We Found the 9 Best Compression Leggings for Exercise After Testing 88 Pairs

Best Women's Overall

lululemon Wunder Train Hi-Rise Tight 25"

View On Lululemon $98

Our Ratings

• Quality
  5/5
• Opacity
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Made from lululemon’s signature Everlux fabric (a blend of nylon and lycra) these leggings are compressive and great for higher-intensity workouts and strength training. They're our favorite pair of compression leggings that we tested because their fabric is compressive while still having four-way stretch, so you'll never feel constricted. We even found these comfortable enough for Pilates and barre classes.

The fabric is thicker than we expected. This means that the leggings are fully opaque and squat-proof, which makes them perfect for weightlifting. But it also means that they may be too hot for outdoor exercise in warmer weather and are better suited to indoor workouts in air conditioning or exercise in colder weather. That being said, even though the leggings are thick, they're still exceptionally sweat-wicking—even during sweatier HIIT workouts our sweat dried quickly and never pooled.

The leggings fit true to size, but if you're not used to very compressive leggings, they may feel small. The tights also boast an adjustable drawcord, allowing you to get a more customized fit. The hidden waistband pocket is perfect for holding essentials like cards and keys.

Unlike some lululemon leggings, we love that these are washer- and dryer-friendly for easy cleaning. And the fabric held up in the wash throughout our four-week testing period, even after washing the pair multiple times a week.

We like that the leggings come in a range of sizes and four inseam lengths to further help you find your ideal fit. They also come in 16 color options. With that many choices, it’s easy to nab a version of the leggings you love—in a size, length, and color that suits you perfectly.

^{Key Specs: Sizes: 0-20 | Inseam Length: 23-31 inches | Color Options: 16 | Material: Everlux fabric (nylon, lycra elastane) | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Compression Level: High | Pockets: One waistband pocket}

Best Men’s Overall

Under Armour UA RUSH SmartForm Leggings

View On Underarmour.com $64

Under Armour’s UA RUSH SmartForm Leggings are tight, sweat-wicking, and breathable. And thanks to their unique design, they fit better than most compression tights.

The leggings are made of Under Armour’s UA RUSH fabric, a stretchy blend of polyester and elastane. And they’re some of the tightest compression leggings on our list. The tights wick sweat and dry quickly, so they’re great for intense workouts. They’re also lined with breathable mesh panels, designed with a supportive gusset, and machine-washable for easy cleaning.

But the best thing about the tights is their unique design. The leggings are woven with a flexible knit, which stretches as you move around. And since they’re segmented into panels, they can stretch in the knees without pulling down your waistband. This combination makes the leggings fit like a dream. They’re figure-hugging but flexible—and they’ll stay put as you exercise.

^{Key Specs: Sizes: XS-3XL | Inseam Length: 27.75 inches | Color Options: Three | Material: Polyester, elastane | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Compression Level: High | Pockets: Drop-in side pocket}

Best Sweat-Wicking

lululemon Base Pace High-Rise Crop

View On Lululemon $88

Our Ratings

• Quality
  4/5
• Opacity
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5
• Value
  4.9/5
• Durability
  5/5

If you tend to sweat a lot during exercise, you need sweat-wicking leggings to keep you cool and dry throughout your workout—enter lululemon's Base Pace High-Rise Crops. These leggings are made of the brand's popular Nulux fabric, which manages to be both soft and compressive at the same time. It's also incredibly breathable, thanks to the thinner, lightweight material that feels cool to the touch.

When testing this pair, we found them compressive enough to feel held in and secure but not restricted. One of our testers, a postpartum mother, even said that this pair supported her core in a way that helped her perform better on runs and other workouts.

Despite being thinner compared to other lululemon leggings we've tested, this pair is still fully squat-proof and very durable. We didn't notice any fraying or pilling after four weeks of regular wear. The leggings fit true to size, although they feel a little tighter at the top and looser on the pant leg. They provide a high level of compression, making them great for higher-intensity activities like running and HIIT but not the best option for lounging or running errands.

The high waist has a continuous drawcord that helps you adjust for a perfect fit. There is no inseam, which helped us avoid chafing, and we noticed that the sleek fabric doesn't catch on our inner thighs on runs (a major plus!). We love that these machine-washable leggings can also be tossed in the dryer. They come in two inseam lengths and six colors.

_{Key Specs: Sizes: 0-20 | Inseam Length: 17 and 23 inches | Color Options: Six | Material: Nylon, Lycra elastane | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Compression Level: High | Pockets: One back drop-in pocket}

Best for Cold Weather

Gymshark Seamless Leggings

View On Gymshark.com $48

Our Ratings

• Quality
  4.9/5
• Opacity
  4.9/5
• Fit
  4.9/5
• Performance
  4.9/5
• Value
  4.5/5

We recommend these Adapt Camo Leggings for when you need extra warmth for workouts in cooler weather or in highly air-conditioned gyms. The thicker fabric is compressive, comfortable, fully opaque, and squat-proof, making these great for strength training workouts. But if you're looking for a pair to wear in warmer weather, lululemon's Base Pace High-Rise Crops are a better option.

We like that these leggings are sweat-wicking and never hold onto odor after tough workouts. The seamless, tag-free design prevents irritation, and the ribbed, thick waistband stays put, even during explosive movements. The high-rise waistband feels comfortable and looks flattering, and the ankle cuffs are also ribbed, so they don't ride up.

