The Best Leggings

How they fit: The flattering lines and structured fit of the Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Legging pleased nearly all of our testers. Our panel consisted of four testers: a 5-foot-2-inch petite tester who typically wears a size 4; a 5-foot-2-inch plus-size tester who typically wears a size 16–18; a 5-foot-9-inch tester who wears a size 2; and a 5-foot-10-inch tester who wears a size 6–8.

These leggings are available in sizes XXS to 6XL and three lengths: 19½ inches, 23¾ inches, and 28½ inches. They have more seaming than other, simpler pairs we tried, but that contributed to their nice shape. Their fabric feels thick, smooth, and “cool” to the touch, and they are pleasantly compressive.

Why they’re great: If you want to buy one pair that does it all, these leggings were among the most versatile we found. They’re perfect for all sorts of sporty (or non-sporty) activities and available in a wide range of sizes and colors. These leggings are made of a smooth, medium-weight fabric that’s stretchy and comfortable yet compressive enough that you feel secure and held in. We found them to be true to size and just snug enough—they stop short of resembling a superhero uniform.

The Compressive High-Rises also have a nicely structured fit. The seams wrap around the body, so this pair provides a more flattering silhouette than many competing pairs that rely solely on stretch. We especially liked the V-shaped panel across the lower back because it made the bum look perkier than in other leggings. These leggings come in more sizes than nearly every other pair we tested, and we like that they’re available in three lengths.

Our testers loved these leggings. One petite woman, who wears a size XS and tried a 23¾-inch inseam, considered them to be “spot-on” for her size. Another tester, who wears an XXL, observed that although the Compressive High-Rises fit her well in the waist, the crotch and thigh areas required some tugging and adjustments. I wore a size M, with a 28½-inch inseam, and they felt great during a 30-minute indoor-cycling class (afterward, they dried in roughly 30 minutes). The 11-inch rise stayed put throughout. I would confidently pop them on for running, strength training, and other workouts, as well as for less-rigorous pursuits like yoga and lounging. They have one small internal back pocket, which has enough room for only a key or a credit card.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Though the Compressive High-Rise leggings breathe well, they may feel warm in some scenarios due to the substantial fabric. One tester noted that the waistband itself had less give than waistbands on other pairs, so pulling this pair on was a bit more difficult.

The single internal back pocket isn’t large enough to fit a phone or small wallet, which is a nuisance; if a roomier pocket is a priority, Girlfriend Collective does make a Compressive Pocket Legging. However, one Wirecutter staffer has tried them, and she reports that when she jogs, her phone tends to slide up and down in the pocket, driving her crazy.

Sizes: XXS to 6XL (size chart on the brand’s website uses waist and hip measurements to determine size)

Inseam: 19½ inches, 23¾ inches, or 28½ inches

Materials: 79% recycled polyester, 21% spandex

Colors: 12 colors, including black, brown, ivory, navy, green, purple, and limited-edition colors

How they fit: The Beyond Yoga Spacedye Caught In The Midi High Waisted Legging is stretchy instead of structured, with light compression. These leggings were so comfortable that most of our testers forgot they were wearing them. Our panel consisted of four testers: a 5-foot-2-inch petite tester who typically wears a size 4; a 5-foot-2-inch plus-size tester who typically wears a size 16–18; a 5-foot-9-inch tester who wears a size 2; and a 5-foot-10-inch tester who wears a size 6–8. The Beyond Yoga leggings are available in XXS (0–2) to 4X (30–32) and in one length, Midi (24-inch inseam). And the super-soft fabric has a luxurious, almost sueded texture.

Why they’re great: These leggings are the next best thing to being naked. Our testers unanimously agreed that they were the softest, most comfortable, super-luxe leggings they tried. Put them on in the morning, and you likely won’t think about them again all day. The fabric is softer than that of any other pair we tried—it feels almost like suede. They’re thin and stretchy versus structured, and they provide light compression. This pair has a simple, body-conscious silhouette that’s seamless down the outside of the legs (with no pockets) and a subtler aesthetic that lends itself to daily wear.

I stretched and put these leggings through a 30-minute high-intensity kettlebell workout, and they felt cool, comfortable, and not wholly unsupportive. In fact, I didn’t think about them at all—a good sign. Another tester wore them for a full day of running errands and forgot about them.

