Lululemon has a little phrase in reference to new fabric technologies and fits within the brand: “When you feel your best, you perform your best.” As someone who loves exercising, I can confidently say that statement rings true for me. We all know the feeling of being in a workout or, heck, even walking down the street in a pair of leggings that don’t fit right. You’re constantly fidgeting and adjusting and, in turn, not feeling like your most confident self. My trick for ensuring my leggings fit perfectly every time? I buy compression leggings.
Whether I opt for a full compression design or choose leggings that have the compression fit in one or more parts (e.g., the waistband, butt area, etc.), I have found that paying attention to this one detail in product descriptions and style names has ensured that my leggings fit like a glove. I was recently chatting with the PR manager at Lululemon, Meghan Chisholm, about this exact topic. She told me that at Lululemon, they focus a lot on how products make you feel and how our mind and body interact. “Our product developers use this philosophy to engineer specific physical sensations that drive emotional responses towards how products are perceived,” says Chisholm. While she was specifically speaking to Lululemon’s new Everlux material, this overarching theme of how our body and mind connect is something I think about when purchasing new leggings.
With that said, if you’ve struggled to feel confident in leggings, I highly suggest trying out compression leggings. The tight, but not too tight, fit ensures a fidget-free wear time and again. Ahead, I have shopped out 24 of the best compression leggings on the market based on customer and my personal reviews. After reading up on all the hype, I’m sure you’ll be hopping on the compression bandwagon soon.
“Compresses in all the right places and still feels very light and breathable!” — Customer Review
“These leggings are incredibly well made and worth the money. I don’t think I’ve ever owned a pair of leggings that are this nice and fit so nice. I ordered a small and they are a tad snug on my thighs, but not to the point where it’s uncomfortable. Lifts all the right places, keeps it in nicely.” — Customer Review
Spiritual Gangster designs some of my favorite leggings when it comes to compression. If you’re looking for a sleek black pair, choose these.
“These tights are super comfortable, stay in place, and definitely pass the squat test. I am 5′-5″ and the 7/8 length falls a few inches above my ankle which is what I was looking for.” — Customer Review
Compression leggings don’t just have to be for the gym or for health purposes. A pair with a little bit of sheen can make for a “real” outfit as well.
“Love these leggings so much. They fit perfectly. They’re good quality but they have more of a slick, compressive feel (which I kinda…dare I say…prefer). I’ve bought too many “affordable” leggings and these blow them out of the water.” — Customer Review
“I’ve tried many different leggings and I keep coming back to SPANX because the high waist covers and feels the best!” — Customer Review
If there were ever a time to try out a bold new legging color, it’s while we are spending more time indoors.
“Love love love. Bought black pair and they are easily my favorite pair out of all of the expensive pairs I own.” — Customer Review
Compression leggings that feel like pajamas? Yes, they exist, and these are them.
“Dragon Fit yoga pants are, by far, the best brand for the most reasonable price that I have tried from Amazon. I love the weight and density of the fabric (no see-through), that the high waist tummy control offers a nice amount of control without being uncomfortably tight.” — Customer Review
“I use these for running and any high impact workout and I’ve never been so impressed with how well a pair of leggings fit. They never fall down meaning I don’t have to constantly pull them up whilst running (we’ve all been there!), they’re super flattering with the bum sculpting element as well as the level of support at the waistband (they have high compression so pull you in quite a lot), and the fabric is so lightweight you barely feel like you’re even wearing anything.” — Customer Review
“I absolutely love these leggings. When I work out with other leggings I would always have the issue of pulling them up because they would slide or the waistband would fold over. Never had a problem with these leggings. You can do snatches, cleans, squats, deadlifts, etc. They’re so comfortable. Waiting for the shorts to restock.” — Customer Review
“Fits perfectly. Waistband sits just above the belly button and doesn’t budge without being constrictive or uncomfortable. Fabric weight is not too thick or thin with just the right amount of compression and flexibility.” — Customer Review
“Fits perfectly with adequate compression. The weight of the material is a perfect blend of soft without being see-through.” — Customer Review
This seamless aesthetic will ensure a comfortable fit while exercising and lounging.
Good American makes some of the best leggings around, and out of the dozens of pairs I have acquired over the years, they remain some of my favorites.
“Thick material that holds it all in and doesn’t budge, even when running.” — Customer Review
“These are definitely ‘compression’ leggings. I absolutely adore them and the way they feel on my legs. I don’t have to worry about trying to sneak knee-high compression socks underneath because they provide a really nice, comfortable amount of pressure. I have worn these for an entire day and wish I could wear them everywhere, every single day.” — Customer Review
“Good waist control and nice fit true to size. Good quality fabric with a nice feel. I wore these with no other undergarment, and it gave my waist a nice shape.” — Customer Review
“They are comfortable enough to wear and exercise in—they have compression but still let you move freely. This winter I was thinking I might wear them under my jeans for added warmth and to keep my stomach smooth.” — Customer Review
You can’t go wrong with a classic brand like Commando. After years of designing shapewear and undergarments, creating a pair of leggings that feels like you’re wearing nothing comes second nature. Next up: The subtle summer trends we’re buying for summer.
