Compression leggings feel tighter and more supportive than standard leggings. And like other compression garments, they’re thought to improve recovery and performance. “Compression leggings increase blood flow from the lower body to the heart and back again,” Corey Lewis, CPT, personal trainer and CEO of 1AND1, a health and wellness company, says. “This boosts the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, improving energy and reducing muscle fatigue.”
But the best compression leggings aren’t just tight. They’re also comfortable, easy to clean, and well-suited to your favorite workouts. Great compression leggings wick moisture, dry quickly, and boast chafe-free seams. They offer the right amount of compression (light, moderate, or high) for your go-to exercises. And they’re packed with features (like padding or breathable panels) that will keep you comfortable as you work out.
We tested 88 pairs of leggings at home, following Verywell's testing guidelines, to find pairs with the right amount of compression for every workout. We tested each pair for four weeks (and counting!). We wore each option while lounging, stretching, and doing various classic workouts, including yoga, brisk walking, high-intensity interval training, and more. We then assessed each pair based on eight key factors: quality, opacity, fit, performance, durability, hold, material, and value.
We also interviewed three experts—a personal trainer, a yoga instructor, and an apparel expert—for buying tips and key factors to consider when looking for compression leggings.
Top Picks
Best Women's Overall
lululemon Wunder Train High Rise Tight 25"
4 inseam lengths
Drawstring waist for superior hold
Fully opaque
Too hot for outdoor summer workouts
Made from lululemon’s signature Everlux fabric (a blend of nylon and lycra) these leggings are compressive and great for higher-intensity workouts and strength training. They're our favorite pair of compression leggings that we tested because their fabric is compressive while still having four-way stretch, so you'll never feel constricted. We even found these comfortable enough for Pilates and barre classes.
The fabric is thicker than we expected. This means that the leggings are fully opaque and squat-proof, which makes them perfect for weightlifting. But it also means that they may be too hot for outdoor exercise in warmer weather and are better suited to indoor workouts in air conditioning or exercise in colder weather. That being said, even though the leggings are thick, they're still exceptionally sweat-wicking—even during sweatier HIIT workouts our sweat dried quickly and never pooled.
The leggings fit true to size, but if you're not used to very compressive leggings, they may feel small. The tights also boast an adjustable drawcord, allowing you to get a more customized fit. The hidden waistband pocket is perfect for holding essentials like cards and keys.
Unlike some lululemon leggings, we love that these are washer- and dryer-friendly for easy cleaning. And the fabric held up in the wash throughout our four-week testing period, even after washing the pair multiple times a week.
We like that the leggings come in a range of sizes and four inseam lengths to further help you find your ideal fit. They also come in 16 color options. With that many choices, it’s easy to nab a version of the leggings you love—in a size, length, and color that suits you perfectly.
Key Specs: Sizes: 0-20 Inseam Length: 23-31 inches Color Options: 16 Material: Everlux fabric (nylon, lycra elastane) Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low Compression Level: High Pockets: One waistband pocket
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Made from Everlux fabric, Lululemon's Wunder Train leggings are great for high-intensity workouts. Credit: Verywell Fit -
Lululemon Wunder Train Tights are compressive, but we can still easily move in them. Credit: Verywell Fit -
Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tights are great for yoga, Pilates, and HIIT workouts. Credit: Verywell Fit
Best Men’s Overall
Under Armour UA RUSH SmartForm Leggings
Flexible, figure-hugging fit
Inclusive size range
Easy to clean
Designed without a fly
Under Armour’s UA RUSH SmartForm Leggings are tight, sweat-wicking, and breathable. And thanks to their unique design, they fit better than most compression tights.
The leggings are made of Under Armour’s UA RUSH fabric, a stretchy blend of polyester and elastane. And they’re some of the tightest compression leggings on our list. The tights wick sweat and dry quickly, so they’re great for intense workouts. They’re also lined with breathable mesh panels, designed with a supportive gusset, and machine-washable for easy cleaning.