The Spacedye leggings have a subtle heathered look, thanks to space dying (a technique that provides a blurred or textured appearance); one tester said they appreciated this look in a sea of inky blacks. These leggings come in a wide variety of colors (some are seasonal hues that can vary) and in sizes up to a 4XL, but only a Midi length. (Beyond Yoga does offer Long and Capri lengths in other styles, but we didn’t try them.) At nearly $100, these leggings are among the pricier pairs we tried, but they were also one of the few pairs in this price range that we thought justified the price.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Spacedye leggings have a very body-conscious fit, even for leggings. With less seaming and structure than others we tried, they show every curve (lighter colors in particular might spotlight lumps and bumps). One tester, who wore a size XS, thought these were too tight, likening them to a “sausage casing” and “feeling overly compressed in all the wrong places.” But two other testers (one a size XXL and one a size S) said these Spacedye leggings fit “perfectly.”

The Midi length may not be right for everyone, especially tall people. And if you can’t live without a pocket, then these leggings probably aren’t for you.

Size range: XXS (0–2) to XXL (18–20), 1X (18–20) to 4X (30–32). According to Beyond Yoga’s size chart, there is some overlap if you wear a size 18–20.

Inseam: Midi length (between capri and full length)

Materials: 87% polyester, 13% spandex

Colors: 17 colors including dark gray, light gray, black, navy, and seasonal colors

How they fit: With gentle but supportive compression and a flattering (if not quite perfect) cut, the IUGA High-Waist Yoga Pants are soft to the touch and medium-thick. Available in sizes XS to 3X, they fit our panel fine, though some found that the 1-inch elastic band dug in at the waist or they were a tad loose at the ankle. Our panel consisted of four testers: a 5-foot-2-inch petite tester who typically wears a size 4; a 5-foot-2-inch plus-size tester who typically wears a size 16–18; a 5-foot-9-inch tester who wears a size 2; and a 5-foot-10-inch tester who wears a size 6–8.

Why they’re great: Given their reasonable price, it’s easy to understand why these leggings are a number-one best-seller on Amazon (they’ve received over 50,000 reviews, with an average 4.6 out of 5 rating). They’re made with a soft yet substantial fabric, and they offer gentle but supportive compression and a flattering—albeit not flawless—cut. They also have convenient side-drop pockets, which feel proportionally (and comfortably) placed and can fit an iPhone.

One XS tester raved about the fit, noting the High Waists didn’t sag or bunch. And she found the fabric to be as soft and comfortable as that of more expensive pairs. Seams down the sides and across the rear give them a gently sporty look and a nice shape. In fact, we thought they were surprisingly flattering, especially given their price. They are a little loose at the ankle, which isn’t an enormous deal, but it’s noticeable compared with other pairs we wore. The seams are nice and flat, and this pair is comfortable to wear all day.

The inseam is around 28 inches, but varies slightly by size. (IUGA makes these leggings in an even shorter, capri version as well, but we didn’t test them.)

Dubbed “yoga pants,” they performed well during a variety of yoga poses and stretching, and they did fine during high-intensity efforts, too. The waistband didn’t slip much during jumping jacks with a phone in one of the pockets. The High Waists also dried quickly after unexpected rain interrupted a long walk.

One Wirecutter staffer wears these leggings for weightlifting, and reports that even after several sessions in which she repeatedly scraped the bar up her legs, the leggings haven’t pilled or ripped.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: One XXL tester found the fit to be finicky; the size was right, and the leggings didn’t require much tugging, but the 1-inch elastic strip at the waistband dug in and made the tester feel “claustrophobic.” Another tester, who tried a size XS, noted that the size chart was confusing, with the hip measurement in particular feeling off (as in, too small) by a few inches.

Some testers also noticed that the fabric lost its shape a bit, thought after more than 10 washings, our leggings have retained their elasticity decently, and we’ve seen no pilling. A Wirecutter staffer ordered a pair of the High Waists and unexpectedly received some made with a ribbed fabric instead, which is not what we originally tested. She was underwhelmed by their lack of support.

