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12 Best Workout Leggings for Women in 2022
You'll love these exercise bottoms that are both comfortable and stylish.
In the last decade, leggings have become a go-to in women's wardrobes, and for good reason. They're more stylish than ever, so easy to throw on, and still look good for casual outings like lunch or shopping. You can dress them up with button-downs, blazers, and heels. And of course, they're the perfect workout clothing staple.
There are so many options out there — from a plethora of brands, at varying price points, and made of various materials — that it's hard to know how to find the best workout leggings. Luckily for you, I've tried hundreds of them — I'm not embarrassed to say that during the pandemic, I wore them practically every day. In fact, I find it so foreign these days to wear what I call "hard pants" (i.e. jeans), that I've invested thousands of dollars in leggings — from workout leggings to everyday leggings to fancy leggings. (And truly, there's a perfect legging for every occasion.)
For the purposes of this article, I've narrowed down my top picks for workout leggings. These are truly my favorites. How do I know they're "the best"? Because I've tossed or donated many leggings from other brands, while these pairs reigned supreme and remain in my rotation to this day.
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best budget workout leggings with pockets
THE GYM PEOPLE Thick High Waist Yoga Pants with Pockets
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The workout leggings on this list met the following criteria:
- They hug my tummy.
- They don't trap sweat — they breathe!
- They don't make me feel too hot or too cold.
- They give my butt a boost.
- They are easy to put on but also stay in place.
- And most importantly, after I washed them, they snapped back to their original form.
Fabletics Boost PowerHold High-Waisted 7/8 Legging
Fabletics Boost PowerHold High-Waisted 7/8 Legging
Pros
- Come in several different colors and patterns
- Back criss-cross detail is special
Cons
- You'll have to become a Fabletics member to save on leggings (pay $24 instead of $69.95)
- It's a 7/8 legging, so it hits right above the ankle
The Boost PowerHold High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings from Fabletics features compression which is meant to help with your workout. It also works hard to boost your booty with its innovative fabric and design. And even on more bloated days, these leggings manage to sculpt and smooth the mid-section with a high waist.
What I Love Most About Them: They hug me all over, making me look slimmer where it counts, while giving my butt a much-needed lift.
| Material | 88% Polyester, 12% Elastane |
|---|---|
| Available Sizes | XXS to 4X |
THE GYM PEOPLE Thick High Waist Yoga Pants with Pockets
THE GYM PEOPLE Thick High Waist Yoga Pants with Pockets
Pros
- Have handy pockets
- Large variety of colors and patterns
- Also available in a shorter length
Cons
- Not as much compression as other pairs
Highly rated and budget-friendly, these workout leggings come with a deep side pocket, convenient for a cell phone or even a slim water bottle. There's also a hidden pocket on the inside back of the pants and a gusseted crotch to keep your sensitive area from chafing.
What I Love Most About Them: I can easily slip them on and off regardless of how sweaty and sticky my legs are (during hot summer months), and they expand so if I'm heavier than usual, they still fit like a glove.
RELATED: 15 Best Brands Offering Cheap Workout Clothes in 2022
Product Specs
| Material | 88% Polyester, 12% Spandex |
|---|---|
| Available Sizes | XS to 3X |
AGOGIE Women's Resistance Pants
AGOGIE Women's Resistance Pants
Pros
- Super stylish
- Resistance bands intensify your workout, run or walk
- Come in two different resistance band levels (+20 or +40)
Cons
- Not meant for everyday wear
These workout pants hit it out of the park in style and substance. Eight built-in resistance bands add constant tension as you move, which will help activate more muscles and increase your workout intensity.
What I Love Most About Them: I feel like I'm getting stronger while I wear them! The ruching is also very flattering.
Product Specs
| Material | 86% Polyester, 14% Elastane; Resistance bands are 100% natural rubber |
|---|---|
| Available Sizes | XS to 3XL |
Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Crop 23" Leggings
Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Crop 23" Leggings
Pros
- Multiple pockets
- Also come in a 19-inch length
- Drawcord on waist to help keep them in place
Cons
- Splurge pricing
If you've never worn Lululemon leggings, let me assure you that the hype is well-deserved. I have not met a pair of Lululemon pants that I did not love. These crop leggings are perfect for a run. Not only do they feel weightless, but they are also sweat-wicking, breathable, and stretch to make you comfy and supported.
What I Love Most About Them: They truly are the most comfortable leggings in the world. If you can splurge, these will become your go-to for workouts and everyday wear.
Product Specs
| Material | 84% Nylon, 16% Lycra for body; 89% Nylon, 11% Elastane for waistband |
|---|---|
| Available Sizes | 0 to 20 |
Colorfulkoala Buttery Soft High-Waisted Yoga Pants
Colorfulkoala Buttery Soft High-Waisted Yoga Pants
Pros
- Choose from 18 different colors
- Lightweight and opaque
- Moisture-wicking
Cons
- Not from a well-known brand
True to the name, these budget leggings on Amazon are truly buttery soft, and super-smooth. They're as basic as they come, with virtually no accolades beyond the fabric. And that's perfect if what you really want are leggings that are easy to slip on and aren't too thick or thin.
What I Love Most About Them: They are comfortable, simple, and the cheapest I've found that still boasts the quality I want from workout leggings.
