The 19 Best Leggings for Women of 2023

Including Athleta, Beyond Yoga, Alo, Leggings Depot, and more

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People / Kristin Kempa

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. Beyond the gym, you can wear leggings to the office, out with friends, while running errands, or as loungewear, making them a staple wardrobe item.

"The past few years, we have seen a surge in the popularity of leggings because they can be dressed up or down," says Michelle Wahler, CEO and co-founder of Beyond Yoga. "Leggings are an everyday wardrobe staple as they are comfortable and functional." In addition to their versatility, leggings are a fantastic wardrobe investment because they "never go out of style," says Jeni Elizabeth, a network and celebrity wardrobe stylist. "If purchased in the right size, they are a great article of clothing that is versatile from day to night in a blink."

Whether you’re on the hunt for the best pair of yoga leggings or you want a pair of leggings for everyday wear, we’re got you covered with our top picks for the best leggings, ahead, including some we've tested ourselves.

Alo Yoga

Anyone looking for a pair of comfortable, sweat-wicking leggings that are squat-proof

Those needing leggings with pockets

For a legging that's as versatile as it is comfortable, the Alo Yoga 7/8 High-Waist Airbrush Legging has these qualities and then some. During our testing, we found these 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, so keep in mind if you're shorter or taller than average. Thanks to the thick material, they also passed our squat test, so we're happy to report these leggings are gym-friendly.

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 helping to maintain dryness, despite the heat. They also come in lots of fun colors, including the classics like black and white and a beautiful dark plum, midnight green, and bright red. Worth noting: These weren't as great for HIIT workouts or running since the waistband tended to slip down a bit during these types of exercises. They also don't have pockets, so if that's important to you, keep scrolling for other options.

Price at time of publish: $98

Material: Polyester, spandex | Size Range: XXS-XL | Colors: Black, White, Cantaloupe, Blue Splash, Red Hot Summer, Oatmeal Heather, Lemonade, Chalk Blue, French Vanilla, Dark Plum, Green Glow, Midnight Green

Amazon

Someone looking for a budget-friendly legging that can be worn for fashion and athleisure purposes, as well as high-intensity workouts

People needing more individualized sizing

Budget-friendly and high-quality, this four-pack of leggings for $30 from Amazon is a total steal. The Campsnail High-Waisted Leggings set comes in 14 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.

Price at time of publish: $30.99

Material: 92% polyester, 8% spandex | Size Range: S-XXL | Colors: Black, Pink Blue, Green, Navy, Gray, Wine, Dark Gray, Army Green, Camo, Black Leopard, Gray Slate, Dim Gray, White, Coffee

Athleta

Someone shopping for a buttery soft everyday legging that they can wear on and off the mat

Those looking for a more fashion-forward legging versus activewear

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 look cute with a sweater and sneakers for a comfortable everyday look. They also feature one of the best size spectrums on our list with sizes XXS-3XL in regular, XS-XL in tall, and XXS-L in petite. With a range 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.

Price at time of publish: $89.99

Material: Nylon, lycra | Size Range: XXS-3XL (regular), XS-XL (tall), XXS-L (petite) | Colors: Rustic Beige, Spiced Cabernet, Seaweed Snack, Navy, Black, Candy Red, Foliage Orange

Amazon

Someone shopping for basic, solid leggings on Amazon with a budget-friendly price tag

Anyone shopping for a more high-end legging brand

Amazon is overflowing with some fantastic legging picks, however, the Leggings Depot High Waisted Leggings for Women is considered the best. With an average 4.3/5 stars from over 38,000 customers, 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 45 colors. While we don't recommend them for hardcore workouts or gym squats, if you need comfy option to wear with sweaters to the office or for low-impact yoga, you can't go wrong with this budget buy from Amazon.

Price at time of publish: $10.99

Material: 92% polyester, 8% spandex | Size Range: S-5XL (plus One Size and One Size Plus) | Colors: Black, Burgundy, Charcoal Gray, Heather Gray, and 40 others

Amazon

Anyone looking for a pair of warm leggings for everyday wear during the cold winter months

Those shopping for more breathable, sweat-wicking styles

If you’re on the hunt for a pair of leggings that will keep you warm and toasty during frigid winter months, the Baleaf fleece-lined leggings are our top pick for the best fleece-lined leggings. With 4.4 stars from over 25,000 Amazon customers, 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 and might be a little too thick for workouts as they aren't as breathable as more sweat-wicking styles.

Price at time of publish: $26.88 (orig. $41.99)

Material: 82% polyester, 18% spandex | Size Range: XS-3XL | Colors: Black, Army Green, Dark Blue, Gray, Purple, Wine, Niagara, White, Blue Ice, Brown

Abercrombie & Fitch

Someone shopping for black leggings that double as comfy pants

Someone looking for leggings in a variety of colors or a wider size range

Ideal for everyday wear, the Abercrombie & Fitch Contour Full-Length Leggings might work well for workouts, but we prefer them as our comfy pants. The leggings are made from a buttery soft polyester and elastane blend fabric that moves with the body without restrictions. And, the high-waist design adds a layer of support to the waist and stomach area that feels ultra-comfortable for all-day wear. Whether you’re looking for a pair of leggings that double as pants or need something soft and comfortable for low-impact workouts, these Abercrombie leggings are it.