Size range: XS to 3X

Inseam: about 28 inches (varies by size)

Materials: 77% polyester, 23% spandex

Colors: over 20, including black, gray, dark teal, maroon

How they fit: Smooth, stretchy, and thinner than most pairs we tried, the Universal Standard Next-to-Naked Legging (formerly named Core Legging) offers light support and a soft, fluid feel that’s perfect for lounging or casual outings. The waistband didn’t pinch, and it stayed put for all of our testers. Our panel consisted of four testers: a 5-foot-2-inch petite tester who typically wears a size 4; a 5-foot-2-inch plus-size tester who typically wears a size 16–18; a 5-foot-9-inch tester who wears a size 2; and a 5-foot-10-inch tester who wears a size 6–8. Be aware that Universal Standard’s sizing conversions don’t follow standard conventions: The leggings come in sizes 4XS (00–0) to 4XL (38–40) and in two lengths (27 inches for regular and 21 inches for cropped; we originally tested the regular length).

Why they’re great: We found these leggings to be fine for workouts, and they actually became our go-to for casual everyday wear. With a thinner fabric that still has a quality feel, they won over testers with their unrestrictive stretch and wearability. (The phrase “super-comfortable” popped up more than once.) They performed well during indoor-cycling classes, and they also planked and lunged their way through other workouts with ease.

The Next-to-Naked leggings did show a few sweat streaks post-cycling, but they dried speedily. Yet I found myself wearing them mostly on days that held lighter activity or longer spells of sitting (thank you, no-pinch waistband!). The fabric feels cool and smooth, and it’s more matte than shiny, so this pair doesn’t appear specifically geared toward workouts.

These leggings are also somewhat less supportive than some other pairs we recommend, and they feel refined enough to wear with non-sport clothing. Lounging in them just felt right. The company describes the Next-to-Nakeds as having “soft support,” and that’s accurate: These are thinner and stretchier than many pairs we tried. We didn’t notice any issues with coverage (though thinner, the fabric wasn’t see-through). But if you prefer a higher level of compression or a fabric with a more substantial weight, these leggings may not provide adequate support.

We think they work well paired with a favorite T-shirt or a cozy cardigan for everyday wear or layered under shorts (for workouts) or skirts.

I expected the waistband, which is bolstered by an inch-wide band, to roll or flip down, but it stayed put. “This is the only pair I’ve tested with a band of elastic reinforcing the waistband that didn’t make me feel like a sausage,” said one tester, who wore a size M. She went on to note that the Next-to-Nakeds didn’t “bunch, tug, or sag” (which are observations on fit that most of our testers shared). One 5-foot-2-inch petite tester, who wore a size 3XS, liked that they weren’t too tight; they were, however, a bit too long for her frame, bunching at her ankles.

These leggings come in a wide range of sizes (4XS to 4XL) and two inseam lengths (21 inches for cropped and 27 inches for regular). Keep in mind that Universal Standard’s sizing conversions don’t follow standard conventions: XS is equivalent to a size 10–12; M is akin to a size 18–20; L is equivalent to a size 22–24; and 4XL is akin to a size 38–40. The high waist varies in rise according to size; for instance, size 2XS (6–8) has an 8-inch rise, while size M (18–20) has an 11½-inch rise. These leggings come in four colors: black, deep sea, black cherry, and rich cobalt.

After more than a year of wearing this pair on lower-key recovery days, I found that I still really liked them. I don't wear leggings much during the summer (too hot), but I've thrown these on a couple of times for errands or walks and they haven’t been hot, scratchy, or given me that hermetically sealed feeling that I can't handle on a warm day. The smooth fabric is almost cooling. I have noticed a bit of piling in the inner-thigh area, though. Otherwise they're in great shape.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Next-to-Nakeds are stretchier and less compressive than most of our other picks. Because they are lighter and less constructed than other pairs we tried, these leggings are less optimal for intervals than errands.

Size range: 4XS (00–0) to 4XL (38–40)

Inseam: 27 inches (regular), 21 inches (cropped)

Materials: 81% nylon, 19% elastane

Colors: black, deep sea, black cherry, rich cobalt

How they fit: Simple and flattering, the Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight has a wide, flat waistband that doesn’t feel constricting and stays put. These leggings come in sizes 0 to 20 and four inseam lengths: 23 inches, 25 inches, 28 inches, and 31 inches. The fabric is cool and smooth to the touch, with a slightly brushed texture, but it isn’t slick or shiny.

