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The Best Women’s Leggings of 2023

Assortment of women's leggings against an orange gradient background
  1. Lululemon Align High-Rise
  2. Beyond Yoga Spacedye At Your Leisure High-Waisted
  3. Fabletics Define Powerhold Ultra High-Waisted
  4. Aerie Offline High-Waisted Crossover
  5. Zella Live-In High Waist
  6. Buyer's Guide

Gone are the days of wearing stiff denim, cotton, and other unforgiving fabrics day in and day out — leggings have taken the world by storm, giving women a comfier yet equally stylish and versatile alternative to casual wear. From running errands to lifting to cardio to lounging at home, leggings have become a go-to staple in every woman’s wardrobe. They’re not just cozy; they’re also stretchy and flattering, and they can be dressed up or down, making them an excellent choice for various occasions.

On the reverse side of the coin, not all leggings are created equal. Many types are known to pill between the thighs, have unsightly seams, reveal underwear lines, have a waistband that folds on itself, or be too see-through for squatting at the gym. And with all the legging brands out there claiming to be the best, how do you know how to find the best supportive leggings and which ones really deliver on their promises?

Bestcovery has selected a handful of great options based on price, material, performance, special features, design, and more to help you identify the best athleisure brand for your needs. Whether you're a gym junkie or just looking for something stylish and comfortable to wear, our list of the best women’s leggings of 2023 will help you find the perfect pair.

Price legend
$: 0 - 40
$$: 40 - 80
$$$: 80 - 120+

Top Choices for Women’s Leggings

Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant legging in black

Lululemon Align High-Rise - Best Overall

If you’ve ever shopped for leggings before, it’s more than likely you’ve heard Lululemon’s name at some point. This brand has gained a tremendous following for making some of the best flattering leggings that are buttery soft to the touch, and comparable to a second skin. The Align High-Rise is an excellent choice for Lululemon lovers because these nice leggings feel weightless and are lined for coverage so you can focus on perfecting your yoga block exercises without worrying about restriction or exposure. They also come in nearly two dozen colors and have as few seams as possible to contribute to a smooth, continuous look that will flatter any figure. And the best part? A hidden pocket in the waistband for stashing your gym pass, hair ties, house key, or whatever else you may need to keep on you!

  • Soft to the touch
  • Secure waistband
  • Best leggings with pockets
  • Thin material — may not be the best leggings for cold weather
  • May experience pilling on inner thighs
  • Expensive

Fabric: 81% Nylon, 19% Lycra® elastane, four-way stretch, sweat-wicking, breathable, lightweight, Lycra® fiber for stretch and shape retention, buttery soft
Style: High-rise, ankle-length pants
Performance: Designed for yoga
Colors and sizes: 22 colors, sizes 0 - 20
Length: 25”, 28”, 31”
Features: Hidden waistband pocket, few seams for smooth appearance
Care: Wash on cold with like colors, and do not bleach; tumble dry low

Price: $$$

Beyond Yoga Spacedye at Your Leisure High-Waisted leggings in black

Beyond Yoga Spacedye At Your Leisure High-Waisted - Runner Up

Beyond Yoga aims to create nice leggings that are so comfortable that they feel like you’re not wearing any pants at all. The Spacedye At Your Leisure High-Waisted Midi leggings move with the body, have a suede-like feel, and are reportedly so cozy and soft that people tend to forget they’re wearing them. With light compression, stretch, and seamless legs, these leggings have an aesthetic and a comfort level that lends itself to anything from light workouts to daily wear. The neutral colors of these leggings will pair perfectly with many different bras and non-slip socks, making it easier to get ready for the gym. Additionally, the midi length is a versatile style option that allows the wearer to match the leggings with a variety of shoes. You’ll also notice the material has a slightly heathered appearance due to the dye technique, which is a welcome texture amid a sea of solid black legging options.

  • UV protection for outside wear
  • Easy to care for
  • Made in the USA
  • Expensive
  • May compress in unflattering places
  • Sizing can be inconsistent

Fabric: 87% Polyester, 13% Elastane, four-way stretch, ultra soft
Style: High-waisted mid
Performance: Lightly active
Colors and sizes: 7 colors, XXS - XL
Length: Midi, 25” inseam
Features: Unique space-dyed appearance, curve-flattering overlapping waist, no outer seams
Care: Wash and dry normally

Price: $$$

Fabletics Define Ultra High-Waisted leggings in black

Fabletics Define Powerhold Ultra High-Waisted - Also Consider

The Fabletics Define Ultra High-Waisted leggings are a popular choice for women searching out the best supportive leggings and wanting a good balance of style and functionality in their workout wear. These leggings are constructed from a moisture-wicking compression fabric featuring four-way stretch and offer a supportive slimming effect that keeps everything in place during intense workouts. They’re ideal for everything from squatting to boxing and beyond. The ultra high-waisted design provides additional coverage and support, while the mesh panels add a trendy touch and help to keep you cool during workouts. These leggings also feature UPF protection and a conveniently hidden pocket for storing small items like keys or cards. With sizes from XXS to 4X and 3 inseam choices, women will have no trouble finding the perfect fit — and with membership pricing, these leggings offer some of the best value you’ll find.