But the best thing about the tights is their unique design. The leggings are woven with a flexible knit, which stretches as you move around. And since they’re segmented into panels, they can stretch in the knees without pulling down your waistband. This combination makes the leggings fit like a dream. They’re figure-hugging but flexible—and they’ll stay put as you exercise.
Key Specs: Sizes: XS-3XL Inseam Length: 27.75 inches Color Options: Three Material: Polyester, elastane Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low Compression Level: High Pockets: Drop-in side pocket
Best Sweat-Wicking
lululemon Base Pace High-Rise Crop
No inseam for a chafe-free fit
Drawstring waist for superior hold
Very breathable
Too compressive for everyday wear
If you tend to sweat a lot during exercise, you need sweat-wicking leggings to keep you cool and dry throughout your workout—enter lululemon's Base Pace High-Rise Crops. These leggings are made of the brand's popular Nulux fabric, which manages to be both soft and compressive at the same time. It's also incredibly breathable, thanks to the thinner, lightweight material that feels cool to the touch.
When testing this pair, we found them compressive enough to feel held in and secure but not restricted. One of our testers, a postpartum mother, even said that this pair supported her core in a way that helped her perform better on runs and other workouts.
Despite being thinner compared to other lululemon leggings we've tested, this pair is still fully squat-proof and very durable. We didn't notice any fraying or pilling after four weeks of regular wear. The leggings fit true to size, although they feel a little tighter at the top and looser on the pant leg. They provide a high level of compression, making them great for higher-intensity activities like running and HIIT but not the best option for lounging or running errands.
The high waist has a continuous drawcord that helps you adjust for a perfect fit. There is no inseam, which helped us avoid chafing, and we noticed that the sleek fabric doesn't catch on our inner thighs on runs (a major plus!). We love that these machine-washable leggings can also be tossed in the dryer. They come in two inseam lengths and six colors.
Key Specs: Sizes: 0-20 Inseam Length: 17 and 23 inches Color Options: Six Material: Nylon, Lycra elastane Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low Compression Level: High Pockets: One back drop-in pocket
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These sweat-wicking leggings are great for warm weather outdoor workouts. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The fabric manages to be soft and compressive at the same time, allowing for comfortable movement. Credit: Verywell Fit -
These leggings keep us supported, whether we jog or go for a walk. Credit: Verywell Fit
Best for Cold Weather
Gymshark Adapt Camo Seamless Leggings
Thick, ribbed waistband stays put
Durable fabric
Fully opaque
No pockets
We recommend these Adapt Camo Leggings for when you need extra warmth for workouts in cooler weather or in highly air-conditioned gyms. The thicker fabric is compressive, comfortable, fully opaque, and squat-proof, making these great for strength training workouts. But if you're looking for a pair to wear in warmer weather, lululemon's Base Pace High-Rise Crops are a better option.
We like that these leggings are sweat-wicking and never hold onto odor after tough workouts. The seamless, tag-free design prevents irritation, and the ribbed, thick waistband stays put, even during explosive movements. The high-rise waistband feels comfortable and looks flattering, and the ankle cuffs are also ribbed, so they don't ride up.
The leggings fit true to size, and despite being very compressive, we never feel like we're being squeezed uncomfortably when wearing them. We like that they come in five color options, but we wish they featured pockets for storage.
Key Specs: Sizes: XS-XXL Inseam Length: Not listed Color Options: Five Material: Nylon, polyester, elastane Care: Machine wash cold, air dry Compression Level: High Pockets: None
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The Gymshark Adapt Camo leggings are perfect for outdoor winter workouts and air-conditioned gyms. Credit: Verywell Fit -
Gymshark Adapt Camo leggings offer squat-proof opacity with a stylish camouflage design. Credit: Verywell Fit -
Gymshark Adapt Camo leggings provide comfortable waistband compression without being restrictive. Credit: Verywell Fit -
Gymshark Adapt leggings slide on effortlessly with no tugging or pulling required. Credit: Verywell Fit -
These Gymshark leggings prevent underwear lines with their thicker material. Credit: Verywell Fit -
Gymshark Adapt leggings deliver high-impact workout support with excellent sweat-wicking ability. Credit: Verywell Fit -
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Credit: Verywell Fit
Best for Running
lululemon Original Fast and Free High-Rise Crop
Lots of pockets
Tight waistband
Two inseam lengths
Side pockets may be too deep
We love lululemon's Fast and Free High-Rise Crop Leggings for running because they're lightweight, quick-drying, and have a good balance of stretch and compression. During testing, we realized that this pair is great for both cool and warm weather workouts: We did not overheat on summer runs, but the longer length did help us to dress for winter exercise.
