We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping We Found the 16 Best Leggings for Women of 2024 Our favorites start at just $14 By Jessie Quinn Jessie Quinn Jessie Quinn is a Los Angeles-based contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE with over 10 years of experience covering all things beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. At PEOPLE, she collaborates with the PEOPLE Tested team to share our top recommendations for everything from the best shapewear to the best dark spot correctors. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 7, 2024 11:54AM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews What to Know FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? Photo: Athleta ; Bergdorf Goodman ; lululemon Everyone needs a good pair of leggings. While they get their popularity from the athleisure world, leggings are far more than a pair of pants you can run, walk, lift, or do yoga in. Experts Say “The past few years, we have seen a surge in the popularity of leggings because they can be dressed up or down. Leggings are an everyday wardrobe staple as they are comfortable and functional."—Michelle Wahler, CEO and co-founder of Beyond Yoga We researched the best leggings for women based on quality, durability, color, style, size, and fit. We even included some pairs we've tested ourselves. These are the best leggings for women. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Alo 7/8 High-Waist Airbrush Legging at Bloomingdales $74 Jump to Review Best Overall (Cheaper): Leggings Depot High Waisted Leggings at Amazon $14 Jump to Review Best Value: Campsnail 4-Pack High Waisted Leggings at Amazon $26 Jump to Review Best for Training: lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight at Lululemon $128 Jump to Review Best Size Options: Athleta Salutation Stash Tight at Gap.com Jump to Review Best Fleece-Lined: Baleaf Fleece-Lined Winter Leggings at Amazon $38 Jump to Review Best Faux Leather: Spanx Faux Leather Leggings at Amazon $98 Jump to Review Best for Lounging: Skims Cotton Rib Thermal Leggings at Nordstrom $56 Jump to Review Best Flared: Alo Yoga Airbrush High-Waist Bootcut Legging at Neiman Marcus Jump to Review Best with Phone Pocket: Lorna Jane Phone Pocket Ankle Biter Leggings at Lornajane.com Jump to Review Best Overall Alo 7/8 High-Waist Airbrush Legging PHOTO: Alo Yoga $74 at Bloomingdales $82 at Aloyoga.com $120 at Net-a-Porter It doesn't get better than the Alo Airbrush Legging. Constructed from a four-way stretch fabric with sweat-wicking and odor-resistant features, these comfortable leggings allow you to get your flow on while maintaining dryness. They come in several colors, including classics like black and white, as well as limited-edition colors. They don't have pockets, so if that's important to you, keep scrolling for other options. Tested and Reviewed We tested dozens of leggings and found the Alo Yoga 7/8 High-Waist Airbrush Legging to be durable and supportive without being restrictive or suffocating. With a 7/8 length, these hit just below the ankle on someone who is 5-foot-2. Thanks to the thick material, they also passed our squat test, though the waistband tended to slip down during runs and HIIT workouts. Material: Polyester, spandex | Size Range: XXS-XL | Colors: 3 Best Overall (Cheaper) Leggings Depot High Waisted Leggings PHOTO: Amazon $14 at Amazon Amazon is overflowing with some fantastic legging picks, but the Leggings Depot High Waisted Leggings for Women are considered the best. These leggings are ideal everyday basics, thanks to their simple design, comfortable high-waist fit, super soft fabric, and stretch. Plus, the color options and sizing bring a wow factor like no other with sizes up to 5XL offered, along with 40 colors. While we don't recommend them for hardcore workouts or gym squats, if you need a comfy option to wear with sweaters to the office or for low-impact workouts and stretching on a yoga mat, you can’t go wrong with this budget buy from Amazon. Material: 92% polyester, 8% spandex | Size Range: S-5XL (plus One Size and One Size Plus) | Colors: 40 Best Value Campsnail 4-Pack High Waisted Leggings PHOTO: Amazon $26 $24 at Amazon Budget-friendly and high-quality, this four-pack of leggings is a total steal. The Campsnail High-Waisted Leggings set comes in 23 different color palettes and styles, including a pack of black, pink, blue, and green (as well as an all-black fleece-lined option) and is constructed from polyester with 8 percent stretch for maximum comfort and flexibility. Designed with durability in mind, these leggings are incredibly versatile and work well for everyday wear as well as high-intensity workouts, yoga, and running. You can even throw them on with your pickleball shoes and hit the court. They don't come in a wide range of sizes, so they may not be ideal for someone who prefers more individualized sizing. Material: 92% polyester, 8% spandex | Size Range: S-XXL | Colors: 23 Best for Training lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight PHOTO: lululemon $128 at Lululemon If you're looking for a good Lululemon product, the Wunder Train High-Rise Tight with Pockets is known to be great for training, and our tests confirmed this. They are designed to withstand ultra-sweaty workouts with the brand’s fastest-drying fabric — a signature of Lululemon's leggings. On top of that, they are durable, supportive, and