Under $100: Our Favorite Workout Leggings
HomeHome > News > Under $100: Our Favorite Workout Leggings

Under $100: Our Favorite Workout Leggings

Sep 12, 2023

It's hard to believe there was ever a time we were on team "leggings are not pants." Athleisure has come a long way since its inception, and now leggings are a quintessential part of our year-round wardrobe.

Ofc, there are different types of leggings for different activities, and the ones we’d choose for yoga probably aren't the same as the ones we’d choose for a HIIT class. Even so, we’ve found that the best leggings—regardless of activity—all have four things in common: (1) They’re comfy, (2) they’re not unintentionally sheer, (3) they hold their shape, and (4) they don't roll down.

The pairs on this list tick all of those boxes. The fact that they also cost less than $100 is just an added bonus.

Shop the best affordable workout leggings below.

Quince consistently tops our list for high-quality basics at affordable prices, and these leggings are no exception. After users compared them to more expensive brands, it's no surprise that they got a rating of 4.9 with over 880 reviews. People rave that they are "so soft and the stretch is superb…they follow your every move." Many reviewers own multiple pairs and love that they don't give you camel toe.

The consensus appears to be that these are better suited for low-impact activities, so if you’re looking for more compression, check out the brand's new performance leggings.

Our managing editor recommends Aerie for affordable leggings that fit exceptionally well. Many of the 2,680 five-star reviews of these leggings call out the attractive, high, crossover waist and the soft, buttery material. "Literally THE most flattering pair of leggings I’ve ever worn," one reviewer enthusiastically states."They’re so supportive and hug you in all the right places without feeling super restrictive."

These leggings have over 700 five-star ratings, with many reviewers saying that the cropped length is great for petite build. They come in a variety of colors ranging from black to neon pink, and they have a hidden waistband pocket—a nice detail, considering the low price point.

Odd brand name aside, these leggings are one of those surprising Amazon gems. They average a 4.6 rating from over 12,000 reviews, and include little details—like curved seaming and a waistband pocket—that make them feel more expensive than they are.

Flattering leggings for $20? Yep, they exist, if the 50,000 Amazon reviews and 4.6-star rating for these babies are any indication. People love that the material is thick without being heavy and offers comfortable compression.

Our wellness editor has sworn by this brand's OG black leggings since they launched in 2016. She describes them as the best leggings for high-intensity activities. The compressive fabric—made from 25 recycled water bottles—looks and feels luxurious. It wicks away sweat while being sturdy, flexible, and—most importantly—squat-proof.

These have a hidden back pocket in the waistband to hold your keys, the press-on nail that popped off when you were using dumbbells at the gym, etc. But should you want more pocket space, this pair has the same material and construction with two additional side pockets.

The leggings are available in a wide range of sizes (XXS to 6XL), three lengths, and six staple colors. The brand also releases limited edition colors (currently, it's a gorgeous lavender called Wild Iris).

These leggings are so soft and stretchy, putting them on is like slipping into a bathtub of whipped butter (but in a not-gross way). The fabric is super breathable and offers soft support and a fit that actually, well, fits. That's because the brand uses fit models for every size instead of going off of formulas.

These babies come in regular and short lengths, with sizes from 00 to 40.

Our Chief Content Officer calls these leggings her absolute favorite ("they suck me in, in all the right places," she says). The fabric is super lightweight and breathable without being flimsy and conforms to your shape like nobody's business.

They’re available in nine different colors and two lengths. A quick fit note: These do run a bit small.

Made with soft, thick, smooth fabric and flat-lock seams, these leggings are both supportive and comfortable. They have a high waistband that actually stays up, so you won't have to battle with it during yoga class.

They come in core colors of black and white, with limited edition colors dropping throughout the year. (Our current favorite: Lettuce—a fresh, sporty green.)

The reviews on these babies do not lie. They get an impressive 4.8 out of 5 on the brand's site, with over 1,400 reviews. Reviewers say that "the material is SO soft, but still so supportive and snug," and call them "literally the best pair of leggings [they’ve] ever purchased…worth the price, don't sleep on these."

Our wellness editor loves these ultra-soft leggings for activities like yoga, Pilates, and binge-watching Daisy Jones and the Six.

Prefer a seamless legging? We gotchu. These high-waisted beauties are made from thick fabric that's smoothing and lifting, our managing editor says, adding that they’re real ass-flattering.

They’re available in a variety of calming, easy-to-wear colors that work just as well for brunch as they do for Pilates.

Did you know… we should be working out differently for each phase of our cycle? Find out why it's important here.

Shop the best affordable workout leggings below. Did you know… we should be working out differently for each phase of our cycle? Find out why it's important here.