The leggings are designed with a high-rise, snug waistband that stays in place during runs. There's also a continuous drawcord in the waistband so you can tighten or loosen the leggings to find the perfect fit for you. Plus, we found that the leggings never loose any stretch or opacity overtime—even after multiple wears and washes.
We love that they come in six colors and two inseam lengths, allowing you to find the right pair for your style and size. And, we also appreciate that there are two side pockets and five waistband pockets for storing your keys, phone, or mid-run snack on the go. But it's worth noting that we found the side pockets to be so deep and spacious that a phone can slide down toward your knees, causing discomfort during longer runs.
Key Specs: Sizes: 0-20 Inseam Length: 23 and 25 inches Color Options: Six Material: Nylon, Lycra elastane Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low Compression Level: High Pockets: Two side, five waistband pockets
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These leggings are great for running thanks to the secure waistband and multiple pockets. Credit: Verywell Fit -
With two inseam lengths, it's easy to find the perfect fit. Credit: Verywell Fit -
These leggings maintained their stretch and opacity, even after multiple washes. Credit: Verywell Fit -
This pair of pants is super versatile; they're great for exercise in both warm and cold weather. Credit: Verywell Fit
Best Seamless
Gymshark Adapt Animal Seamless Leggings
High, ribbed waistband
Thick, compressive fabric
Ruched bum detailing
No pockets
Waistband sometimes folds down
Some bagginess in the crotch
The high-rise waistband and seam-free design of these GymShark leggings make them our top choice for a comfortable, chafe-free workout. We love the ribbed waistband that adds flatter and support, but we did notice that it sometimes folds over during exercise because it's so high-rise. Still, we found these ultra-compressive leggings a great choice for high-impact workouts like strength training or running.
During testing, we also noticed that the Adapt Animal Seamless Leggings are super sweat-wicking and completely opaque. Breathable and thick, a hard duality to come by, these leggings showed no signs of wear and tear after weeks of workouts and washing. Plus, they also feature a butt scrunch detail that makes for a flattering fit.
It's worth nothing that this pair doesn't have any pockets, but we still think they're well worth it for a comfortable high-impact sweat session.
Key Specs: Sizes: 0-20 Inseam Length: Not listed Color Options: Four Material: Nylon, polyester, elastane Care: Not listed Compression Level: High Pockets: None
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Although this pair doesn't have pockets, we think the flattering look and chafe-free fit is worth it. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The high-rise waistband and seem-free design make these leggings incredibly comfortable. Credit: Verywell Fit -
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The thick, compressive fabric remains completely opaque as we squat. Credit: Verywell Fit
Best for Strength Training
Gymshark Apex Seamless Leggings
Ribbed waistband stays put
Squat-proof fabric
Heat mapping ventilation technology
Some pilling in the crotch
No pockets
Squat-proof tights with good compression are a must for strength training workouts, and Gymshark's Apex Leggings don't disappoint. We love the heat mapping ventilation technology that kept us cool during the sweatiest of sessions. Plus, the design includes muscle contouring lines for a sleek, stylish look.
During test workouts and wear, we found that the high-rise, ribbed waistband stays put. And we appreciated that, despite being super breathable and sweat-wicking, the leggings did not sheer out at all. But we did notice a bit of wear and pilling in the crotch. We also thought the fabric felt a bit scratchy.
Still, this pair offers the coverage and compression you need for a successful strength training workout.
