Plus, marathon training is in full swing, so you have the perfect excuse to find your next best pair. Whether you plan to hit the trails, endure cold temperatures, or sweat on the treadmill, there are plenty of options on the market (and we want it all!). If you’re unsure what to look for in running leggings for women, we broke down everything you need to know about fabric, fit, and features before crossing the finish line.
What To Consider
Fabric
Sullivan suggests looking for leggings with at least 15 to 20 percent spandex or elastane blended into nylon or polyester, like our top pick from lululemon—the Fast and Free High-Rise Tight. This gives fabric the perfect balance of compression, stretch, and the ability to wick away sweat and dry fast. The materials bring sweat to the fabric’s surface, making it evaporate quickly, says Sullivan. It also makes a difference when it comes to temperature. Generally, look for leggings with thicker, brushed fabric for warmth during winter runs and lightweight fabric for hot weather.
Fit
The waistband should sit comfortably without pinching, gaping, or sliding down. Some leggings also have a drawstring at the waist, like one of our picks, the Vuori Daily Legging. It provides a secure fit to prevent your leggings from sliding down mid-run (a total nightmare). When it comes to length, full-length styles are ideal for cooler temps while capri-length works for warmer weather. It also depends on your height and personal preference.
Features
Sullivan recommends looking for silver metallic details, especially if you run at dawn or dusk. “Look for leggings with reflective strips or patterns from the ankle up to the knees or hip because they literally light you up in the dark when car headlights hit them,” she explains. “It gets attention and keeps you safe, so don’t risk being invisible to drivers.”
Another holy grail feature? Pockets! If you run with your phone, keys, or credit card, leggings with pockets are essential. Some leggings also have zippered pockets, which are great for trails and longer runs to keep everything secure.
How We Chose
To find the best running leggings, the WH team, including fitness commerce editor Nicolette Accardi and associate fashion and commerce editor Lily Wohlner, tested different styles and fits for over a year. Aside from our research, we consulted running coaches on their favorites and what to look out for. This final list includes a pair for every runner, while also considering key features like material, fit, sweat-wicking technology, and durability. Read on for our guide to the best running leggings for women.
“/>
2
Best Affordable Running Leggings
90 Degree By Reflex Power Flex Leggings
A bargain pair under $30? We’re in. For a fraction of the price of our overall top pick, the 90 Degree By Reflex Power Flex Leggings perform impressively well. Accardi has multiple pairs and swears it doesn’t disappoint.
“It’s hands down the best budget sweat-wicking leggings I own—it even has two deep side pockets to keep essentials secure,” says Accardi. “Not only is the fit perfect for my petite frame, but the waistband isn’t too tight, so it doesn’t make me feel suffocated on runs.”
She also explains how durable the fabric is despite its low price point. “I washed each pair over 20 times and the material is still strong!” The only con is the waistband can stretch after lots of wear, but she doesn’t mind given the roomy fit is ultra comfy.
| Sizes | XS-3XL |
|---|---|
| Materials | Polyester, spandex |
| Rise | High |
| Length | 25-in. |
3
Best Running Leggings For Warm Weather
Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight
Pros
- Feels cooling on the skin
- Absorbs moisture fast
- Hidden waistband pocket
Cons
- The fabric is medium weight if you prefer lightweight material
We experienced humiliation one too many times from huge sweat stains on our butt. That nightmare is a distant memory because the lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight is made to pull away moisture at light speed when you’re dripping sweat.
Besides being a cult fave, Gina Newton, CPT, says the super-absorbent material is worth the cash and we believe it! She also loves how well the waistband stays put while in motion. There are no deep side pockets like other options on this list, but a tiny pocket can be found at the waistband for stashing small essentials.
