Scrunch bum. Squat-proof. Compression. High waisted... The humble tight comes in every shape and size and it's the MVP in every wardrobe.
Is there are a harder working piece of clothing than the humble pair of leggings? I think not. From working out to Netflix-and-chillin, leggings are undoubtedly the MVP in your wardrobe. They come in every colour and pattern under the sun, you can dress them up or dress them down, you can wear them anywhere and everywhere, for exercise or for fun.
But let's be honest: there are a LOT of leggings out there. It's hard to know where to even start when it comes to shopping for a pair. Which is where we come in. We're not calling this the definitive guide to all the leggings you can buy online... because we'd be here all week. But we're calling this the guide to our favourites, the ones we personally love, the ones we drag on day after day and re-order, stat, when we finally wear them out after a thousand spin classes or Sunday morning brunch dates.
Our favourite leggings, for every workout and every body
Our number one faves
Sweaty Betty Power High Waist 7/8 workout leggings, $120 at THE ICONIC
Running Bare Women's Ab Tastic Studio Tights, $49.99 at Rebel Sport
Nike One Luxe Leggings, $100 at Nike
adidas Women's Loungewear Essentials 3-Stripes Tights, $49.99 at Rebel Sport
Best basic black
Dynamic Legging, $99 at PE Nation
Lotus Full-Length Leggings, $99.99 at Lorna Jane
Nimble Activewear Made To Move 2, $119 at THE ICONIC
Best squat-proof
No Ride Booty Ankle Biter Leggings, $90 at Lorna Jane
Running Bare Ab-Tastic Karma Tights, $119.99 at THE ICONIC
Best scrunch-bum
Rockwear Scrunch Bum Full-Length Tights, $79.99 at THE ICONIC
Staples Scrunch Bum Leggings, $79.95 at Ryderwear
Best leggings with pockets
PE Nation Double Team Leggings, $129 at THE ICONIC
Ell & Voo Womens Kara Pocket 7/8 Tights, $49.99 at Rebel Sport
Best fashion
Amy Phone Pocket Ankle Biter Leggings, $112 at Lorna Jane
Nimble Activewear High Rise Long Leggings, $119 at THE ICONIC
Best high-waisted
Champion Ultra High Rise Tights, $79.99 at THE ICONIC
Lululemon Align Super High Rise, $119 at Lululemon
Best Compression
2XU Core Compression Tights, $119.95 at THE ICONIC
Spanx High-Waist Look At Me Now Seamless Leggings, $129.95 at THE ICONIC
Best 3/4
Wunder Train High-Rise Crop, $119 at Lululemon
Ell & Voo Women's Lydia 3/4 Tights, $39.99 at Rebel Sport
Our number one faves
The leggings we just never, ever want to take off. Like, ever.
I love these leggings. They're pricy but to me, they're worth every penny because they tick every box: high waisted (cos I hate a waist that won't stay up), two phone pockets (because I power-walk with the dog more than I hit the gym these days and I rarely take a bag with me) and they're sweat-wicking, super soft and comfy and just the right length (I'm 5'7) to show off my ankles. They also have a wide, banded waistband that offers just enough compression to make you feel supported without feeling like it's going to cut off the circulation. I have them in three different designs and I wear them (almost) every day.
Shop Now
Crafted from premium supportive fabric, these ab-solutely fabulous tights are designed to stay up and stay firm no matter whether you're hitting the studio, the bar, the treadmill or the cafe. Made from supplex compress performance fabric that stretches with you for maximum movement, they also have a seamless outer leg so they're non-irritating. "So good and SUCH good value. I bought two pairs and now I have them on rotation," says Body + Soul reader, Deb. "These are the best tights I've ever owned. So comfortable and fit like a glove."
Shop Now
Says Body & Soul writer, Dani, "High-intensity exercise isn't my vibe, but iso has turned me into a fan of post-work walks and at-home yoga. I was super happy to find that the waistband on these tights didn't slip down, which is a revelation for someone like me who is used to aggressively hiking up my leggings every two minutes. Plus, the sweat-wicking fabric worked as promised to keep me feeling dry. I'm almost mad at how much I love these tights because I now I realise what I've been missing out on by only ever buying cheap leggings! They're lightweight, opaque, flattering and so damn comfortable that I live in them pre and post-workout too."
Shop Now
For classic, sporty style, you can't go past a pair of three-stripes from Adidas. "They're legendary for a reason," says Body + Soul reader Caro. "Sporty, a bit vintage and so comfortable. I live in these. Doesn't hurt that the vertical lines are pretty darn slimming too haha!" With 638 reviews and an average of 4.8/5 on Rebel Sport, plenty of people agree. "I absolutely LIVE in these leggings," one reviewer says. "So much so that I just bought a second pair after absolutely running my last pair into the ground having worn them so much. Love."
