The Best Women’s Leggings of 2023

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.