Best Body Shaping
SPANX Boost Full Length Leggings
Pros
- Offers subtle lift and shaping
- Compression level is just right
- Great color selection
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Runs small and short
- Waistband rolls and slips
Key Specs
- Compression Level: High
- Fabric: Elastane, nylon
- Sizes: XS - 3X
You can go straight from working out to brunch when you’re sporting SPANX SPANXshape Booty Boost Full Length Leggings; they look that good on. The medium-compression fit and contoured waistband gave writer Nicole Bonaccorso a noticeable lift to her backside. The leggings come in cute colors like a soft lavender and mineral blue. Plus, “these are comfortable and great for a workout. The compression is nice, but not too much.” Do keep in mind that the leggings run both small and short, and the extra tightness made the waistband roll down. We recommend you try them on and maybe do the squat test before taking the tags off.
Best for Cold Weather
Planet Nusa T1 Thermal Tights
Pros
- Strong compression, great for intense activity
- Thermal panels keep you nice and warm
- Super lightweight and comfy
- Has reflective details
Cons
- Thermal panels only on the front thighs
- No pockets
Key Specs
- Compression Level: High
- Fabric: Recycled polyamide, elastane, recycled nylon
- Sizes: XXS - XXL
If you’re committed to your outdoor workouts during chilly temps, Planet Nusa’s T1 Thermal Tights are an investment worth making. Over months of testing, they kept me warm and comfy on chilly days thanks to thermal panels on the front thighs. While the panels cover a limited area, I stayed toasty without feeling weighed down, which can happen with leggings that have full-on fleece throughout the legs.
The compression level is very firm, enough to keep my circulation flowing and my knees feeling protected from impact on hard concrete. Reflective details were a bonus, especially for dark evening runs. Finally, the black, minimalist design is attractive. That said, some users may prefer leggings with cold-protective elements throughout the entire legs. The leggings also don’t have pockets.
Best with Resistance
Skinnify Resistance Band Leggings
Pros
- Offers compression plus resistance bands
- Added resistance may make workouts more effective
- Made from moisture-wicking fabric
- Wide waist offers tummy control
Cons
- May make workouts uncomfortable
- Compression level inconsistent
Key Specs
- Compression Level: High
- Fabric: Polyester, spandex
- Sizes: XS - 4XL
Writer Mary Sauer found that she got more out of her Pilates and walking workouts while wearing these leggings. The moisture-wicking fabric was key when Sauer broke a sweat, and she appreciated that the garment comes in a wide range of sizes, from XS to 4XL. That said, she felt like the fabric between the bands was a little loose, causing uneven compression. The waist also felt a bit tight, so these leggings might not be a great pick for high-intensity workouts.
Best Breathable
Lululemon Wunder Train No Line High-Rise Tight
Pros
- Made from light, breathable fabric
- Available in two lengths
- Compressive without being restrictive
- Has a hidden pocket for small item storage
Cons
- Doesn’t keep you warm on chillier days
- Not as compressive as some competitors
Key Specs
- Compression Level: Medium
- Fabric: Nylon, Lycra elastane, recycled polyester
- Sizes: 0-20; inseam 25”, 28”
If you need a hot-yoga approved compressive legging, Lululemon Wunder Train No Line High-Rise Tight is the ticket. The soft, smooth, and ultra-lightweight Everlux fabric made from nylon and shape-holding Lycra elastane is breathable enough to keep you comfy and dry during sweaty workouts. The garment also looks and feels high-quality.
It was perfect for my heated power yoga class and a run on a sunny day — I never got uncomfortably hot or sweaty. The hidden pocket is a nice touch that’s perfect for stowing small essentials. They look great on me and are more flexible and comfortable than many other, more restrictive compression leggings I’ve tried. That said, the trade-off is a bit less support than I would prefer on longer runs. The thin fabric also makes them less than ideal for hitting the pavement on cold days.