Why they’re great: The Wunder Trains stood out for their simplicity, quality, and performance during and after activity. Lululemon is often credited with spearheading the fervor over pricey, bottom-boosting workout leggings. Based on our time spent in this pair—which replaces our previous Lululemon pick, the now-discontinued Wunder Under High-Rise Tight Full-On Luon—we think the hype is worth it.

The design of the Wunder Trains is spare, with no extraneous seams and one small internal slot pocket in the front of the waistband. The leggings are made from a fabric the company calls Everlux, which is meant to breathe well and dry quickly during and after intense exercise. The Wunder Trains delivered on both counts.

I put these through a range of workouts in a variety of conditions and was impressed with their overall wearability. I wore them for sweaty indoor-cycling classes during a heat wave and appreciated their breathability and ability to dry in a relative snap. I donned them for strength workouts and felt free to squat, bend, stretch and jump to my heart’s content without a second thought. During a run in a wintry mix of rain, sleet, and snow, the Wunder Trains got pretty damp but dried afterwards in about 20 minutes. (I wore them for the rest of the day comfortably.)

After facing criticism in the past for its lack of size diversity, Lululemon took a step toward broader sizing in 2020, when it announced that it was increasing its size range up to a size 20. I wore a size 8 in the 25-inch length, and the fit was appropriate for my 5-foot-10-inch frame.

These leggings fit true to size, though if your measurements put you in two different size camps, you may want to size up. (According to my measurements, I was a size 8 waist and size 6 hips; a size 8 fit just right.) While substantial enough to provide medium support (by our estimation), the fabric still feels lightweight. After several months of regular washes, the Wunder Trains retained their shape nicely.

Although we recommend other luxe-feeling leggings (like our extra-soft Beyond Yoga Spacedye Caught In The Midi High Waisted Legging pick)—and plenty of pairs that prioritize support and silhouette—the Wunder Trains feel like they’re truly prepared for nearly anything you might throw at them. Whether I was playing with my kids, taking long walks, or performing mobility exercises, these leggings moved with me and were versatile and stylish enough to be worn daily.

Another plus: Minimal seams on the Wunder Trains create a streamlined look. Lululemon is famous (or infamous, depending on how you look at it) for shaping rear ends, and I felt that these leggings delivered in a low-key way for me—not entirely transformative, but certainly flattering.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: If you prefer leggings with multiple pockets, including at least one that has room for a phone, these won’t fit the bill. We noticed some customer reviews mentioning issues with the waistband rolling or sliding down and the stitching coming apart after a few washes. We didn’t experience either scenario in testing, but Wirecutter associate copy editor Hailey Briggs reported that she never reaches for her Wunder Trains because they do not stay up on her. (She isn’t sure if that’s due to sizing or the fabric.)

Size range: 0 to 20

Inseam: 23 inches, 25 inches, 28 inches, 31 inches

Materials: 77% nylon, 23% Lycra

Colors: 10, including black, espresso, dark gray, and navy

How they fit: Smooth and dense with a supportive hold, the Superfit Hero Superhold Pocket Ankle Leggings have conveniently placed side pockets. They felt good during sweaty workouts and less-intense sessions alike. Available in sizes L (12–14) to 7X (40–44) and in one length (29 inches), they fit our 5-foot-2-inch plus-size tester (who wore a size 2X) a bit snugly in the waist, but were otherwise comfortable.

Why they’re great: Superfit Hero transitioned to all plus and extended sizes in late 2020, allowing the company to cater fully to an often underrepresented population of athletic-wear aficionados. All of our picks offer sizing up to at least a 20 (and several of our favorites also come in extended sizes, including our Girlfriend Collective and Universal Standard picks). But Superfit Hero goes the highest (40–44).

Dense and soft with a good amount of stretch, these leggings are pleasantly compressive and felt great—offering a nice dose of support versus a too-tight squeeze. Our plus-size tester, who tried a size 2X and typically wears a size 16–18, liked the quality feel of the thick fabric. Though they fit her a bit snugly in the waist, they worked “mostly fine”; she noted that she also liked the capri version, which has a 20-inch inseam (she is 5 feet 2 inches tall). The inseam of the standard Superhold Pocket Ankle is 29 inches (they are also available in a 26-inch inseam). She also particularly liked the fit of our Beyond Yoga Spacedye Caught In The Midi High Waisted Legging pick.

