Best Workout Leggings (2026): 5 Squat-Proof Pairs That Can Keep Up With You

Never underestimate the power of really great activewear. Yes, it’s true that you can wear any ol’ pair of black leggings for a workout, but they won’t have the same effect as a pair that’s truly constructed for high-intensity sweat sessions. There’s a big difference between athleisure and super-effective workout leggings.

The best workout leggings combine breathable materials, moisture-wicking fabrics, stretch, and compression into a pair of pants that can keep up with you. They’re comfortable, dry quickly, and don’t have to be pulled up a million times during your workout (been there, don’t want to do it anymore).

The best leggings for you really depend on the type of workout you’re doing too. What works well for a yoga class and other low-impact workouts may not be the best fit for high-impact, HIIT workouts where you might need more compression and a thicker band to keep them in place as you move (running leggings are better in this case).

To help you narrow down your choices, we tested more than a dozen different pairs of leggings. We took them through everything from CrossFit workouts to casual walks to come up with this list of our favorite leggings.

Related: Best Sports Bras

We’ve Worn Our Fair Share of Leggings

The Garage Gym Reviews team is made up of certified personal trainers, CrossFit coaches, former collegiate athletes, and nutrition coaches and collectively, we’ve worn a lot of leggings. While we tested about a dozen pairs officially, we’ve tried countless other pairs during our professional careers (and even well before that). We know what separates a really great pair of workout leggings from a pair that’s going to annoy you through your entire workout—and we’re bringing that knowledge and hands-on experience to you.

Best Workout Leggings for Women in 2026

• Best Workout Leggings Overall: Quince Power Up High-Rise Pocket Legging
• Best High-Waisted Workout Leggings: NOBULL High-Rise Drive Tight
• Best Budget Workout Leggings: Halara SoftlyZero Crossover Plain Pocket Leggings
• Best Workout Leggings for Yoga: Athleta Salutation Stash High Rise Legging
• Best Workout Leggings for Running: Outdoor Voices TechSweat Core 7/8 Legging

Best Workout Leggings Overall: Quince Power Up High-Rise Pocket Legging

Good for: all types of workouts from running to CrossFit to weightlifting, plus days on the town 

Best Workout Leggings Overall

Quince Power Up High-Rise Pocket Legging

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Shipping: Free standard shipping
• Trial: 365-day return window
• Adjustable: Internal waistband drawcord

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabric is designed for sweaty workouts
• Adjustable waistband helps create a secure fit
• Four-way stretch supports unrestricted movement
• Available in 25-inch and 28-inch inseams

Cons

• Size range only extends from XS to XL
• Medium compression may feel restrictive for casual lounging
• Waistband pocket offers less storage than large side pockets
• Only two inseam lengths are available

Bottom Line

The Quince Power-Up High-Rise Training Pocket Legging offers a solid combination of medium compression, moisture management, and flexibility at a relatively affordable price. We especially like the adjustable waistband for training, although the limited size range and small storage pocket won't work for everyone.

Reasonably priced, buttery-soft, compressive but not too tight, accurately sized, and available in fun colors—that’s how our tester, Amanda Dvorak, CPT, CNC, describes the Quince Power Up High-Rise Pocket Legging. 

Amanda wore these leggings for deadlifts, a CrossFit workout that included jumping rope and running, bench presses, and back extensions. She also wore them for a full day in our testing center, where she spent several hours moving gym equipment and walking around. 

“For the CrossFit workout I wore them for, they did not slide or roll down at all,” she told me. “I was seriously impressed because that’s rare for me for a pair of workout leggings. I also didn’t notice them snagging or getting caught on the barbell at all when I wore them for deadlifts.”

She scored them a 4.5 out of 5 for workout performance, saying, “They remained mostly comfortable throughout the day, although I was quite excited to take them off. However, I feel that way about most leggings unless they’re specifically marketed as leggings for lounging around, so I only docked half a point for that reason.”

Amanda also loves the pockets on these leggings. There is a pocket on each leg (on the outer thigh) and one smaller pocket in the back. Even when jumping on a rebounder trampoline, her phone never fell out of the thigh pocket. 

She awarded these tights a 4 out of 5 for pockets, knocking off one point because putting her iPhone 18 Pro Max in the side pockets drags the pants down a bit, though “not to the point where I’m constantly pulling them back up,” she says.

