The Best Leggings for Working Out in 2026, Tested by Style Editors

For a long time, I always opted for the softest, stretchiest leggings in my drawer, no matter the workout. However, in the past year, I’ve been doing a lot more strength training, and I’ve found myself swapping soft pairs for more compressive options like the Wunder Train to stay locked in and supported during moves like jump squats, burpees, and quick-burst movements. I never thought I’d be a compression leggings gal, but once I tried them, I never went back.

The Wunder Train Leggings are made out of 77 percent nylon and 23 percent elastane (a light, stretchy fabric). The higher elastane content makes them super stretchy. During my weekly Barry's HIIT workout class, these leggings stay put and keep me feeling secure, supported, and snatched. With softer leggings, I’m always adjusting them or feeling like they don’t offer enough support during deep bends and hinges. The hidden drawstring in the waistband of these leggings also helps.

One of my top priorities when it comes to leggings is absolutely no sweat stains. And this pair nails it thanks to the sweat-wicking nylon, which is super durable and keeps you dry. I’ve had some seriously sweaty gym sessions in them, and while sweat does build up after intense workouts, it dries way faster than other leggings I’ve tried thanks to its high nylon content in the fabric. I also love how the fabric feels light, breathable, and cool against the skin, so it doesn’t cause overheating like some of my other leggings. That said, I only own these in darker colors, so I can’t speak to how well they hide sweat stains on lighter shades.

Read More: Lululemon Wunder Train Leggings Review

I’ve tried a ton of pieces from Rhone, like its workout dress and bra tops, but my favorites are these pocket leggings, which have tons of storage for my belongings, just enough compression, and maximum softness.

Unlike many other pocketed leggings I’ve tried, these offer a sleek look—you can barely even notice the pockets. While discreet, the pockets still hold a ton. I can even fit my iPhone in them, and thanks to the pockets’ compression, it won’t slip out. Unlike most leggings with pockets, these don’t add any bulk to the thighs for a flattering finish.

I’ve worn these leggings during many different types of workouts, and they always strike the perfect balance of support and comfort. These are soft enough for a stretching or yoga class, but really shine in any exercise that gets your heart rate pumping and the sweat flowing. Plus, the moisture-wicking fabric and its odor-fighting finish keep me feeling fresh, even when things get super sweaty.

I’m also a mega fan of the wide waistband that stays put through any exercise. And get this: If you’re out in the sun, these leggings add a great extra layer of defense to your sunscreen, as they’re equipped with UPF 50 for sun protection.

My one con with these leggings is that they run large, as does all of Rhone’s womenswear. I would size down if you’re looking for a normal fit with light compression.

Beyond Yoga leggings in their signature (super soft) Spacedye fabric have been my go-to for lounging and low-impact yoga for years. But recently, the activewear label dropped Glowzone, its new high-performance line with a snappy fabric designed to support intense, sweaty movement while still offering the comfort we know and love.

The Glowzone fabric is made of smooth nylon and a bit more elastane than the brand’s famed Spacedye fabric, giving it noticeably more compression. It’s snappy and compressive enough that it keeps me feeling supported and locked-in during my workouts without restricting movement or sliding down my waist (something I often have trouble with while wearing other compressive leggings).

Despite the more snappy fabric, it’s every bit as soft and comfortable as I’d expect from a pair of Beyond Yoga leggings. I still reach for mine on more chill days spent walking the boardwalk near the beach or running errands around town—but the material is just a touch too compressive to wear for lazy days spent couch rotting. Where it really shines is for working out: I’ve worn it to the gym for cardio and lifting sessions as well as mat Pilates classes, and I love that I can basically forget about what I’m wearing while I focus on getting my reps in.

Contributor Sidney Lee tested a few items from the Glowzone collection and agrees the fabric is every bit as soft as she hoped. “It’s slightly thinner than Spacedye, which makes Glowzone feel sleeker and more breathable against the skin,” she says. “Also, the four-way stretch and moisture-wicking technology of the new fabric offer more freedom of movement, especially during heated classes or summer workouts.”