Of the nearly 1,000 reviews for the Superhold Pocket Ankle Leggings on the brand’s website, the majority are five-star ratings. I wore a size M, which—at the time of publication—Superfit Hero no longer makes, as the brand moved to exclusively plus and extended sizes right around the time we were testing.

The Superhold Pocket Ankle Leggings provide a held-in feel and have large, well-placed side-drop pockets. My test pair had a printed logo on the left side pocket, which began to crack slightly after a few washes; happily, this logo has since been removed from the design and no longer exists on the current iteration of these leggings. (They’re otherwise unchanged from the version we tested.)

They performed well during a 45-minute indoor cycling class and a 3-mile run with my phone in one of the pockets. Made for all types of exercise, these leggings feel less slick than some of the other high-activity pairs in our pool. Yet they strike a nice balance between ready to sweat and ready to recover.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Although our testers were able to get their correct sizes in these leggings, a couple of them weren’t completely blown away by the fit, particularly in the waist area.

Size range: L (EarthFit) to 7X (InfiniFit) (equivalent to 12–14 to 40–44)

Inseam: 29 inches

Materials: 88% polyester, 12% spandex

Colors: black, blue, cobalt, moonlight marble, green, cactus leaf-print (purple)

The very soft and comfy Athleta Ultra High-Rise Elation Tight is a nice staple, and we nearly made it a pick. These leggings hit all of our panelists—from our petite 5-foot-2-inch tester to our 5-foot-10-inch one—at a flattering spot on the ankle. They felt cool and gently supportive when testers were relaxing, and they also felt right at home during high-movement workouts, lower-impact exercise, and yoga classes. (Technically, they’re intended for yoga.) But one tester (size 1X) reported that they gave her a muffin top and felt constricting through her middle, though she did appreciate their stretchy, thick fabric. Like many of Athleta’s styles, these are available up to size 3X.

The Lululemon Invigorate High-Rise Tight is a high-performance, high-tech choice made for high-energy workouts. At $128 during the time of our testing, they were the most expensive pair we tested. But they felt great on runs and dried quickly. Their two drop-in pockets proved to be convenient and sturdy, though our petite tester wished they were a bit bigger and placed slightly differently (she said they felt a little like saddle bags). The fabric of these leggings felt luxe and dense, and their sporty vibe motivated us to move. One tester, who wore a size 18, noted, “These make me want to throw on sneakers and go get some fresh air.”

About the same price as our IUGA High-Waist Yoga Pants pick from Amazon, the budget-friendly Old Navy High-Waisted PowerPress Legging felt scratchier than other pairs our testers tried (not as smooth, soft, or cosseting). But they were mostly comfortable to wear, and we appreciated that they are easy to find and try on in Old Navy stores. “Once the leggings are on, they’re not scratchy,” said one tester, who tried an XL. “They just don’t feel special.” Another tester, who wore an XS petite, found them to be too warm and shiny for her taste. I wore them for a 30-minute indoor-cycling class, around the house, and on long walks, and I had no glaring complaints; they just didn’t knock my socks off. But for the price, they’re fine.

We’re currently testing several additional pairs of leggings, including the Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight with Pockets (the pocketed version of our existing pick), the Athleta Interval Stash 7/8 Tight, and the Offline By Aerie The Hugger High Waisted Legging. Once testing is complete, we will update this guide with our findings.

To understand more about the textile side of workout leggings for this guide, I spoke (and emailed) with several textile and performance-wear experts, including Andre West, director of the Zeis Textiles Extension for Economic Development at NC State University; Preeti Arya, assistant professor of textile development and marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology; and Susan Sokolowski, PhD, a professor and director of the sports product design MS program at the University of Oregon, who also worked at Nike for 20 years.

I spent years writing about fitness for Wirecutter, wearing workout leggings nearly every day in anticipation of testing items like treadmills, indoor-cycling bikes, yoga mats, and GPS running watches. For nearly two years as a full-time personal trainer, my daily uniform was workout gear. I currently own more than 20 pairs of leggings.

A quick note on vocabulary: We refer to these garments as “leggings” throughout this piece. But others, including Susan Sokolowski, PhD—a professor and director of the sports product design MS program at the University of Oregon (who also worked at Nike for 20 years)—told us that those in the sports-apparel industry call them “tights.”

