As the fitness industry continues to grow, it is possible that some of these trends will become common. What are your thoughts on what women’s leggings should be in 2022?
The “best leggings 2021” is a general blog post about the best leggings of 2022. The paragraph will include information about the author, what they are looking for in their leggings, and how to find the best ones.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve gone through your fair share of leggings over the years, and you’re on the hunt for a new pair. That’s easier said than done in an oversaturated market, particularly if you’re purchasing leggings online without trying them on, so we set out to uncover the finest leggings for women, regardless of their requirements.
So we enlisted the help of ten colleagues who come in a variety of sizes (and all have strong views on leggings) to put over a dozen pairs to the test, both for daily wear and for working out, in terms of quality, comfort, style, and more. Of course, we recognize that, as with any fashion decision, what some people consider fashionable may not be so for others, so we took care to collect as many opinions as possible. For the purpose of fairness, we only tried black leggings (or dark-colored leggings if black was unavailable), and all of the pairs were high-waisted. While we liked most of the leggings we tested, four stood out as the most comfortable, durable, and least restricting leggings available.
Leggings with the best overall performance
We enjoyed this pair for its comfort during workouts and daily activities alike, high-quality construction, secure waistline, and elegant look, as well as its pockets large enough to hide stuff like your phone or wallet.
Leggings that are best for working out
The Lululemon Align Pant will not disappoint serious yogis and fitness enthusiasts looking for a legging that will allow them to concentrate on their movements and may even make them forget they’re wearing leggings at all. The Align’s buttery-soft feel and stretchiness were unlike any other legging we examined, since it was lightweight but opaque.
Leggings that can be worn as pants are the best.
The Zella Live-In High Waist Legging charmed us over with its sturdy, somewhat heavier-weight, compressive but non-constrictive fabric and versatility to combine with almost everything in our closet.
Leggings for a low budget
The Colorful Koala Women’s High Waisted Yoga Pants are soft, comfy leggings with plenty of pockets that we enjoyed wearing during workouts as well as lazing around the home.
We’ve long been admirers of the Athleta brand for all things athletic (including their breathable masks for working out), so the Salutation Stash Pocket II 7/8 Tight didn’t disappoint. This pair is a newer version of Athleta’s customer-favorite Salutation Stash Pocket Tight, and it’s made from the same fabric as the original but with a firmer waistband and fewer seams for a smoother legging.
The breathable leggings are made of Powervita fabric, a nylon/Lycra spandex blend with “interlocking construction to provide light compression that delivers just-right support,” according to the brand. We can confirm that this is correct based on our testing: We found the leggings to be equal parts comfy, sweat-wicking, and attractive after working out in them and wearing them for regular activities – including a lot of lazing around the house. They remained formfitting and didn’t stretch or droop in any places despite being worn for many days without being washed. We had no problems with the waistline being secure.
The Salutation Stash Pocket II is available in sizes XXS–3XL in standard (25-inch) inseams, XXS–XL in petite (23-inch) inseams, and XS–XL in tall inseams (28 inches). The design is also available in inseams up to 30 inches for taller people or those wishing for a full-length legging. We liked how opaque the pair was, and how exact the fit was. There was no risk of a see-through surprise when wearing them. They also include hidden side pockets that sit flat against the legging for ease without adding weight to the design, which is especially surprising given that the pockets are large enough to hold a phone or wallet. Its style doesn’t scream “exercise legging,” with eight subtle hues including lots of neutrals, and we could picture ourselves wearing it to brunch as well as to the gym. This pair also provides UPF 50+ protection against UV radiation, making it ideal for outdoor use.
We didn’t notice any noticeable pilling, fading, or stretching after washing and drying these leggings several times during our testing, though one of our testers did notice some lint/pet hair buildup, which was easily removed with a sticky roller. (Please note that if we see any substantial wear and tear or difficulties with durability after even more extensive use, we will update this item.)
We understand that a near-$100 price tag may create some sticker shock, but you get what you pay for, as they say: High-quality, versatile leggings with all the features and comfort you’d expect in an ideal pair for both everyday and high-impact activities in this case. “This is my first pair of upmarket leggings, and it’s a world of difference,” one of our testers said. We couldn’t think of a better set of leggings for a lady searching for comfortable, sturdy, and attractive leggings that can go from an outdoor run to a supper with friends.
