Leggings are comfortable and cozy. They were the favorite pair of clothes in life from home. At this point, you probably have a love and hate relationship with them. But the challenge is to find the perfect couple. However, when you sit on some fantastic leggings, it’s like winning the jackpot. On the other hand, when you unsuccessfully try a pair after a pair, you can feel like a piece of Play-Doha of strange shape for which the world is simply not created, and the best tights for your body simply do not exist.
As hard as it may be to believe after that cycle of trying, pulling, trying, this is simply not the case – the best tights for your unique shape exist that will work on your body and exercise (or lying down) needs. From bold colors, through fun patterns, to some good basic black leggings, from dill to full length, from lycra and spandex to polyester and everything in between, there’s a pair you’ll love that’s just waiting to be revealed. More and more companies these days are keeping in mind the usefulness of a pocket or two, and you can even find ones that focus on flattening the belly or breathability. To that end, we’ve rounded up the best leggings available today. From gym tights to yoga leggings, elegant tights for everyday wear and petticoats, you will surely find good couple it is perfect for your needs.
Read more: The best sports bras to buy in 2021
How we chose these leggings
We (Mercey and Amanda) have been trying leggings for various activities for years. We have both been passionate exercisers for some time, and between the two of us, we have tried almost all types of common exercises that exist: CrossFitgreat distance runningdance cardio training, HIIT, yoga, Pilateshiking – as you say, we probably did it (and probably while wearing leggings).
We have used our personal experience with various brands of active clothing to provide you with the best of the best. We hope we can point you in the right direction for your favorite activity and save you some time. With that in mind, here are our picks for the best leggings for 2022.
Lululemon
Wunder Under leggings were one of the first items I bought from Lululemon more than five years ago. And – I’m not kidding – they still look and feel great, and I’ve probably worn these Lululemon leggings more than any other option in my collection. I love these leggings because they are so diverse – I wore them for everything from yoga to boxing to cardio dancing.
The super breathable fabric provides support and is soft and not hot. I also like the high waist, and it doesn’t tighten you too much – just enough to make you comfortable at the waist. Wunder Under leggings are a favorite option for leggings among the CNET Health and Wellness team because they are durable and versatile. Even better, these Lululemon leggings come in a huge range of colors, sizes and lengths,
–Mercey
Senita Athletics
Everyone has a pair of leggings, and these are mine for years. I’m obsessed with the Powervita fabric from Athlete, which is super soft and greasy and yet supportive. What I’ve discovered by trying on many leggings over the years is that you usually become soft or supportive – not both.
This is how I looked at things until I found a pair of leggings similar to these from Athlete. Although I have not tried this specific style of leggings (the ones I bought are from many years ago), they are super close in style and the fabric is the same. I like that they have a practical side pocket, and the high belt is wide and supports.
My Athletic leggings have endured all kinds of training – from studies and spin classes, to running, cardio dancing and more. Even with countless washes, these exercise leggings still look like the New Year later. I know the price isn’t cheap, but for me, Athletic leggings are worth investing in an exercise wardrobe.
–Mercey
Sweaty Betty
Sweaty Betty is one of my favorite brands of leggings because they make so many different styles of leggings, and the colors and leggings are always super cute. They are also made of fabric that absorbs sweat and moisture. I have owned a pair of Power Workout leggings for several years, and they are one of my favorite pairs when I need more support, for example for running or high-impact training.
I like that they are compression leggings, but they don’t feel stiff or uncomfortable. The fabric is super smooth and soft and looks flattering.
–Mercey
Target
When I first discovered high-waisted leggings, I knew I would never go back. Can we all agree together that we will never reverse the trend of hugging hips from the 90s? High-heeled leggings are, in my honest opinion, incomprehensibly superior to low- or even medium-height leggings.
Not only because I think high-rise leggings make me look better (although that definitely plays a role in why I feel so much safer in them), but also because high-rise leggings are far more functional exercise clothes. High-waisted leggings stay on your feet during high-intensity training and allow you to focus on the exercise, and not on whether the crack on your butt is starting to appear.
My favorite high leggings from Target – the new All In Motion Contour Power Waist Capris – are made from a tightly woven luxury fabric that wicks sweat from your skin. They are soft and perfectly stretchable. And they only cost $ 25!
–Amanda
cell
These full-length non-slip leggings will stay in the state from sun salutation to savasana. I ordered these moisture-wicking yoga leggings after seeing them become popular on social media, and they didn’t disappoint in the slightest. The forward-lift-rear-lift ratio is perfect, so there is no difference in belt height when wearing them.
And, Zella leggings are 88% polyester and 12% spandex – in other words, they wick away moisture impressively – so you can wear them comfortably as hot yoga pants or an outdoor yoga session.
–Amanda
Girlfriend Collective
What I like most about these leggings is that Girlfriend Collective doesn’t actually label them as “plus-size” – they’re just leggings (this is something I think should happen everywhere, but that’s another story). These Girlfriend Collective leggings increase from size XXS to 6XL, plus there are options for the length of the inner seam: you can choose between 19.25 inches (capri), 23.75 inches (7/8) or 28.5 inches (full length).
Made from 75% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET, aka recycled water bottles) and 25% spandex, these Girlfriend leggings provide the perfect amount of compression and stretch. I have these medium-sized leggings, so while I can’t vouch for other sizes, I can imagine that this pantsuit would look equally perfect for everyone, mostly because of Girlfriend’s emphasis on body inclusion.
–Amanda
Spacedye
Although you can fully practice or do yoga in these comfortable tights, I usually wear them all day. Beyond Yoga’s spacedye fabric is one of the softest and most comfortable materials I’ve found in many, many brands of active clothing I’ve tried, making it a great lounge leggings.
These leggings move with you, but they are not too narrow or wide. I have these high waist leggings in two different colors and I love them so much that I bought a similar style (high waist, space dyeing fabric), except in biker shorts. If I could keep just one pair of leggings, it would be these.
–Mercey
What to look for in a pair of leggings
What you need to look for in a pair of leggings depends on what exactly you will do in them. Theoretically, you can wear the same leggings for every activity, but you may not have the best experience. For example, wearing leggings to an Orangetheory class could end up with uncomfortable sweat stains and stretched fabric.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when buying your next pair of tights:
- what no: Do you want them to be compressive or loose? Low or high? Do you want stomach control?
- Fabric: You’ll want to look for a breathable fabric, a fabric that absorbs moisture for all activities that sweat, but fabrics like cotton and wool are fine for lounging.
- Stretching: For high-intensity activities or activities that require a full range of motion, be sure to look for stretchy leggings.
- temperature: Most leggings are OK all year round, but maybe you should consider a special pair for the cold winter weather.
More basic things to exercise
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health care professional regarding any questions you may have about your health condition or health goals.