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The 8 Best Alo Leggings for Every Workout, Approved by Experts

Our favorite pairs are stretchy, moisture-wicking, and stylish

By
Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RD
sarah anzlovar

Sarah Anzolar, MS, RD is a private practice dietitian who works as a freelance writer, recipe developer, food photographer, and brand consultant.

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and
Jennifer Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP
Jen Zeltwanger - Verywell Fit

Jen Zeltwanger is an exercise physiologist and runner with 26 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. She specializes in researching and writing about products that support home and outdoor fitness.

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Updated on May 01, 2024
Medically reviewed
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by
Kristin McGee, CPT
Kristin McGee
Medically reviewed by Kristin McGee, CPT

Kristin McGee is a certified personal trainer and currently teaches yoga and meditation for Peloton. She is also certified in Pilates by the National Association of Sports Medicine.

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Three people wearing different Alo Leggings we recommend displayed on a blue striped background

Verywell Fit / Alli Waataja

Originally known for fashion-forward yoga gear, Alo Yoga has grown into a major apparel brand offering high-quality activewear that can take you from the studio to the street. Alo's leggings are a fan favorite for their style, fit, and versatility: There's a pair for every workout, whether you prefer restorative yoga or interval training. Although they're priced at a premium (similar to other top brands), our expert fitness professionals confirm they're more than durable: Nancy Ruggeri, owner and lead instructor at CycleBar, loves her Alo leggings because they wear and wash beautifully.

The best Alo leggings for you depend on your height, your preferred fit, and which workouts you enjoy doing. You may also want to consider care instructions—some pairs hold up best with gentle cycles or hand-washing only. To find the best Alo leggings on the market, we asked a yoga teacher and a spin instructor which key features every pair should have. Then, we researched dozens of leggings from the brand and considered their fit, opacity, hold, durability, additional features, and overall value. We also had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this story for accuracy, shopping tips, and which Alo Yoga leggings are best for different workouts.

Pros
  • Deep side pockets

  • High, wide waistband

  • Stylish ribbed details

Cons
  • Fabric may be too thick for some

Key Specs

Sizes: XXS to L (00 to 14) | Inseam Length: 25.3 to 25.8 inches | Rise: High | Fabric: Polyester, spandex | Pockets: Yes

Who They're For

Best for long days when you don't have to time to change after hitting the gym.

Why We Love Them

Alo’s Ribbed Airlift High Waist 7/8 Enchanted Legging tops our list, thanks to its combination of style, function, and fit. The Airlift fabric is a favorite among Alo fans for how breathable it is, with just enough compression to smooth and support without feeling too tight.

We like the 7/8 length, which is designed to hit most wearers at or slightly above the ankle. (If you're petite, it's a great full-length option that won't leave you with lots of extra fabric around your feet.) A wide, high-rise waistband helps the Enchanted Legging stay in place, whether you’re jumping, squatting, or perfecting your Downward-Facing Dog. And we love the stylish ribbed detailing that makes this pair ideal for studio-to-street wear.

The Enchanted Legging not only wicks away sweat during more intense workouts, but the opaque material also keeps you fully covered in any yoga pose. Side pockets allow you to store a smartphone or other small essentials while you're on the go. To get the most out of your purchase, we recommend washing these on cold, then tumble drying them on low or hanging them to dry.

Potential Flaws

  • Some wearers have found that these leggings are on the thicker side. You may prefer a thinner pair for exercising in warm weather or in heated studios.
Pros
  • Slightly shimmery finish

  • Compressive

  • Extra-wide waistband

Cons
  • No pockets

Key Specs

Sizes: XXS to XL (00 to 18) | Inseam Length: 24.3 to 24.8 inches | Rise: High | Fabric: Polyester, spandex | Pockets: No

Who They're For

Best for working up a sweat, especially if you prefer compression leggings.

Why We Love Them

Alo’s 7/8 High Waist Airlift Leggings are famous for their ability to hold up to sweat and movement, making them a perfect choice for sweltering hot yoga classes. They're lightweight (but not see-through!) and wick away sweat like it’s their job (it is)! Made of smoothing, compressive fabric with an extra-wide, high-rise waistband, it’s no wonder they’re a fan favorite.