The fit description feels accurate, Amanda tells me, noting that the top of the waistband hits right at her natural waist. There’s no gapping at the waist, either—a big win! “They are not compression leggings but also are not super stretchy, which I like,” Amanda says, adding that  “they’re supportive enough to hold me in and smooth out some lumps and bumps, but they’re not constrictive.” 

All told, these leggings earn a 4.5 out of 5 for fit; she reduced the score by a half-point because the tights are a little loose around the knees.

Best High-Waisted Workout Leggings: NOBULL High-Rise Drive Tight

Good for: People who like very high-rise leggings

Best High-Waisted Leggings

NOBULL High-Rise Drive Tight

GGR Score: 3.8

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Product Highlights

• Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
• Trial: 30-day exchange window
• Adjustable: Not adjustable

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Available in several colors
• High-rise with extra wide waistband
• Laser-cut hems
• Two inseam options

Cons

• No thigh pockets
• Waistband pocket doesn't have a closure

Bottom Line

The NOBULL High-Rise Drive Tight is a strong option for athletes who want extra waist coverage and a secure fit during demanding workouts. Its sweat-wicking construction makes it versatile for strength and conditioning, but the snug feel and higher price may not appeal to everyone.

Many of our picks are high-waisted, but the NOBULL High-Rise Drive Tights are very high-waisted. On Caroline, who is 5’9″, they sit above her belly button. Amanda Dvorak, who is 5’8″, agreed, noting that they sit about 2 inches above her belly button.

“That may seem high,” Amanda says, “but I have long legs, and high-rise pants can be hit or miss for me. I actually like that these come so much higher on me.” 

Caroline reports that the Drive Tights didn’t slip down at all during workouts or regular wear, thanks in part to the extra-wide waistband that helps them stay in place.

They also fit well in the legs and waist, a rarity for people who have larger legs and a smaller midsection. Amanda, who notes that she tends to carry more weight in her midsection, also found the Drive Tights to fit comfortably. We love a pair of pants that fits multiple body types!

Amanda awards them a 4 out of 5 for fit, reducing the score by 1 point because “the top of the waistband tends to fold over when I’m moving around in them, but they don’t slide down per se. It just requires a lot of adjusting, though that gets annoying after a while.” 

These leggings are made of a mostly nylon and spandex blend, so they’re stretchy, moisture-wicking, and breathable. While the leggings weren’t as compressive as Caroline normally likes, they performed well in so many other ways that it ultimately didn’t matter.

“They are squat proof, don’t show sweat (for the dark colors at least), and don’t require me to pull them up every two seconds,” she says. 

The one downside is that the size range is pretty limited. They only come in XS to XXL, so they won’t work for everyone. If you fit within these sizes, though, and you like high-waisted leggings, these are the pair for you. We do like that there are two inseam options: 25 inches and 28.5 inches, so there’s an option for petite and taller folks.

The bottom line: “These are worth the money. Great quality, good for a workout, and comfy to wear,” Caroline says.

Best Budget Workout Leggings: Halara SoftlyZero Crossover Plain Pocket Leggings

Good for: People who want soft, comfortable workout leggings without spending more than $40

Best Budget Workout Leggings

Halara SoftlyZero Crossover Plain Pocket Leggings

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Adjustable: Stretch waistband without drawcord
• Shipping: Cost varies by order and destination
• Financing: Availability varies at checkout

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable compared to many premium activewear brands
• Soft, stretchy fabric works for exercise and casual wear
• Crossover waistband offers a distinctive design
• Functional pockets provide convenient storage

Cons

• Fabric may develop pilling with repeated wear
• Less specialized for demanding training than technical compression leggings
• Crossover waistband may not provide the same secure feel as a drawcord waist
• Fit and length can vary between styles

Bottom Line

The Halara SoftlyZero Crossover Plain Pocket Leggings offer a comfortable, stylish alternative to expensive performance tights. We like the soft material, practical pockets, and crossover waist for everyday workouts, although athletes who prioritize compression and long-term fabric durability may want something more technical.

There’s so much to love about the Halara SoftlyZero Crossover Plain Pocket Leggings—starting with the fact that they cost less than $40. Priced around $35, these leggings are a steal for how comfy they are, according to product tester Caitlin McInnis. 

