The 16 Best Workout Leggings for Every Body Type and Fitness Need, According to Our Editors

• What We Like: slippery material, adjustable waistband
• What We Don't Like: sell out frequently
• Material: Nulux
• Length: 25-, 28- and 31-inch inseams
• Size Range: 0 to 20

These leggings from lululemon nail it in just about every way. The Nulux fabric is basically weightless and super breathable, so if you're running outside on a hot day, they won't cause you to overheat. They also have a handy back pocket for your keys, a hidden drawstring in the front for cinching and no inseam. You can't ask for much more in a workout legging. "I wore these leggings on repeat during my half marathon training this winter and they were super supportive and never rode up or down during my runs," says commerce editor Olivia Dubyak. "The only issue was that the 28-inch inseam leggings sat a little high on my ankles (even though I wear that length in other lululemon leggings), so if you have long legs maybe opt for the 31-inch inseam."

• What We Like: cropped, sweat-wicking
• What We Don't Like: mid-rise fit isn't everyone's favorite
• Material: polyester-spandex blend
• Length: one length
• Size Range: 0 to 22

Squat-proof, smooth and compressive, these lightweight recycled polyester leggings feel comfortable for all workouts, according to Dubyak. "I reach for these leggings for basically any kind of workout," she says.Happy customers also report that they're not see-through (an essential feature for everyday wear) and that they hug the body well. "The waistband doesn't cut into my hips, despite the mid rise fit and the V-cut along the back of the waistband seam emphasizes my booty for a more athletic look," says Dubyak. And with three hidden pockets, you can fit most of your essentials. One buyer shares, "I love how they are silky smooth and offer some compression and lift. I [also] appreciate that these leggings are very thin feeling but are not see-through at all when bending over or squatting."

• What We Like: very soft material, sculpting
• What We Don't Like: not super breathable
• Material: Alosoft
• Length: one length
• Size Range: XXS to L

These durable leggings are designed for yoga and lower-impact workouts, but are comfortable enough to wear for lounging or athleisure, too. They're made of the brand's famous Alosoft material which is known for being supportive, sweat-wicking and velvety soft. "I'm a sucker for super-soft leggings that have that barely-there feeling and [these are] my favorites because I almost never have to adjust them while I'm working out," says assistant commerce editor Natalie LaBarbera. "I especially love the 7/8-length that doesn't bunch up at the ankles on my short legs."

• What We Like: super high waist, can try before you buy
• What We Don't Like: may feel too high-waist for shorter torsos
• Material: nylon-spandex blend
• Length: one length
• Size Range: XS to XL

A pair of high-waist leggings is great, but a pair of super high-waist leggings is what we call a must-have. These leggings have a slightly cropped inseam sitting at 26 inches long, and if you have short legs, they'll likely go all the way to the ankle. "[They're] very comfortable and the high waist lets me do an easy knotted front tuck of my shirt so it doesn't slide down during yoga," says associate editor, SEO, Marissa Wu. "[I] probably could have gone a size up—I am usually a small but fluctuate between 2/4/6, so medium would have worked here," she mentions.

• What We Like: star pattern, built-in shapewear material
• What We Don't Like: very expensive
• Material: polyester-nylon-lycra blend
• Length: one length
• Size Range: XS to XL

PureWow wellness director Sarah Stiefvater feels so passionately about these Ultracor leggings, she wrote an entire review describing her love-hate relationship with them. (The hate mostly centers around the fact that each pair costs $198.) After wearing them to a spin class and experiencing their high-stretch, soft compression and sweat-wicking abilities, she promptly retired her favorite leggings. But what sets them apart from the rest, you ask? “They stay put through burpees, box jumps and sprints on the rowing machine without ever feeling too tight,” she says. Plus, they have a unique built-in underwear design that smooths lumps and bumps and makes your butt look good. Stiefvater has a hot tip for anyone else who is still cringing at that price: Wait until they go on sale.

• What We Like: side ventilation, body-skimming
• What We Don't Like: waistband feels a little too thick
• Material: nylon
• Length: one length
• Size Range: XS to XXL

These are the seamless leggings we all need. The problem some folks face with seamless leggings is gapping and sagging in the butt area. "I find that these leggings are the closest athletic option to feeling like you're wearing a second skin," says Dubyak. These have incredible compression from the high waist down to the calves, and because of that hold, they contour your booty like no other. These leggings also have tiny holes along the sides of the legs, making them super breathable. "This may be too much info, but my crotch and legs sweat a ton when I workout, so the ventilation is a godsend for breathability," says Dubyak.

• What We Like: very stretchy, lightweight
• What We Don't Like: lighter colors show sweat marks
• Material: recycled nylon and elastane
• Length: one length
• Size Range: XXS to XXL

More of a sculpt, yoga or barre person? This pair’s for you. Everlane’s minimalist leggings are advertised as "ideal for all types of workouts," but according to our former fashion director Dena Silver, lower-impact workouts are where they really shine. “They’re super soft and stretchy, but not too heavy on the compression fabric, which makes them really easy to move around in,” she explains. In fact, they’re so comfy, she says it almost feels like you’re wearing nothing at all. The only downside? Silver mentions that the lighter colors show sweat marks, so definitely take that into consideration before you wear them to hot yoga.