Price at time of publish: $59

Material: 80% polyester, 20% elastane | Size Range: XXS-XL | Colors: Black

Lululemon

Someone looking for a durable, supportive pair of leggings with sweat-wicking fabric

Anyone looking for breathable leggings for a hot climate (or hot yoga) or a pair that's more affordable

The Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight with Pockets are 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. On top of that, they are supportive and have a flexible four-way stretch, with a drawstring waist that helps keep them secure. Despite all the movement, these leggings kept their shape after multiple wears and washes, thanks the addition of lycra fiber, which allows them to stretch without losing their structure.

The leggings also come in a variety of vibrant and neutral colors, including classic black, pomegranate red, roasted brown, and cayenne orange, and they have pockets so you can keep your phone and keys close as needed. 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.

Price at time of publish: $128

Material: Nylon, lycra, elastane | Size Range: 0-20 | Colors: Java, Blue Nile, Roasted Brown, Pomegranate, Cayenne, Heather Graphite Grey, Black

Girlfriend Collective

Moms-to-be looking for a comfortable legging they can move or workout in

Those wanting more fashion-forward maternity leggings

The best workout legging for moms-to-be is the Girlfriend Collective Seamless Maternity Legging. Much like other Girlfriend Collective leggings, these are constructed from eco-friendly fabric consisting of recycled nylon (derived from fishing nets in the ocean) and spandex. They’re designed with a foldable over-the-belly rise, has a second skin feel, and four-way stretch, allowing you to move comfortably in your workouts without worrying about restrictions. They’re also ideal for sweaty workouts with their moisture-wicking and breathable design, too.

Price at time of publish: $88

Material: 83% recycled nylon, 17% spandex | Size Range: XXS-6XL (in two inseam lengths) | Colors: Black, Midnight, Moss, Plum, Smoke

Lorna Jane

Someone looking for a pair of super stretchy leggings with a pocket that is big enough to hold their phone and other essentials

Those shopping for a pair of plain leggings without a logo

If you need a pair of leggings with a phone pocket, we love ours from Lorna Jane. The Superior Phone Pocket Ankle Biter Leggings come in seven sizes and 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. On top of that, they have a fun logo design on the sides of the waist for added detail and flair.

Price at time of publish: $110

Material: 71% polyester, 29% elastane | Size Range: XXS-XXL | Colors: Black, Sunset Orange

Nike

Someone shopping for a pair of lightweight and flexible running tights

Those who prefer the seamless style of leggings

Runners need a pair of leggings — or running tights — with lots of stretch, comfort, and a lightweight feel. And, they’ll find those requirements in the Nike Epic Luxe Mid-Rise Pocket Trail Running Leggings. These leggings are designed from a blend of polyester (including 75 percent recycled polyester) and elastane for a comfortable, lightweight run. They also have a bunch of fun style and functional features, including a drawstring waist, several handy pockets for your phone, keys, earbuds, card, and other essentials, and are designed to withstand unexpected weather while running on trails.

Price at time of publish: $110

Material: 80% polyester, 20% spandex | Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: Black, Mineral Clay, Medium Olive

Beyond Yoga

Someone shopping for a pair of wrap-waist leggings suitable for sweaty outdoor workouts

Those wanting the wrapped look without the cut-out effect

Wrap-waist leggings are a fun way to add some unique detail while keeping things simple — and we love the Beyond Yoga Spacedye That's A Wrap High Waisted Midi Legging for just that. These comfortable leggings are made from a moisture-wicking polyester and elastane fabric blend and feature a wrapped-looking waistband with two cut-outs at the sides. They’re also buttery soft and, therefore, form to the body like a glove, making them all the more comfortable. The four-way stretch and ability to wick away moisture allows them to easily move with you and keep you dry even during tough workouts. On top of that, these leggings are made for outdoor workouts as they also feature UV protection to keep your skin safer from the sun.

Price at time of publish: $99

Material: 87% polyester, 13% elastane | Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: Black Charcoal

Spanx

Someone shopping for a pair of comfortable faux leather leggings with built-in shapewear

Anyone wanting a more patent finish or those shopping for leggings made from real leather

Leather pants are cute but not always the most comfortable. For a pair of leather pants that moves with you without restrictions, we recommend the faux leather leggings from Spanx. PEOPLE Commerce Writer Madison Yauger says she loves these leggings 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).

Price at time of publish: $98

Material: 87% nylon, 13% elastane with polyurethane coating | Size Range: XS-3X (regular, petite, tall) | Colors: Black

Related: The 15 Best Faux Leather Leggings of 2023, According to Celebrity Stylists

SKIMS

Anyone shopping for super comfortable leggings that double as pajamas

Someone shopping for a pair of comfortable leggings they can work out and lounge in

Leggings can often double as loungewear, especially when considering the Skims Cotton Rib Legging. 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 bright red and cobalt blue.