The rise of athleisure—high-performance, sports-oriented clothing worn, well, just about everywhere—has changed the way many people dress. Workout leggings in particular occupy an outsize space in the athleisure-verse. Vice President Kamala Harris famously wore them on Election Day 2020; many of us don them daily, whether or not we’re planning to break a sweat.

If you Google “workout leggings,” you’ll get about 160 million results. To narrow the field, I surveyed my own leggings wardrobe and read numerous best-of lists from the likes of Who What Wear, Runner’s World, and Yoga Journal. I focused on versatile, quality pieces that could carry you through a sweaty workout, a low-key yoga session, an afternoon of errands, or a day spent working at your dining room table. I did not consider high-performance compression leggings meant for recovery.

I narrowed down the field to 42 pairs and tried on each one, noting the quality, feel, and opacity of the fabric; general fit and comfort; performance while in motion; and overall first impressions. I squatted and stretched, hauled around my then 2½-year-old, and did household chores.

From there, 19 pairs rose to the top. I completed at least one workout in each pair, along with one to two days of general wear, looking out for both winning characteristics and missteps. Did the waistband dig in or slip down? Were they “squat-proof” or see-through? Was the fabric scratchy, hot, or slow to dry? Did wayward seams irritate? Did I look forward to wearing them?

I washed and dried each pair according to the instructions (thoughtful laundering of workout clothing can help increase longevity), and I considered the range of sizes a brand offered. Then I called on a panel of three testers—one petite (5-foot-2 and typically a size 4); one plus-size (5-foot-2 and typically a size 16–18); and one 5-foot-9 and a size 2—who wore each pair and assessed their fabric, fit, performance, and style. (I’m 5-foot-10 and typically wear a size M or 6–8). Our combined feedback informed the picks.

We based our assessments on the following criteria:

Fabric: We paid close attention to how a legging’s fabric felt—both to the touch and while being worn. Leggings won points if they dried quickly after sweaty workouts and moved with (not against) us. We wanted material—whether compressive or stretchy—that would retain its shape and texture through lots of wears and washes. We looked for opacity issues. Leggings that felt scratchy, hot, or too slack to be supportive didn’t make the cut.

Fit: A good pair of workout leggings must fit well. Some of the pairs we tried were more structured, and others leaned on lots of stretch. Details like well-placed seams tend to be flattering. If a pair advertised a high waist, we expected it to reach the belly button or higher. Was the inseam length comfortable and appropriate? Were they too tight, even if the size was correct? Was there sagging in the crotch or bagging at the knees? Can they stay put through all types of activities?

For some perspective on sizing, we spoke with Marcy Cruz, a fit model and board member of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, who told us that “plus size” is generally categorized to be sizes 12 to 24, and “extended” sizes are considered anything above a size 24 (though there is debate that plus-size begins at size 14). Girlfriend Collective, maker of our Compressive High-Rise Legging pick, offers up to a size 6XL; Superfit Hero, maker of our Superhold Pocket Ankle Leggings pick, carries exclusively plus and extended sizes, up to a size 7X (equivalent to size 40–44); and Athleta recently expanded its fleet to a size 3X (equivalent to size 24–26). But it takes work to get it right (including time to survey a wide range of body types when designing plus-size garments), and there’s still a long way to go.

Performance: We wanted pairs that felt as good during workouts and activity as they did at rest. If we put them through a sweaty workout, did they dry quickly? Did they feel supportive and energizing or soft and relaxing? Did they keep their shape during movements?

Versatility: We wore these leggings for nearly equal amounts of exercise and errands, taking note of how they transitioned from activity to down time and how they looked while doing it. Did they work as well with a running shoe as they did with a sneaker? Were they comfortable enough to wear for a full workday and then a yoga class? Did they look conspicuously sporty, or did they blend in at the pharmacy?

The basis of a pair of leggings is core-spun yarn, which Preeti Arya, assistant professor of textile development and marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology, describes as a fine filament of elastane yarn with fiber (nylon, polyester, cotton) surrounding it. (Elastane is a general term for synthetic fibers like spandex and Lycra.)

