stretch recovery testing and showed no pilling whatsoever during Lab evaluations, but it did shrink a bit after extensive laundering. This pair is currently available in 24 colors; we love the array of bright color options as most leggings are only sold in darker, neutral shades.

WHAT TESTERS SAY: One tester reported that they were "very comfortable for everyday loungewear and almost any workout." I always reach for this pair of leggings when I'm heading to brunch straight from a Pilates class. The shiny material makes my legs look long and lean.

While the leggings received high scores overall for comfort and breathability, some testers found them a bit see-through during squats, and we agreed in our Lab testing.

Made using about 25 plastic bottles per pair to reduce environmental impact, this pair from Girlfriend comes in 14 colors, three inseam lengths, and sizes XXS through 6XL. The thick material provides snug compression ideal for high-impact activities. Testers appreciated that the waistband stayed put, with one noting, "I even reach for these over running shorts, because I know the waistband will stay in place no matter how fast I sprint."

On the downside, the fabric pilled in Lab tests and the need to lay them flat to dry is inconvenient.

These compression capris are designed to support circulation, reduce muscle fatigue, and help prevent strain before, during, and after workouts. The interior adjustable drawstring helps fine-tune the fit, while moisture-wicking fabric keeps them breathable during workouts.

Because they’re meant to fit very snugly, they can take a little extra effort to pull on, and it’s important to line them up so the targeted support panels sit above and below the knees where they provide added stability. The very snug fit isn’t for everyone, but for those who want compression leggings, we thought this pair was one of the best options.

We’re all guilty of wearing leggings as pants, so it’s worth picking a pair that actually feel good. Styles meant for high-intensity workouts can be uncomfortable when lounging, but testers found this pair of Aerie leggings “super soft” and "very flattering" with a “comfy fit.”

In Lab tests, they stretched out after recovery evaluations and were a bit see-through, making them less suited for exercise. Their lightweight design makes them more ideal for travel and everyday wear.

Even in winter, you can keep up outdoor workouts with cozy, fleece-lined leggings. This L.L. Bean style has a soft brushed interior that traps heat, keeping you warm on cold hikes. Fully opaque, it works on its own or as a base layer under ski pants. A hidden drawcord keeps the Primaloft pant in place, while a zippered back pocket and a leg pocket hold essentials. The leggings asre available in regular, petite, and plus sizes with two inseams.

While most shoppers don’t need fleece-lined leggings, we found this was one of the best options for those who do. That said, like all fleece-lined leggings, these are prone to pilling.