The Lululemon brand is nearly associated with the term “athleisure,” and whether you love it or love to hate it, one thing is certain: Lululemon manufactures some truly great leggings with a cult-like following. Yes, $98 may seem like a hefty price to pay, but there are numerous reasons you’ll want to add the Lululemon Align Pant to your exercise wardrobe if you’re serious about finding a good pair of workout leggings to add to your fitness and/or yoga gear.
To the Lululemon newcomers in the room, touching the fabric of the Align is an experience unlike any other, bringing new meaning to the word “buttery soft.” (When one of our testers first put these on, she may or may not have vocally oohed and aahed.) The leggings received excellent scores for daily comfort and stretch, as well as almost ideal scores for comfort during high-impact activities; we quickly realized what people mean when they claim they forget they’re wearing leggings at all while they’re wearing these. We liked how light and opaque this pair was, as well as how secure the high waistline stayed throughout workouts. Only one tester experienced a problem with the waistband rolling, although it seemed to be a size issue: We may suggest going down one size for the most comfortable fit, based on our experience (and a slew of user feedback). For one of our testers, who is accustomed to living in black leggings coated in white dog and cat hair, the nylon-Lycra elastane fabric appeared to miraculously repel pet hair.
A few of caveats: The cloth is a little too thin to be comfortable for long periods of time outside on frigid days. (We discovered this the hard way when wearing the Aligns outside in near-freezing temps during a socially distant breakfast.) Also, if you don’t have a thigh gap — and honestly, how many of us do? — they tend to pill on the inner thighs over time, although it isn’t really apparent and has never led in holes or tears, according to our long-term wearers on staff.
The Align Pant comes in sizes 0 to 20 and three inseam lengths: 25-inch, 28-inch, and 31-inch (tall folks, take note!). The cropped version comes in 17 colors and designs, the middle inseam in nine, and the tallest inseam in four, depending on the inseam. The pair has a secret waistband pocket large enough for a credit card, small hoard of cash, or a key, and has a simple silhouette.
The Lululemon Align Pant is an investment we can get behind if you’re looking for a sweat-wicking, breathable legging that moves with you no matter what sort of exercise you’re doing, and one that’s so comfy you’ll forget you’re wearing them at all.
The age-old question of whether leggings may be worn as trousers. What were your thoughts on this divisive topic before the pandemic? Yes, we’re going to presume that it’s a resounding yes across the board currently.
For what it’s worth, we’ve always been fans of leggings as pants, and now we’re even more so after trying out the Zella Live-In Leggings. They’re made like regular leggings, with seams on both sides, a gusset for added support, and a wide waistband, with the exception of a tiny, penny-sized circular emblem at the hip. They also include a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it covert pocket on the left side of the waistband that’s just large enough for a credit card or some keys (despite our best efforts, our phone wouldn’t fit).
While the shapewear-like, compressive fit didn’t make these leggings great for sweaty workouts, it’s the same reason we like them as daily trousers to wear on our work-from-home days, walks around the neighborhood with our dog, and even sleeping on a lazy weekend. They’re made of a high-quality poly-spandex combination, and they’re well worth the $59. “These wouldn’t be my go-to exercise leggings, but I would certainly throw them on if I was being lazy and wearing leggings to work or out to a bar,” one of our testers said, “but I would definitely throw them on if I was being lazy and wearing leggings to work or out to a bar.” (Remember when you used to go out to bars casually?)
The Zella Live-In comes in six colors and is available in sizes XXS–XXL (approximately sizes 00–20). We found the sizing to be correct. The inseam length for size medium is 28.5 inches, according to one tester who is 5’8″. Those on the shorter side should notice that the inseam length for size medium is 28.5 inches. They’re also available in a cropped form (complete with side pockets!).
We also like that the Zella leggings are created in a factory that “supports women worker empowerment via HERproject, which builds partnerships to allow workplace-based interventions on health, financial inclusion, and gender equality,” according to the product description.
They held up well after a few washes, and one long-term user says she’s cleaned them many times and they’ve stayed a dark black with no pilling; after continuous usage, one editor detected little pilling around the thighs. Given their comparable mid-range price point, we believe they are the greatest leggings money can buy if you’re searching for new leggings to match with your boots and thick sweaters in the winter and sandals and breezy T-shirts in the summer.
Perhaps you, like us, came across leggings from this endearingly named company on Amazon and thought, “Could almost 20,000 five-star ratings be wrong?” They couldn’t, as it turns out, reader: The Colorful Koala Women’s High Waisted Yoga Pant is, in our view, a five-star budget-priced legging that checks just much all the boxes, especially considering its low price.