Another huge bonus? This pair is basically seamless (the only seams are located on the inside of the legs and at the buttock) so there’s no rubbing or chafing. There’s no front seam (which helps keep the fit looking flattering, if you know what I mean), and it has raw edges at the bottom, which means the legging basically melts into your skin.

Read More: Beyond Yoga Glowzone Review

Gymshark's bestselling leggings are incredibly breathable and dry quickly. That’s thanks to its sweat-proof fabric, made of 93% nylon (the highest nylon content on this list) and seven percent elastane. Nylon is a synthetic fabric that’s hydrophobic (i.e it resists the penetration of water), so these leggings are great for wicking sweat away from the body. Not only that, but they’re made with breathable mesh dots to help keep you cool during tough workouts. Of all the leggings I’ve tested, this pair does the best job of keeping me sweat-free even after the most intense sweat sessions. Even after a particularly grueling Barry’s class, I was dry by the time I walked out the door.

This legging is nearly seamless—the only seams are on the back buttock area— which helps shape the glutes—and on the inside of each leg. I love that there’s no front seam (way more comfy and flattering!) and that the few seams necessary here are totally flat and don’t cause any rubbing or discomfort.

Lauture adds that this pair of leggings also does a great job at holding you in. “It might take you a few moments of jumping up and down to get them on, but they feel great on your body once you get them up,” she says. These leggings lean on the compressive side, but tighter leggings are great for higher intensity workouts because they hold you in. So, if you’re into HIIT, running, or strength training, this is another solid pair. Since they’re slightly tighter, I find that they shape and sculpt your body in all the right places.

There are no pockets at the legs or in the waistband of these leggings, so if you don’t need storage, these are a great option.

Unlike the lulu pair on this list, these have less compression, which I prefer for low-impact workouts. They don’t squeeze too much or make my skin bunch up, so I can move freely and comfortably in any move.

And, the pockets in these leggings come in handy post-workout when you’re off running errands and need an easy place to store your key, credit card, or AirPods. But, they don’t add much width to the hips and have a flattering fit, which isn’t always the case with leggings with pockets. During testing, I found that these literally feel like a second skin—they are so soft and lightweight. Because they’re low compression, they’re also super comfortable for lounging.

Like the Rhone leggings, these are treated with UPF 40, so I like to wear them out for long walks on sunny days because they provide a solid extra layer of sun protection. And, if it really starts to get warm out, they have a quick-drying fabric that’s made with a high nylon content. However, stylist Rose Lauture says that although sweat stains fade quickly, she does notice they show easily in the leggings' lighter colors.

Of all the leggings I've tested, Spanx has the best smoothing fabric. They’re not super compressive (which is why I love them for low-impact exercises), but the fabric is insanely soft, sweat-wicking, and buttery smooth.

“Just like the brand's famed shapewear, these are super flattering, with light stomach compression that snatches your waist, and a back waistband design that slightly dips down to enhance the shape of your booty,” says Wohlner. Their lack of a front seam also makes them much more flattering and so easy to style with anything from a sports bra to a cropped sweater.

I’ve tried a high-intensity workout in these leggings and didn’t feel super supported, so if you’re looking for a pair that can hold you in during deep squats and burpees, these are not my strongest recommendation.

Alo's High-Waist Airbrush Leggings are super versatile because they’re nice and compressive for the gym, and their sleek look plays well with all my casual fits for a chic brunch look.

I’ve struggled to find a pair of high-waisted compression leggings that actually stay up, but these never roll down when I’m moving or sitting, which I appreciate. Plus, they’re on the thinner side, so they don’t feel constrictive like a sausage casing. They stay where I want them for my entire workout and never make me feel claustrophobic.

Another pro? The soft material, which has a super smooth, matte look that makes them a bit dressier. Even with sneakers and a zip-up, I find that these make my gym fits look super chic. I deem these leggings worth the buy because of how versatile they are, but shelling out $118 is no easy spend for leggings. So, I like to keep my eye out for a sale where I can get these leggings at a discount.

My only gripe is that they run small. I’d recommend sizing up for a more comfortable fit—otherwise, they might feel too tight and could end up rolling down.

Read More: Alo Yoga Brand Review