• What We Like: compressive, squat-proof
• What We Don't Like: can feel too compressive
• Material: recycled water bottles and spandex
• Length: 23.75- and 28.5-inch inseams
• Size Range: XXS to 6XL

As far as sustainability goes, Girlfriend Collective’s leggings are the best of the best. "I love that they are a sustainable brand that I can feel good about shopping, and it helps that they have an incredible color selection," says editorial assistant Delia Curtis. The fabric is made from 25 recycled water bottles, which saves 3 gallons of water and prevents 18 pounds of CO₂ emissions when compared to the average production process of leggings, according to the company. That said, the material feels so luxe you’d never guess it had a previous life. "They are a dream to work out in—they’re secure and keep everything in place while I’m jumping around during a workout. Plus, amazing to lounge in," says Curtis. We find that our Girlfriend Collective leggings are best suited for yoga and sculpt classes, because the compression material keeps us feeling sucked in, even if we're attempting a particularly tricky move—looking at you, crow pose. Word to the wise: If you’re between sizes, go up.

• What We Like: buttery soft, lightly sculpts
• What We Don't Like: can pill
• Material: Nulu
• Length: 23-, 25-, 28- and 31-inch inseams
• Size Range: 0 to 20

Multiple women declared this best-selling style from lululemon their all-time fave, and for good reason. The brand's patented Nulu fabric is the main selling point. (Two words: buttery soft.) "The matte Nulu fabric feels so soft and looks presentable to wear out to lunch after my workout," says senior editor Dana Dickey. Though they're recommended for low-impact workouts like yoga, they're fabulous for barre and Pilates as well. "I prefer the high-rise ones because somehow the wide waistband does. not. roll. down. Even when I’m doing bendy yoga or knee lifts in my bootcamp," Dickey raves. If you're wearing them for more than just yoga, though, you might notice that the crotch pills easily (especially if your thighs tend to rub or touch together even a little bit). Even with that small flaw, these leggings will always hold a special place in our hearts (and closets).

• What We Like: supports belly, super high waistband
• What We Don't Like: can pill after a lot of wear
• Material: nylon-spandex blend
• Length: one length
• Size Range: S to XL

According to PureWow’s editorial director Candace Davison, these maternity leggings were a total godsend when she was pregnant with her daughter. She wore them for everything from Orangetheory and yoga during her first trimester to just lounging on the couch closer to her due date. “The extra-high waistband is super supportive on a growing stomach—which became crucial for preventing back pain during my second trimester,” she notes. After months of nonstop use, they did pill a little bit between the thighs, but Davison says they were great otherwise.

• What We Like: highly sculpting and supportive
• What We Don't Like: can pill after a lot of wear
• Material: polyamide elastane
• Length: 7/8 and full length
• Size Range: XXS to XXL

“Every time I decide to try a new brand of leggings, I’m left disappointed that I didn’t just invest in another pair of Sweaty Betty’s Power leggings instead,” says PureWow’s SVP of growth, Emily Kerr. She became a loyal fan of the style because it's durable, never see-through and comes in a variety of pretty shades and patterns. But her favorite thing about these leggings? They make her butt look amazing, thanks to the flattering seams that are designed to do just that.

• What We Like: thick waistband, moisture-wicking fabric
• What We Don't Like: a lot of seams
• Material: polyester-spandex blend
• Length: one length
• Size Range: XS to XL

PureWow’s director of branded content, Cristina Gutierrez, could never find leggings that fit her pear-shaped frame quite right...until she tried on a pair of Zella’s Live In leggings. “They check all of my boxes: affordable, thick, enough coverage, a high waist that doesn’t feel like a corset, stretchy and suction-cupped to my body in a way that feels like a second skin,” she says. She recommends checking Nordstrom Rack to see if you can find them on sale before you pay full price. They're also moisture-wicking and have a non-slip waistband to stay put during an extra spicy workout class.

• What We Like: back zipper pocket, lightweight
• What We Don't Like: not ideal for hot outdoor runs
• Material: nylon-elastane blend
• Length: one length
• Size Range: XS to XL

These leggings won't budge while you're out for a chilly morning run. They are made from the brand's patented Inverno blend fabric for warmth and effortlessness with every stride. PureWow's senior food editor, Katherine Gillen, adds, "They’re sweat-wicking, quick drying and feel pretty lightweight but the material is brushed on the inside, so it’s fleecy-soft and warm. Bonus points for the back pocket and the bonded seams to prevent chafing." Even though the leggings have a soft interior, they're made to adjust with the temperature so even if it is a bit warm, they won't overheat your legs.

• What We Like: pockets on each side, flexible material
• What We Don't Like: waistband seam sits low on hips
• Material: spandex-polyester blend
• Length: one length
• Size Range: XS to 4XL, regular, tall and petite

Comfy running leggings for cheap? We're in. These are flexible and comfortable for any workout, but our fashion editor, Abby Hepworth, likes them for running. "They really live up to the name and are super soft and smooth. They come with pockets on the sides, which is an absolute must when I go for a run (although Old Navy also makes them without pockets), and I appreciate that they come in tall and petite lengths, too."

• What We Like: compressive, wide waistband
• What We Don't Like: material can feel too thick
• Material: Airlift
• Length: one length
• Size Range: XXS to XL

These best sellers have quickly become some of our favorite leggings to wear for a hardcore leg day workout. We love that they don't pill because of their nylon exterior, yet they still feel smooth against the skin. "I love wearing these leggings on leg day at the gym because they don't slide down my hips and they stay dry when I get super sweaty," says Dubyak. On top of that, they're moisture-wicking and have a lovely four-way stretch.

• What We Like: very stretchy and flexible, pockets on both sides
• What We Don't Like: material isn't super sculpting
• Material: polyamide-spandex blend
• Length: one length
• Size Range: S to XL

"I love the pockets, there's one on each side large enough to hold my cellphone," writes one Amazon reviewer. And Dubyak can't get over the flattering fit. "These are great if you want to emphasize your booty or legs because the material holds you in while letting your own shape do all the talking," she says. That being said, if you're looking for a more sculpting and supportive pair of leggings, these probably aren't for you.