Best High Compression
Lululemon Glow Up Super-High-Rise Tight
Pros
- Soft yet compressive fabric
- Comes in three lengths
- Four-way stretch fabric lets you move
- Won’t irritate or dig into your skin
Cons
- Not warm enough for cold-weather runs
- No pockets
Key Specs
- Compression Level: High
- Fabric: Nylon, Lycra elastane, recycled polyester
- Sizes: 0 - 14; inseam 23”, 25”, and 28”
I used to think high-compression tights had to be some level of uncomfortable or restrictive, but no more, thanks to this pair from Lululemon. While their ability to support and hold me in was noticeably higher than the Wunder Train version I tried, I never felt constricted, not even during hip-opening yoga poses. I love the shaping Ultralu fabric: It’s soft and sleek, adds lift, and makes me look fantastic. The high-rise fit keeps my core contained while minimal seams and laser-cut hems reduce the chance of chafing.
I’ll probably stick with a warmer pair of leggings when exercising outdoors on colder days, though. It also doesn’t have pockets, so I have to store my essentials in an exercise belt when running.
Best Budget
Quince Power-Up High-Rise Training Pocket Legging
Pros
- Amazing value
- Super soft and comfortable
- Offers medium compression
- Anti-microbial and moisture-wicking
Cons
- Elastic at the waist is annoying
- Only in neutral colors
Key Specs
- Compression Level: Medium
- Fabric: Recycled nylon, spandex
- Sizes: XS - XL, inseam 25” and 28”
If keeping costs to a minimum is a priority, Quince Power-Up High-Rise Training Pocket Leggings are an absolute steal. “I truly cannot believe how affordable these are,” said editor Ally Hirschlag. “I think they're on the level with leggings thrice the price.” Hirschlag praised the buttery soft fabric and just-right level of compression. They hugged her body in all the right places and weren’t too tight or too loose. She found the design and placement of the pockets to be flattering and liked that the garment didn’t attract pet hair. Note that she thought the elastic at the waist was annoying and found herself tugging at it sometimes. We would also love to see the leggings come in more vibrant color options.
Best for Everyday Wear
Adanola Ultimate Legging
Pros
- Comes in 20 colors
- Comfy enough for all-day wear
- Reasonably affordable compared to competitors
- Super soft fabric
Cons
- Not as compressive as some competitors
- Not all colors come in all three lengths
- Waistband seam is tight
Key Specs
- Compression Level: Low
- Fabric: Recycled polyamide, elastane
- Sizes: XXS - XXXL, regular, tall, and 7/8
These days, leggings are part of our go-to WFH uniform. Andola’s Ultimate Leggings are our top pick for all-day wear in front of a computer. Hirschlag found them buttery soft and comfy enough to wear from morning til night. “I love the color. It's like a grey/brown/truffle, so it's elevated and goes with everything,” she added. If the coffee bean color isn’t for you, you can choose from 19 other options like Teal Blue and Berry Red. The leggings also come in regular, ankle-length, and tall options so you can get your perfect fit.
If you want to wear them to work out, she loves that the waistband stays put and they look more expensive than they are. Just keep in mind that these leggings don’t offer strong compression, which, honestly, we prefer in our athleisure wear. The waistband seam was also a bit tight and created a bit of an uneven line from the natural waist to the low waist.
Best for Lymphatic Drainage
Elastique L'Original Leggings
Pros
- Has lymphatic drainage beads
- May reduce swelling from injury
- OEKO-TEX certified fabric
- Offers UPF 50+ UV protection
- Gently massages legs
Cons
- Beads are annoying when sitting down
- Pricey compared to competitors
Key Specs
- Compression Level: Medium
- Fabric: Polyamide, elastane, hypoallergenic resin
- Sizes: XS - XL, capri (21”), cropped (25”), full (27”)
Best for Yoga and Pilates
ALO Yoga High-Waist Airbrush Legging
Pros
- Compressive but not restrictive
- Lightweight and breathable
- Fabric looks and feels high-quality
- Comes in pretty colors
Cons
- Not as compressive as some competitors
- Narrow size range
- No pockets
Key Specs
- Compression Level: Medium
- Fabric: Nylon, elastane
- Sizes: XXS - L, full (28”) and 7/8 (24.5”)
Leggings that hold you in and offer gentle compression without restricting your Pigeon Pose are something of a holy grail. That’s why “I would buy these a thousand times over and honestly just might,” said writer Julia Childs Heyl. “They’re just a flawless legging.” She found them to be the perfect compression level. They’re lightweight and breathable, but snug enough to stay in place during an all-day outing with her toddler. The material also seemed strong and wasn’t see-through.