Price at time of publish: $54

Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex | Size Range: XXS-4X | Colors: Cobalt, Ruby, Sangria, Umber, Sedona, Camel, Black, Kyanite, Mineral, Light Heather Gray, White

Related: These Are the Best Lingerie Pieces for Valentine's Day 2023

Alo Yoga

Someone shopping for a pair of workout leggings with a slight flare

Anyone wanting a pair of leggings with a brighter color range

Flare is back and the best way to get into the trend is with an adorable pair of bootcut leggings, like these ones 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. Additionally, these are the best trendy leggings for an athleisure look and can be worn with a pair of chunky white sneakers and an oversized sweater for an celeb-worthy ensemble.

Price at time of publish: $108

Material: 87% nylon, 13% spandex | Size Range: XXS-XL| Colors: Black, White, Ivory, Espresso

Spanx

Someone shopping for a pair of workout leggings with a side of excellent shapewear technology

Those wanting a dressier pair of leggings for everyday wear

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. These leggings are constructed from the brand's unique sculpting performance fabric and featured a contoured waistline to help lift the booty and keep the waist feeling secure. In addition to its shapewear features, the leggings are also 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.

Price at time of publish: $98

Material: 68% nylon, 32% elastane | Size Range: XS-3X | Colors: Dark Palm, Black, Navy Haze, Dark Fig, Rich Red, Maroon Purple, Storm Blue, Jade, Graphite Dust

Athleta

Someone shopping for a pair of ankle slit leggings that end just below the ankle

Someone looking for floor-length flare leggings

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 size 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.

Price at time of publish: $54.99 (orig. $109)

Material: Nylon and lycra | Size Range: XXS-3XL (regular, petite, tall) | Colors: Black, ancient mahogany, noble blue

Good American

Someone looking for a lightweight and breathable pair of capri leggings with enough compression for high-intensity workouts

Those who prefer leggings with thicker waistbands

The Icon Capri Legging from Good American is our top pick for the best-cropped legging, thanks to its sleek matte compression fabric, high-waisted fit, and slim waistband. With a silhouette that stretches just below the knee, a four-way flexible stretch, and quick dry capabilities, these leggings are excellent for sweaty and challenging workouts, too. Additionally, they have built-in UV protection, making them great leggings for hiking, walking, and other outdoor exercises. Plus, their more minimalistic design makes them a more versatile choice for athleisure looks, too.

Price at time of publish: $69

Size Range: XS-4XL | Colors: Black

Good American

Someone looking for a pair of statement-making leggings for a night out on the town

People who want dressy leggings but prefer something more subtle than patent leather

The best leggings for going out are the Good American Vinyl Leggings, which feature a glossy patent leather-like finish. These faux leather leggings are ultra shiny and slick and come in an inclusive size range of XS through 5X. They’re constructed from a stretchy, lightweight, and breathable faux leather fabric that boasts lots of comfort, too, making them ideal for a night of dancing and fun.

Price at time of publish: $99

Material: 50% polyester, 46% cotton, 4% elastane | Size Range: XS-5X | Colors: Black, Dark Cocoa

Year of Ours

Shoppers wanting a pair of ribbed leggings with unique yet subtle details

Those wanting a more traditional legging waistband instead of a lace-up look or anyone searching for ribbed leggings that are a bit more affordable

Ribbed leggings not only provide a nice texture, but also a comfortable 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 a dreamy for athleisure days, too.

Price at time of publish: $125

Material: 85% nylon, 15% spandex | Size Range: XS-2X | Colors: Rose Violet, Blue Flame, Black, Navy, Dune, White, Desert Rose, Honeycomb, Dark Oak, Bone, Deep Teal, Terra-cotta, Heather Gray, Hot Pink

First and foremost, the most important thing to look for in a legging is size, says Elizabeth. "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 choice for your specific body.

Next, Elizabeth says to consider color, which can vary from person to person and is very much 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 legging style and choose options based on your needs and preferences. Many leggings come in high-waist silhouettes, but you can also find mid-rise options, too. Additionally, leggings fit snug around the ankle as well as flare out like a pair of statement-making jeans. When shopping for leggings, 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 is also important as you need pieces to hold up for as many workouts and washes as possible," says Wahler. 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 will have transparent product pages with this information so you can easily research the best leggings for you and your activity needs.

All the leggings 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 — the Athleta Salutation Stash Tight — 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.

When it comes to the best leggings 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 high heels and a blouse or boots and a sweater. Our top pick for going out leggings is the Good American Vinyl Leggings which feature a glossy patent finish that feel luxurious and stylish. We also love the Spanx Faux Leather Leggings for a leather-inspired option as they can be dressed up or down, depending on your needs.

The Kardashians are known to represent their own 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, are a favorite. And the Good American The Icon Capri Legging and Good American Vinyl Leggings are other Kardashian-approved must-haves.

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.

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