We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's.
1. Mega popular high-waisted leggings made with quality performance fabric that has a *lot* of reviewers swapping their more expensive brand name pairs out — these are comfortable, squat-proof, and also come with a *MEGA* secure pocket for your phone and a teensy *secret* pocket in the waistband for your keys.
No joke, I just checked my Amazon history and I own three pairs of these now because I just keep buying them every time I need a reliable pair of black leggings. They're compressive, squatproof, slide on very easily, and are quite comfy — and this is speaking as someone who uses them for everything from leisurely walks around the city to 10-mile runs. The pockets are perfectly-sized for phones and accessories with a nice depth to them, and don't stretch out over time like other ones do. They also wash up beautifully — I haven't noticed any wear in them, I just keep buying more because I was sick of waiting until laundry day to wear them when they got sweaty.
Promising review: "These are the best yoga pants, giving Lululemon a run for their money (at a quarter of the price). NOT EXAGGERATING! I first bought the capris and loved them so much I bought an extra pair and the long ones as well. So very comfortable. Pockets are perfectly placed and inconspicuous. I have washed many times, hanging to dry, and they hold up, with no fading. Perfect fit, and true to size. I have recommended to so many, who also now rave about these yoga pants...and thank me." —P. Bauman
Psst — if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe, you can try this piece out before you buy it!
Get them from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in sizes XS–3X and 23 colors).
2. The updated Double Crossover Leggings from Aerie, which are a riff on their legendary TikTok-famous Crossover Leggings that sold out a bajillion times in 2022. This new version includes another crossover in the *back* for an extra unique twist, but are just as buttery-soft, lightly supportive, and breathable as the OG.
Ummmm I have a pair of these and adore them. The fabric is lightweight but so, so soft, and true to Aerie form, entirely squatproof. I put them on and they feel so nice that I genuinely am like ?? am I wearing anything on my legs ?? I also just love the cutout on both sides because it gives them such a unique, fun look to an otherwise utilitarian workout outfit. (I gotta go with black leggings or bust, so it's nice to have a version that's playful.) I love pairing these with crop tops to show off the crossover on both sides, but they're so comfy I wear them with oversized things too. Highly recommend for anything from workouts to errand running to lounging at home!
Get them from Aerie for $41.21 (originally $54.95; available in sizes XXS–XXL and in Short and Long sizes, as well as three colors).
3. Plus popular cross-waist leggings heralded as being similar to the original Aerie leggings that went viral on TikTok — reviewers love this version for the streamlined look, the soft four-way stretch, and of course, the hidden pocket in the waistband 👀.
Promising review: "I absolutely love these leggings. As a plus-size girl it’s hard to find really nice leggings on Amazon, but these are so great! They did not move much during my work out, they are squat proof, and they are so comfortable. I will order the next pair a size down because they were a little bit more roomy in the waist than I anticipated. Can’t wait to buy more colors!" —Lillian Williams
Psst — if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe, you can try this piece out before you buy it!
Get them from Amazon for $22.98 (available in sizes XS–3X, two inseams, and dozens of colors).
4. Moisture-wicking, oh-so-stretchy high rise leggings so affordable you'll jump for joy (without anyone knowing the color of your undies!!). These also feature a light compression and side pockets.
Promising review: "These leggings are so soft. I will be buying so more they are just like Lulu but a fifth of the price! Fit great and look amazing!" —Richard Moreira
Get them from Amazon for $19.96+ (available in sizes XS–3X and 23 styles).
5. Girlfriend Collective's Compressive High-Rise Legging, which is the the #1 bestselling product of the eco-conscious brand with good reason. Reviewers love the supportiveness of the compression and ultra high-rise waist, the unique colors, and the fact that these stylish digs were made with 25 recycled water bottles.
Girlfriend Collective is a family-owned, Washington-based small business based out of Seattle, Washington that specializes in eco-friendly apparel.
Here's what BuzzFeeder Melanie Aman has to say about these leggings: "I usually wear them for low-impact workouts, like Pilates and yoga (and lounging on the couch), but they didn't let me down during high-impact HIIT cardio classes either. The material is really breathable so even though I'm sweating a lot during my workouts, the leggings don't get swampy."
(You can check out her full review of these Girlfriend Collective leggings for more deets.)
Get them from Girlfriend Collective for $78 (available in sizes XXS—6XL, three inseams, and six colors).