Shop Now
Best basic black
Classic, stylish, goes with anything... you can't go wrong with basic black.
A high-rise staple with plenty of fans, PE Nation's Black Dynamic Legging is made from sustainable compressive fabric so it's soft but supportive at the same time and has a folded waistband you can wear up or down depending on how you like to roll. Great for low-to-medium training or just for hitting the streets with a latte. "So much love for these PE Nation tights," writes Body + Soul reader Jodie. "So supportive and so comfy and just such a great wardrobe staple."
Shop Now
Another pair I have in my wardrobe and wear on heavy rotation, I sub these in for my Sweaty Betty's when I'm wanting a longer length and a basic black to go about my day. I admit I wear these more for running errands than running around the block (they have a hidden waistband pocket but not a phone pocket) but they're absolutely perfect for throwing under an oversized shirt with a pair of white trainers and heading to the cafe. I mean, you could definitely wear them for actual workouts too - they're moisture-wicking, high-waisted and have anti-chafing seams, so they're super comfortable no matter how many squats or hill starts you're tackling.
Shop Now
With chafe-free, flatlocked seams and crafted from buttery soft MoveLite performance fabric, the purpose is right there in the name: these tights are made to move! Whether you're spinning, sprinting, climbing, downward-dogging or just chasing around after children, these tights have you covered as they're actually intended for high-intensity workouts. They have two side pockets (yay!) and a front internal drawcord to keep you nicely tucked in.
Shop Now
Best squat-proof
Don't let a VPL get in the way of a good workout.
Lorna Jane's best seller is popular for a reason, with a soft and supportive high waist which is available with or without a supportive fold-over. The 'nothing to see here' fabric is soft yet thick (so there's no risk of any VPL) and has added built-in booty support along with four-way stretch to move with you, whatever your workout. "Amazing fit and feel! Could live in these. Great for running or just wearing around the house," says one, while another raves, "I love these tights! Squat proof & comfortable. Stays on and doesn't roll down!"
Shop Now
Says Body & Soul Writer, Jess, "40 squats and 30 reps on the leg press machine after a 2km run. Despite building up quite the sweat during my workout, my legs remained relatively cool and dry – finding the product description of breathable and moisture-wicking material to be true... I'm happy to report that these Running Bare tights are indeed squat-proof! With their high-waisted fit, breathable material, the environmentally-conscious manufacturing AND the fact that they don't give fellow gym-goers a ~show~ when I'm just trying to get quad and glute gains... these tights have quickly become the go-to pair in my wardrobe. Highly recommend!"
Shop Now
Best scrunch-bum
The ultimate in booty-shaping technology...
These feature a scrunch bum detail that shapes and defines your finest asset. Made from supplex fabric, they have a four-way stretch that are compressive yet flexible, and they're moisture-wicking and breathable to keep you cool and comfy all workout long. There's also a high-rise waistband which means they'll stay in place. "Lovely material, great fit and they shape you beautifully," writes one reviewer.
Shop Now
These scrunch bum leggings from Ryderwear come in every colour under the rainbow - literally. Greens, pinks, blues, red... whatever your workout aesthetic, there's a scrunch bum legging to match. With a high-waisted design and four-way stretch fabric, they're flexible and supportive and totally squat proof (which is a good thing, cos we reckon you'll be squatting a lot to show off your booty when you're wearing these!
Shop Now
Best leggings with pockets
A lot of the leggings we've already featured have pockets anyway, but here are two more I personally love. Cos as I've already said: I love me a pocket.
I love PE Nation's activewear-meets-fashion aesthetic and these three-colour double team leggings are a fave. The panelled performance fabric is stretchy yet firm with just the right amount of compression, and there's a high waistband and adjustable drawcord to keep you feeling nice and snug. Oh, and there's a nice big hip pocket, just perfect for your phone. Best.
Shop Now
These mid-calf tights are crafted with HydroDRY technology which expertly wicks sweat and keeps you cool and dry while you exercise. With stretchy fabric that moves with you, it also has a wide and supportive elastic waistband that keeps you nicely tucked in. And yeah, there's also pocket, because that's what we're really here for, right? "Fantastic tights. Perfect for my short legs," says one, adding, "Loving the pockets, easy to have my phone with me at the gym now."
Shop Now
Best fashion
Boring activewear be gone!
As well as being a fan of leggings with pockets, I'm also a fan of leggings that make a statement. Don't get me wrong: I love my basic blacks as much as anyone, but I also don't think activewear needs to be boring. I love these on-trend red and pink animal-print leggings from Lorna Jane are part of their famous ankle-biter range and they're soft and breathable and moisture-wicking for whatever your day has in store. They're also high-waisted and made from slightly compressive fabric, so they won't fall down. "So awesome! I feel so funky in these... Lovely thick tights - not see-through at all and the colour is even nicer than the picture," wrote one reviewer.
