To help you find the perfect pair, we did the dirty work for you and tested a bunch of the bestselling leggings on Amazon—from leggings with pockets to compression leggings—so you don’t have to. We also asked a fabric expert and other Women’s Health editors what their absolute faves are to narrow down the list even further. Keep reading to discover our editor-tested and expert-recommended list of the best leggings on Amazon and what you should consider while shopping for a new pair.
What to consider
If you’re not a brand loyalist, it might seem overwhelming to shop for a solid pair of leggings. There are so many ways leggings can be less than what you bargained for, so here are a few things to keep in mind while selecting the perfect pair for you.
Fabric
Professor Preeti Arya, PhD, specializes in textile development at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She says that the right fabric for leggings depends on your needs. But if you’re worried about maintenance, “you can go for something that is petroleum-based because care is easy,” she says. Petroleum-based fabrics include spandex, polyester, and nylon. These options are also typically a lot cheaper, according to Arya, but you can also opt for wool or silk, which feel better on your skin, since they’re natural fibers. Heads up: these fabrics are a bit harder to care for, though, and require special attention on laundry day.
Rise
Rise is really up to your personal preference, but higher-rise leggings usually have tummy control, which is a plus when you want to feel snatched at the gym. However, tummy control typically comes with a bit more compression, so that is something to keep in mind if you’re easily uncomfortable.
Length
Again, length is up to your personal preference, but the most flattering cut is typically just above your ankle. For most people, that means a 7/8 style of leggings. Full-length leggings, or ones that extend all the way to your feet, might be better for barefoot workouts like yoga. Other lengths, like capri leggings, are really up to your personal style.
How we chose
For the past few years, our editors have been researching the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated leggings on Amazon. During our process of finding the best pairs, we evaluated each based on functionality, fabrication, performance, fit, size range, rise, and length. Then, we reached out to an expert to get her take on our final list, helping us narrow it down to a tried-and-tested list of the seven absolute best pairs of leggings on Amazon.
Keep reading to find a new pair to add to your collection ASAP.
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Best Overall
Crz Yoga Super High Waisted Butterluxe Yoga Pants
Pros
- Buttery-soft feel
- Two length options
- Four-way stretch
Cons
- Not all colors are squat-proof
As we noted, our editors tested tons of leggings on Amazon, but this pair from Crz Yoga received the highest marks across our team. First of all, they’re a solid dupe for *that* pair of super soft, comfortable leggings, but they also offer the perfect amount of compression without feeling too tight, which can be hard to find.
WH executive editor Abigail Cuffey now owns this pair in three different colors. “They have a free-moving design, they feel buttery-soft, and they have four-way stretch,” she says. “What’s not to love?”
These leggings come in two different length options: 25 inches and 28 inches. We tried both, but prefer the longer pair as they hit right at our ankle. You can also tuck the longer pair into socks, which makes them a bit easier to wear and style. In terms of rise, this pair is on the higher end, which we like because they feel super full-coverage at the gym.
Lastly, these leggings have hidden pockets in the waistband, which makes it super easy to store our belongings while on a run or at the gym. As a runner myself, I’ve found the interior pockets convenient for storing my keys during a jog. And, yes, they always stay in place during a run, which is a huge plus.
Our one note on this pair is that they’re a bit more see-through than the other options on this list. The darker colors passed our squat test, but some of the lighter options showed our panty lines just a bit too much.
Read More: Best Compression Leggings
| Sizes | XXS-2X |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 81% polyamide, 19% lycra |
| Rise | High |
| Length | 25 in, 28 in |
Best Budget
Fullsoft High-Waisted Tummy Control Leggings
Pros
- Provide high support
- They hold up during deep squats
- Superb tummy control
Cons
- They’re on the thinner side
If you’re on a budget, it doesn’t get any better than this three-pack of leggings for under $30 (yup, you read that right). The best part? The price doesn’t mean these skimp on quality at all—they’re actually some of Amazon’s bestselling leggings, and for good reason.
Our editors who tested these pocket leggings say they’re soft, yet extremely supportive, and even hold up during deep squats and all sorts of mobility exercises. What’s more, they offer some of the best tummy control we’ve experienced in a legging. If you’re looking for a slimming option, this is the pair for you.
Another pro? These leggings are totally seamless, so they don’t add any unnecessary width or have any uncomfortable seams. However, we do feel like the fabric is a bit on the thinner side, which knocked down their score in the quality department.
| Sizes | S-3X |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 92% polyester, 8% spandex |
| Rise | High |
| Length | Ankle |
Best Cropped Leggings
Iuga High-Waisted Capri Leggings
Pros
- Squat-proof
- Sweat-wicking
- Available in a biker short option
Cons
- Pockets aren’t the most subtle
Looking for something cropped for the summertime, or just want to show off those sexy calves? Several of our testers say these are some of the best leggings they’ve ever owned. They’re chafe-proof, squat-proof, and sweat-wicking—perfect for hot, humid weather. They’re even available in a biker short style, in case you want something with even less coverage, but plenty of support.
