9 Best Leggings of 2025, Tested and Reviewed by WIRED

Evaluate High 9 Leggings

Honorable Mentions

Forme Sculpt+Legging for $118: Forme’s Sculpt+Leggings are designed with a multi-panel waistband and layers of tensile cloth that are supposed to tug your hips, backbone, and core into higher alignment. The corporate claims this design helps activate muscle reminiscence and enhance proprioception, with endorsements from physicians for decrease again ache, hip stiffness, and postpartum restoration. I didn’t rework right into a Pilates teacher in a single day, however I did really feel a delicate elevate in my core and a bit much less slouchy whereas sporting them. They’re extra of a reminder to be aware of your posture, however they received’t do the give you the results you want. It might be a placebo, however it’s a comfortable one at that. They’re cosy and supportive with out squeezing your midsection, which isn’t at all times the case with compression put on.

On Active Tights for $75: I not too long ago began energy coaching to help my working and climbing, and since I don’t need my bones to crumble right into a pile of dust as I grow old. These leggings are my favourite decide for lifting on the fitness center. They’re composed of 68 p.c recycled polyamide and 32 p.c elastane, they usually really feel extremely silky on, are light-weight and breathable, but additionally, one way or the other supportive. I don’t really feel self-conscious when doing squats or taking a relaxation break. In addition they have a pocket that matches my iPhone 16, so I’ve someplace to place my telephone once I’m transferring from machine to machine. —Adrienne So

Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant with Pockets for $128: These exercise leggings examine most of our containers: four-way stretch, sweat-wicking, and full protection. They’re technically yoga pants, however I desire sporting them once I’m working from dwelling or working errands. I additionally love sporting these for a flight. The sunshine compression is extra of a comfortable hug than energetic help. That mentioned, the material tends to tablet and accumulate lint over time. Additionally, if pockets aren’t a must have for you, the usual Align High-Rise Pant could also be a wiser buy. The pocketed mannequin runs $20 to $30 greater than the unique, relying on the colour (form of insane).

Courtesy of Gymshark

Gymshark Legacy Regular Leggings for $54 : These are my deadlift darlings. Mushy, stretchy, and squat-proof. The sculpted waistband and inside bum scrunch add simply sufficient flattering elevate with out feeling like an uncomfortable wedgie. At $54, they seem to be a steal in comparison with many rivals, so I do not sweat the value tag whereas I am sweating in them. Sadly, I’ve owned these for a few 12 months now, and among the stitching is undone.

Gymshark Mesh Waistband Leggings for $50: I just like the Gymshark Mesh Waistband Leggings for weight-lifting, although I desire the Legacy leggings total. The mesh waistband holds all the pieces in place, however it additionally digs into the pores and skin—it is not painful, simply odd. The bum scrunch is a bit more pronounced than the Legacy and never as comfy for all-day put on.

Nike Women’s Go High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings with Pockets for $73: I run virtually each day, and these are one of the best leggings I’ve ever had. I get unhappy when these are within the wash. Whereas the material composition is a reasonably normal mixture of nylon and spandex, the Nike Infinalock therapy is exclusive. It feels virtually like sporting a particularly skinny wetsuit, and sure, this can be a good factor. I really feel completely locked in. Nothing sags, nothing jiggles, and the seams are flat, so that you don’t have something pilling or rubbing in between your legs (ew, sorry). There are many pockets, despite the fact that I don’t actually use these whereas working, and a drawcord for retaining the leggings cinched up. I hate yanking my leggings up! There’s no purpose for this! We’ve got the expertise! —Adrienne So

Courtesy of Spanx

SPANXshape Booty Boost 7/8 Leggings for $98: Let’s begin with what I like. The middle-seam-free design is fabulous (no gusset checks). I’ve sported them to heated exercises, they usually dried sooner than anticipated. However on the subject of the “booty enhance” promise, I simply did not see it. I’ve gotten extra of a noticeable elevate from my Gymshark and Fanka leggings. The contoured waistband does supply first rate core help, however the lining creates an unflattering design. And whereas compression is a trademark of Spanx, on this case, it feels uncomfortably tight and unflattering. So tight that sizing up is strongly beneficial.

prAna Heavana 7/8 Leggings for $89: These are different to the On fitness center leggings above for underneath $100. The outline makes them sound like they’re ultrasoft and for lounging, however they’re really very skinny and breathable, and the large waistband means they don’t roll down whilst you’re transferring. I might really feel just a little self-conscious lounging on the couch in these, however they’re nice for figuring out. —Adrienne So

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