6. Shefit's Boss Leggings so beloved by reviewers for their comfy, compressive waistband and breathable fabric that you'll want to try them out yourself *stat*.
Shefit is a woman-founded small business established in 2010 that specializes in activewear.
Promising review: "Amazing quality. The fabric feels like second skin! I now own six pairs of these! They are squatproof, moisture-wicking, and they move with your body. Great deal for the price! I’ll never go back to any other brand." —Ashleigh W.
Get them from Shefit for $68 (available in sizes XXS–6X and five colors).
7. Alo Yoga's High Waist Airbrush Leggings for that "barely there" type of fit that still comes with plenty of support and opacity we love to see in a quality legging. Reviewers love that it has no side seams for extra comfort.
Promising review: "I love these leggings — they're perfect for yoga, pilates, or relaxing. I don't know how to describe the feeling other than that they're softer than sweatpants, and still look good." —Ariana M.
"These leggings are so worth the price! The fabric is buttery soft and just hugs your legs. They are the most comfortable leggings I’ve ever put on. I will be ordering in more colors for sure!" —Sarah M.
Get them from Alo Yoga for $98 (available in sizes XXS–L and 11 colors).
8. Colorful leggings you'll be tempted to get in every shade once you experience the same 😍 of the tens of thousands of reviewers who swear by them — these slightly brushed, supportive leggings come with side pockets and a V-shaped seam in the back for unique dimension.
Promising review: "These leggings are AMAZING! Not only are they soft, comfortable, and squatproof, but they look so good on! I have a hard time finding leggings that are big enough around the thighs/butt area but fitting enough around the waistline. I can’t believe the price and the fact that my new favorite leggings are from Amazon." —MLK
Get them from Amazon for $21.25+ (available in sizes XS–XL and 33 colors).
9. Lululemon's iconic Align High Rise Leggings designed to feel "light as a cloud" while also staying supportive for lower impact workouts and busy days. These also feature a hidden pocket in the waistband sweat-wicking fabric for when you get ~in the zone~.
Promising review: "Finally bought my first pair to see what all the fuss was about ... now I'm never going back! These leggings are next level in comfort and coverage. They're buttery soft and give just enough stretch to be perfectly cozy." —wbretz
Get them from Lululemon for $98+ (available in sizes 0–20, three inseams, and 30 colors).
10. "TikTok made me do it" textured leggings that gained their viral fame over the past few years for a *reason* — reviewers love that they're squat-proof, super comfy, and booty hugging.
Promising review: "As a millennial mom, I’m halfway on the TikTok bandwagon without shame. So when I saw these leggings come up again and again, I decided to trust the sea of people who rave about these leggings and purchased them. I usually buy my athletic wear at lesser prices but occasionally have spent this same amount for something I really liked. And TikTok did not let me down! These leggings are very soft and comfortable to wear and for my nearly 5'9" curvy frame. What I really like is the material pattern stretches over the curvy parts of me really nicely without looking like it’s obviously stretching beyond looking good. These leggings make me feel great, don’t ride down below my waist and belly when I’m doing actual exercise. I started off with black and now want a couple of different colors to add to my athletic wardrobe." —Brianna Storch
Get them from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in sizes XS–4X and in 47 colors and styles).
11. Athleta's reviewer-beloved Ultra High Rise Elation Tights to stand up to the challenge of any workout you throw its way while also staying *ridiculously* comfortable to boot, thanks to the brand's signature butter-soft Powervita fabric.
Promising review: "Best leggings ever! The Elation leggings are my favorite. High rise stays in place, and the material is so soft. I will always buy these!" —Athleta Customer
"These are by far the best leggings out there. Buttery soft and stay up. I have them in several colors and the continue to be my go-to leggings." —Athleta Customer
Get them from Athleta for $89 (available in sizes XXS–3X, three inseams, and two colors).
12. Spanx's beloved Look at Me Now Seamless Leggings that are very much worth the investment, considering the comfort and "just right" compression of the seamless, four-way stretch design. Reviewers especially love how easy they are to wear despite being "shapewear," and how quickly they can be dressed up or down.
Here's what BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly (pictured above) has to say about them: "This was me hiking a few summers ago in Santorini posing for a photo op. It felt like a looong hike. (I don't hike often, OK?) Despite POURING In sweat and walking up pretty steep inclines, my leggings did not bunch or roll. I've worn them what I guess is 100+ times since both for running errands in my hood and for actual workouts. They're super comfy, wash well (I send them out for wash and fold laundry service, which can be rough on clothes), and are seamless all over, without making me feeling like I'm in a sausage casing. They're my nicest pair of leggings and honestly, I could wear them almost every day in quarantine. And if anyone is wondering, I bought an Oreo ice cream sandwich and wine at the end of that picturesque hike."
