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A pair of leggings that works well for yoga class might not feel supportive enough for high-impact sprints.
Courtesy of the brands / Gabrielle Castrillon
Or they might bunch behind your knees with every stride (or annoyingly creep down your waist).
), good running leggings don’t have to break the bank.
The fabric is sleek and super stretchy, withjustenough of a hug to stay put on the waist.
It’s also surprisingly cool to the touch.
Plus, with five(!)
pockets, they have more than enough space to hold gels, keys, snacks, and more.
It moves with you, but it’s still lightweight, she says.
Plus, subtle (but cleverly placed) compression around the glutes gives my backside a nice lift.
And all this for only $38?
With a silky fabric and just a smidge of compression, they make my whole lower body feel great.
Once I do that, I end up with a bit of extra fabric around my ankles.
But I find that the trade-off is worth it to feel comfy and cute everywhere else.
And on the outside of each thigh, deep pockets are big enough to hold a bunch of gels.
Meanwhile, lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric keeps you from getting waterlogged, evenwhen the sweat starts dripping.
Look for leggings withreflective details, like this Adidas pair.
Even if the weather is just really gray and dark, that reflective detailing is never going to hurt.
Most leggings only have a small, reflective logo.
Other times, its pasted onto clothing in big blocks that arent exactly flattering.
But Ultimateadidas splits the difference, with reflective strips along the front and back of the thighs and ankles.
Although this doesnt completely block out all panty lines for me, it covers up most of them.
I see next to no cellulitewhich leaves me feeling far more confident on my runs.
I wish there were more plus-size options that truly considered plus-size bodies, she says.
But this pair from Pelotons apparel line has become her tried-and-true.
These are some of the most enduring pairs of leggings I have come across, she says.
And they come in a lot of fun colors, she adds.
(She also recommends the brand’ssports brasandtank tops, which makea perfect matching set.)
Don’t sweat iteven though these leggings didn’t make our top picks, we still recommend them.
(Many have similar features, fabrics, and price points to our favorites.)
The fleece interior is just really soft, she says.
They just feel comfortable, she says.
Its just as good for curling up on the couch as it is for going on a run.
One detail we love?
Strategic seams across the thighs and backside make for an especially flattering design.
Bonus: They come in tons of colors and fun patterns, for a majordopamine boost.
Heres what experts suggest keeping in mind while youre shopping for a pair that will hold up for miles.
Avoid cotton or anything that’s going to hold moisture against your skin, Dworecki says.
When its warmer, Dworecki suggests looking for a pair with mesh cutouts.
Just keep them in the lower leg because sometimes, that cancause some chafing, she warns.
Rise
Leggings can be high-rise, mid-rise, or low-rise.
Also, consider how much compression you want in your leggings.
She adds that some runners wear compressive leggings in place ofcompression socksor sleeves.
Other helpful details include pockets to stash essentials and reflective elements to help you be seen in the dark.
Choose a pair with a drawstring you could tighten, Dworecki suggests.
It can also help to avoid putting anything in your leggings pockets.
(Pro tip: Strap on arunning beltinstead.)
Why do some runners wear shorts over their leggings?
Since leggings are super form-fitting, some runners prefer to layer shorts on top for additional coverage.
Some people are self-conscious about having it be too tight on certain parts of their body, Dworecki explains.
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