  • True to size
  • Slimming compression that doesn’t restrict
  • No fading or pilling
  • More expensive for non-members
  • May be tighter for some than is comfortable
  • Must be hung dry to retain the shape

Fabric: 88% Polyester/12% Elastane, signature PowerHold fabric for maximum compression, four-way stretch, moisture-wicking
Style: High-waisted compression
Performance: High-intensity activities
Colors and sizes: Spring lilac, XXS - 4X
Length: Tall, regular, short
Features: Internal coin pocket
Care: Machine wash in cold with like colors. Do not bleach. Hang dry.

Price: $ (member), $$ (non-member)

Aerie Offline High-Waisted Crossover pant leggings in black

Aerie Offline High-Waisted Crossover - Budget Friendly

The Aerie Offline High-Waisted Crossover leggings are a highly rated choice for being a cute and comfy option that offers the softness of Lululemon for a fraction of the cost. Made with a buttery, stretchy fabric, these leggings provide a flattering and comfortable fit that moves with your body. The high-waisted design creates a slimming effect, while the crossover waistband adds a trendy and supportive touch. These leggings also feature a conveniently hidden pocket for storing small items on the go. With hundreds of satisfied customer reviews, you can rest assured you’re getting a pair of nice leggings that have held up under consumer scrutiny and look great on all bodies.

  • Soft and stretchy feel
  • Hidden pocket
  • Made for women of all shapes and sizes
  • Less supportive for intensive workouts
  • Crossover waistband may be irritating for some activities
  • Leggings collect lint

Fabric: 88% Nylon, 12% Elastane, buttery soft
Style: High-waisted, ⅞ length, V-seam waistband made to fit in the best ways, sits just above the ankle
Performance: Great for light workouts, errands, and day trips
Colors and sizes: Black, XXS - XXL
Length: 23”, 25”, 27”
Features: Fast-drying, light support, lightweight fabric
Care: Machine wash

Price: $

Zella Live In High Waist leggings in gray

Zella Live-In High Waist - Best Value

Zella is a brand that makes it possible to enjoy nice leggings as everyday pants with the durable and compressive design of their Live-In High Waist leggings. These pants are designed the same as everyday leggings with seams on either side, a wide no-slip waistband, and a gusset — and they flatter the body by providing figure-sculpting support without restricting movement. While they may not be the best for sweaty, high-intensity interval training, users find them to be excellent for neighborhood walks, working from home, and running errands. The polyester-spandex blend is soft and comfortable and can be washed and dried like normal for no-fuss care. Overall, these leggings provide excellent value for the cost.

  • Helps smooth the midsection
  • Moisture-wicking material
  • Holds up well in the wash
  • Leggings may run small or large; your mileage may vary
  • Users report some colors may be see-through in some lighting conditions
  • Not an ideal choice for high-intensity workouts

Fabric: 88% polyester, 12% spandex, brushed, fast-drying, moisture-wicking fabric
Style: High-rise body-sculpting
Performance: Everyday wear
Colors and sizes: 5 colors, XXS - XXL
Length: Ankle
Features: No-slip elastic waistband with hidden pocket
Care: Machine wash, tumble dry

Price: $$

Buyer's Guide

How We Compared Leggings

There are dozens of factors to take into consideration when picking a pair of leggings for your specific purposes, but we ultimately narrowed it down to the most important ones — the feel, comfort and fit, opacity, and performance. Here’s what we looked for when picking the best women’s leggings of 2023.

Quality and Feel of the Fabric

In this category, we considered the quality and feel of the fabric used for each pair of leggings. We looked at factors such as softness, stretchiness, durability, and breathability, considering whether or not the material was easy to wash and care for and was cozy enough for daily wear and lounging.

Opacity

Nobody wants to experience a wardrobe malfunction in public. That’s why many women are in pursuit of the best leggings that aren’t see-through. We avoided choosing see-through leggings in our picks, but we indicated which leggings have ever been reported by customers to be slightly sheer in certain lighting. Not all users will have the same experience if they purchase a different color or intend to wear the leggings for different activities.

General Fit and Comfort

Each of our picks above was noted in hundreds of customer reviews to provide exceptional softness and to fit all body types in equally flattering ways. We also noted which leggings may have inconsistent sizes and rolling waistbands so you can avoid those situations if that’s your top priority in your purchase.

Performance While in Motion

The way leggings perform during physical activity was among our top considerations. We looked at factors such as compression, support, breathability, and mobility, as well as whether the leggings held up during high-impact activities and intense workouts. We also considered how well the leggings handled sweat and moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Women’s Leggings

How Do I Buy Fabletics?