Get them from Amazon for $46.24+ (available in sizes XS–3X and 11 styles).
13. Faux-leather leggings for a sleek, streamlined look you can easily dress up or down without ever once sacrificing comfort (which is why the universe invented leggings in the first place).
Psst — some reviewers recommend sizing up!
Promising review: "These faux leggings are PERFECT — soft to the touch, realistic, and comfy. I purchased them for a specific look and they exceeded my expectations. I ordered black and now I want other colors — a great find and price!" —MommiLaniW
Get them from Amazon for $25.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and four colors).
14. Old Navy's trusty PowerChill Hidden-Pocket Cropped Leggings with and *extra* high waist to pair easily with all your favorite crop tops and sports bras. Plus these come in so many different colors and inseams that you'll feel like you can get a truly individualized, fun fit.
Promising review: "I loooove these leggings. Very soft, tight enough to hold you in but super comfortable. I have about 10 pairs now." —Old Navy Customer
Get them from Old Navy for $26.99 (available in sizes XS–4X, Tall and Petite inseams, and seven colors).
15. Water-resistant fleece-lined leggings for the days Elsa is getting a little too smug for her own good — reviewers swear by these not just as regular leggings, but to wear under their jeans or snow gear as an extra "oomph" of warmth on chilly days.
Promising review: "These were so much more comfortable and warmer than expected! They feel amazing on. The material is so soft inside and out. I wore them to a football game where there was a chance of rain. My legs weren’t cold at all! I’ll be buying more of these!" —Sunshinegurrl
Get them from Amazon for $30.99+ (available in sizes S–5X and six colors).
16. *Superfit Hero's Pocket Leggings made with comfy flat-lock seams, a no-slip and no-roll fit, and comfy fabric with just the right amount of hold for you to feel supported whether you're jumping rope or going for a casual stroll. OH, and also — ROOMY SIDE POCKETS. 😍
Superfit Hero is a US-based, woman-founded small business established in 2015 that specializes in sustainable, premium activewear with inclusive sizing.
Promising review: "These Superfit Hero pants fit *perfectly*… there is no more rubbing in areas where there shouldn’t be rubbing (actually comes all the way up to the crotch not just a few inches shy like other brands), they fit comfortably at my waist, and don’t fall or roll down at all or cut me in half! The material is durable, not cheap and thin, and will last these thighs many many rubs, while also keeping me held in place in all the right areas! I wish I bought these years ago. I know it would have saved me a lot of frustration and heartache over my old ill-fitting pants that sometimes left me with real pain (like reaaaal chafing problems)! Long gone are the days of giving up on a walk or hike because my pants couldn’t meet my needs." —Anya S.
Get them from Superfit Hero for $98 (available in sizes L–7XL and eight styles).
17. Cutout leggings because honestly sometimes you just need a little shakeup in your fitness attire, and these add just the right amount of edge to your look while still being delightfully functional and high quality for workouts.
Promising review: "These are amazing!! They are buttery soft, so not that shiny nylon look! Yay! They are so comfortable and fashionable! They hit right to my ankles, which is perfect! They also have a great stretch to them! Love these!!" —Diede
Get them from Amazon for $16.60+ (available in sizes XS–XL and 23 styles).
18. Wolven's subtly-patterned Summit Crossover Pocket Leggings for the ultimate combo of comfort and sustainability — the ultra-soft, quick-drying fabric is designed to feel like a second skin, and even better, it's made with post-consumer recycled plastic.
Wolven is a woman-founded small business that specializes in sustainable activewear and swimwear.
Promising review: "I live in these. First of all, the design is unique, the fit is perfect, and the pockets are great! BUUUUUUT the feeling in these is out of this world. I've never had a comfier fabric on my skin. It's a second layer! Totally in love since the second I got them (a year ago)." —Juli
Get them from Wolven for $104 (available in sizes XS–XXL).
19. High-waisted leggings so super soft and stretchy that reviewers dub them their "go-to" pair for casual, day-to-day wear. Bonus: these come in three different inseams so you can get your perfect fit!