We love the color selection — think pastel pink and ethereal gray — aka ideal for looking cute in a workout class. Note that you may want a stronger compression level and pockets if you’re going running, but these are perfect for yoga, Pilates, Barre, or athleisure wear.
Best Size-Inclusive
Girlfriend Collective Compressive Pocket Legging
Pros
- Size range up to 6XL
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified recycled fabric
- Has three inseam options
- Compressive but flexible
- Flattering fit
Cons
- High compression is not for everyone
- Don’t stay up on some people
Key Specs
- Compression Level: High
- Fabric: Recycled water bottles (RPET), spandex
- Sizes: XXS - 6XL, 23.75” 28”, or 31” inseam
It’s not always easy to find athletic wear in a wide range of sizes, so we really appreciate Girlfriend Collective for offering that. Spanning sizes XS to 6XL, and with options for 23.75-inch, 28-inch, or 31-inch inseam, they accommodate a wide variety of body types. They’re highly compressive but accommodate movement with four-way stretch. “I found the fit of these leggings to be just right, holding everything in place during higher intensity workouts, including HIIT and chasing my kids around the park,” said Sauer. She loved the contoured seams that created a flattering fit. She’s also confident about their longevity, as she has a pair of Girlfriend Collective Leggings on regular rotation from 2016. Note that this high level of compression may not be comfortable for everyday wear. In our research, we also found that some people reported the waistband rolled down, though that was not the case for Sauer.
Why Trust Everyday Health
Brittany Vargas
Author
Brittany Elyse Vargas has been a professional writer and journalist for over a decade and has been exploring topics around mental health, mind-body medicine, health, wellness, and psycho-spiritual development for the past 20 years.
As a trauma-informed health journalist, she is a regular contributor to Everyday Health, Medscape and Verywell Mind. Her byline has also appeared in Yahoo Life, Shape, Integrative Practitioner, Business Insider, and BBC Travel, among others.
Brittany is also a certified Reiki Master who has been practicing since 2010.
She received her bachelor's degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara and is a proud Californian. In her spare time, she loves practicing yoga, dancing, hiking, and traveling.
Reyna Franco, RDN
Medical Reviewer
Reyna Franco, RDN, is a New York City–based dietitian-nutritionist, certified specialist in sports dietetics, and certified personal trainer. She is a diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and has a master's degree in nutrition and exercise physiology from Columbia University.
In her private practice, she provides medical nutrition therapy for weight management, sports nutrition, diabetes, cardiac disease, renal disease, gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, food allergies, eating disorders, and childhood nutrition. To serve her diverse patients, she demonstrates cultural sensitivity and knowledge of customary food practices. She applies the tenets of lifestyle medicine to reduce the risk of chronic disease and improve health outcomes for her patients.
Franco is also a corporate wellness consultant who conducts wellness counseling and seminars for organizations of every size. She taught sports nutrition to medical students at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, taught life cycle nutrition and nutrition counseling to undergraduate students at LaGuardia Community College, and precepts nutrition students and interns. She created the sports nutrition rotation for the New York Distance Dietetic Internship program.
She is the chair of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine's Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist Member Interest Group. She is also the treasurer and secretary of the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, having previously served in many other leadership roles for the organization, including as past president, awards committee chair, and grant committee chair, among others. She is active in the local Greater New York Dietetic Association and Long Island Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, too.
Ray Finch
Fact-Checker
Ray Finch is a content specialist with expertise in fact-checking, copy-editing, sensitivity reading, and content management, and has worked with publishers including Health.com, Parents, VeryWell Mind, Medium, Everyday Health, and VeryWell Health.
Their longtime interest in mental health, chronic illness, disability, neurodivergence, and LGBTQIA+ issues was sparked first by their own firsthand experiences, and was further refined during their academic career, having earned dual bachelor's degrees in Anthropology and Women's and Gender Studies.
