Our favourite leggings for every workout and every body
Is there are a harder working piece of clothing than the humble pair of leggings? I think not. From working out to Netflix-and-chillin, leggings are undoubtedly the MVP in your wardrobe. They come in every colour and pattern under the sun, you can dress them up or dress them down, you can wear them anywhere and everywhere, for exercise or for fun.
But lets be honest: there are a LOT of leggings out there. Its hard to know where to even start when it comes to shopping for a pair. Which is where we come in. Were not calling this the definitive guide to all the leggings you can buy online… because wed be here all week. But were calling this the guide to our favourites, the ones we personally love, the ones we drag on day after day and re-order, stat, when we finally wear them out after a thousand spin classes or Sunday morning brunch dates.
Our favourite leggings, for every workout and every body
Our number one faves
Sweaty Betty Power High Waist 7/8 workout leggings, $120 at THE ICONICRunning Bare Womens Ab Tastic Studio Tights, $49.99 at Rebel SportNike One Luxe Leggings, $100 at Nikeadidas Womens Loungewear Essentials 3-Stripes Tights, $49.99 at Rebel Sport
Best basic black
Dynamic Legging, $99 at PE NationLotus Full-Length Leggings, $99.99 at Lorna JaneNimble Activewear Made To Move 2, $119 at THE ICONIC
Best squat-proof
No Ride Booty Ankle Biter Leggings, $90 at Lorna JaneRunning Bare Ab-Tastic Karma Tights, $119.99 at THE ICONIC
Best scrunch-bum
Rockwear Scrunch Bum Full-Length Tights, $79.99 at THE ICONICStaples Scrunch Bum Leggings, $79.95 at Ryderwear
Best leggings with pockets
PE Nation Double Team Leggings, $129 at THE ICONICEll & Voo Womens Kara Pocket 7/8 Tights, $49.99 at Rebel Sport
Best fashion
Amy Phone Pocket Ankle Biter Leggings, $112 at Lorna JaneNimble Activewear High Rise Long Leggings, $119 at THE ICONIC
Best high-waisted
Champion Ultra High Rise Tights, $79.99 at THE ICONICLululemon Align Super High Rise, $119 at Lululemon
Best Compression
2XU Core Compression Tights, $119.95 at THE ICONICSpanx High-Waist Look At Me Now Seamless Leggings, $129.95 at THE ICONIC
Best 3/4
Wunder Train High-Rise Crop, $119 at LululemonEll & Voo Womens Lydia 3/4 Tights, $39.99 at Rebel Sport
Our number one faves
The leggings we just never, ever want to take off. Like, ever.
Sweaty Betty Power High Waist 7/8 workout leggings, $120 at THE ICONIC
Image: The Iconic
Source:BodyAndSoul
I love these leggings. Theyre pricy but to me, theyre worth every penny because they tick every box: high waisted (cos I hate a waist that wont stay up), two phone pockets (because I power-walk with the dog more than I hit the gym these days and I rarely take a bag with me) and theyre sweat-wicking, super soft and comfy and just the right length (Im 57) to show off my ankles. They also have a wide, banded waistband that offers just enough compression to make you feel supported without feeling like its going to cut off the circulation. I have them in three different designs and I wear them (almost) every day.
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Running Bare Womens Ab Tastic Studio Tights, $49.99 at Rebel Sport
Image: Rebel Sport
Source:BodyAndSoul
Crafted from premium supportive fabric, these ab-solutely fabulous tights are designed to stay up and stay firm no matter whether youre hitting the studio, the bar, the treadmill or the cafe. Made from supplex compress performance fabric that stretches with you for maximum movement, they also have a seamless outer leg so theyre non-irritating. “So good and SUCH good value. I bought two pairs and now I have them on rotation,” says Body + Soul reader, Deb. “These are the best tights Ive ever owned. So comfortable and fit like a glove.”
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Nike One Luxe Leggings, $100 at Nike
Image: Nike
Source:BodyAndSoul
Says Body & Soul writer, Dani, “High-intensity exercise isnt my vibe, but iso has turned me into a fan of post-work walks and at-home yoga. I was super happy to find that the waistband on these tights didnt slip down, which is a revelation for someone like me who is used to aggressively hiking up my leggings every two minutes. Plus, the sweat-wicking fabric worked as promised to keep me feeling dry. Im almost mad at how much I love these tights because I now I realise what Ive been missing out on by only ever buying cheap leggings! Theyre lightweight, opaque, flattering and so damn comfortable that I live in them pre and post-workout too.”
