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Who isn’t a sucker for a good pair of leggings for women—I mean, they’re comfortable, easy to style, come in a bunch of different colors and designs, and the list goes on. But, there are tons of different types of leggings for different activities (admit it, you have a fave pair of soft ones for your WFH days). If you’re looking for a pair of butt-lifting leggings to wear specifically during workouts, you’re going to want to opt for compressive leggings.
“Compression leggings are designed to increase blood flow to the muscles in the lower half of your body during exercise, bringing more oxygen to them,” says orthopedic surgeon Dr. Natasha Trentacosta, MD. All of that increased blood flow you experience while wearing compression leggings actually enhances muscle oxygenation, she says, adding that it allows you to exercise more efficiently with less muscle fatigue.
Best Compression Leggings
The specific exercises compressive leggings are good for are heavily weighted or explosive, powerful movements like plyometrics and heavy lifting, says orthopedic surgeon David Geier, MD. “Some people actually feel their strength and power improve while exercising in compression tights.”
And get this: There are tons of other benefits beyond the gym, too. “They tend to be especially helpful to those—think: retail workers, surgeons, teachers, etc.—who work jobs that require them to stand for several hours,” says physician Laura Purdy, MD. She says that women who are pregnant and people with diabetes, varicose veins, heart failure, lymphedema, or psoriasis can also benefit from the increased circulation they offer.
To learn more about what to look for when shopping, keep reading for expert tips along with editor-tested favorites we’ve personally tried ourselves and recommend for ultimate support.
What to consider
When you’re shopping for compression leggings, the factors you’ll want to be on the lookout for will depend largely on your personal goals and the activities during which you want to wear your leggings.
Compression level
If you’re into heavy lifting or long-distance running, you’ll get the most out of leggings with high or graduated compression. These styles apply more pressure at your legs and gradually ease up toward your core, so they’ll feel snug on your legs but more relaxed around your waist, according to weightlifting coach Sal Nakhlawi, USAW Level 2, and founder of StrongHER Girls.
High compression leggings are “designed to combine compression with the benefits of kinesiology tape,” says Nakhlawi. While they are on the tighter side, they’re very supportive on the muscles and joints. If you want something a bit looser, we’ve included a few softer, stretchier pairs on this list, which are great for those who don’t want to feel compressed during lower impact activities like yoga or Pilates.
Material
If you’re working out multiple times a week, make sure your leggings are made from high-quality, breathable fabrics such as elastane, nylon, or polyester blends that are washing machine safe to avoid spending time scrubbing your tights by hand or diminishing their compression integrity over time. Not only do these durable fabrics offer a comfortable, four-way stretch while wicking sweat and drying super quickly, but some even incorporate antimicrobial properties to prevent odor buildup and save you from stinking up the gym.
How we selected
As Women's Health editors, we practically live in leggings. For this story, our staff editors combed through their years' worth of testing notes to find the best leggings that offered the right amount of compression, support, and comfort. We also consulted with three doctors and a personal trainer on what to look for in compression leggings. All the winners on this list have been vetted and tested by our editors and writers.
See below for the seven best compression leggings, according to experts and editors.
Pros
- Waist drawcord prevents sagging
- Washing machine safe
Cons
- Very expensive, given the materials used
One of the worst feelings on a run is when your leggings sag, restricting your strides, and weighing you down. Not so with the SenseKnit HR Running Tight, which features a high-rise waistband and seamless leg length to keep you supported, cinched, and flexible with every step. While these leggings are designed specifically for running, their four-way stretch, moisture-wicking fabric also makes them ideal for high-impact activities like plyometrics and HIIT workouts. Personal trainer Kelsey Wynn, NASM, has put these leggings through some tough exercises and can attest to their durability. Bonus: Reflective details enhance visibility in low-light conditions, which comes especially in clutch during night runs.
Read more: Best Lululemon Leggings
Compression level | Medium |
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Materials | Nylon, Elastane, Polyimide |
Pros
- Lots of color options
- Washing machine safe
- Options for pockets
Cons
- Not reflective
Workouts like yoga and pilates need leggings that can provide loads of flexibility. Enter Fanka's reversible tights, which offers the right amount of stretch, comfort, and support for your booty, waist, and legs. We love the brand's "booty bump" i.e. extra support around the seat, which we found especially useful when performing squats. With a reversible wear design feature and two dozen unique color options, you get two looks for the price of one.
