The 9 best leggings of 2025, tested and reviewed by WIRED

Compare the 9 best leggings

Honorable mentions

Courtesy of Sculpt+Legging

Forme Sculpt + Legging for $118: Forme’s Sculpt+Leggings are designed with a multi-panel waistband and layers of traction fabric that aims to lift your hips, spine, and core into better alignment. The company claims this design helps activate muscle memory and improve proprioception, with doctors approving it for lower back pain, hip stiffness, and postpartum recovery. I didn’t turn into a Pilates instructor overnight, but I did feel a little lift in my core and a little less flabby while wearing them. It’s a reminder to pay attention to your posture, but it won’t do the work for you. It may be a placebo, but a comforting one at that. They’re comfortable and supportive without putting pressure on your midsection, which doesn’t always happen with compression clothing.

On active socks for $75: I’ve recently started strength training to support my running and climbing, and because I don’t want my bones to crumble into a pile of dust as I get older. These leggings are my favorite choice for lifting at the gym. They’re made up of 68% recycled polyamide and 32% elastane, and feel incredibly silky, lightweight and breathable, but also somewhat supportive. I don’t feel shy when I do squats or take a break. They also have a pocket that fits my iPhone 16, so I have a place to put my phone when I’m moving from one device to another. —Adrian Su

Lululemon align high-rise pants with pockets for $128: These workout leggings do most of our leggings: four-way stretch, sweat-wicking, and full coverage. They’re technically yoga pants, but I prefer to wear them when I’m working from home or running errands. I also love wearing this for the ride. Light pressure is more like a warm hug than active support. However, fabric tends to pill and collect lint over time. Also, if pockets aren’t a must for you, purchasing the standard Align High-Rise Pant may be a smarter option. The pocket model is $20-$30 more than the original, depending on the color (kind of crazy).

Courtesy of Gymshark

Gymshark Legacy Regular Leggings for $54: These are my deadlift darlings. Soft, stretchy and anti-squat. The sculpted waistband and built-in butt add just enough flattering lift without feeling like an uncomfortable wedge. At $54, it’s a steal compared to many competitors, so I’m not sweating the price while I’m sweating in it. Unfortunately, I’ve only had it for about a year, and some of the stitching has come undone.

Gymshark Mesh Waistband Leggings for $50: I love the Gymshark Mesh Waistband Leggings for weightlifting, although I prefer the Legacy leggings overall. The mesh waistband keeps everything in place, but it also digs into the skin, which isn’t painful, just weird. The butt binding is a little more pronounced than the Legacy and is not as comfortable for all-day wear.

Nike Go Women’s 7/8 High Waist Leggings with Pockets $73: I run almost every day, and these are the best leggings I’ve ever worn. I feel sad when these are in the wash. While the fabric composition is a fairly standard mix of nylon and spandex, the Nike Infinalock treatment is unique. It feels like you’re wearing a very thin wetsuit, and yes, that’s a good thing. I feel completely trapped. Nothing sags, nothing rattles, and the seams are flat, so there’s nothing bunching or rubbing between your legs (sorry). There are plenty of pockets, although I don’t use them while running, as well as a drawstring to keep the pants tight. I hate grabbing my leggings! There is no reason for this! We have the technology! —Adrian Su

Courtesy of Spanx

SPANXshape Booty Boost 7/8 Leggings for $98: Let’s start with what I like. The center seam-free design is great (no gusset checks). I gave them hot workouts, and they dried out faster than expected. But when it comes to the “boost your booty” promise, I didn’t see it. I got more noticeable lift from Gymshark and Fanka leggings. The contoured waistband provides decent core support, but the padding creates an unattractive design. Although compression is the hallmark of Spanx, in this case, it feels uncomfortably tight and uncomfortable. So tight that it is highly recommended to choose a larger size.

prAna Heavana 7/8 Leggings for $89: This is a good alternative to the under $100 gym leggings mentioned above. The description makes it seem like it’s super soft and relaxing, but it’s actually very thin and breathable, and the large waistband means it doesn’t roll up while you move. I’d feel a little self-conscious lying on the couch wearing these, but they’re great for working out. —Adrian Su

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