Promising review: "I am obsessed with these leggings! They are buttery soft and fit perfectly! I own at least eight pairs and each one arrived in perfect condition. They last a very long time; I've had my first ones over a year and I wear them weekly. The fabric has amazing recovery and does not go slack like some other brands do. I wear these to work, workout, and sometimes even sleep! The colors they offer are great too!!" —Nicole Kogler
Get them from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in "One Size" and "Plus Size," three lengths, and 24 styles).
20. Torrid's Performance Core Active Leggings you'll love for their light compression that stays the heck put during workouts, their comfy four-way stretch, and of course the deep side pockets that make any legging owner swoon.
21. Seamless leggings that — psst — a lot of reviewers say are similar to the more $$ Gymshark versions, except a little thinner and softer. These are also delightfully sweatproof and have a fun slight textured design on the outside to get you out of your boring leggings rut.
Promising review: "I have to admit I was skeptical about purchasing these leggings. I am a personal trainer and having the right pair of leggings on during a workout is EVERYTHING! I would say the fit can very much be compared to Gymshark leggings. (Gymshark leggings may be a tad bit tighter.) When I put them on I was pleasantly surprised by how great they looked! I ran, jumped rope, did squats and walking lunges to see if they held up and they passed the test. You NEED these!!! They are functional and half the price of most other workout leggings!" —Peter Guzelak
Get them from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and a variety of colors).
22. Standard, affordable black high-waisted leggings for the ultimate staple piece in any closet — reviewers love this pair from Target because it's super breathable, stretchy, and has ample side pocket room for your gizmos and keys.
Promising review: "I had seen rave reviews for these leggings and I agree 1000%! These leggings hold me in, are so soft and comfy, and just feel great on! Perfect for lounging around the house, or running errands. I will definitely be buying these in every color!" —Target Customer
Get them from Target for $18 (available in sizes XS–3X and two colors).
23. Mate's Organic Stretch Pocket Leggings designed with low-impact workouts and lounging in mind, made with soft, compressive fabric that uses 88.8% less water and 27.8% less carbon than competitors using non-organic materials.
24. Moisture-wicking squat-proof leggings from Lukafit that reviewers love not only for the breathability and signature prints, but because there's a ~hidden drawstring~ that helps take care of waist gaps.
Lukafit is a Black woman-owned, New York-based small business that specializes in activewear.
Promising review: "Aside from having a fun pattern that makes everyone look twice, these tights are incredibly comfortable. They demonstrate their quality by standing up to swipes and snags during trail runs, countless times in the washer/dryer and of course, a good stretch." —Sonya S.
Get them from Lukafit for $64 (available in sizes S–4XL and two colors).
25. Cropped leggings perfect for when the weather's mood can be approximated with the word, "Hmmm." Whether it ends up with the sun on blast or a little chillier, these lightweight, breathable crops will fit the bill.
Promising review: "I bought these based on one of those 'things to buy on Amazon' that flood my Facebook feed. I was skeptical because of the price. But I was in need of new capris after my workout clothes became everyday wear during COVID. I ordered one pair and couldn't believe how nice they were for the price! I ordered multiple pairs because I wear them all the time for leisure activities and workouts. I like the compression style, it feels so much better to have your body supported." —Lulu
Psst — if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe, you can try this piece out before you buy it!
Get them from Amazon for $16.90 (available in sizes XS–XXL and 16 colors).
26. Outdoor Voices' Snacks Leggings, which got their delightful name thanks to its sneaky pockets and the mini backpack that comes with it for optimum snack packing on hikes. These compressive, durable, cozy leggings also come with shirt loops if you're overheating and want to pull yours off and stash it.
Promising review: "I love these leggings — they are super versatile and feel like a second skin. I mostly wear them hiking, but have also gone climbing, biking and backpacking in them. Big fan of the number of pockets, and I also love the little backpack, which also works on belt loops on jeans if you don't want to bring a whole purse with you somewhere, but don't want your pockets full of stuff." —Annette
Get them from Outdoor Voices for $118 (available in sizes XS–XL and three styles).
27. Mesh cutout leggings because you deserve a standard pair with a little bit of *pizzazz*. Not only will these make you the coolest cat in your workout class, but reviewers love the comfy stretch and breathability of the fabric.
Promising review: "This is great for many occasions, not just for working out. I was surprised how well they fit and how durable they are. Surely my favorite now!! I will possible purchase a second one just in case since I really love them. They look very very nice!" —Bri
Get them from Amazon for $24.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and 17 styles).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.