Beyond that, we love the inclusive sizing (XS to 3XL), several inseam lengths (⅞, full-length, capri, and “pedal pusher,” which falls just below the knee), and different warmth levels (standard, medium-warm, and extra-warm). All this earns the SoftlyZero leggings a score of 4 out of 5 for sizing. 

Caitlin tells me she was skeptical about the accuracy of sizing when she received the leggings. “When unpackaging and holding up the leggings, I certainly thought, ‘Wow, these are so tiny in the waist.’ Lucky me, they stretch nicely without being too tight on the hips thanks to the buttery soft material.”

Halara markets these tights as best for lounging, yoga, Pilates, all-day wear, and errands. Caitlin finds this to be accurate, saying, “They’re light-fitting but hold you in place.” She gives them a 4 out of 5 for workout performance and says they can work for strength training, too. 

There are 27 colors to choose from, which earns Halara a 5-out-of-5 score in this category. However, Caitlin leaves us with a word of warning: Perhaps avoid the bright or light colors, because hers (Viridian, a dark-ish green) showed sweat quite easily.

Best Workout Leggings for Yoga: Athleta Salutation Stash High Rise Leggings

Good for: stretching, bending, and hanging out in Savasana

Best Workout Leggings for Yoga

Athleta Salutation Stash High Rise Legging

GGR Score: 4.1

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Product Highlights

• Shipping: Free shipping on $50+ for rewards members
• Financing: PayPal and Klarna options available
• Adjustable: Stretch waistband without drawcord

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Buttery-soft Powervita fabric feels comfortable against the skin
• Medium compression provides support without excessive restriction
• Side pockets offer convenient storage for essentials
• Available in petite, regular, and tall inseams

Cons

• Higher price than many basic yoga leggings
• Medium compression may feel too snug for people who prefer minimal support
• Soft fabric may not provide the firm hold some athletes want for intense training
• High-rise waistband may feel restrictive for people who prefer a lower rise

Bottom Line

The Athleta Salutation Stash High Rise Legging combines buttery-soft fabric, medium compression, and practical side pockets for a comfortable yoga experience, but they also work great for walking and strength training. We like the inclusive sizing and multiple lengths, although the premium price may be difficult to justify for occasional studio workouts.

There’s no way to describe the Athleta Salutation Stash Leggings other than “incredibly soft—simply buttery,” according to product tester and certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto. 

Amanda first stumbled upon the Salutation Stash in-store at an Athleta outlet in 2022. That same pair is still holding up in 2026, and she’s since ordered three more pairs. 

“When I was pregnant, these leggings were the only thing that I could wear comfortably,” Amanda tells me. “Eventually, my usual mediums stopped fitting and I ordered a large pair, and I wore that pair constantly throughout my third trimester.” 

How’s that for stretchy? She didn’t even need to buy maternity leggings. Amanda says she’s now happily back to her usual size and stoked that she has three pairs of the Stash leggings to rotate. 

Amanda gives the Stash tights a 4 out of 5 for workout performance. They’re marketed as yoga or lounge leggings, but she’s worn them for countless walks, hikes, and even strength workouts from time to time. She tells me they’ve never disappointed in terms of comfort or durability, and, at least in black, they don’t show sweat at all. They aren’t the greatest for high-impact workouts like running or HIIT, since they don’t have much compression. 

Lastly, we love the inclusive sizing, which ranges from XXS to 3XL in three inseam lengths. Athleta scores a 5 out of 5 for sizing.

Best Workout Leggings for Running: Outdoor Voices TechSweat Core 7/8 Leggings

Good for: Running, hiking, and other outdoor activities

Best Workout Leggings for Running

Outdoor Voices TechSweat Core Leggings

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Product Highlights

• Shipping: Free shipping on orders $100+
• Adjustable: Bonded waistband without drawcord
• Financing: Payment options vary at checkout

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Lightweight TechSweat fabric is designed for sweaty workouts
• Breathable, quick-drying material helps manage moisture
• Bonded waistband is engineered to stay in place
• Back pocket provides storage for small essentials

Cons

• Premium price compared to many basic running leggings
• Light support may not satisfy runners who prefer firm compression
• Back pocket offers less storage than larger side pockets
• Single inseam length may not suit every height

Bottom Line

The Outdoor Voices TechSweat Core 7/8 Legging is worth considering for runners who prioritize breathability, sweat management, and a waistband designed to stay put. Its lightweight fabric should work well for warm-weather training, but the premium price and limited pocket space are worth considering before buying.