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Adidas Womens Loungewear Essentials 3-Stripes Tights, $49.99 at Rebel Sport
Image: Rebel Sport
Source:BodyAndSoul
For classic, sporty style, you cant go past a pair of three-stripes from Adidas. “Theyre legendary for a reason,” says Body + Soul reader Caro. “Sporty, a bit vintage and so comfortable. I live in these. Doesnt hurt that the vertical lines are pretty darn slimming too haha!” With 638 reviews and an average of 4.8/5 on Rebel Sport, plenty of people agree. “I absolutely LIVE in these leggings,” one reviewer says. “So much so that I just bought a second pair after absolutely running my last pair into the ground having worn them so much. Love.”
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Best basic black
Classic, stylish, goes with anything… you cant go wrong with basic black.
Dynamic Legging, $99 at PE Nation
Image: PE Nation
Source:BodyAndSoul
A high-rise staple with plenty of fans, PE Nations Black Dynamic Legging is made from sustainable compressive fabric so its soft but supportive at the same time and has a folded waistband you can wear up or down depending on how you like to roll. Great for low-to-medium training or just for hitting the streets with a latte. “So much love for these PE Nation tights,” writes Body + Soul reader Jodie. “So supportive and so comfy and just such a great wardrobe staple.”
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Lotus Full-Length Leggings, $99.99 at Lorna Jane
Image: Lorna Jane
Source:BodyAndSoul
Another pair I have in my wardrobe and wear on heavy rotation, I sub these in for my Sweaty Bettys when Im wanting a longer length and a basic black to go about my day. I admit I wear these more for running errands than running around the block (they have a hidden waistband pocket but not a phone pocket) but theyre absolutely perfect for throwing under an oversized shirt with a pair of white trainers and heading to the cafe. I mean, you could definitely wear them for actual workouts too – theyre moisture-wicking, high-waisted and have anti-chafing seams, so theyre super comfortable no matter how many squats or hill starts youre tackling.
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Nimble Activewear Made To Move 2, $119 at THE ICONIC
Image: THE ICONIC
Source:BodyAndSoul
With chafe-free, flatlocked seams and crafted from buttery soft MoveLite performance fabric, the purpose is right there in the name: these tights are made to move! Whether youre spinning, sprinting, climbing, downward-dogging or just chasing around after children, these tights have you covered as theyre actually intended for high-intensity workouts. They have two side pockets (yay!) and a front internal drawcord to keep you nicely tucked in.
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Best squat-proof
Dont let a VPL get in the way of a good workout.
No Ride Booty Ankle Biter Leggings, $90 at Lorna Jane
Image: Lorna Jane
Source:BodyAndSoul
Lorna Jane’s best seller is popular for a reason, with a soft and supportive high waist which is available with or without a supportive fold-over. The nothing to see here fabric is soft yet thick (so there’s no risk of any VPL) and has added built-in booty support along with four-way stretch to move with you, whatever your workout. “Amazing fit and feel! Could live in these. Great for running or just wearing around the house,” says one, while another raves, “I love these tights! Squat proof & comfortable. Stays on and doesn’t roll down!”
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Running Bare Ab-Tastic Karma Tights, $119.99 at THE ICONIC
Image: THE ICONIC
Source:BodyAndSoul
Says Body & Soul Writer, Jess, “40 squats and 30 reps on the leg press machine after a 2km run. Despite building up quite the sweat during my workout, my legs remained relatively cool and dry – finding the product description of breathable and moisture-wicking material to be true… Im happy to report that these Running Bare tights are indeed squat-proof! With their high-waisted fit, breathable material, the environmentally-conscious manufacturing AND the fact that they don’t give fellow gym-goers a ~show~ when I’m just trying to get quad and glute gains… these tights have quickly become the go-to pair in my wardrobe. Highly recommend!”