have a flexible four-way stretch, with a drawstring waist that helps keep them secure. The leggings also come in a variety of vibrant and neutral colors, including classic black, taupe, pink, and blue, and they have pockets so you can keep your phone and keys close as needed. Tested and Reviewed We loved the thick, compressive material of these Lululemon leggings that never budged or shifted. These leggings kept their shape after multiple wears and washes, thanks to the addition of lycra fiber, which allows them to stretch without losing their structure. One thing worth mentioning is that while sweat-wicking, they aren't super breathable, so if you need a more lightweight pair of leggings for hot yoga or if you live in a hot climate, these may be too thick for your liking. Material: Nylon, lycra, elastane | Size Range: 0-20 | Colors: 8 Best Size Options Athleta Salutation Stash Tight PHOTO: Athleta View on Gap.com If you're looking for a capsule wardrobe staple, designed for athleisure and movement alike, the Athleta Salutation Stash Tight has a buttery soft feel that can move with you on your mat but also looks cute with a sweater and sneakers or walking shoes for a comfortable everyday look. These leggings also feature one of the best size spectrums on our list with sizes XXS to 3XL in regular, XS to XL in tall, and XXS to L in petite. With a range of excellent color options, including neutrals like black and tan as well as bright red, green, orange, and a gorgeous burgundy brown, you're sure to find exactly what you need. They're more functional than stylish, so they may not be the right pick for someone looking for a more fashion-forward legging style. Tested and Reviewed These leggings were comfortable, soft, and passed our squat tests. While they needed adjusting at times, they never fell down during our workouts or daily wear. Best of all, our movements never felt restricted while wearing these supportive leggings. Material: Nylon, lycra | Size Range: XXS-3XL (regular), XS-XL (tall), XXS-L (petite) | Colors: 6 The 9 Best Black Tights We Tested Are Sculpting, Comfortable, and Rip-Resistant Best Fleece-Lined Baleaf Fleece-Lined Winter Leggings PHOTO: Amazon $38 at Amazon $35 at Walmart View on Baleaf.com If you’re on the hunt for a pair of leggings that will keep you warm and toasty during the frigid winter months, fleece-lined leggings are a great option and these from Baleaf are our top pick in that category. These leggings have rave reviews for their well-made construction, warm and comfortable design, and fit. Plus, they come in three different styles — water resistant, without pockets, and with pockets — so you can choose a style that best fits your needs. The fleece leggings are made from a durable polyester fabric with 13 percent spandex stretch — so, despite their warmth, they can still move with you. With that said, they’re ideal for everyday wear but might be a little too thick for workouts as they aren’t as breathable as more sweat-wicking styles. Material: 82% polyester, 18% spandex | Size Range: XS-3XL | Colors: 17 Best Faux Leather Spanx Faux Leather Leggings PHOTO: Spanx $98 at Amazon $98 at Spanx View on Shopbop.com Leather pants are cute but not always the most comfortable. For a pair of leather pants that moves with you without restrictions, faux leather leggings are the answer. We recommend the faux leather leggings from Spanx, which PEOPLE Commerce Writer Madison Yauger says she loves because "they're so sleek and can make any outfit a little more elevated." These beloved leggings are also a favorite amongst influencers like Dani Austin and celebrities from Kelly Clarkson to Hailee Steinfeld. We loved that they come in an inclusive size range — with regular, petite, and tall options — so you can trust that they will hug you in all the right places. And because they are Spanx leggings, they also come with a side of shapewear, featuring a shaping waistband, a contoured design for shaping the booty, and built-in camel-toe prevention (which we very much appreciated). They just come in one color — black — so you may want to check out some of the other pairs on our list if you're looking for more color options Material: 87% nylon, 13% elastane with polyurethane coating | Size Range: XS-3X (regular, petite, tall) | Colors: 1 Best for Lounging Skims Cotton Rib Thermal Leggings PHOTO: Skims $56 at Nordstrom View on Skims.com $52 at Net-a-Porter Leggings can often double as loungewear or pajamas — especially when they're the Skims Cotton Rib Leggings. These leggings are made from a super comfy and stretchy ribbed cotton jersey material with 5 percent spandex stretch for a glove-like fit. They’re breathable, stylish, and have a boxer-like look that is Kardashian-approved. On top of that, they come in lots of amazing colors, including a range of skin tones and neutrals like gray, white, and black, as well as limited edition colors like bright red and ultra violet. Like many of our favorite Skims products, they're also available in a wide range of sizes, from XXS to 4X. If you're in search of straight-up workout leggings, these thermal leggings might not be for you. Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex | Size Range: XXS-4X | Colors: 16 Best Flared Alo Yoga Airbrush High-Waist Bootcut Legging PHOTO: Alo View on Neiman Marcus $108 at Revolve $98 at Shopbop.com Flare is back and the best way to get into the trend is with an adorable pair of bootcut leggings, like these stylish leggings from Alo Yoga. The Airbrush High-Waist Bootcut Legging has the perfect silhouette with a hem that reaches just beyond the ankle for a stylish fit. And much like the beloved Alo Yoga 7/8 High-Waist Airbrush Legging, these are constructed from an ultra stretchy polyester and spandex material that boasts lots of breathability while wicking away sweat to keep you nice and dry during your workouts. While they only come in two colors, these are the best trendy leggings for an athleisure look and can be worn with a pair of chunky white sneakers or stylish clogs and an oversized sweater and denim jacket for a celeb-worthy ensemble. Material: 87% nylon, 13% spandex | Size Range: XXS-XL | Colors: 2 Best with Phone Pocket Lorna Jane Phone Pocket Ankle Biter Leggings PHOTO: Lorna Jane View on Lornajane.com If you need a pair of leggings with a phone pocket, we love ours from Lorna Jane. The Superior Phone Pocket Ankle Biter Leggings are made with a comfortable, supportive high-rise waist. They feature a large side pocket that sits seamlessly against the leg when not in use but is still big enough to hold your smartphone, keys, and AirPods, too. Constructed from polyester with 29 percent elastane, the leggings are out-of-this-world stretchy, making them ideal for almost every kind of workout, especially Pilates and yoga. They have a fun logo design on the sides of the waist for added detail and flair, but that might not be for everyone. Material: 71% polyester, 29% elastane | Size Range: XXS-XXL | Colors: 1 Best Shapewear Spanx Booty Boost Active 7/8 Leggings PHOTO: Spanx $50 $42 at Amazon $98 at Nordstrom $98 at Revolve The best shapewear leggings are undoubtedly the Spanx Booty Boost Active 7/8 Leggings, which are designed for an active lifestyle while providing just the right amount of life, support, and shape. While they may not be ideal for those who prefer a dressier pair of leggings, these are constructed from the brand’s unique sculpting performance fabric and feature a contoured waistline to help lift the booty and keep the waist feeling secure. In addition to these shapewear features, the leggings are quick-dry, sweat-wicking, and breathable with four-way stretch so they can withstand high-intensity workouts, too. Plus, they feature a hidden phone pocket so you can keep your essentials close. Material: 68% nylon, 32% elastane | Size Range: XS-3X | Colors: 6 Best with Ankle Slits Athleta Elation Split Flare Pant PHOTO: Athleta View on Gap.com Flares with slits at the ankles are another popular legging style at the moment. For the best pair of leggings in this style, consider the Athleta Elation Split Flare Pant, which features a flared hem silhouette with a slit up the front of the ankles. We love these because they are designed to reach just beyond the ankles (so they don’t drag on the floor) and have a slit that is just big enough to expose our favorite chunky sneakers. Additionally, the leggings have a comfortable high-waist fit with a sweat-wicking lycra and nylon material that helps evaporate moisture during challenging workouts. Material: Nylon and lycra | Size Range: XXS-3XL (regular, petite, tall) | Colors: 2 Best Ribbed Year of Ours Ribbed Football Legging PHOTO: Year of Ours View on Yearofours.com $114 at Saks Fifth Avenue Ribbed leggings not only provide a nice texture but also a comfortable and subtle design detail we love. Our top pick for the best ribbed leggings is the Year of Ours Ribbed Football Legging, which we live in. These leggings are inspired by retro football pants (hence the name) and feature a minimalistic ribbed detail with a comfortable lace-up waistline that allows for a more custom fit. Constructed from nylon and spandex, the leggings are ideal for sweaty workouts with their breathable and moisture-wicking technology, plus they boast lots of style, making them dreamy for athleisure days, too. If you prefer leggings with a more traditional waistband, these might not be the best choice. Material: 85% nylon, 15% spandex | Size Range: XS-2X | Colors: 8 Best High Waist Beyond Yoga Spacedye Out Of Pocket High Waisted Midi Legging PHOTO: Beyond Yoga $99 $85 at Amazon $99 at Nordstrom $99 at Zappos These super soft and stretchy leggings from Beyond Yoga provide plenty of support and are made with a material we love. They come in classic colors, like black and navy, plus magenta, green, pink, and more. Two large pockets also mean there’s plenty of space to store your phone and other essentials while you’re working out or running errands. We also appreciate that these come in an inclusive size range. While the material is soft and comfortable, these may not be fully squat-proof. Material: 87% polyester, 13% elastane | Size Range: XXS-4X | Colors: 7 Best for Running Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity High-Waisted 7/8 Running Leggings PHOTO: Sweaty Betty View on Sweatybetty.com These high-waisted 7/8 leggings from Sweaty Betty are made for runners. They fit like a dream thanks to lightweight, high-compression sculpting fabric. Paired with a sports bra, they're perfect for long runs as they also feature a breathable perforated fabric at the sides of the thighs that helps keep you cool and dry. Thanks to the compressive waistband and the adjustable drawstring, you won’t have to worry about these leggings falling down. They also feature UV 40+ protection, a