Jamie Adams, MS, RDN, RYT200, RPTY, a prenatal yoga teacher, loves that these leggings layer well over workout underwear and stand up to tough workouts. Plus, we like that they're available in more colors and sizes than most other Alo leggings are. With four-way stretch and a slightly shimmery finish, the 7/8 High Waist Airlift Leggings will keep you feeling stylish and supported from the start of class to your final pose.

Potential Flaws

  • Unlike Alo’s Ribbed Airlift High Waist 7/8 Enchanted Legging, these don't have any pockets.
Pros
  • Stylish design

  • Side pockets

Cons
  • Built-in belt isn't removable

Key Specs

Sizes: XXS to L (00 to 14) | Inseam Length: 24.8 to 25.3 inches | Rise: High | Fabric: Polyester, spandex | Pockets: No

Who They're For

Best for walking, running errands, or grabbing lunch with friends.

Why We Love Them

Alo’s Airlift High Waist 7/8 Charmer Legging is our top pick if you're looking to add some flare to your activewear collection. The ruched belt with a chrome buckle gives these leggings an edge, and we love that you can pair them with the Airlift Charmer Bra to create a sleek, two-piece workout set.

Made from Alo’s signature Airlift high-compression fabric, the Charmer Legging is moisture-wicking, sculpting, and lifting, for bottoms that work from barre class to brunch. Even better, they have side-slit pockets and four-way stretch, like some other leggings on our list. If you already own a few Airlift pairs but want something new and different, we highly recommend the Charmer Legging.

Potential Flaws

  • The belt is built in and can't be removed during high-impact workouts.
Pros
  • High, wide waistband

  • Odor-resistant

  • Limited seams for comfort

Cons
  • No pockets

Key Specs

Sizes: XXS to L (00 to 14) | Inseam Length: 28.5 to 29 inches | Rise: High | Fabric: Nylon, lycra | Pockets: No

Who They're For

Best for running, spin class, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

Why We Love Them

For leggings that blend compression with breathability, we recommend Alo’s High-Waist Camo Vapor Leggings. We like that the lightweight Vapor material, made from nylon and Lycra, is breathable, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant. Even better, the wide, high-rise waistband and four-way stretch keep these leggings in place no matter how fast you're moving.

Alo's Camo Vapor Leggings are full-length, designed to hit right at your ankle. Buttery soft to the touch, they're also compressive to provide support right where you need it. Another reason these will become your go-to pair: They're made with minimal seams to limit itchy irritation.

Potential Flaws

  • Since these leggings don't have pockets, you may want to pair them with a functional fanny pack that can hold your essentials.
Pros
  • Sculpting design

  • Limited seams for comfort

  • Matte finish

Cons
  • No pockets

Key Specs

Sizes: XXS to XL (00 to 18) | Inseam Length: 24 to 24.5 inches | Rise: High | Fabric: Nylon, spandex | Pockets: No

Who They're For

Best for medium-intensity workouts, especially if you want your leggings to work as hard as you do.

Why We Love Them

For confidence-boosting compression, Alo’s 7/8 High Waist Airbrush Legging is our top pick. The Airbrush fabric is made from nylon and spandex that sculpts, lifts, and smooths, creating sleek, supportive bottoms for most medium-intensity workouts. Even though they're one of Alo's thicker pairs, these leggings are still breathable, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant.

Our experts love these leggings because they have stretch that helps them stay in place, and they never feel constricting. We also appreciate that they don't have any side seams, for a polished look while running errands or grabbing coffee. Available in a wide range of colors and sizes, these leggings are also more budget-friendly than many other pairs on our list.

Potential Flaws

Pros
  • Budget-friendly

  • Durable

  • Sculpting design

Cons
  • No pockets

Key Specs

Sizes: XXS to L (00 to 14) | Inseam Length: 21 to 21.5 inches | Rise: High | Fabric: Nylon, spandex | Pockets: No

Who They're For

Best for working out in warm weather.

Why We Love Them

Alo’s High-Waist Airbrush Capri has everything we love about the 7/8 High Waist Airbrush Legging in a shorter length. These classic capris smooth and lift for a stylish silhouette with slightly less coverage. If you usually struggle to find shorter inseam lengths that are still flattering, we highly recommend trying this pair.