Key Specs: Sizes: 0-20 Inseam Length: Not listed Color Options: One Material: Nylon, polyester, elastane Care: Not listed Compression Level: High Pockets: None
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We love the muscle contouring lines on these leggings that make us feel confident as we work out. Credit: Verywell Fit -
Thanks to their compressive, opaque fabric the pants are always squat-proof. Credit: Verywell Fit
Best Flare
Athleta Elation Flare Pant
Moderate compression
UPF 50+ sun protection
Regular, tall, and petite sizes available
Waistband sometimes folds down
No pockets
One of our favorite flare yoga pants (or flare leggings), Athleta's Elation Flare Pant, is a fun, unique addition to your wardrobe. They are stylish and flattering, while still offering the compression and support that you need in high-quality activewear bottoms. We found the fabric to be super soft, stretchy, and comfortable enough for all types of activities—from strength training to lounging around.
These leggings held up well, not showing any signs of wear and tear after several workouts and washes. They also passed our squat test—remaining completely opaque inside as well as outside in the sun. Plus, they feature a high-rise waistband that stayed put during most activities throughout testing.
We appreciate that these leggings fit true to size and that the flare hits at the right length for full coverage without getting in the way or snagging on shoes. We also like that they come in regular, tall, and petite sizes, as well as five fun colors. While they don't have pockets, we do love that these compressive flare leggings feature built-in UPF 50+ sun protection.
Key Specs: Sizes: 0-24 Inseam Length: 31.5 inches Color Options: Five Material: Nylon, Lycra Care: Machine wash and dry Compression Level: Medium Pockets: One back pocket
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Unlike other pairs, these flare yoga pants don't feel baggy since they still offer compression. Credit: Verywell Fit -
These leggings passed our squat test, remaining opaque both outside in the sun and in the gym. Credit: Verywell Fit -
These leggings didn't show any signs of wear and tear, even after multiple washes and workouts. Credit: Verywell Fit -
This Athleta flared pant features a breathable mesh-lined waistband. Credit: Verywell Fit
Best for High-Impact Workouts
Athleta Ultimate Stash High Rise Legging
Regular, tall, and petite sizes
Drawstring waist stays put
Squat-proof fabric
Seams may feel a little stiff
For high-intensity workouts, you'll want to choose a pair of leggings that offer ample compression to keep you supported while you're running, jumping, and (definitely) sweating. Designed for high-impact exercise, Athleta's Ultimate Leggings are supportive, sweat-wicking, and comfortable. Plus, we found that they're completely opaque, which is always important when hitting the gym or your favorite workout class.
While testing, we noticed that the leggings stay in place without digging in or sagging in any unwanted areas. Plus, the adjustable drawstring helps you find the perfect fit. We did find the seams to be a bit stiff and noticeable, making them quite uncomfortable for lounging and all-day wear. But for your next high intensity workout, you won't find a better pair.
Key Specs: Sizes: 0-24 Inseam Length: 23-28 inches Color Options: Three Material: Polyester, Lycra Care: Machine wash and dry Compression Level: High Pockets: Two side drop-in pockets
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We found these leggings to be completely opaque while squatting. Credit: Verywell Fit -
These leggings are designed for high-impact workouts and may be too stiff for lounging. Credit: Verywell Fit -
These leggings stay in place without digging or sagging in unwanted areas. Credit: Verywell Fit
We Also Tested
In total, we tested 12 pairs of compression leggings, and while the following didn't make our list, they do have some features worth noting.
- lululemon's Wunder Train Contour Fit High-Rise Tights are compressive and hug you in all the right places, but we didn't find them to be comfortable enough for long workouts or all-day wear.
- Seamless and body contouring, Gymshark's Flex High Waisted Leggings are comfortable and flattering. But the thick fabric is not very stretchy and the waistband tends to roll down during certain exercises.
- These Girlfriend Collective Black Compressive Pocket Leggings have pockets, a soft and compressive fabric, and a smooth, high waistband. But during testing, we found that they had to be readjusted often and started to sag in the crotch after wearing them for a while.