Finch is committed to producing inclusive, scientifically sound content that takes into account such nuanced factors as socioeconomic status, clinician bias, and cultural competence, all of which influence how people engage — or don’t — with medical professionals and the healthcare system.
Ally Hirschlag
Editor
Ally Hirschlag is an award-winning journalist with over 10 years of experience editing and writing health, fitness, beauty, lifestyle, and science content. Her work has appeared in National Geographic, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Weather.com, People, BBC Future, Audubon, Scientific American, and Smithsonian Magazine, among other publications. Hirschlag was most recently an associate editorial director for Byrdie.
She's an avid product tester with considerable experience testing skin care, hair care, fitness, fashion, and health-related products. She's also the daughter of an oral surgeon and can tell you about a long list of dental and gum-cleaning products you should be using.
Nicole Bonaccorso
Tester
Nicole Bonaccorso is a writer and editor with more than 12 years of journalism experience. She has been writing for Everyday Health since 2025, and has also been published on NBCNews.com, Treehugger, Verywell, Mashable, and Upworthy, among other publications.
Nicole was also a senior editor at Weather.com for more than 11 years, covering everything from weather and climate change to health, science, and travel.
In addition to writing, Nicole has also found a passion in helping new parents reach their breastfeeding goals and is working towards becoming a certified breastfeeding specialist.
In her free time, Nicole enjoys hiking, camping, cooking, reading, and spending time outdoors with her two young sons, husband, and dog.
Mary Sauer
Tester
Mary Sauer is a freelance health and parenting writer whose work often covers mental health (especially maternal mental health), grief, and caregiving. Her work has been published by the Washington Post, Verywell Mind, Parents, Vice's Tonic, and ARC Poetry Magazine. She's also the managing editor of the upcoming Salt Tooth Press and an MFA student at University of Missouri, Kansas City.
Sauer is a mom of four and lives in Kansas City, Missouri. She enjoys hiking, trying new coffee shops, and shopping at used bookstores. At home, she spends her precious free time reading, rewatching Fleabag, and gardening.
Ally Hirschlag
Tester
Ally Hirschlag is an award-winning journalist with over 10 years of experience editing and writing health, fitness, beauty, lifestyle, and science content. Her work has appeared in National Geographic, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Weather.com, People, BBC Future, Audubon, Scientific American, and Smithsonian Magazine, among other publications. Hirschlag was most recently an associate editorial director for Byrdie.
She's an avid product tester with considerable experience testing skin care, hair care, fitness, fashion, and health-related products. She's also the daughter of an oral surgeon and can tell you about a long list of dental and gum-cleaning products you should be using.
Simone Scully
Tester
Simone Scully is the editorial director for service commerce and marketplace content at Everyday Health. She has nearly 15 years of experience as a professional health and science journalist, covering topics such as the psychological impacts of living with chronic conditions, nationwide gaps in menopause healthcare, grief, neonatal loss, and the latest wellness trends over her career. Her byline has been published by over 35 publications, including Healthline, Well+Good, InStyle, Psych Central, Romper, Narratively, Nautilus magazine, and more.
Before joining Everyday Health, Simone was an editorial director of health and parenting commerce and service content at Dotdash Meredith. She oversaw a team of editors and writers that published content across nine different sites, including the Verywells, Parents, Health, and Shape. Prior to this, she also worked as an editor at The Weather Channel's Weather.com, Upworthy, theSkimm, and Business Insider. A project Simone oversaw at Weather.com on the health and environmental impacts of global water shortages won several awards in 2020, including the CMA award for Best Series of Articles, an IAC award, and an Eppy award, among others.
Simone received a master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, where she focused on science and health long-form reporting and photojournalism. Her master's thesis explored the treatment of prolonged grief disorder following a miscarriage or the loss of a child. She was also awarded the John Horgan Award for Critical Science and Health Journalism at graduation.
Born in Minnesota, Simone lived 14 years in France until she graduated high school, then three years in London to get her bachelor's degree at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She currently lives in the Hudson Valley of New York with her husband, son, dog, and cats. When she's not working, you can find her writing fiction or plays, hiking in national parks, or tending to her garden and indoor plants.