We appreciated how supportive the elastic, soft material was during workouts, and although these leggings aren’t as buttery-soft or “second skin” flexible as the Lululemon Align Pant, they get pretty darn close for about a fourth of the price. Despite the fact that one of our testers experienced concerns with the waistband sliding down, she liked how secure the leggings made her feel when exercising, especially considering the price.
They also perform well in terms of durability. While they do accumulate fuzz and fade after a while, one editor who’s been wearing them frequently since last year says they’re holding up better than her Align leggings in terms of pilling after wearing them at least twice a week for many months. They also performed a wonderful job of repelling pet hair, since the fibers of this poly-spandex fabric don’t appear to grab stiff hairs and instead enable them to slip right off.
These Colorful Koala leggings come in sizes XS-XL and come in 33 colors and designs (we love the many hues of camo). While we wish they had more sizing choices, if your size isn’t available, the CRZ Yoga leggings are a good affordable runner-up that also comes in sizes XXS and XXL (scroll down for the full review of these). While these Colorful Koala leggings only have a 25-inch inseam, the brand also has a full-length legging with a 28-inch inseam that has hidden waistband pockets instead of side pockets; though it has tens of thousands of five-star reviews, we didn’t test this pair for ourselves and can’t vouch for its quality.
Basically, we believe you’ll be more than satisfied with the quality, fit, and comfort of these leggings for under $30.
We looked into the best leggings on the market as well as staff-recommended pairs that our editors have worn for years — for both working out and daily wear, and in a variety of price ranges — and came up with a list of 13 to test. We looked at fleece-lined leggings separately, since we didn’t examine leggings made to keep you warm in the cold.
To evaluate how comfortable each pair was overall, we wore each legging numerous times, both before and after washing it, through high-impact, sweating exercises as well as relaxing around the home and low-impact daily activities. During exercises, we looked to see whether the waistband pushed up or rolled down, and if the leggings pinched or were otherwise unpleasant to wear. We washed each pair at least four times, noting if there was any noticeable pilling, fading, or change in softness after running them through typical wash and dry cycles; we also observed whether the leggings attracted lint and pet hair, and relied on anecdotal evidence about durability from staffers who had long-term experience with the leggings we tested. We checked to see whether the sizing was correct and in line with our usual sizes, and if the leggings were comfortable on a variety of body shapes.
We also took into account the variety of sizes, inseams, and colors available, as well as our collective (although subjective) opinions on each pair’s style. We looked for pairs with fewer seams (which means less chafing, more comfort, and a more flattering fit overall) and gussets (which means less chafing, more comfort, and a more flattering fit overall) (a piece of material sewn into the crotch area to reinforce it, resulting in a more durable legging).
Finally, we put each pair through the “squat test” to check how opaque the fabric was, how moisture-wicking it appeared to be during runs/workouts, how much stretch and mobility it had, and if the leggings were made from eco-friendly, sustainable, and/or organic ingredients.
We assigned all leggings a score in each subcategory based on the categories and testing methodologies stated above, summed those numbers for a maximum score in each area, and then tallied those figures for a final overall score. The following is a breakdown of the scores:
- Comfort (20 points), durability (15 points), fit across sizes (10 points), and sizing accuracy received a total of 50 points for function/fit (5 points)
- Size availability (10 points), inseam availability (10 points), color availability (10 points), overall aesthetics (5 points), seams (5 points), and gusset (5 points) received a total of 45 points (5 points)
- Opacity (10 points), moisture-wicking ability (10 points), amount of stretch (10 points), and eco-friendly and/or organic fabric received a total of 35 points (5 points).
We also considered the worth of the leggings by comparing their prices to their quality.
Wunder Under High-Rise Tight by Lululemon ($98; lululemon.com)
While this pair didn’t have the same “second skin” stretch as the Lululemon Aligns, its comfort and performance were nevertheless impressive. Their supporting but non-constrictive waistline, opacity, and smooth, soft sensation to the touch were all things we liked. Long-term users of the Wunder Unders have said that they’ve held up very well over time, with no pilling, lint, or fading to speak of, making them a worthwhile purchase for their almost three-figure price tag.
Our testers thought these shorts were attractive enough to wear outside of the gym (they had a secret waistband pocket large enough to hold a credit card), and the thicker fabric made them an excellent pick for colder weather as well. However, several of us thought the material was a touch too thick and constrictive for maximally pleasant exercises in warmer weather, and one of us noticed the waistband rolled under her belly button during workouts, which wasn’t ideal. If you’re looking for leggings that feel more like shapewear and give you that “held in” sensation, or if you want a decent pair for jogging outside when the weather isn’t too hot, they are a terrific alternative that have shown to be durable over time. They come in sizes 00–20, 25-inch and 28-inch inseams, and seven different colors.