Shop Now
Body + Soul writer Kelsey says, "These Nimble tights are made from recycled polyester, but are super soft with only one seam on the inside of the leg to keep you feeling snug and secure. They're long (and I'm tall), sitting just above my ankle, and hit just above my belly button. I chose a size smaller than my usual size. I took them through my HIIT workout (think: burpees, bike sprints, and box jumps), and threw in some squats for good measure. They conformed with each movement seamlessly and didn't change in transparency at all. Because of the sturdy fabric, you can't see sweat patches either (nothing worse than a wet crotch mid-workout).
Shop Now
Best high-waisted
Because there's nothing worse than tights that roll down mid-movement.
Another pair on this list that I personally own and pretty much the only pair of tights I love DESPITE the fact they don't have pockets. I really do love these Champion tights - they really are high rise, they really do stay up and they are so incredibly comfy to wear. They're a little thin - not see-through, just lightweight in material - so they're better suited to summer than winter workouts, but they keep me feeling tucked in and supported and they really do cover me from belly button to ankle, so they're great for streamlining a look. I wear them working out more than for every day (because, like I said, no pockets!) but they're breathable, sweat-wicking and stretchy. Love.
Shop Now
These pants are a fantastic staple - I have them in two different colours and wear them not just for studio work but also just for everyday, WFH life. Perfect for yoga, they come in several different lengths depending on how long you like your leg and are made of sweat-wicking fabric with added Lycra fibre so you can stretch and bend every way you need.
Best Compression
If you need a bit of extra support (or motivation) to get exercising, or you're recovering from surgery and easing your way in, compression tights are a great option.
With a wide power mesh comfort waistband for a sculpting and secure fit, these tights offer powerful yet lightweight support with 360-degree stretch to reduce muscle movement and damage whilst maintaining flexibility. The moisture-wicking and squat-proof material offer a superior fit that's well worth the investment - and they're available in a wide range of designs.
Shop Now
I mean, all you really need to know is that these leggings are made by Spanx, the OG when it comes to keeping everything trim, taut and terrific. These high-waisted seamless leggings will completely streamline your silhouette, supporting your tummy and shaping your legs. If half your problem with working out is how you look in workout clothes (girl, same) these might be the confidence boost you need to get started. "I look two sizes smaller in these," says Body & Soul reader Deb. "I'll admit I do have squeeze a bit to get into them, but once they're on they're SO comfy and supportive and they make me feel like I'm halfway to my fitness goals already, simply cos I look the part!"
Shop Now
Best 3/4 tights
Whether you're short of stature or just like to feel the breeze on your legs, 3/4 are a great option.
Available in a bunch of sophisticated, muted colours, these high-rise crops are perfect for high-intensity training. Sweat-wicking and breathable, they're made from Lululemon's fastest-ever drying fabric, with added lycra for extra stretch. "First time tights buyer and can say I'm totally obsessed!" writes one, adding, "Perfect fit and the material is like two sticks of BUTTAH!"
Shop Now
With over 100 reviews and an average of 4.7/5 stars, these have a wide and supportive waistband to keep you firmly tucked in and are made from HydroDry technology that is sweat-wicking, performance-enhancing and breathable. "Super comfortable and great quality, stretchy but holds everything in. As good as, if not better than the major brands!!"
Shop Now
What fabrics should I be looking for when I'm buying activewear?
You want fabric that is breathable and sweat-resistant. Bamboo is a great choice because it's moisture-wicking and regulates temperature well - so it keeps you both hot and cold as needed. It's also soft to wear and durable, so it'll last longer than some other fibres. Tencel is a fabric that is man-made to mimic bamboo, so that's another option if you like the feel bamboo gives you. Otherwise cotton is a great go-to, as cotton is soft and comfortable and stretches easily. It is, however, highly absorbent, so if you're doing a particularly active session - like a spin class or hot yoga - it might not be the best choice as it'll get clingier as you sweat. If you want synthetic material, nylon and polyester are good choices as they wick away moisture and help your skin breathe better. If your leggings contain spandex or lycra they'll also likely hold their shape for longer.
How can I make my activewear go the distance?
Always check the washing instructions before you go and chuck your leggings in the machine - some fabrics (like bamboo) might require a cold or a hand wash. But either way, it's always a good idea to give your activewear a quick hand wash in cold water first, as this will prevent colour bleed and shrinkage. And it's usually a good idea to skip the dryer and opt for air-drying if you want to prolong the life of your tights.
Want more great buying guides? We've got the best activewear brands for every type of workout and the best yoga pants for every body. In the mood to purchase some new workout gear? Here's a deal where you can grab up to 15% off at Asics.
Any products featured in this article are selected by our editors, who don't play favourites. If you buy something, we may get a cut of the sale. Learn more.
0 Yorumlar