The 7 Best Compression Leggings for Women, Tested by Personal Trainers and Editors

Even the most compressive leggings tend to sag and restrict movement during high-impact workouts like burpees and jump squats. That’s not the case with the lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight. This pair features a high-rise waistband and an internal drawcord to keep everything supported, cinched, and flexible with every step.

WH contributor Korin Miller notes that this legging offers medium-to-high compression, with added elastane for easy movement. The compression is stronger through the legs and gradually eases at the waist, so it doesn’t feel uncomfortably tight around the stomach. Still, she was impressed by how effectively it smooths and holds in the midsection without that squeezed-in feeling. The drawcord also ensures this legging stays put during quick, dynamic movements.

Miller adds that this legging feels especially supportive during outdoor runs but is versatile enough for weightlifting, HIIT, and Pilates. The moisture-wicking fabric helps minimize sweat stains, making it a solid option even post-workout. Like most Lululemon styles, the Wunder Train isn’t cheap, but it’s highly durable and built to last. It holds up to regular training and delivers compression in all the right places..

Spanx is known for its body-snatching underwear, so it's no surprise that its leggings are just as flattering. What really sets it apart is the contoured waistband and targeted butt-shaping design, which enhances your curves by lifting your booty and giving your hips a higher, more sculpted look. The high-rise waistband also creates a held-in effect by preventing muffin top and keeping everything smooth (huge ups!). Even better, this legging doesn’t have a center seam at the crotch, so you never have to worry about camel toe during wear.

This pair offers medium compression, so it’s not as tight as some others on this list. But, during my workouts, I was impressed by how supported I felt in it. The nylon and elastane fabric is super stretchy yet firm, striking a great balance between comfort and support. It’s not the tightest pair I tried, which makes it easy to lounge in, but it still stays in place and feels secure during high-intensity workouts. I went with a size medium, which fit perfectly, though you could size up or down depending on whether you prefer a snug fit or something a bit more relaxed.

At first, I wasn’t sure about the curved seam at the waist since I’m used to straight seams. But after checking myself in the mirror, I noticed the downward curve actually makes my butt look more lifted. That said, from the front, the curve did make my hips look slightly wider than I’d prefer.

Unlike the Athleta pair, this legging is highly moisture-wicking. I wore it during an especially sweaty lower-body workout and noticed that while there were some sweat marks, it was already dry by the time I grabbed my things and left the gym.

Read More: Best Butt-Lifting Leggings

Trust me when I tell you this baby will hold you in like no other. TBH, it takes me a few minutes just to get it on, but once it’s in place, it’s holding you in and not moving an inch. Besides its compression, it’s made with the brand’s proprietary polyester and elastane fabric, which runs under the butt and down the legs to contour your body and support your muscles. This high-compression fabric gives me the confidence to push harder at the gym without worrying about anything shifting during high-intensity moves.

This legging also has an extra-wide, high waistband, which I find extremely flattering—and so does Wohlner. “When I put it on, I was shook at how much it sucked my belly in!” she says. Because this legging is tight, I worried it would chafe after sweating. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how it never felt uncomfortable, even after a sweaty Orangetheory workout.

If you’re not a fan of super-tight leggings, I’d recommend sizing up for a looser fit. I stuck with my regular size and really liked the compressive feel. I was a bit worried it might roll down during workouts because of how snug they are, but it stayed perfectly in place, which was a nice surprise. This pair, with the piping down the side, only comes in black and white, but the OG Hi-Touch legging comes in a ton of different colors.

This powerhouse pant uses precise compression zones to target muscles in the core, glutes, and spine. Translation: not only does it enhance circulation, but it also promotes better alignment and posture.

I first tested the brand’s Power+ Bra (made famous by Taylor Swift herself) and was totally floored by how much it helped my rounded shoulders and neck pain with its powerful compression panels. Naturally, I had to see if the matching leggings lived up to the same hype. Same as the bra, this legging is snug. But that’s the compression tech doing its job, and it becomes way noticeable after moving around a bit.

After wearing this legging for full WFH days, errand running, and during workout classes, I can confirm that it’s extremely comfortable and functional, with a compressive, high-rise waistband that keeps me feeling held in without feeling restrictive. The waistband stays firmly in place during movements that involve a lot of bending, like crunches and downward dog. I also find that my legs feel way less sore after intense workouts when I wear this legging (during or after the workout).

I love that this option offers perks far beyond the standard benefits of compression leggings: less chronic back pain and better posture are the two I’ve noticed after just a few months of wear. I feel so supported wearing this legging and can tell a difference in how straight and tall I’ve been standing.

This is the most size-inclusive legging on this list, available up to a 6XL with two length options, and it’s also the brand’s bestseller (no surprises there). It’s on the thinner side and not overly tight—in fact, I found it to be the most comfortable option on this list since it doesn’t rely on heavy compression. That said, unlike some softer leggings, it’s still very smoothing and holds me in, which is why I reach for it during higher-intensity workouts.

I also appreciate the small hidden pocket in the back for stashing keys at the gym. Another major plus: this legging is sheer-proof, so you can sink into a deep squat without worry. It also wicks away moisture quickly—I tested the light brown color and didn’t notice any sweat stains post-workout.

The fit runs slightly roomy, so I’d recommend sizing down. I found the crotch area a bit saggy, which I think would have been fixed with a smaller size for a more secure feel. I also wish the seams were less pronounced, like the totally seamless Athleta option. With this legging, the seams along the legs and waistband are more visible.