How We Selected and Tested the Best Compression Leggings
To find the best compression leggings available today, we first turned to three fitness experts to get their input on what features to look for in a quality pair of leggings. The experts we spoke to include:
- Corey Lewis, CPT, CSCS, certified personal trainer
- Alex Farrar, yoga instructor
- Shelly LeSun, apparel expert
Then, we researched dozens of popular compression leggings, prioritizing options that are offered in several sizes, lengths, and colors. We sought to feature a range of compression leggings that are well-suited to different activities, body types, and personal preferences.
After our in-depth research, we pulled several pairs of compression leggings from our recent Verywell Fit leggings tests. In total, we've tested over 80 pairs of leggings over the course of several months. For this list, we focused specifically on compression leggings, evaluating 12 different pairs a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for the categories of opacity, fit and performance, hold, durability, quality, and overall value.
To test each pair of leggings we wore them at least seven times for several different activities: Strength training, running, yoga, Pilates, lounging, and more. While wearing the leggings, we paid attention to how comfortable and compressive they are, as well as any notable design elements (like pockets, seams, or flares).
We performed a squat test at the beginning and end of the testing month to check for opacity and durability overtime. We also completed a 60-second hold test to check how well the waistband stayed put during vigorous activity. And finally, we did a stretch and recovery test of the waistband to measure how well the waistband snaps back to its original size after being stretched. We also washed and dried the leggings several times according to the manufacturers instructions.
We used our expert interviews, thorough research, and months of rigorous testing to compile a reliable list of the best compression leggings for our readers.
What to Look for in Compression Leggings
Compression Level
Not dissimilar to compression socks, compression leggings come in three compression levels: Light, moderate, and high. And when deciding which compression level is right for you, you should consider when you want to wear your leggings and how you want them to feel. High-compression leggings are great for intense exercise, like low-impact HIIT workouts, while low-compression leggings are better for everyday wear. Moderate-compression leggings split the difference—and they’re most of what you’ll find when shopping.
Size and Fit
When shopping for compression leggings, check two numbers: size and inseam length. You want to choose a pair of leggings that are snug, without feeling constrictive, and hit you at a comfortable length. And since compression leggings run tight, you might have to size up to get the right fit.
“Your compression leggings should be skin-tight,” Farrar says. “But if you feel like you can’t breathe and your flow of breath and circulation feels constricted, then go up a size!”
Once you’ve found your perfect fit, pay attention to rise and style. You can find compressive high-waisted leggings, flare leggings, or capris. And you can score compression leggings in a range of prints and colors. “There is so much to choose from, so enjoy what’s best for you and your preference,” LeSun says.
Comfort
If your leggings aren’t comfortable, you won’t keep wearing them. So you'll want to look for a pair that are breathable and moisture-wicking to keep you cool and dry, says Lewis.
You should also make sure that the material is soft and stretchy enough to wear for different activities and many hours at a time without any discomfort. And for your own convenience, you might want your leggings to be easy to clean, too, so you can toss them in the wash along with your athletic socks and workout underwear.
Preferred Activity
Since compression leggings are such a popular pick for exercise, some are tailored to specific workouts. There are compression leggings designed specifically for running, like lululemon's Fast and Free High-Rise Crop Leggings, that have offer optimal support and helpful design elements (like pockets). And there are also leggings made for more low-impact exercise or daily wear, like Athleta’s Elation Flare Pants, that excel in style and comfort.
When shopping, consider how you like to work out and what features you’d find handy while exercising. Then, look for a pair of leggings that provides the right amount of compression for your workouts—and that offers some of those nice-to-have features.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Lindsey Lanquist is a writer for Verywell Fit with seven years of experience in the health and fitness space. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.
As someone who wears leggings every day, Lindsey values leggings that are comfortable, stretchy, and easy to move around in. She’s happy to spend a little extra to score a pair that maintains its stretch after lots of wears and washes. For this article, Lindsey looked over the test results to help compile our top picks.