Some of us live in leggings (we absolutely don't judge — they're so comfy!), meaning we need multiple pairs stacked in our wardrobes for daily wear. But finding that perfect combination of comfort, compression and softness while shopping for a new pair is no small feat.
Whether you have to constantly stop to adjust your leggings mid-workout or you do test squats in the mirror to triple check that your leggings aren't more sheer than expected while wearing, we've all had ups and downs during the quest for the perfect leggings.
Luckily for you, our team of trusty editors have put dozens of leggings and joggers to the test over the years (as part of our Shop TODAY Travel Gear Awards and TODAY Wellness Awards), and our findings might surprise you.
From viral TikTok leggings that live up to the hype to splurge-worthy favorites, scroll down to shop all of our tried-and-true leggings and pants that will get you through your next HIIT workout or grocery store trip.
Select: The best leggings seen on TODAY
Start TODAY x Shop TODAY Wellness Awards Legging Winners
Colorfulkoala High Waisted Yoga Pants
Award: Best Overall | Category: Leggings/Yoga Pants
With nearly 40,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, we had to put these customer-loved leggings to the test. Between wearing them to yoga classes, weight training and long-distance runs, commerce editor Vivien Moon had nothing but praise for these leggings.
"I was VERY surprised by this pair of leggings! I love the pocket aspect and the tummy control the high waist provides without feeling too tight." She even went on to give them the ultimate seal of approval by saying, "Truly love these and would probably spend double what they cost considering their quality."
Ododos High Waisted Yoga Leggings with Pockets
Award: Best Budget | Category: Leggings/Yoga Pants
Balling on a budget is the name of the game for these Amazon customer-loved leggings. Coming in at under $30, our reviewers did everything from HIIT classes to running to the grocery store in these leggings.
Not only does this pick have pockets, but senior social media editor Kate McCarthy “never had to stop and adjust them while working out, which is the true sign of a great pair of leggings.”
However, a few reviewers did note that the sizing was inconsistent. We highly recommend using the brands sizing chart to ensure the perfect fit.
AE The Everything Pocket Highest Waist Legging
Award: Best Squat-Proof | Category: Leggings/Yoga Pants
Not only are these affordable, but these leggings received an almost perfect five-star rating from our reviewers. Senior SEO editor Jess Bender noted this pick became her go-to workout leggings for Peloton classes, neighborhood walks and even yoga classes.
“The high-rise waist was not only flattering, but rarely rolled down! The noted four-way stretch makes it really easy to move about and get into practically any position and pose you may need to,” said Bender.
Aerie Real Me Xtra Crossover High Waisted Pocket Legging
Award: Best Workout-to-Wind-Down | Category: Leggings/Yoga Pants
Chances are you’ve seen these viral leggings before on TikTok, and we’re here to confirm that the hype is real. Not only do these leggings feature a flattering crossover waistband, they have pockets (cue the applause!) to store all of your belongings during workouts.
TODAY trending editor Nicoletta Richardson noted in her review, “I loved the flattering crossover waist, the material was airy and breathable in addition to high quality and it washed well! All around a big win.”
Vuori Performance Jogger
Award: Best Overall | Category: Women’s Pants
From travel days to low-intensity workouts at the gym, these joggers from Vuori really wowed our reviewers, with one even saying that as soon as she put these on, she’d “wear them as much as humanly possible.”
While these joggers might be more expensive than others, coordinating producer Sara Snyder noted, “They get softer every time you wear them and wash them, but they never shrink.” I mean, can you really put a price on that level of comfort?
Split59 Airweight Super High Waist Leggings
Award: Best Low Impact | Category: Leggings/Yoga Pants
Reviewers didn’t have a single bad thing to say about these Split59 leggings. Perfect for barre, walks or other low impact workouts, these leggings are the real deal.
In fact, social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo went on to say these leggings felt like a second skin and stuck to her body like glue. Better yet, she also said they are squat proof and have showed no signs of pilling after several washes. What more could you ask for?
Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant
Award: Best Splurge | Category: Leggings/Yoga Pants
Chances are you've heard about these buttery-soft leggings from the ever-so-popular yoga brand Lululemon. Made with their signature Nulu Fabric, these are weightless and form-fitting in all the right places.
While they come at a higher price point than other leggings, it's money well spent in my [Privette} opinion. My trusty black Align leggings have been in use for about four years now and they're still going strong. However, it's really important to always air dry these to prevent pilling.
Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pant
Award: Best for Work | Category: Women’s Pants
Who says commuting and moving around the office isn’t a workout? Perfect for those who are always on the go, these pants from Athleta will keep those on their feet not only comfortable, but stylish, too.
Former Shop TODAY intern Bella Druckman had nothing but great things to say about these pants. “My favorite thing about these pants is that they never wrinkle. Ever since the pandemic, I have found it possible to sit like an adult in a chair and always find myself crossing my legs in some way or another. After an eight hour work day, these pants have not creased.”
Alo 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging
Award: Best High Impact | Category: Leggings/Yoga Pants
Whether you're hitting the pavement for a long run or headed to a high-intensity Orange Theory class like editorial assistant Lauren Biggerstaff, these leggings will keep everything in place.
Biggerstaff noted this pick is "tight and supportive, but also not too hot or constricting. The waistband didn’t dog or roll down, which is a problem I come across often with my body type, so that’s a huge plus."
A few reviewers did note that these were a little snug, which is expected since these are designed with high compression for a snug fit, according to the brand. However, if you're worried about them being too tight, we recommend sizing up.
