It’s no exaggeration to say that one of the main things that helped me stay consistent with exercise was finding a good pair of workout leggings.
After all, there’s nothing worse than nearing the end of a set of squats, only to find you need to stop early to adjust your waistband. And putting on activewear that makes you feel good is great motivation for working out.
I’ve been through my fair share of bad-quality leggings over the years. And given that I now test activewear for a living, I think I’ve tried pairs from almost every major workout brand.
Now, I’ve finessed my collection down to only the best, squat-proof leggings that stay in place without uncomfortable compression.
With Black Friday here, I thought I’d share my favorites in case you’d like to add a pair to your workout wardrobe for less than usual. Here are my top picks of leggings from brands like Lululemon, Alo and Oner Active.
Best leggings overall
These are the leggings I reach for the most. In fact, I now have a few pairs of them and I panic if I realize they’re all in the laundry basket.
I mostly wear these leggings for the gym and Pilates, but they’re the perfect all-rounder pair. They are on the more expensive side, but the quality is incomparable.
They’re squat-proof, they never budge—even when doing cardio—and they’re comfortable enough to wear all day long.
This pair with pockets are currently on sale, and I guarantee they’ll become the most-worn leggings in your collection, too.
Best leggings for strength training
When I dress for strength training, I want activewear that is comfortable, supportive and stays in place.
Alo’s airlift leggings tick all of those boxes, and they look great.
They’re made with a thick material and are 100% squat-proof. However, they still feel lightweight, even if you do get sweaty.
The AirLift leggings are also slightly more high-waisted than some of the other pairs on this list, which makes me feel really confident because I know they’ll keep me covered even when I’m squatting low or stretching into a deep lunge.
They’re one of the more expensive pairs, but these leggings are seriously durable and will last you years of great workouts. Plus, there’s no better time to buy them with 30% off site wide—you have to sign up to become a member but all it costs you is your email address.
Best leggings for yoga and Pilates
I think Lululemon is the gold standard when it comes to leggings, which is why I’ve included two pairs in this list.
The Align leggings are the style Lululemon is most well-known for and for good reason—they’re super comfy, thick and flattering.
I mostly wear the Align leggings for yoga and Pilates, because I find they’re too thick for anything where I’ll be getting hot and sweaty.
However, because they’re made with a thicker fabric, they’re ideal for cold days. This rust colour is currently on sale and I wear this colorway a lot in the autumn and winter.
Best leggings for cardio
Oner Active was founded by trainer Krissy Cela in 2020 for women who lift weights. And although plenty of its activewear is ideal for strength training, I actually reach for these leggings more for running and other forms of cardio.
They’re super flattering. The fabric around the waist is compressive, but not uncomfortably so, and their clever design means these leggings accentuate all the right spots.
Aesthetics aside, these leggings do not budge and they’re breathable, meaning they excel during intense workouts.
It’s worth noting that they’re not completely squat-proof, so I wouldn’t recommend this pair if you’re going to use them for strength training.
Best leggings for lounging
I don’t know about you, but leggings are practically my second skin and I wear them even when I’m not planning on working out.
Oner Active’s Soft Motion collection is made with the comfiest materials I’ve ever come across and these are the leggings I reach for most often when I’m spending the day at home.
They’re mid-rise, which means they don’t compress the waist at all. And even after washing them countless times, they’re still as soft as the first day I wore them.
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