back zip pocket, and a deep side pocket. If you don’t like highly compressive fabric, these leggings might not be right for you. Material: Ultra-light, sweat-wicking Italian fabric | Size Range: XXS-XXL | Colors: 4 Best Opaque THE GYM PEOPLE Thick High-Waisted Yoga Pants PHOTO: Amazon $30 $25 at Amazon If you’re looking for a comfortable pair of leggings that are supportive and provide tummy control and a thick, opaque fabric, these leggings from The Gym People should be at the top of your list. They have a high waist that won’t roll down when you’re doing squats, and the thicker fabric will keep you warm on winter outings. Plus, they’re reasonably priced and come in 26 colors, so you can keep several on hand at all times. These leggings have a traditional fit in the leg and a high waist, so if you prefer a flared leg or a wrap waist, these might not be for you. Material: 88% polyamide, 12% spandex | Size Range: XS-3XL | Colors: 26 What to Know About Leggings for Women Size and Fit First and foremost, the most important thing to look for in a legging for women is size, says Jeni Elizabeth, a network and celebrity wardrobe stylist. “You want the legging to fit and be comfortable, but not so tight that it leaves marks on your body or shows underwear lines,” she explains. When considering size, it helps to take note of any insights from product reviews to find out whether or not a legging is true to size, as well as the product description for insight from the brand. If you are unsure of your size, consider taking your measurements and reviewing the brand’s size chart, which will help guide you to the right legging for women for your specific body. Color and Style Next, Elizabeth says to consider color, which is dependent on personal style preferences and wardrobe needs. “I would first invest in colors that are universal for your wardrobe,” she explains. “Blacks and tans always seem to roll from season to season and typically blend well into a closet." In addition to color, Elizabeth also says to look at the style of the leggings and choose options based on your needs and preferences. Many leggings for women come in high-waist silhouettes, but you can find mid-rise options, too. Additionally, leggings fit snugly around the ankle as well as flare out like a pair of statement-making jeans. When shopping for leggings for women, Elizabeth says a three-quarter legging style can be worn with both sneakers or heels. She also recommends starting with a high-waist style. Quality and Durability “Quality is also important as you need pieces to hold up for as many workouts and washes as possible,” says Michelle Wahler, CEO and co-founder of Beyond Yoga. A quality legging can be marked in a variety of ways. “Depending on the fabric, you want to make sure that they are not see-through and, if necessary, they come above your stomach and hold you in or at the minimum sit above your hip bones,” says Elizabeth. She also adds that thicker compression fabrics can smooth out the look of the legs and tend to indicate a higher quality, too. With this in mind, consider the material type, how much stretch a legging has, and any insight on the overall performance, shape retention, and technology used to create the leggings. Most high-quality leggings for women will have transparent product pages with this information so you can easily research the best leggings for you and your activity needs. Frequently Asked Questions What are the best quality leggings for women? All the leggings for women on our list of top picks are considered high-quality for their price point and performance capabilities. However, our top pick for the best leggings for women — the Alo Yoga 7/8 High-Waist Airbrush Legging — has impressive construction that is worth noting. This legging has a buttery soft texture with enough compression to keep its shape while providing a comfortable and flexible stretch for activities such as yoga, Pilates, and more. What are the best leggings for women to wear as pants? When it comes to the best leggings for women to wear as pants, Wahler says you can go wrong with a black style, as the color is easy to dress up or down, be it with high heels and a blouse or boots and a sweater. If you're looking for good Spanx leggings, we love the Spanx Faux Leather Leggings for a leather-inspired option as they can be dressed up or down, depending on your needs. Where do the Kardashians get their leggings? The Kardashians are known to represent their brands and have been photographed in both Skims and Good American leggings. Our top pick for the best lounge leggings, the Skims Cotton Rib Legging, is a favorite. Why Trust PEOPLE? Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When researching the best leggings for women, Jessie considered both fashion, athleisure, and workout options, and carefully looked at the quality of construction, design, and material to find her top picks. She also made note of sweat-wicking styles, along with other important features like built-in pockets, support, and stretch. Additionally, Jessie reached out to top legging and fashion expert Jeni Elizabeth and CEO and co-founder of Beyond Yoga, Michelle Wahler to learn more about what makes a pair of leggings the best. As a result, she curated a list of the best leggings. Our Expert Panel Jeni Elizabeth is a celebrity wardrobe stylist and fashion expert. Michelle Wahler is the CEO and co-founder of Beyond Yoga.