There’s no worse feeling than getting into a run and feeling your leggings slip off, popping into a squat and worrying about everything being on display, or moving through chaturanga and having to think of anything besides your peaceful flow. I’m a fitness fanatic so I do all of the above on a weekly basis and am a big proponent of every woman having access to activewear that allows her to do the same. A few things that I look for in a good pair of leggings are the quality fabric that can stand the test of infinite workouts and laundry loads, a waistband that stays put, and of course something that flatters every body type.
There are a lot of leggings on the market that people rave about. But for my readers, I want the absolute best so that’s why after reading thousands of reviews on different styles, I tried a few of the best for myself. You have no idea how hard it was to narrow it down to the absolute top three but I did it and I’m telling you that you can trust me on this one. I’ve done many different types of exercises in the final winners and can confirm they are really that good. So what are you waiting for, learn more about the best leggings on the market below.
What makes All Access special?All Access is Bandier’s performance activewear brand that was launched in 2018. It hits perfectly at the intersection of fashion and fitness. The fabrics we select have purpose and are held to high-performance standards, but designed to make you look and feel amazing.Describe why the Center Stage Leggings are the best on the market.We obsessed over this legging for 18 months. We wanted to develop a legging with no center seam, an absolute must for me, that was considered a true performance legging that could also be worn every day. We tested so many fabrics and first launched Center Stage in All Motion—it’s high compression, breathable and quick drying. We just introduced it in Sport Rib, which feels like a second skin. We also made sure the wide waistband stays put when you’re working out, and that both fabrics pass the squat test and are completely sheer proof. And because the pocket or no pocket debate is real—we offer the Center Stage with or without pockets. What inspired the creation of the Center Stage Leggings?We have a great understanding of who our customer is and design our pieces around direct feedback from our stores, Studio B and social, and what we see as opportunities within the market. The Center Stage Leggings were born out of a necessity to find one legging that includes all of the design elements that allow them to perform in your workouts, while also being stylish enough to wear in everyday life.
I have drawers filled with leggings but I fell in love with this pair fast. They were unlike anything I’d ever tried. It’s rare to find a waistband that can stay in place without feeling too tight but this pair most certainly does. I love wearing them for heavy sweat days since they’re one of the only leggings in my collection that can keep up with me but they are so comfortable I drag them along to my pilates classes as well.
Rating: 4.7 out of 5. Customer Review: “I love the look of these leggings! They are very fun and versatile. I can wear it to spin class or for a night out. They aren’t the most stretchy leggings but super high quality. I love the thick waist band and the not-front seam. Great leggings for high-intensity workouts!”
What makes Sweaty Betty special?The women who make up our active community are really the special sauce behind Sweaty Betty. Our mission since 1998 has always been to empower these women through fitness, and that mission sits at the heart of everything we do as a business – from the way we design our collections, to the way we speak to our customers. Our community is really the fabric of the brand and that’s what makes us stand out. Why is the Super Soft leggings the best on the market?If I had to pick one attribute of this new Sweaty Betty bestseller, it’s the fit. The fit is superb. We’ve combined a soft, flattering hand feel with compression, so it feels smooth and silky on but also holds you in everywhere. I actually don’t know how our design team pulled this off, but it’s brilliant. That perfect fit is what really allows her to not only feel great but also hold that pose or feel the stretch. My favorite of the 100s of 5-star reviews from customers says, “Love these. No readjusting, hitching, or fidgeting – just yoga. Bring on more colors!”. What inspired their creation?The Super Soft Legging was the result of a year of development from our expert design team and was trialed extensively in-house to ensure a perfect fit. We are very picky when it comes to fit and won’t quit until it’s just right – it can be a tedious process but the result makes it so worth it. . Our bestselling Power leggings are a tried and true favorite for everything from running to HIIT – incredibly versatile. But we really wanted to perfect a softer legging for yoga. That’s where Super Soft came in. Everything from the buttery soft feel to the sweat-wicking material was created with our customer in mind.
I can’t stop reaching for these leggings. Lately, they’re my most worn pair. The pockets come in clutch so I often carry these out and about for my “hot girl walks,” workout classes, and any other excuse I have to get out of the house. The center seam is my favorite aspect of the legging because they make them feel different and a fashion element to a quite functional piece.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5. Customer Review: “These are (in my opinion) the best leggings I’ve ever had, I recommend them to all my Pilates clients.”
What makes Girlfriend Collective special?Girlfriend Collective is a sustainable and size-inclusive women’s and men’s activewear and lifestyle brand designed to fit for EVERY BODY with sizes ranging from XXS-6XL. With over 500,000 leggings sold (each pair of leggings is made from about 25 recycled water bottles), we are on a mission to create a positive impact with customers, the planet, and within the apparel industry by outfitting, inspiring, and empowering those in pursuit of a better world. Describe why the High Waisted Leggings are the best on the market.Our Compressive High-Rise Leggings were the first product we ever made so naturally, we wanted these leggings to be the very best out there. Our Compressive fabric is squat-proof, sweat-wicking, molds to your body over time, and has top-tier compression for optimal muscle recovery after those intense workouts. Plus, each pair saves 25 post-consumer water bottles from the landfill and can be recycled with our garment takeback program, ReGirlfriend, when you’re ready to part ways with them (a long time in the future, of course). What inspired the creation of the High Waisted Leggings?We saw a lot of brands zeroing in on performance without thinking about sustainability or only focusing on sustainability without perfecting performance — so we wanted our leggings to be the very best of both worlds. We spent two years obsessing over every detail of these leggings, from the fabric development to the design and fit, and the end result speaks for itself.
I am always looking to try as many new things as possible when it comes to my wardrobe so it’s rare that you’ll see me reordering an item. But when it comes to these Girlfriend Collective leggings, I assure you this isn’t my first rodeo. I’ve been wearing them for about two years and they’ve gotten the most wear out of anything in my closet. That’s how good they are.
Rating: 4 out of 5. Customer Review: “I absolutely love these leggings, I always recommend them to my friends, they are the perfect thickness, and they stay up which is my favorite thing. The high rise is perfect to match with any sports bra and I cannot say enough great things about these!”
Runner up goes to this pair. I think the price point makes it totally worth taking a closer look.
Another pair of leggings I reach for on a weekly basis, you’ll love these.
The sporty girls love this brand.
The stripes give off the retro vibes that I am loving right now.
This type of leggings went viral on TikTok this year.