For men:
Fabletics The Only Pant
Award: Best for Work | Category: Men’s Pants
Equipt with a lightweight, water-repellent fabric and a plethora of pockets, he can go straight from the office to the gym in these reviewer-loved Fabletics pants. While they might look like a regular old pair of slacks, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
One reviewer even said he got many compliments on these in the office, which was the highlight of his day. Available in an array of colors ranging from classic grey to black, any guy will be able to rock these day in and day out.
Lululemon Surge Jogger
Award: Best Overall | Category: Men's Pants
We couldn't forget about the men, and these joggers from Lululemon took home the gold with almost perfect ratings across the board. Made with sweat-wicking and quick-dry fabrics, they'll have zero complaints in these.
TODAY social media producer Peyton Young went on to say, "They are so comfortable. The material is breathable and they fit extremely well. I like the zipper front pockets."
Alo Co-Op Pant
Award: Best Splurge | Category: Men’s Pants
If you're feeling generous or just want to treat the man in your life, look no further than these pants from Alo. Our reviewers spoke highly to the comfort, durability and ease of movement in this pick. Needless to say, you'll receive extra-brownie points for gifting these.
More editor-recommended leggings
Under Armour UA Motion Full-Length Leggings
Using these as her staple base layer for winter runs, associate SEO editor Kamari Stewart loves this warm pair from Under Armour. "These leggings are stretchy and comfortable, but still flattering in the tummy area. Plus, I love that they're a true black and not see-through. They've easily become a part of my weekly wardrobe rotation."
Quince Ultra-Form High-Ruse Leggings
I recently tried out this pair from Quince and to say I'm impressed is the understatement of the century. Coming in at under $40, you'd never be able to spot any quality differences from other, more expensive pairs. They didn't roll down or move during my weight-lifting class and dried quickly post-workout. BRB, buying them in all every color!
Oner Active Effortless Seamless Leggings
"I've been a fan of this brand for years and have virtually stopped wearing other leggings because I want to reach for these every time. I love them so much and own them in four different colors so that I always have a pair to wear," notes Moon.
"They cinch me in perfectly to give me a very flattering shape and are on the higher end of the compression scale which is why I have so many — I can't find anything that comes close to matching these," continues Moon.
Girlfriend Collective Black Compressive High-Rise Legging
Bender has been a big fan of Girlfriend Collective for over seven years at this point and loves the brand's eco and socially-conscious ethos. "I’ve ordered dozens of products from them ever since, but my favorite thing they make is their signature piece, the high-rise compressive leggings," says Bender.
"Not only do they not roll down while I’m doing more intensive cardio and anything that involves lunges or squats, they do a heck of a job when it comes to sucking in my apron belly. Unlike other leggings that tend to be a bit sheer, the fabric is thick enough where that is never a problem," raves Bender.
FP Movement Never Better 7/8 Length Leggings
FP Movement is one of my go-to workout and lounge brands so I had to scoop up a pair of their leggings on my recent shopping trip. I love how high the waistband is on this pair and how it stayed put during my power flow class. They also offer a gentle compression which felt great. Plus, the color selection of this style is A+.
CARBON38 Split Bootcut Legging in Melt
Ever since trying these flare leggings from Carbon38, associate partnerships editor Lauren Witonsky reaches for them more and more. She notes that they've definitely held up after many washes and they're still buttery soft!
"With just the right amount of stretch and compression, I appreciate the moisture-wicking fabric during hot yoga classes. One thing to note is that if you're in between sizes, I suggest sizing up," notes Witonsky.
Rhone Revive 7/8 Pocket Legging
For days when I don't feel like carrying my purse to classes, these are my go-to since they have pockets! Large enough to fit my phone and wallet on each side, these are handy and super comfortable. Compression-wise, they offer a snug fit without being too tight. And something super unique about this pair is that the fabric is UPF 50+, which is great for the warmer months.
Lululemon Align High-Rise Mini-Flared Pant
Chances are you've probably seen this flared pair of the customer-loved Lululemon Align leggings but we're here to confirm they're the real deal. "My Align mini flares are the first pair of Lulu pants I've ever owned and the hype is so real. If you can't decide between straight leggings and flare leggings (AKA yoga pants), these are the perfect happy medium," says Witonsky.
"Plus, they have one of those hidden pockets in the back of the waistband that is perfect for bringing a key, cash/card or Airpods case with you on the go too!"
Shop TODAY Travel Gear Awards: Best jogger and travel-friendly pants for 2024
Old Navy High-Waisted Pulla Utility Pants
Award: Best budget weather-resistant pant for women
Take these utility pants from the office to your next adventure. They look surprisingly chic paired with a loose-fitted button down, but have all the features that make for a durable and comfortable pants: Front and back pockets, elastic waist and lightweight fabric.
Uniqlo Ultra Stretch AIRism Jogger Pants
Award: Best unisex jogger/travel pants
You’ll be glad you decided to travel in these joggers, once you feel their smooth and ultra-stretchy fabric. They’re designed with zipper-access side pockets and a tapered leg, which reviewers say offer a true-to-size fit.
Uniqlo Ultra Stretchy Dry-Ex Jogger Pants
Award: Best budget men’s jogger
According to the brand, these joggers have built-in technology (based on years of research) that give them their quick-drying, moisture-wicking quality. They also promise a tapered silhouette, smooth feel and opaque construction.
Kühl Freeflex Roll-Up Pant
Award: Best overall weather-resistant pant
“I wore [these pants] while hiking a volcano in Guatemala and they were wonderful,” commerce editor and producer Julie Ricevuto said. “They’re water-resistant, seemingly tear-proof and super flattering.”
Nomatics Outset Jogger
Award: Best splurge men’s joggers
These might be the most innovative pants on this list. According to the brand, they have a four-way “mechanical” stretch fabric, an eco-friendly-coated fabric that repels stains and perforated panels to boost ventilation. Although, our editors note that they run a bit on the smaller side.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better.