Fabletics is an online fitness clothing store that offers discounted pricing for those with a membership. While it’s not necessary to have a membership to buy clothing from their website, you’ll be subject to higher prices if you don’t have one. Upon becoming a member, you’ll pay $59.95 on the 6th of each month and start receiving access to special savings, benefits, exclusive products, and member credits that can roll over for up to a year. You’ll have the option to skip a month free of charge or receive new leggings, and you can cancel for free online at any time. To sign up for a subscription to Fabletics, visit their website.

Is Athleta Better than Lululemon?

Both Athleta and Lululemon are high-quality brands known for making excellent leggings, and while there are many similarities between them, here are some key differences that might help you decide between the two companies:

Price: While Athleta and Lululemon have products across the price spectrum, Athleta tends to be cheaper overall while providing similar quality.

Size range: Athleta offers more inclusive sizing than Lululemon.

Fabrics: Each of these companies has a distinct focus when it comes to fabrics. While Lululemon is known for innovative fabrics that offer great stretch, breathability, and support, Athleta focuses more on ethical sourcing and sustainability.

Style: Lululemon is a fashion-forward brand with a range of trendy styles; Athleta’s styles are more classic and functional.

Whether Athleta is better than Lululemon really comes down to your own personal preferences in terms of style, fabric, sizing, and price.

Why Is Lululemon So Popular?

Over the years, Lululemon has earned brand recognition and customer loyalty for demonstrating the quality of its clothing. Their high-performance designs have proven to be buttery soft, stay in place, hug the body in all the right ways, and last significantly longer than competing brands. So although you’ll pay more, you won’t have to replace your leggings as often as you would with alternative brands. The brand has listened to the desires of customers and truly honed its craft.

Why Is Fabric So Important for Leggings?

If you’re after the best leggings that aren’t see-through, material matters. The material your leggings are made of also directly impacts their fit, comfort, breathability, and performance. Most people want flattering, stretchy, comfortable leggings that provide flexibility and support for light daily activities to intense workouts, and the fabric determines whether or not the leggings deliver. The most common materials used for leggings include spandex and elastane, which is highly elastic and can stretch up to 500% of its original size.

How To Pick a Pair of Leggings

It’s probably evident from this review that there are many choices of leggings out there, so picking a pair can be tough. Here are a few considerations for ensuring you get the best fit, comfort, and performance:

Purpose: Consider if you’re going to use your leggings for a specific activity, such as running or yoga, or for casual wear and lounging. Specific activities like these might require features like moisture-wicking or compression, so choose leggings that are designed for your intended use.

Fabric: Fabric can determine the comfort, durability, and stretch of leggings. Look for fabrics like spandex, elastane, or Lycra, which are stretchy and have good recovery. Other materials like nylon, polyester, and cotton are durable and breathable.

Fit: Leggings should fit snugly, but they shouldn’t constrict movement or fit too tightly. Look for leggings with a high waistband that provides support and keeps your pants up. Make sure to check the sizing chart and measure yourself to find the best fit.

Length: Leggings come in different lengths, including full-length, capri, and shorts. Consider the length that's most suitable for your activity and style preferences.

Brand: Look into reputable brands with a good reputation for producing quality leggings. We’ve provided some excellent starting points above. If you’re still struggling to choose a brand, read reviews and ask for recommendations from friends, influencers, or fitness professionals.

Style: Leggings come in various styles and designs, including solid colors, prints, and textures, making them a great way to express yourself. Choose something that complements your personal style and matches your other workout gear or outfits, whether that be loud animal prints, soft neutral solids, basic black, or fun geometric shapes.

Features: Some leggings have added features that make them more functional and convenient. If you need something to hold your credit card while at the gym, for example, look for the best leggings with pockets. Or, if you run a lot and need your leggings to stay in place, opt for a pair with a no-slip waistband.

Other Women’s Leggings to Consider

If none of the brands reviewed above are what you’re looking for, here are some additional brands with highly rated legging products:

Gymshark: Gymshark is an athleisure brand based in the UK that is known for having high-quality leggings designed to fit like a second skin. They have a range of styles to suit different body types and preferences and a 90-day return policy to ensure you love your leggings.

Sweaty Betty: Sweaty Betty is another UK-based brand known for its stylish and functional activewear. They have developed a reputation for fashionable leggings, innovative features, and sustainable practices. They also have a 30-day return policy for all products.

Nike: As one of the best-known athletic brands, Nike has earned a brand reputation for excellent quality and performance. Its leggings and other athletic wear are durable, stylish, and cater to different body types and preferences.

Under Armour: Under Armour is another well-known athleisure brand with a reputation for functional and attractive pieces. Their leggings use high-quality technical fabrics for optimal comfort, flexibility, and performance.

Adidas: As a popular brand for athletic wear, Adidas offers leggings that are designed for different activities and come in various styles and colors. They have also set ambitious goals to reduce their environmental impact, making them a responsible choice for consumers who care about sustainability.

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