The Best Athleta Leggings, Ranked for Lounging, Running, Yoga and All the Things

Best for Yoga

The high-rise fit of these moisture-wicking tights means they’ll keep you covered no matter how low you bend, and the buttery Powervita fabric massages your skin without sucking you in so tight you can’t relax. The side stash pockets lie flat when they’re empty, but also keep your belongings streamlined. Rated UPF 50+, they'll be your first choice when you’re reaching for something to wear for that warm-weather rooftop yoga class.

^{Available in sizes XXS to 3X, Tall and Petite}

Best for Hiking

We appreciate the attention to detail in these technical leggings, which are made especially for outdoor hiking, biking or climbing. For starters, the recycled nylon and spandex material is extra sturdy to reduce nicks and snags, water-repellent and rated with UPF 50+ (because we’re not interested in sunburn while we’re napping in the wild). Six (!) zippered pockets mean you don’t need a fanny pack, and the woodsy hues, which range from decadent chocolate to smokey peat, will look way more appropriate in nature than your run-of-the-mill loud gym-ready hues.

^{Available in sizes 0 to 26, Tall and Petite}

Best for Running

These leggings are made of a quick-dry fabric that keeps you dry in the midst of an intense workout, making them ideal for pounding the pavement. Add in the UPF 50+ sun protection and a compressive fabric that keeps you supported, and you’ve got the perfect pair of running tights for long-distance training or a quick midday shakeout.

^{Available in sizes S to 3X}

Best for Studio Workouts

This bright camo-print legging is going to get you noticed in a studio class, where fashion is almost as important as remembering the teacher’s combination of steps. The high-waisted design means you can wear this with only a sports bra and still look covered up, and the drop-in back pocket on the waistband is big enough to stow your keys and a credit card when you go for coffee after class (but not so large enough that it’s going to look bulky). The brand’s compressive fabric is made from recycled water bottles and is sweat-wicking, too.

Best for Cold Weather

The stretch fabric of these babies is designed to keep you nice and toasty—even in cold weather. That’s because it’s Polartec, the innovative polyester fleecy fabric that is knit to stretch along with active bodies while maintaining a warm, lightweight temperature. These leggings also have a wide waistband, internal drawcord and a back zippered pocket, so you can destroy sets of burpees in the park without exposing your midsection to a chill.

Best for Commuting

The fast-wicking nylon and spandex blend of this versatile pair is perfect for both biking to work and wearing with a blazer and loafers once you arrive at the office. Their secret lies in the pintuck moto detailing at the hip and mid-thigh, which is not only super stylish, but streamlining for your figure. And the twin back zip pockets? They’ll keep your ID and credit card secure, whether you’re headed on a brisk midday walk or to a business lunch.

^{Available in sixes XXS to 3X, Tall and Petite}

Best for Interval Training

For the intense starts and stops involved in high-intensity cardio, we want a cooling tight that’s going to be super comfortable (and as flattering as possibly when we’re drenched in sweat). That’s this ribbed tight, which is made of Athleta’s super-soft Powervita fabric (a nylon and lycra blend that gives you light compression that’s not so oppressive it’s bulging everywhere). We’re fans of the on-trend crossover waistband that crosses in front and dips to a smartly designed V-shape in the back that flatters your rear end. There’s also a stash pocket for your cards if you’re running a quick errand.

^{Available in XXS to XL, Tall and Petite}

Best for Lounging

These offer the same comfy, wide waistband and high-rise waist you love in Athleta workout wear, only done in a velvet high-waist legging. They’re opaque and stretchy enough for whatever studio class you might want to wear them to, but really, we think they’re calling for you to put them on to snuggle up on the couch. The velvet fabric washes and dries like a dream, too— just turn them inside out to preserve the nap).