The Airbrush material is durable, sweat-wicking, and odor-resistant. Although they're a little thicker than other leggings on our list, they’re still breathable and comfortable for sweatier workouts. Pair them with the Wild Thing Bra (one of the best sports bras we've tested!) for a modern set that can take you anywhere.

Potential Flaws

  • Like their 7/8 counterparts, these capris have no pockets.
Pros
  • Soft, buttery material

  • Four-way stretch

  • Ribbed details

Cons
  • No pockets

Key Specs

Sizes: XXS to XL (00 to 18) | Inseam Length: 28 to 28.5 inches | Rise: High | Fabric: Polyester, spandex | Pockets: No

Who They're For

Best for light workouts, like walking or stretching.

Why We Love Them

Resting and recovering after you exercise is key. On your days off, you'll want to reach for Alo’s High-Waist Alosoft Lounge Leggings—they're made with buttery soft, four-way stretch material that's ideal for lounging or practicing restorative yoga. We love the ribbed waistband and cuffs that set these apart (and help them double as sleek work-from-home pants when needed).

These leggings are full-length, with a 28-inch inseam that will fit taller wearers well. A contouring seam in the back adds a little extra lift. And the Alosoft Finesse Long Sleeve makes the perfect, cozy addition on top.

Potential Flaws

  • Like most other pairs on our list, these lack pockets.
Pros
  • Sculpting design

  • Low-rise waistband

  • Four-way stretch

Cons
  • Long inseam may be too long for some

  • Thinner waistband

Key Specs

Sizes: XXS to L (00 to 14) | Length: 31.8 to 32.8 inches | Rise: Low | Fabric: Nylon, spandex | Pockets: No

Who They're For

Best for low- to medium-impact exercise, especially if you prefer low-rise bottoms.

Why We Love Them

Alo’s Super Shine Low-Rise Bootcut Legging has a thin, low-rise waistband that makes it stand out from most of the brand's other styles. We love that, despite their shimmery, shiny look, these are made with the same Airbrush fabric the brand is known for. This means they still have four-way stretch and a sculpting silhouette.

From your go-to weekend fitness class to coffee with friends, these leggings stay breathable and comfortable. We appreciate that you can throw them in the washer and the dryer—a huge bonus if you plan on wearing them regularly. These can even be worn with heels or platforms on rest days, making them a multi-functional athleisure staple.

Potential Flaws

  • The 32- to 33-inch inseams may be too long for some.
  • The waistband is fairly thin, meaning these leggings aren't as supportive as some others on our list are.

Where We Stand

After researching dozens of leggings and sorting through feedback from wearers and experts, Alo's Ribbed Airlift High Waist 7/8 Enchanted Leggings are our top overall choice for their sleek design and compressive, breathable fabric. We also love that they have pockets to stash your phone during your workout. We're always searching for the best activewear, and we'll update this list if Alo Yoga drops any new leggings that we think are worthy of consideration.

How We Selected the Best Alo Leggings

With so many fabrics and silhouettes to choose from, finding the best Alo leggings can be a challenge. We first asked a yoga teacher and a Spin instructor for their advice on how to shop for leggings. Then, we researched Alo Yoga's leggings and fabrics, comparing different styles and lengths. To narrow down our list, we evaluated each pair based on the following criteria:

  • Fit: Finding the right fit is essential for comfortable and distraction-free workouts. Adams recommends looking for leggings that feel like a second skin—make sure they aren't too tight or too loose. Most Alo leggings fit true-to-size. If you’re unsure which size to order, the brand's size guide can be a helpful tool.
  • Opacity: Opacity refers to how thick the leggings are. The best Alo leggings are completely opaque, meaning no underwear lines, colors, or patterns show through. We look for sturdy fabrics that aren't sheer, ensuring all of our recommendations are secure and squat-proof.
  • Hold: No one likes wearing leggings that constantly need to be pulled up. A legging with great hold has a waistband that doesn't slip, sag, or fold over. We also look for leggings that are stretchy, meaning they won't need to be readjusted throughout the day.
  • Durability: To assess how durable leggings are, we check their care instructions. Are they machine-washable, or do they need to be washed by hand? We also consider which materials they're made from (more on this below).
  • Additional Features: We note if the leggings have any special features, like pockets, mesh panels, or belts, that make them stand out from other pairs.
  • Value: We compare the price of each legging to additional pairs from Alo Yoga and other popular fitness brands. How does the price stack up to other leggings on the market? Are the leggings budget-friendly and easy to stock up on or are they pricier, making them an investment piece?