Product Specs
| Material | 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex |
|---|---|
| Available Sizes | XS to XL |
Uniqlo HEATTECH Leggings
Pros
- Will keep you warm during outdoor runs
- Perfect for everyday use
Cons
- Does not compress or shape as well as other leggings
If you want lightweight leggings that keep you from freezing on morning runs, these Uniqlo HEATTECH pants are for you. They're soft and stretchy, moisture-wicking, and quick-dry, but their major selling point is that they are warming and insulating.
What I Love Most About Them: They keep me nice and toasty. I even wear these under pants during winter as a second layer. They're thin enough that they won't feel bulky under your jeans or office pants at all!
Product Specs
| Materials | 38% Polyester, 30% Acrylic, 20% Rayon, 12% Spandex |
|---|---|
| Available Sizes | XS to XXL |
Kindred Bravely Louisa Ultra High-Waisted Maternity Leggings
Kindred Bravely Louisa Ultra High-Waisted Maternity Leggings
Pros
- Also available with pockets
- Great for post-pregnancy, too
- Several color options
Cons
- May find they run small
If you're pregnant or postpartum, you'll appreciate the support these maternity leggings give. Extra stretchy with a waist panel that hits right under your bust, they're perfect for various maternity stages. You can also fold them over to find the right spot for you.
What I Love Most About Them: Long after my pregnancy, I can still wear these! Even though I wore them while I had a baby bump, the waist didn't get stretched out.
Product Specs
| Material | 85% Polyester, 15% Spandex |
|---|---|
| Available Sizes | S to XXL |
Athleta Ultra High-Rise Elation Tight
Pros
- Also available in petite and tall sizes
- Affordable
- Breathable
Cons
The Powervita fabric of these Athleta leggings is as soft as they come. An ultra high-rise pant, they can reach all the way up to a couple of inches under the bust (depending on your torso length). The three-layer waistband really smooths and supports.
What I Love Most About Them: This high waist is higher than the rest. Keep in mind, at 5'1" I'm short and these hit right under my bra, which is so optimal for workouts. I also love that my Athleta elation tights still look as good as new after many wears. They truly last and are worth the price tag.
Product Specs
| Material | Nylon, Elastane |
|---|---|
| Available Sizes | XXS to 3X |
Wear One's At Liberty Unitard
Pros
- Made of technical fabric
- Built-in sun protection
Cons
- Not ideal if you take mid-workout bathroom breaks
This unitard by Wear One's At provides seamless all-in-one support during your workout. It's moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and comes with UV50 sun protection. Like many regular leggings, this one is stretchy with compression fabric that sculpts the body.
What I Love Most About Them: I look effortlessly fab while working out when I wear them. They have a Tracy Anderson "look chic while you exercise" vibe to them.
Product Specs
| Material | 59% Polyamide, 41% Elastane |
|---|---|
| Available Sizes | XS to L |
Reprise Aspen Leggings
Pros
- Sustainable
- Thick yet breathable
- Available in four colors
Cons
- Higher price point
What sets these leggings apart from the rest is their plant-based fabric. Still stretchy, soft, and breathable, Reprise Aspen leggings are made of fibers derived from the pulp of trees, not polyester (a kind of plastic).
What I Love Most About Them: They are buttery smooth and super soft. I also appreciate that they're made with sustainability in mind. Less plastic in the world is a great thing! When I put these leggings on, they also feel snug but still comfortable. I love them for cold days because the fabric is thicker than most leggings I've tried on.
Product Specs
| Material | 93% Tencel Lyocell (fiber from the pulp of trees), 7% Spandex |
|---|---|
| Available Sizes | XS to 6X |
Sol Sister 2-1 Midnight Blue Long and Lovely Skort Leggings
Sol Sister 2-1 Midnight Blue Long and Lovely Skort Leggings
Pros
- Flattering and provides butt coverage
- Available in four different colors
- Has side pockets
Cons
- Skirt is not removable
- Not high-waisted
Reinventing the tried-and-true leggings, this pair has a flattering skirt attached. Soft and comfortable, we love the 2-in-1 approach for when you wear a shorter top and want some coverage for your butt.
What I Love Most About Them: The skirt is super cute and slimming. When I wear these I feel put-together and chic!
Product Specs
| Material | 77% Polyester, 23% Spandex |
|---|---|
| Available Sizes | XS to XL |
Familiar Yet Different Size Inclusive Leggings with Pockets
Familiar Yet Different Size Inclusive Leggings with Pockets
Pros
- Most inclusive sizing
- Available in several colors and fun patterns
- UPF 50+ fabric provides sun protection
Cons
We appreciate brands that are, as the name says, inclusive. If you're between 2XS to 6XL, this brand has you covered. These high-waisted yoga pants provide comfort, while also being moisture-wicking, stretchy, and supportive.
What I Love Most About Them: The fun patterns! Camo is featured here, but on their site, you'll find so many different bold designs.
Product Specs
| Material | 82% Polyester, 18% Spandex |
|---|---|
| Available Sizes | 2XS to 6XL |
Ysolt Usigan is a lifestyle writer and editor with 15+ years of experience working in digital media. She has created share-worthy content for publishers Shape, What To Expect, Cafe Mom, TODAY, CBS News, HuffPo, The Bump, Health, Ask Men, and Best Gifts. A working mom of two, her editorial expertise in parenting, shopping, and home are rooted in her everyday life.
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