"I initially thought I should have sized up but after breaking them in they are comfortable and provide great support throughout any workout," says WH assistant fashion editor Rose Lauture. "They are super flattering and hold you right in."
Compression level | Medium |
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Materials | Polyamide, Elastane |
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Pros
- Fits true to size
- Large waistband for maximum coverage
Cons
- Some users say they roll down sometimes
Designed to stay put during every activity from running to yoga, these Adidas Originals Classics Tonal 3-Stripes Leggings hug your legs like a second skin without being suffocating or restrictive. Our testers rave that they have consistently fit true to size, and the thick, elastic waistband offers ample tummy control. With three soft, versatile color options, our editors love to rock these leggings at the yoga studio, the city streets, and everywhere in between.
Compression level | Medium |
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Fit | Polyester, Elastane |
Pros
- Concealed waistband pocket
- Keep your legs warm in lower temps
- Don't sag or fall down
Cons
- Sweat shows easily through the material
The High Waist Yoga Pants from Crz Yoga blend reliable thickness with breathability to give you a seamless waistband that hugs your core and booty, so your back and joints are supported during squats and you won't have to stop your set to keep pulling your pants up. With maximum compression and four-way flexibility that still feels lightweight and smooth to the touch, these yoga pants aren't just for yoga. Our editors also wear them at the gym. Trainer Wynn says that their high pressure helps improve her balance and support during long distance runs, or high intensity workouts.
Compression Level | High |
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Materials | Polyamide, Lycra |
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Pros
- Hidden zipper pocket
- No-slip design
- Super soft
Cons
- “Long” length is often sold out
With their sleek and versatile style, these compression leggings from Vuori seamlessly transition from the gym to everyday wear, making them an active wardrobe staple. Soft and suede to the touch, the Clean Elevation Legging's moisture-wicking and seamless material works hard to keep you cool and comfortable for a full day on-the-go, and the ultra high-rise design and no-slip fit create a flattering compression with three versatile lengths available.
Compression Level | Medium |
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Materials | Polyester, Elastane |
Best Compression Leggings For Warm Weather
Under Armour HeatGear Armour High No-Slip Waistband Leggings
Pros
- Over two dozen color options
- Plenty of size options including short and tall variants
Cons
- Some users reported a lack of durability after machine washing
Working out in leggings can feel suffocating in high temps, but not in Under Armour's HeatGear leggings. Flat seams protect you from chafing–especially as you sweat more in the heat–and a hidden no-slip material inside the high-rise waistband ensures everything stays put, even during the most strenuous exercises.
With over two dozen snazzy color options and an ultra-light feel that wicks away sweat and dries at record speeds, certified functional strength coach Sal Nakhlawi grabs her HeatGear leggings every time she’s hitting an outdoor summer workout without ever overheating or feeling stuffy.
Compression Level | Medium |
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Materials | Polyester |
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Pros
- Washing machine safe
- Very flattering fit
Cons
- Not machine dryer safe
Shapermint's leggings have a serious following for how stretchy and comfortable their materials are. They're designed for a high range of movement and with various colors available, they can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the day. We love their durable material that compresses you in all the right places. Wynn says these sculpting leggings slim her from the waist to the ankle and tuck in her tummy. Plus, testers love that they don’t have to worry about these thick leggings being see through.
Compression Level | Medium |
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Materials | Polyamide, Elastane |
Meet the experts
- Sal Nakhlawi, USAW Level 2, is a weightlifting coach and founder of StrongHER Girls.
- Natasha Trentacosta, MD, is a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute.
- David Geier, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist.
- Laura Purdy, MD, is a board-certified physician.
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Sabrina Talbert
Editorial Assistant
Sabrina is an editorial assistant for Women’s Health. When she’s not writing, you can find her running, training in mixed martial arts, or reading.
Kelsey Wynn, NASM-CPT
Freelance writer
Kelsey Wynn is an NASM-certified personal trainer who covers fitness shopping stories. She was previously the Managing Editor at Spartan Race and has contributed to Everest Outdoor News.