While the seams and the waistband are flat, we did find that the side pockets stick out and add a little bit of width to the legs, which we didn’t love. However, there is an interior pocket at the waistband, which securely holds our belongings at the gym (big ups!). And, speaking of the waistband, we gave these leggings an even higher rating because the band has tummy control technology, so it holds us in all the right places and makes us look nice and toned at the gym.
| Sizes | XS-3X |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 77% polyester, 23% spandex |
| Rise | High |
| Length | Calf |
Best Squat-Proof Leggings
Sunzel Squat-Proof High-Waisted Leggings
Now 32% Off
Pros
- Four-way stretch
- Slimming fit
Cons
- 7/8 inseam often sells out
Nothing ruins a good booty workout like the fear that everyone can see your underwear (IYKYK). These leggings, however, passed our squat tests in the gym. Not only are they totally full-coverage and opaque, but they also have four-way stretch that makes getting ~low~ easy.
We also appreciate that the brand offers this legging in several different designs, from options with pockets to a regular pair. Currently, you can buy these leggings in a 28-inch inseam only, but the brand often restocks their 7/8 inseam leggings, which we also love. The common denominator between all the lengths? They’re super slim-fitting, high-waisted, and contouring, so they’re supportive without feeling too tight.
| Sizes | XS-3X |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 70% nylon, 30% elastane |
| Rise | High |
| Length | 28 in, 7/8 in |
Best Lightweight Leggings
Crz Yoga 7/8 High-Waisted Leggings
Women’s Health executive health and fitness director Jacqueline Andriakos recommends this high-waisted and affordable pair of leggings, as they’re so lightweight. “I love a high-waisted legging with pockets for my phone and credit card, so I can really go hands-free when I walk and run,” she says.
She tells us that she wears these leggings for absolutely everything, from running to weight-lifting to traveling and lounging. Andriakos also loves that the material is smooth and thick, yet still super breathable. “They feel more expensive than they are,” she adds, telling us that she owns “way too many” pairs.
One con we discovered during testing was that the waistband tends to roll down a bit, which knocked them down a few points in our book. We also wish it came in more inseam options than just 25 inches.
| Sizes | XXS-XXL |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 71% polyamide, 29% spandex |
| Rise | High |
| Length | 25 in |
Best Flared Leggings
Topyogas Bootleg Leggings
Pros
- Looks great with casual outfits
- Adds variety into your closet
- Offers tummy control
Cons
- There’s extra fabric around the crotch
Need a lil ~flare~ in your life? Check these Topyogas leggings out. We love them because they’re just as flattering as they are versatile. Pair them with a T-shirt and blazer for work, and nobody will know you’re the comfiest person in the office (then, head straight to yoga after happy hour).
When we put them to the test at the gym, we loved how moisture-wicking these were. Even after a hot yoga class, one of our editors said she felt way drier than she was expecting.
After testing these leggings, we agree that their softness is top-notch. Plus, the high-rise fit offers just enough tummy control, so we can confidently wear them with just a high-impact sports bra or a crop top. The V-shaped waist also helps in the flattering category. That being said, there is a bit of extra fabric around the crotch, which is supposed to give that area more breathing room, but might be too baggy for some wearers.
| Sizes | XXS-2X |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 75% nylon, 25% spandex |
| Rise | High |
| Length | 40-44 in, depending on size |
Best Stretchy Leggings
Hey Nuts Athletic High-Waisted Leggings
Pros
- Super stretchy and comfortable
- Good compression
- Many inseam lengths
Cons
- Butt seam feels a bit too low
Women’s Health food producer Tina Martinez touts these Hey Nuts leggings for their smooth, light feel and ability to stay in place. She loves that they offer ample support, and that they feel like they’re holding you in the right places. Martinez also loves their great compression, the fact that they don’t roll down, and how opaque they are (no panty lines here!). They’re also super stretchy and comfortable, so you can wear them at home or to the gym.
These leggings have the most inseam options on this list, ranging from 25 inches to 31 inches if you’re on the taller side. In terms of sizing, our testers find that these leggings run totally true-to-size, which, if you’re an avid Amazon shopper, you know is hard to come by.
We had very few cons about these leggings, but we did agree that the butt seam felt a bit too low, so they’re not the most flattering option on this list.
| Sizes | XXS-XL |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 70% nylon, 30% spandex |
| Rise | High |
| Length | 25 in, 28 in, 31 in |
Meet the experts
- Jacqueline Andriakos, NASM, is Women Health‘s executive health and fitness editor.
- Preeti Arya, PhD, is an assistant professor of textile development and marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Lily Wohlner is the Associate E-Commerce Editor of Women’s Health. An expert in recommending the best products to add-to-cart, she knows what it takes for a product to receive a solid five stars (especially when it comes to beauty!). Starting her career as a freelance makeup artist, Lily has since moved to the editorial world, where she has generated content for brands including Oribe, NewBeauty, Dermstore, SkinStore, and LOOKFANTASTIC. When she’s not zenning out with a pore-clearing mask, the Lower East Side dweller is cheffing up a new recipe with her roommate or thrifting for the perfect pair of blue jeans. Follow her on Instagram.
Addison Aloian is the assistant love & life editor at Women’s Health and a NASM-certified personal trainer (CPT). She covers all things lifestyle, astrology, relationships, and fitness. In her free time, you can find her lifting weights at the gym, running on the West Side Highway in New York City, and watching (and critiquing!) the latest movies that have garnered Oscars buzz. In addition to Women’s Health, her work has also appeared in Allure, StyleCaster, L’Officiel USA, V Magazine, VMAN, and more.
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