The leggings fit true to size, and despite being very compressive, we never feel like we're being squeezed uncomfortably when wearing them. We like that they come in five color options, but we wish they featured pockets for storage.

^{Key Specs: Sizes: XS-XXL | Inseam Length: Not listed | Color Options: Five | Material: Nylon, polyester, elastane | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry | Compression Level: High | Pockets: None}

Best for Running

lululemon Original Fast and Free High-Rise Crop

View On Lululemon $128

Our Ratings

• Quality
  5/5
• Opacity
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5

We love lululemon's Fast and Free High-Rise Crop Leggings for running because they're lightweight, quick-drying, and have a good balance of stretch and compression. During testing, we realized that this pair is great for both cool and warm weather workouts: We did not overheat on summer runs, but the longer length did help us to dress for winter exercise.

The leggings are designed with a high-rise, snug waistband that stays in place during runs. There's also a continuous drawcord in the waistband so you can tighten or loosen the leggings to find the perfect fit for you. Plus, we found that the leggings never loose any stretch or opacity overtime—even after multiple wears and washes.

We love that they come in six colors and two inseam lengths, allowing you to find the right pair for your style and size. And, we also appreciate that there are two side pockets and five waistband pockets for storing your keys, phone, or mid-run snack on the go. But it's worth noting that we found the side pockets to be so deep and spacious that a phone can slide down toward your knees, causing discomfort during longer runs.

_{Key Specs: Sizes: 0-20 | Inseam Length: 23 and 25 inches | Color Options: Six | Material: Nylon, Lycra elastane | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Compression Level: High | Pockets: Two side, five waistband pockets}

Best Seamless

Gymshark Adapt Animal Seamless Leggings

View On Gymshark.com $42

Our Ratings

• Quality
  4.8/5
• Opacity
  5/5
• Fit
  4.6/5
• Performance
  4.6/5
• Value
  4.8/5

The high-rise waistband and seam-free design of these GymShark leggings make them our top choice for a comfortable, chafe-free workout. We love the ribbed waistband that adds flatter and support, but we did notice that it sometimes folds over during exercise because it's so high-rise. Still, we found these ultra-compressive leggings a great choice for high-impact workouts like strength training or running.

During testing, we also noticed that the Adapt Animal Seamless Leggings are super sweat-wicking and completely opaque. Breathable and thick, a hard duality to come by, these leggings showed no signs of wear and tear after weeks of workouts and washing. Plus, they also feature a butt scrunch detail that makes for a flattering fit.

It's worth nothing that this pair doesn't have any pockets, but we still think they're well worth it for a comfortable high-impact sweat session.

_{Key Specs: Sizes: 0-20 | Inseam Length: Not listed | Color Options: Four | Material: Nylon, polyester, elastane | Care: Not listed | Compression Level: High | Pockets: None}

Best for Strength Training

Gymshark Apex Seamless Leggings

View On Gymshark.com $26

Our Ratings

• Quality
  4.9/5
• Opacity
  4.9/5
• Fit
  4.8/5
• Performance
  4.9/5
• Value
  4.5/5

Squat-proof tights with good compression are a must for strength training workouts, and Gymshark's Apex Leggings don't disappoint. We love the heat mapping ventilation technology that kept us cool during the sweatiest of sessions. Plus, the design includes muscle contouring lines for a sleek, stylish look.

During test workouts and wear, we found that the high-rise, ribbed waistband stays put. And we appreciated that, despite being super breathable and sweat-wicking, the leggings did not sheer out at all. But we did notice a bit of wear and pilling in the crotch. We also thought the fabric felt a bit scratchy.

Still, this pair offers the coverage and compression you need for a successful strength training workout.

_{Key Specs: Sizes: 0-20 | Inseam Length: Not listed | Color Options: One | Material: Nylon, polyester, elastane | Care: Not listed | Compression Level: High | Pockets: None}

Best Flare

Athleta Elation Flare Pant

View On REI $29 View On Gap.com

Our Ratings

• Quality
  4.6/5
• Opacity
  5/5
• Fit
  4.7/5
• Performance
  4.5/5
• Value
  4/5

One of our favorite flare yoga pants (or flare leggings), Athleta's Elation Flare Pant, is a fun, unique addition to your wardrobe. They are stylish and flattering, while still offering the compression and support that you need in high-quality activewear bottoms. We found the fabric to be super soft, stretchy, and comfortable enough for all types of activities—from strength training to lounging around.

These leggings held up well, not showing any signs of wear and tear after several workouts and washes. They also passed our squat test—remaining completely opaque inside as well as outside in the sun. Plus, they feature a high-rise waistband that stayed put during most activities throughout testing.

We appreciate that these leggings fit true to size and that the flare hits at the right length for full coverage without getting in the way or snagging on shoes. We also like that they come in regular, tall, and petite sizes, as well as five fun colors. While they don't have pockets, we do love that these compressive flare leggings feature built-in UPF 50+ sun protection.

_{Key Specs: Sizes: 0-24 | Inseam Length: 31.5 inches | Color Options: Five | Material: Nylon, Lycra | Care: Machine wash and dry | Compression Level: Medium | Pockets: One back pocket}