If you do a lot of outdoor workouts, you’ll want a pair of leggings that can stand up to the elements as much as it can stand up to your workouts. The TechSweat Core Leggings from Outdoor Voices are ideal for that. They’re made with a nylon, Lycra, and polyester blend that repels and wicks away moisture, while staying cool to the touch. They’re high-waisted and have a nice level of compression through the legs, with a very compressive waistband.

“The waistband is a challenge to get up over my thighs/hips, but oddly, once they’re on, the actual fabric throughout the butt/hips/thighs is not compressive,” product tester Amanda Capritto, CPT, explains. She scores the fit a 3 out of 5, noting that the waistband is very thick and tight, and could cause discomfort in some people. 

That said, she raves about them for running. “These are fantastic for running due to the stay-put waistband. Seriously, that thing is not going anywhere,” she says. Plus, she notes that there’s not too much compression, so your legs feel free.

“I often have this issue where leggings are too tight on my thighs and too loose on my waist, so they slip and bunch and do all sorts of weird things while running,” Amanda explains. “It’s the opposite with these: The legs feel looser and the waistband is tight.”

The TechSweat Core tights are rated UPF50+, so you can head outdoors with confidence that your legs are protected from harmful UVA and UVB rays. 

These leggings also have a hidden waistband for storage, so you can keep your small essentials, like your ID or car keys, secure during your workouts. It doesn’t zip, so Amanda suggests not storing anything super valuable there, though.

The main downside is that the sizing is a bit limited—these come in sizes XS to XL—and we would have liked to see a bigger range.

Other Workout Leggings We Tried

From fan favorites like the Lululemon Align Pant and Girlfriend Collective legging made from recycled water bottles, to budget-friendly picks from Old Navy, to high-end options from Alo Yoga and Sweaty Betty, our roster of product testers has worn more pairs of leggings than we can count. Here’s a snapshot of some other pairs we tested specifically for this article.  

Senita Athletics Shakti Pant

The Shakti Pants from Senita Athletics were super soft and flattering, but ultimately the fit just wasn’t up to par. Certified personal trainer and GGR editor Amanda Capritto tested them and said that while they fit around the thighs, they were too big in the waist, which negatively affected their compression. Granted, everyone has different body types, but they also slipped in the waist a lot during running and Crossfit-style workouts—another con that kept them from making the cut.

Senita Athletics Lux Step Up Pants

Another option from Senita, the Lux Step Up Pants earned high marks for their extra high waist and extra pockets, but they have weird seams that made them look kind of “off.” They’re moderate compression, stay up pretty well, and make your butt look nice. Overall, they were decent—nothing spectacular but nothing too crazy to complain about either.

All in Motion Flex Legging

While we really liked the other All in Motion leggings, this pair was average. There was nothing particularly good or bad about them. They’re comfy, fit well, and have good moisture-wicking capabilities, but they didn’t outshine any of the other pairs. They also had some pilling after a couple uses; it wasn’t terrible, but it is a sign they might not last as long as others. If you want a couple pairs of budget-friendly leggings, we still think you’d be happy with these.

Nike Pro DriFIT Leggings

For the price, we weren’t super impressed with the Nike Pro DriFIT leggings. Again, there was nothing particularly wrong with them, but they didn’t have any compression and were super high-waisted in an awkward way. There’s also a two-inch elastic waistband that certified personal trainer and GGR editor Nicole Davis thought was neither comfortable nor flattering. They’re also really thin and have mesh on the back of the calves that some customers report snags easily. While we didn’t experience that ourselves during testing, we could definitely see it happening.

Alphalete Pulse Kinetic Legging

While the Alphalete Pulse Kinetic Leggings are high-waisted and fit really well in the legs, Caroline thought they were larger in the waist than other size small leggings. She also says the compression leaves something to be desired. Because of this, she had to keep pulling them up and said that while she would wear them in a pinch, she wouldn’t pick them over others. 