Compressive High-Rise Legging by Girlfriend Collective ($68; girlfriend.com)
These leggings were quite comfortable for regular use, and they received a flawless opacity score, passing the squat test with flying colors. We love Girlfriend Collective’s attitude of making sustainable clothes and preserving ethical work conditions, and each pair is created from recycled water bottles (25 in total).
These leggings also have a few more features that we liked: They come in the most sizes of all the pairs we tested, ranging from XXS to 6XL (for reference, they fit waists from 22.5 to 52 inches and hips from 32 to 62.5 inches), and their three inseams also cover a wide range (19.5, 23.75, and 28.5 inches), so no matter your height, you’ll be able to find the perfect length. They seem to be true to size in our experience. The leggings are now available in six hues, as well as four limited-edition colors. They also wash and dry wonderfully, and after multiple washes, they still appear like new.
The material is compressive without being constrictive, and the leggings include little side pockets, which are much sought after. However, we didn’t choose this pair because we felt them to be a little too stiff for pleasant high-impact exercises, and our testers had varied emotions about the waistband remaining in place during an exercise session. However, if you’re looking for a pair of daily leggings that you can feel good about wearing, we believe they are a wonderful option, and we admire the brand’s dedication to inclusive sizing and environmentally responsible production.
High-Waist Tight Yoga Pants from CRZ Yoga (beginning at $26; amazon.com)
Long regarded as a budget-friendly alternative to Lululemon’s Align, we investigated to see whether the comparison was accurate. What we discovered was a legging that offers a lot for a relatively low price. These leggings, which come in a staggering 41 hues and designs, are a no-frills pair that feel nearly as buttery-soft as the Aligns, but a bit less robust. (Like the Align, they include a little concealed waistband pocket.) While the most of us found them to be just as comfortable for tough workouts as they were for lazing around the house, one tester did have some concerns with the waistband, which tended to slide down repeatedly during runs.
There are a few more reasons why we didn’t call the CRZ Yoga leggings our best affordable pair: The cloth tended to be less opaque in larger sizes, and it gathered more lint and pet hair than we’d like. Despite this, there was no obvious pilling or fading after numerous washing, and they remained as soft and pleasant as the first wear. We also liked that these leggings come in sizes XXS to XXL, which is a larger range than most of the low-cost pairs we tried.
The Colorful Koala leggings just beat out this pair, thanks to bigger pockets and a more secure waistband. And, as with the Colorful Koala leggings, if you’re taller, the cropped length could be a touch too short, especially for outdoor use in colder weather, but they’re also available in a 28-inch inseam (though we didn’t try the full-length version ourselves).
High-Waisted Legging from Leggings Depot (beginning at $9.99; amazon.com)
We knew we had to test these pair for ourselves to see what all the fuss was about, especially with over 15,000 five-star reviews and a $10 price tag. Is it possible that all of these consumers are mistaken? In a nutshell, yes and no. For ten dollars, you receive exactly what you’d expect: a pair of super-comfy leggings, and that’s it.
This pair of leggings does not have a gusset, which means it is more likely to rip in the crotch region than the rest of the leggings we tested. While the leggings scored well in the opaque and stretchy areas, and they’re soft on the inside and exterior, they’re not ideal for working out since the material is a little too thick for best comfort during a sweat sesh, and they don’t seem to be extremely sweat-wicking (not a surprise given their low price point). But if you’re just searching for a pair to laze in or sleep in, look no further. These will suffice, and stocking up on a couple won’t break the bank. They come in a whopping 44 different colors and designs.
Elevate Compression Leggings from Old Navy ($18, originally $29.99; oldnavy.gap.com)
Given their low price point, we were pleasantly impressed by this pair. The Old Navy leggings kept their form and color well (even after numerous washes), were really comfortable and breathable, and were fashioned in a non-obtrusive style that made wearing them as part of a non-workout outfit a breeze. The full-length leggings are available in sizes XS–XXL, as well as three inseams: 26.5, 28 and 31 inches, the latter of which is among the longest inseams provided among all the pairs we tried, which is a benefit for the taller persons in the room.
While they are made of a moisture-wicking poly-spandex mix, we found the Colorful Koala pair to have a more flattering fit (one of our testers remarked that the Old Navy leggings pooled at the ankles), as well as pockets and a material that wasn’t a magnet for lint and pet hair, as these were.