No matter the brand, the basic yarn type is often roughly the same, as we found out from reading the tags of our contenders. Whether a pair feels thick and provides adequate coverage comes down to the density of the fabric’s knit. Two pairs can have nearly identical fiber content, but if the knit on one is less dense, its opacity will be altered.

Fabrics that wick are meant to keep you dry during a workout. Unlike natural fibers such as cotton or linen, which are known to become waterlogged, synthetic fibers operate similarly to capillary action, with the space between the fibers acting like a capillary tube. “So the minute ... perspiration touches it, it gets sucked up,” explained Arya. From there, it evaporates. Antimicrobial finishes, meant to sidestep stink, can be applied directly to a fabric by (for instance) dipping it into a chemical bath containing an antimicrobial formulation.

Once a legging is produced, the company usually puts it through standardized tests to evaluate how well it holds up to, say, the equivalent of 20 washes; it usually evaluates the steadfastness of its dye (a process called crocking) and its tensile strength and stretchability, and checks for pilling and abrasion. There are no rules that specify what a company should put its garments through. Andre West, director of the Zeis Textiles Extension for Economic Development, told us that more-reputable brands will typically do more testing.

Most leggings are made with a combination of traditional cutting and sewing and sophisticated machines that knit in a circle. “You’re actually creating the material as you make the garment,” explained West. “Normally, in the fashion industry, you’re cutting fabric and then sewing it up. In this industry, you’re knitting the fabric to fit the person.”

Some of the leggings we tested were made of fabrics proprietary to their respective brand. Our Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight pick is made with one of the company’s own fabrics, called Everlux. The Athleta Ultra High-Rise Elation Tights (in the other good leggings section) are made with a fabric called Powervita. And Superfit Hero’s Superhold fabric is behind its Superhold Pocket Ankle Leggings.

These proprietary fabrics aren't mere marketing gimmicks. “It’s not easy to do what [these brands] do,” said Arya. “[The fabrics are] what makes them special.” Jana Henning, chief product officer at Athleta at the time of our interview, told us that Athleta can take up to two years to produce a fabric all its own.

Fabletics is a subscription-based company that allows members to buy an array of leggings (as well as sports bras and other activewear) on a monthly basis. It launched in 2013, with Kate Hudson as the face of the brand. On the sixth of each month, members are charged $59.95, which translates into a member credit redeemable for an item (or a two-piece outfit) up to $100.

We chose not to test Fabletics leggings for this guide because we tend to favor quality over quantity; we just don’t think a new pair of leggings every month is necessary. Also, we’re wary of being on the hook for any service that bills you continuously unless you play an active role in canceling.

The fabric of the Alo 7/8 High-Waist Airbrush Leggings felt soft and thick to the touch but scratchy when on. One tester (size S) found them a bit too tight in the thigh, and another (XS) was hot in them even when sitting around. On the flip side, yet another tester (XL) loved the fit and thought they were flattering, smoothing, and cute.

Our petite tester (XS petite) liked the fit and length of the Athleta Salutation Stash 7/8 Tight—petite sizes have a 25-inch inseam—though they wished the drop-in pockets were a tad larger. Another tester (1X) wasn’t able to get them on. These were generally fine in form and function, but they didn’t wow.

The Nike Women’s Victory Training Capris are unmistakably meant for workouts, with their wrap-around seam on the thighs, mesh vents at the calves, and techy, slick fabric (with a nice weight to it). These have a mid-rise waist, without the defined shape of some higher-rise styles we tried, which a few of our testers didn’t love. The largest size they come in is an XXL.

The SweatyBetty Power 7/8 Gym Leggings performed great on a 5½-mile run, and we liked the techy fabric, flattering seams, and smooth texture. They have a zippered back pocket for keys or a credit card but just one drop-in pocket on the left side (which felt a hair unbalanced). One tester thought they had a “cool, energizing feel” during a longer wear. But another tester (size XXL) couldn’t pull them all the way on. And a strip of elastic at the top of the waistband dug into the skin of one of our testers.

The Zella Live-In High-Waist Leggings made it through a lot of activities (indoor cycling, stretching, running errands), and they also have a warm, loungy feel. But our petite tester (size petite XS) found them much too tight, and another (size XL) thought they felt cheap and not stretchy enough.

This article was edited by Ingela Ratledge Amundson, Jennifer Hunter, and Jason Chen.