Alphalete Amplify Legging

The Amplify Leggings did not make the cut. Put simply, Amanda didn’t just like them. The waist was super tight compared to the rest of the fit and while that might be intentional for waist accentuation, it wasn’t comfortable. The compression was so tight that it was difficult to eat and ultimately led to some stomach soreness. They’re also kind of thin and show sweat easily.

How We Picked and Tested

Research is always the first step in our testing process. We dug into popular brands and looked at top-rated pairs from those brands, reading customer reviews to see what people liked and what they didn’t. From there, we narrowed down our testing pool to 14 pairs that we wanted to put through the ringer.

We wore each pair during various types of workouts, from casual walks with our dogs to intense CrossFit WODs. We wore them indoors (in studios and our homes) and outside, and did isolated squat tests because being “squat proof” is one of the ultimate signs of a great pair of workout leggings.

During our testing, we rated each pair of leggings on their fit, rise, compression, durability, fabric, durability, workout performance, pockets, and value. We also noted if there were any special features that made them stand out from the hundreds of other pairs out there.

Each legging got a score in each of the above categories. We chose our winners based on which ones had the highest average score, without any major drawbacks or dealbreakers.

Benefits of Workout Leggings

You can work out in any pair of leggings, but the experience won’t be the same. Workout leggings are made with more breathable materials and are specifically designed to help wick away moisture so you don’t feel like you’re sitting in a puddle of sweat.

“Many workout leggings also have some degree of compression, which can help improve blood circulation and ultimately make for a better workout (and potentially less soreness after, depending on how compressive they actually are around the working muscles),” says Amanda.

And yes, compression helps smooth you out so workout leggings can be more flattering, too.

What to Look for in Workout Leggings

Here are a few factors to consider before virtually swiping your credit card or hitting that Amazon “buy now” button. 

Material

Material is probably one of the most important things to look for. Workout leggings are designed to wick sweat, dry quickly, and stretch and move with your body. Because of this, they’re typically made with some combination of nylon, Lycra, polyester, and/or spandex—which is a four-way stretch material that prevents the leggings from being too restrictive.

Other types of leggings are made with less breathable materials, like cotton. Cotton may be comfortable, but it doesn’t wick away moisture and it doesn’t dry quickly. If you wear cotton leggings for an intense workout, you’re likely going to be sitting in your sweat for a while. Yuck.

When choosing leggings, check the label and make sure it contains the right materials. While you’re there, look at the care instructions and make sure you’re comfortable with the recommendations. Often, higher-end workout leggings require more TLC, like hang-drying and potentially handwashing.

Compression

Compression is partly a personal preference, but studies¹ have shown that wearing compression leggings during your workout can improve post-workout soreness and improve performance during your next workout (because you’re less sore). It’s not always necessary to have a super-tight fit, but some degree of compression is probably beneficial.

Waist

A higher waist can be more flattering, but it also serves a purpose: Workout leggings with a high waist are less likely to slip down during various exercises. You’ve heard of leggings being “squat proof”—this basically means that they comfortably move with you during this deep exercise, but also that they don’t slip too much in the back and expose you. 

High-waist leggings are more likely to be squat proof, since there’s extra fabric to cover your cheeks as you dip and bend. If you don’t love high-waist leggings, you can opt for a mid-rise pair instead. Low-cut leggings may be cute, but they’re better for running errands and the like—they don’t hold up well to lots of movements.

Length

Length is really a personal preference, but it’s something to consider when choosing workout leggings. Typically, you’ll find cropped (capri-length) leggings, 7/8 length and full-length leggings. Some pairs come in short/petite, regular, and tall versions, which means they have a different inseam length. You might also see some outliers, like stirrup leggings. Decide which length and style you want before landing on a pair.

Seams

Seams are another personal preference, but they can make or break your leggings. Some leggings have crazy seams that contribute to the design. You can also find seamless leggings that can be more flattering and more comfortable. Often, you don’t really think about the seams when shopping, but if you have a preference, make sure to inspect the pair you’re looking at.

FAQs About Workout Leggings

References

1. Lee DCW, Sheridan S, Ali A, Sutanto D, Wong SHS. Wearing compression tights post-exercise enhances recovery hemodynamics and subsequent cycling performance. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2021;121(7):2091-2100. doi:10.1007/s00421-021-04661-0