Fabletics Trinity High-Waisted Utility Legging ($84.95 for non-members, $59.95 for members; fabletics.com) is a high-waisted utility legging by Fabletics.
There wasn’t much to dislike about this pair of leggings; in fact, it received good points almost everywhere, with notably high reviews for both comfort and style. We liked the pockets (both side pockets and a hidden back zipper pocket), how well they held up after repeated wash-and-dry cycles, snapping back into form and appearing brand new, and how well they kept us warm outside in near-freezing weather. They’re available in three inseams, sizes XXS–4XL, and 11 colors ranging from neutrals to vibrant and vivid colours.
A few things to consider: Although beneficial, the pockets do not rest flat against the contour of the leggings, thus they protruded somewhat when sitting. One of our testers also mentioned that the compressing high waist began to feel a touch snug after a few hours of use. But one of the key reasons we didn’t name them the overall winners? The subscription-based business model of Fabletics. Existing members pay $59.95 for two pairs, while new members may get two pairs for the outrageously low price of two for $24. You’ll have to pay $84.95 each pair if you don’t want to commit to a $49.95-per-month subscription. You can’t go wrong with these leggings whether you’ve previously purchased a Fabletics subscription or are considering it.
Oalka Women’s Yoga Pants Workout Running Leggings (amazon.com; $9.99)
These leggings are available in 61 (no, that’s not a mistake!) different colours and patterns, with the choice of a pockets or non-pocketed style. The pockets are large enough to hold a typical smartphone, and they received great scores for opacity. Given their $20 price tag, we were pleasantly surprised by their quality.
What we didn’t like: Sizing was a little wrong for all of our testers (some claimed the leggings were too large in their usual size, while others said they were too tiny in their normal size), and they were a touch longer than ideal. Because just one inseam length is available, this might be a dealbreaker for people who are shorter. We didn’t think they were attractive enough to be worn with a regular outfit — visually, they’re clearly a workout legging — and the pocket location was odd. The front seam was unflattering, the waistband was difficult to keep in place, and the fabric was a little stiff for the most pleasant workouts.
Springs 7/8 Leggings by Outdoor Voices ($78; outdoorvoices.com)
Among all the leggings we examined, this Outdoor Voices pair stood up the best – following our testing, they proved to be super-durable, looking brand new after numerous workouts and washes, with no pilling, fading, or lint. When one of our testers placed them in the dryer on a hot cycle, they didn’t shrink, and there was no color transfer.
They’re a super-stylish, flattering pair that made us feel confident while exercising and going about our daily lives in them. However, in comparison to the other higher-end leggings we tried, we didn’t find them to be as comfortable, especially during sweaty, high-impact exercises. Overall, our testers wished the fabric was more flexible and less rigid, but they’d be a fantastic combination for outdoor activities on chilly days. We liked the fact that they come in a wide variety of sizes (from XXS to 3XL), however they only come in two hues and one inseam length. They’re also packaged in 100 percent recycled paper envelopes or recyclable cartons, and the firm claims to be limiting its usage of traditional textiles in favor of more environmentally friendly alternatives.
JoyLab’s Seamless 7/8 Leggings ($34; target.com) are high-waisted and seamless.
These JoyLab leggings from Target gave us conflicting emotions. While several of our testers loved how smooth and elastic they were, we found them to be unsupportive and difficult to wear during exercises. The appearance of these leggings proved divisive, with some considering it attractive and others finding it unappealing. (The perforated design isn’t appropriate for colder areas, and the very visible ribbing around the waistline and ankles didn’t sit well with several of us.) These were a little less opaque than our favorites in the testing pool, but they held up nicely after many washing. The leggings come in four different colors and sizes ranging from XS to XL. We had planned to test a different pair of JoyLab leggings at first, but we discovered that they had been discontinued and that this model was the most comparable. Unfortunately, they didn’t quite meet the target for us.
The “best leggings for curvy figure” is a topic that has been discussed in the past, but it’s one that is still relevant today. This article will discuss some of the best leggings for those with a curvy figure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top rated leggings?
A: It would be best to check out http://www.askmen.com/style
this website for more information on the top rated leggings
What are the leggings on Tiktok?
A: Leggings are a type of pant typically worn by women, or girls. They come in many different styles and materials.
Are Lululemon leggings worth it?
A: Lululemon is a very expensive company and the quality of their clothing appears to be very good. However, there are many other options for similar prices that would probably last you longer or provide more practical benefits such as Columbia Sportswear!
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