Our Experts

We asked experts for their advice at every stage while researching and reporting this story. These fitness professionals shared which key features set Alo leggings apart from the rest. They also provided important shopping tips and shared which Alo leggings they wear most often (plus why they love them). We choose products independently, but we use expert input to influence our choices.

  • Jamie Adams, MS, RDN, RYT200, RPTY, a women's health nutrition expert, registered prenatal yoga teacher, and owner of Mamaste Nutrition
  • Nancy Ruggeri, owner and lead instructor at CycleBar

What to Look for When Shopping for Alo Leggings

  • Materials: Alo leggings are made from one of five signature fabric blends—Alosoft, Airlift, Airbrush, Vapor, and Seamless. The best choice for you depends on your activity level and personal preference. Alosoft is a stretchy blend of polyester and spandex that’s soft and breathable—great for yoga, Pilates, lounging, or casual wear. Airlift fabric is a breathable, lightweight, move-with-you combination of polyester and spandex that lifts and sculpts. Airbrush fabric is the most compressive option. It's a blend of nylon and spandex that sculpts and smooths, with a matte finish. Made from nylon and Lycra, Vapor is moisture-wicking and odor-resistant. It's also designed to compress and lift, making it perfect for high-intensity workouts. Finally, Seamless fabric is a soft, airy blend of cotton, nylon, and spandex. We recommend it for yoga, Pilates, hiking, or lounging.
  • Rise: Most Alo leggings have a low- or high-rise waistband. High-rise leggings offer more coverage, support, and security during workouts where you're moving, stretching, and bending a lot—such as yoga or bungee fitness. Low-rise leggings are great for walking, hiking, lounging, or daily wear. 
  • Inseam Length: The inseam length refers to the distance from the legging's crotch to the bottom of the ankle. Alo offers a range of inseam lengths, including cropped, 7/8, and full-length. Alo’s size guide will help you figure out where each length will hit you based on your height.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Alo or lululemon leggings better?

According to Adams, the two brands are comparable in quality, durability, and price. When shopping, consider your weekly workout routine—Alo offers more leggings that are designed for yoga, while lululemon has more sport-specific styles for running, weightlifting, and more.

Should you size up or down for Alo leggings?

Most Alo leggings fit true to size. Adams suggests sizing down for more compression and support and sizing up for a relaxed fit.

How do Alo sizes compare to lululemon?

Both brands' sizing is similar. If you're trying to compare Alo Yoga and lululemon, use both brands' size charts to make sure you're purchasing the same numerical size (usually from 00 to 18).

Are Alo leggings high quality?

Yes, Alo Yoga leggings are known for their high-quality fabrics and designs. The experts we spoke with both wear Alo leggings frequently and note how well they stand up to regular wear and tear over time.

Do Alo leggings show sweat?

Most Alo leggings are double-knit and fully opaque—in other words, they're designed not to show sweat. But if you know you’ll be working up a sweat, we recommend the brand's Vapor, Airlift, or Airbrush fabrics because they're the most breathable and moisture-wicking.

How much should you expect to spend on Alo leggings?

Alo leggings may cost anywhere from $80 to $150, depending on their design, length, and materials. If you're looking to score Alo leggings for less, check out the brand's sale section, where you can find some styles for up to 40% off regular price.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RDN, LDN, is a registered dietitian, indoor cycling instructor, runner, and yoga enthusiast. She practically lives in yoga clothes and has an entire (overflowing) dresser drawer dedicated to them. Sarah understands how quality activewear can elevate any workout, and is careful and cautious when researching and recommending the best products.

Additional reporting contributed by Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP

Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, is an ACSM-certified exercise physiologist and long-time fitness writer. Jen has been involved in the fitness industry for over 25 years and has written articles and tested products for a variety of fitness and wellness publications, like Sass Magazine and Field Hockey Life Magazine. 

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