Be honest. How many times a week do you throw on a pair of leggings? We won't judge if that number is high. Admittedly, I wear leggings every time I work remotely and most weekends. They're just the first thing I think to pull on when I want a casual 'fit or want to feel comfortable with little-to-no fuss. Not to mention, they're the only style I'll even consider when working out.
As a self-proclaimed leggings lover, I was thrilled when our friends over at NBC Select pulled off the incredible feat of trying and ranking 50 pairs to find the best options currently on the market. Select's writers and editors observed several factors, including fabric quality, performance, sizing and wear over time.
I'd be happy to fill my closet with any of the resulting top 10 picks, but when it came down to it, I knew that if there was one pair I had to try for myself immediately, it was going to be the No. 1 choice:
Nike Go Firm-Support Leggings
- Buttery soft
- Adjustable waist-tie
- Dri-FIT technology
- Runs incredibly small
Colors: Seven | Sizes: XXS-3XL | Fabric: (Body) 68% nylon, 32% spandex (Waist Lining) 68% nylon, 32% spandex (Gusset Lining) 84% nylon, 16% spandex
Why I like the Nike Go Firm-Support Leggings
They are super soft
As far as fabric goes, Nike truly nailed it. When brands say something is "buttery soft," it's usually a major exaggeration (in my experience), but the Nike Go Firm-Support Leggings feel exactly how you'd imagine they would. They're smooth to the touch and something I wouldn't mind wearing all day, despite their body-hugging fit.
They also offer the kind of compression I would expect from a legging, but they're not restrictive by any means — when you find the right fit, of course, but more on that later.
I must take special note of the waistband for its extra-wide size (that thing isn't slipping or sliding anywhere), as well as its built-in adjustable drawcord. I think anyone who experiences fluctuating weight or bloating, or has a body type that lands in between sizes, will find this feature helpful to make those minor modifications as needed.
I can also see these easily becoming a go-to do-it-all pant, since they work for any scenario, from simply lounging to working out to running errands.
I didn't know I needed this type of storage!
If you're super active, you'll probably want to get your hands on these leggings as soon as possible. Not just because they're super comfortable, but because they're more functional than any pant I've ever owned (or even heard of). This pair has, count 'em, six built-in pockets. Six! Three on the back of the waistband (great for holding credit or gift cards), two on the side and a zippered compartment on the thigh (perfect for storing lip balm!).
The highlight for me is the side pockets, which are actually deep enough to fit my iPhone and, likely, an even larger device. I can't count how many leggings I've purchased that promised phone storage and completely underdelivered. You can run full speed in this Nike pair, and whatever is being held inside won't budge.
Why other Shop TODAY team members love them, too
The fabric is super compressive
NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin voted the Nike Go Firm-Support Leggings her No. 1 pick. And while she has plenty of reasons explaining why, it seems like the fabric was a huge factor that helped make it an overall winner. "The best way I can describe the fabric is that it reminds me of a wetsuit or neoprene material, Malin says. "I was super suspicious about the leggings before I put them on because of the feel of the fabric, but it was actually amazing. The fabric is highly compressive and supportive while still being flexible, and I did not feel restricted in my movement at all. [It] is also pretty lightweight and overall did not make me feel hot, which I didn’t expect because the material is a bit thicker. She also adds that the material didn't hold onto moisture, making them a great option to wear on long runs.
As for their durability, Malin says their condition still looks good as new after wearing and washing them three times. "It hasn’t started pilling, shrinking or becoming more transparent."
“I love these leggings! raves photo editor Vivian Le. "They have a nice compression that doesn’t feel too tight. The material and build are designed more for training than lounging, but they are comfortable enough that I would wear them at home or to run errands," she says. But her top feature mirrors mine: "My favorite thing about these leggings are the pockets, which make it so easy for me to have a hands-free workout without juggling my AirPods, iPhone, and keys."
The waistband stays put
Producer Jillian Gonzales says one of her biggest pet peeves is when her leggings slide down her waist, adding how uncomfortable it feels when the inseam sits too low and causes her to lose momentum during her workouts because she needs to stop and adjust them. "There’s no concern with a rolling waistband with these [Nike] leggings," she says. "You’re getting a compressed, supportive fit from ankle to waist. These are the ultimate workout leggings. They are sleek, flattering and will stay in place so you can focus on your preferred workout, instead of your outfit."
What to consider
The sizing chart is unreliable
Fair warning: You're going to want to size up two sizes at least. I originally opted for an XS; the product website showed this size should fit anyone who normally wears bottoms 0-2. I'm not kidding when I say I couldn't pull up a single pant leg, they were that tight. Luckily, I had also ordered a S, or 4-6, which I was able to pull up to my waist, but I definitely broke a sweat and felt like my legs were tightly wrapped in sausage casings. The only size left available to me was a L, or 12-14, which was unbelievably not even that big on me.
Gonzalez also spoke to the legging's sizing, saying, "Be aware, these leggings are very restricting. I’d recommend sizing up if you don’t love the all-around compression feel."
However, Malin found them to fit true to size, saying, "I normally wear a medium in leggings, which is what I got in these."
More Nike options to shop
Nike Indy Light-Support Sports Bra
- Breathable design
- Adjustable
- Has a tight fit
Colors: Three | Sizes: XS-XL | Fabric: (Body) 72% polyester, 28% spandex (Panels) 82% polyester, 18% spandex (Bottom hem) 81% nylon, 19% spandex (Lining) 80% polyester, 20% spandex
Nike Sportswear Essential Logo Leggings
- Sweat-wicking material
- Stretchy waistband
- Features a tight fit
Colors: Two | Sizes: XS-XL | Fabric: 61% cotton, 33% polyester, 6% spandex
Nike Swift Dri-FIT UV Running Top
- Chafe-reducing design
- Reflective graphics
- UVA and UVB protection
- Mixed reviews on sizing
Colors: Three | Sizes: XXS-XXL | Fabric: 88% polyester, 12% spandex
Nike Dunk Low Next Nature
- Foam midsole
- Reviews say they're tight
Colors: 16 | Sizes: 5-12
Why trust Shop TODAY?
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.
Danielle Murphy is an audience development writer at Shop TODAY, where she writes about everything from beauty and fashion, to home decor. Recently, she's reviewed the Nori Press and Dyson, T3 and Shark multistylers.