Compared to the brand’s Fast and Free High-Rise Tight, this style uses Everlux fabric, which is cooling on the skin. It’s perfect for hot and humid temperatures, especially if you live on the West Coast!
| Sizes | 0-20 |
|---|---|
| Material | Nylon, lycra elastane |
| Rise | High |
| Lengths | 23, 25, 28, and 31-in. |
4
Best Adjustable Running Leggings
Vuori Daily Legging
Pros
- Adjustable drawstring keeps everything snug
- Contouring fit
- Variety of length options
Cons
- The fit is super snug
As Sullivan mentioned, having a drawstring at the waist helps leggings fit securely. The best adjustable option we discovered is the Vuori Daily Legging. It’s made with smoothing moisture-wicking fabric that contours the body all while staying in place. Even when not running, Wohlner always gets excited to slip into a pair.
“It truly does feel snug when you’re on a run and they never feel like they’re going to slip off,” says Wohlner. “Plus, they hug the body so nicely and they’re super flattering!”
An added bonus? Similar to the lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Tight, there are three inseams to choose from—short, regular, and long.
| Sizes | XXS-2X |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyester, elastane |
| Rise | High |
| Length | Short, regular, long |
5
Best Winter Running Leggings
On Performance Winter Tights
Running in below-freezing temperatures calls for thick leggings that will keep your legs nice and toasty. The On Performance Winter Tights are Accardi’s go-to for winter running and take down the best overall for keeping warm.
“I’m very sensitive to extreme temperatures, but this pair is insulating and keeps my legs from freezing—that says a lot!” Accardi says. “The high waist also offers extra warmth in the midsection.”
The fabric is heavier than other options on this list at almost eight ounces, but despite the weight it still wicks away sweat effortlessly. It also has reflective detailing for extra visibility during dark winter runs—safety first! Accardi says the only con is the length is quite long and will bunch up if you’re shorter.
| Sizes | XS-XL |
|---|---|
| Material | Recycled polyester, elastane |
| Rise | High |
| Lengths | 31-in. |
6
Best Reflective Running Leggings
Fanka Speed Light Leggings
No one will miss you when running at dawn or dusk when wearing the Fanka Speed Light Leggings. It has an all-over reflective print to make you stand out in low-light conditions, which means you can finally run in the dark anxiety-free. This is the first pair of leggings we’ve seen with this feature as a print, so it deserves a standing ovation.
Besides increasing visibility, the seamless fit contours the booty while the high waistband doesn’t budge. Sweat stains may not be visible in the dark, but that doesn’t mean it’s comfortable! Don’t worry, the flexible fabric wicks away sweat and dries fast.
| Sizes | S-XL |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyamide, elastane |
| Rise | High |
| Lengths | 21-in. |
7
Best Compression Running Leggings
Nike Pro Mid-Rise Leggings
Generally, the tighter the fit, the more compression a pair of leggings offers. The Nike Pro Mid-Rise Leggings are the most snug option we’ve tested and are a go-to for Accardi when she’s sore.
“The high compression makes my muscles feel cradled and more stabilized when I’m experiencing pain,” Accardi says. “It’s up in the air whether or not compression helps improve circulation, but I personally feel a difference in muscle tension when wearing the tights.”
It’s made with Nike’s iconic Dri-Fit material that wicks away sweat like a champ. The few cons Accardi notes are the tight waistband can get uncomfortable if worn all day and sizing tends to run small.
| Sizes | XXS-XXL |
|---|---|
| Materials | Polyester, spandex |
| Rise | Mid |
| Lengths | 25-in. |
Meet The Experts
- Kelli Sullivan, RRCA-certified run coach and Stride Fitness instructor
- Gina Newton, certified personal trainer and holistic body coach
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based writer and graduate student at Northwestern Medill. She’s a mass consumer of social media and cares about women’s rights, holistic wellness, and non-stigmatizing reproductive care. As a former collegiate pole vaulter, she has a love for all things fitness and is currently obsessed with Peloton Tread workouts and hot yoga.
Nicolette Accardi is the Fitness Commerce Editor at Women’s Health with a specialty in running content. She likes to chase her next best time by testing out shoes and other running gear while training for races. Nicolette studied journalism and health sociology at Rutgers University. She has written for NJ.com, VICE, Rolling Stone, NBC News Select, and U.S. News & World Report.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Read the full article here