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Best scrunch-bum
The ultimate in booty-shaping technology…
Rockwear Scrunch Bum Full-Length Tights, $79.99 at Rockwear
Image: Rockwear
Source:BodyAndSoul
These feature
a scrunch bum detail that shapes and defines your finest asset. Made from supplex fabric, they have a four-way stretch that are compressive yet flexible, and theyre moisture-wicking and breathable to keep you cool and comfy all workout long. Theres also a high-rise waistband which means theyll stay in place. “
Lovely material, great fit and they shape you beautifully,” writes one reviewer.
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Staples Scrunch Bum Leggings, $79.95 at Ryderwear
Image: Ryderwear
Source:BodyAndSoul
These scrunch bum leggings from Ryderwear come in every colour under the rainbow – literally. Greens, pinks, blues, red… whatever your workout aesthetic, theres a scrunch bum legging to match. With a high-waisted design and four-way stretch fabric, theyre flexible and supportive and totally squat proof (which is a good thing, cos we reckon youll be squatting a lot to show off your booty when youre wearing these!
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Best leggings with pockets
A lot of the leggings weve already featured have pockets anyway, but here are two more I personally love. Cos as Ive already said: I love me a pocket.
PE Nation Double Team Leggings, $129 at THE ICONIC
Image: THE ICONIC
Source:BodyAndSoul
I love PE Nations activewear-meets-fashion aesthetic and these three-colour double team leggings are a fave. The panelled performance fabric is stretchy yet firm with just the right amount of compression, and theres a high waistband and adjustable drawcord to keep you feeling nice and snug. Oh, and theres a nice big hip pocket, just perfect for your phone. Best.
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Ell & Voo Womens Kara Pocket 7/8 Tights, $49.99 at Rebel Sport
Image: Rebel Sport
Source:BodyAndSoul
These mid-calf tights are crafted with HydroDRY technology which expertly wicks sweat and keeps you cool and dry while you exercise. With stretchy fabric that moves with you, it also has a wide and supportive elastic waistband that keeps you nicely tucked in. And yeah, theres also pocket, because thats what were really here for, right? “Fantastic tights. Perfect for my short legs,” says one, adding, “Loving the pockets, easy to have my phone with me at the gym now.”
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Best fashion
Boring activewear be gone!
Amy Phone Pocket Ankle Biter Leggings, $112 at Lorna Jane
Image: Lorna Jane
Source:BodyAndSoul
As well as being a fan of leggings with pockets, Im also a fan of leggings that make a statement. Dont get me wrong: I love my basic blacks as much as anyone, but I also dont think activewear needs to be boring. I love these on-trend red and pink animal-print leggings from Lorna Jane are part of their famous ankle-biter range and theyre soft and breathable and moisture-wicking for whatever your day has in store. Theyre also high-waisted and made from slightly compressive fabric, so they wont fall down. “So awesome! I feel so funky in these… Lovely thick tights – not see-through at all and the colour is even nicer than the picture,” wrote one reviewer.
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Nimble Activewear High Rise Long Leggings, $119 at THE ICONIC
Image: THE ICONIC
Source:BodyAndSoul
Body + Soul writer Kelsey says, “These Nimble tights are made from recycled polyester, but are super soft with only one seam on the inside of the leg to keep you feeling snug and secure. They’re long (and I’m tall), sitting just above my ankle, and hit just above my belly button. I chose a size smaller than my usual size. I took them through my HIIT workout (think: burpees, bike sprints, and box jumps), and threw in some squats for good measure. They conformed with each movement seamlessly and didn’t change in transparency at all. Because of the sturdy fabric, you can’t see sweat patches either (nothing worse than a wet crotch mid-workout).
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Best high-waisted
Because theres nothing worse than tights that roll down mid-movement.
Champion Ultra High Rise Tights, $79.99 at THE ICONIC
Image: THE ICONIC
Source:BodyAndSoul
Another pair on this list that I personally own and pretty much the only pair of tights I love DESPITE the fact they dont have pockets. I really do love these Champion tights – they really are high rise, they really do stay up and they are so incredibly comfy to wear. Theyre a little thin – not see-through, just lightweight in material – so theyre better suited to summer than winter workouts, but they keep me feeling tucked in and supported and they really do cover me from belly button to ankle, so theyre great for streamlining a look. I wear them working out more than for every day (because, like I said, no pockets!) but theyre breathable, sweat-wicking and stretchy. Love.
