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Leggings are the desert island pick of activewear.
Vanessa Granda. Set Design Mat Cullen
So here, weve compiled 18 leggings we think are absolutely superbkeep scrolling to see the full list.
So high-rise is way more ideal, but only if it stays in place!
The key phrase here, of course, isstay in place.Do your leggings or shorts sag throughout your workout?
Do you find yourself needing to adjust mid-run?
Next, try the infamous squat test.
This you’re free to do in a dressing room or when you try them on at home.
If they become see-through in any spots, you may want to reconsider the style.
Get a sense of what length youre looking for as well.
Many brands offer leggings in a variety of lengths: full-length, 7/8, cropped, and others.
Shorts often come in inseams that are 11, 7, or even 4 inches.
Style might influence your preferences, but practicality might too.
Also pay attention to fabricoften synthetic fabrics, like polyester or elastane, are best for sweating.
Ultimately, be sure youre picking leggings and shorts that feel good on your body.
In addition to setting parameters around when items launched, we also introduced an inclusive-sizing eligibility requirement.
For specific items that lack a full range of sizes, weve provided similar, more inclusive alternatives.
Brands who met the above criteria were able to submit products for consideration.
Testers wrote extensive reviews and rated each product.
Those who came out on topall listed belowwere awarded a SELF Certified seal.
Available in sizes XXSXXL.
Read a full review of the Offline by Aerie Real Me Xtra Crossover Pocket Leggingshere.
The fabric is buttery, soft, and stretchy, one tester wrote.
It also made them feel versatile for use outside of a workout too.
And they passed the squat test for sure.
Available in sizes XXS3X.
Not only are they pillow-soft, but they also stay up no matter how intense your workout is.
The fabric, made of nylon and spandex, is Balance Athleticas take on soft and stretchy leggings.
As the name says: Wear these, and youll be on cloud nine.
Available in sizes XXSXXXXL.
Available in sizes XSXXL.
Additional sizes available in a similar stylehere.
one postpartum tester wrote.
The waistband comes up high, which I really like, especially eight weeks postpartum.
These are a new fave!
Our testers loved the high waist, which offered support and created a flattering silhouette.
They also said the material handles sweat welland can withstand many washes.
Available in sizes SXXL.
The Black-girl athletes working out made my heart sing so loud!
one tester wrote, referring to the pattern on the leggings.
Never, ever, have I seen Black girls my size on a garment.
I was so happy about that kind of representation.
Available in sizes S3XL.
The quality is amazing!
one tester, who wears a size 20, said.
Our other tester described this fabric as feeling like heaven.
Available in sizes 020.
Read our full review of the Lululemon InStill High-Rise Tightshere.
They hugged my curves in all the right places, which boosted my confidence.
These leggings from Outdoor Research will do just the trick.
The Melody leggings also have pockets, useful for outdoor gallivanting when you want to travel light.
Available in sizes XSXXXL.
Theyre secure enough to take on the trails without being restrictive and have a high waistband that doesnt budge.
We also love their subtle colorblock designswitch things up, why dont you?
Available in sizes XSXL.
Additional sizes available in a similar stylehere.
I love the fit, fabric, and comfort.
The only thing I would change are the back pockets.
Yes, you read that rightback pockets.
And while this tester didnt prefer the style, our other tester said she found them genuinely useful.
(The pants have slit pockets on the sides as well.)
We recommend wearing these for walks, travel, and active days on your feet.
That being said, our testers had no complaints about overheating.
Available in sizes XS3XL.
They fit like a glove, one tester, who wears a size medium, said.
I was very pleased.
Well, case closed.
Available in sizes XS3X.
Read our full review of the Spanx Booty Boost Active 7/8 Leggingshere.
They have a snug feel in the torso, which our testers found useful during HIIT and plyometric workouts.
Our testers also loved the thick, opaque look and the feel of the fabric.
Available in sizes L7XL.
Additional sizes available in a similar stylehere.
These Kinetic Performance leggings hit high marks across the board: I love these leggings.
The waistband laid exactly where it was supposed to and it did not slip at all during my workouts.
What else could we ask for?
Available in sizes XS3X.
Available in sizes XS2XL.
That being said, theyre just as perfect for lounging around, if not more.
The fabric is phenomenal, one tester, who typically wears an XL, wrote.
They feel so good on my skin and are thick enough to where the shorts arent see through.
I didnt want to take them off!
Available in sizes 00/038/40.
These stay in place without feeling restrictive at all.
They didnt ride up either.
Another reviewer put them through the ultimate testpole dancing.
I can get all kinds of dynamic movement in many positions while wearing them, she said.
(She wears a size 2X.)
They are long enough where they dont ride up at all.
She also reported they showed neither sweat nor bladder leakage.