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Align Super High Rise, $119 at Lululemon
Image: Lululemon
Source:BodyAndSoul
These pants are a fantastic staple – I have them in two different colours and wear them not just for studio work but also just for everyday, WFH life. Perfect for yoga, they come in several different lengths depending on how long you like your leg and are made of sweat-wicking fabric with added Lycra fibre so you can stretch and bend every way you need.
Best Compression
If you need a bit of extra support (or motivation) to get exercising, or youre recovering from surgery and easing your way in, compression tights are a great option.
2XU Core Compression Tights, $119.95 at THE ICONIC
Image: THE ICONIC
Source:BodyAndSoul
With a wide power mesh comfort waistband for a sculpting and secure fit, these tights offer powerful yet lightweight support with 360-degree stretch to reduce muscle movement and damage whilst maintaining flexibility. The moisture-wicking and squat-proof material offer a superior fit thats well worth the investment – and theyre available in a wide range of designs.
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Spanx High-Waist Look At Me Now Seamless Leggings, $129.95 at THE ICONIC
Image: THE ICONIC
Source:BodyAndSoul
I mean, all you really need to know is that these leggings are made by Spanx, the OG when it comes to keeping everything trim, taut and terrific. These high-waisted seamless leggings will completely streamline your silhouette, supporting your tummy and shaping your legs. If half your problem with working out is how you look in workout clothes (girl, same) these might be the confidence boost you need to get started. “I look two sizes smaller in these,” says Body & Soul reader Deb. “Ill admit I do have squeeze a bit to get into them, but once theyre on theyre SO comfy and supportive and they make me feel like Im halfway to my fitness goals already, simply cos I look the part!”
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Best 3/4 tights
Whether youre short of stature or just like to feel the breeze on your legs, 3/4 are a great option.
Wunder Train High-Rise Crop, $119 at Lululemon
Image: Lululemon
Source:BodyAndSoul
Available in a bunch of sophisticated, muted colours, these high-rise crops are perfect for high-intensity training. Sweat-wicking and breathable, theyre made from Lululemons fastest-ever drying fabric, with added lycra for extra stretch. “First time tights buyer and can say I’m totally obsessed!” writes one, adding, “Perfect fit and the material is like two sticks of BUTTAH!”
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Ell & Voo Womens Lydia 3/4 Tights, $39.99 at Rebel Sport
Image: Rebel Sport
Source:BodyAndSoul
With over 100 reviews and an average of 4.7/5 stars, these have a wide and supportive waistband to keep you firmly tucked in and are made from HydroDry technology that is sweat-wicking, performance-enhancing and breathable. “Super comfortable and great quality, stretchy but holds everything in. As good as, if not better than the major brands!!”
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What fabrics should I be looking for when Im buying activewear?
You want fabric that is breathable and sweat-resistant. Bamboo is a great choice because it’s moisture-wicking and regulates temperature well – so it keeps you both hot and cold as needed. It’s also soft to wear and durable, so it’ll last longer than some other fibres. Tencel is a fabric that is man-made to mimic bamboo, so that’s another option if you like the feel bamboo gives you. Otherwise cotton is a great go-to, as cotton is soft and comfortable and stretches easily. It is, however, highly absorbent, so if you’re doing a particularly active session – like a spin class or hot yoga – it might not be the best choice as it’ll get clingier as you sweat. If you want synthetic material, nylon and polyester are good choices as they wick away moisture and help your skin breathe better. If your leggings contain spandex or lycra they’ll also likely hold their shape for longer.
How can I make my activewear go the distance?
Always check the washing instructions before you go and chuck your leggings in the machine – some fabrics (like bamboo) might require a cold or a hand wash. But either way, it’s always a good idea to give your activewear a quick hand wash in cold water first, as this will prevent colour bleed and shrinkage. And it’s usually a good idea to skip the dryer and opt for air-drying if you want to prolong the life of your tights.
Want more great buying guides? Weve got the best activewear brands for every type of workout and the best yoga pants for every body. In the mood to purchase some new workout gear? Heres a deal where you can grab up to 15% off at Asics.