If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.
Few things are absolute must-haves in every wardrobe, and workout leggings — specifically compression leggings — are one of them. Even if you’re not really into fitness, having compression gear in your closet can be super beneficial. The best compression leggings for women are often designed with high-performance materials that hug your body like a glove or second skin, which is excellent for when you want to hold things together — but it’s even better for helping your muscles beyond just doing a regular workout.
A study published in 2019 found that wearing compression leggings can aid muscle recovery, especially after an intense workout. So, if you like the occasional HIIT workout, enjoy power walking, or love running, having compression activewear is definitely for you. The study even went as far as to recommend athletes to wear compression tights immediately 24 hours post-exercise. Not only will they aid in muscle recovery, but wearing them can also help reduce swelling and muscle pain while enhancing blood circulation.
Below, we gathered 10 of the best compression leggings worth adding to your wardrobe this year from top-tier brands like Alo, lululemon, Spanx, Girlfriend Collective, and so much more. Here, you’ll find affordable options that can take you from the gym to running errands and comfortable, elevated choices that are so chic you could wear to the office or happy hour. Shop our favorite compression leggings now.
Our Picks for the Best Compression Leggings for Women in 2024
Best Compression Leggings Overall:Girlfriend Collective Compressive Pocket Leggings
Best Compression Leggings on Amazon: The Gym People Thick High Waist Yoga Pants
Best Compression Leggings for Running:Lululemon Swift Speed High Rise Tight 28”
Best Postpartum Compression Leggings:Quince Performance Maternity & Postpartum Leggings
Best Everyday Compression Leggings:Spanx Booty Boost Active ⅞ Leggings
Girlfriend Collective Compressive Pocket Leggings
These leggings received the title of one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2022, and for good reason. They’re super soft and stretchy; they feature a high waistline that doesn’t pinch, sleek stitching, and two side pockets with a hidden one in the waistband. Also, they’re available in two inseams — 23 ¾” and 28.5” — with a wide range of sizes.
Pros
- Most extended sizing
- Three pockets in total
- Made with majority recycled material
Cons
- Some reviewers say they run small
Material
- Made from 79% recycled plastic bottles (RPET) and 21% spandex
The Gym People Thick High Waist Yoga Pants
If you’re that person who loves to get everything on Amazon, allow me to recommend this pair of high-waisted yoga pants. Brought to you by The Gym People, these activewear bottoms have 47,000 five-star ratings and tons of rave reviews, with shoppers claiming how much they love them. One shopper called these “awesome, affordable leggings” and shared that after being skeptical, they now “LOVES them.” “They are comfy, don’t sag, and pass the squat test. I will definitely be buying more of these!” they wrote.
Pros
- Super affordable
- Available in tons of colors and prints
- Three pockets in total
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Some reviewers say they run big
Material
- Made from 88% polyamide and 12% spandex
GLOWMODE 26” Seamless Good Genes Yoga Leggings
Hands down, GLOWMODE makes some of my favorite activewear. I put on these seamless leggings any chance I get. They’re super flattering, really stretchy, and, although lightweight, offer a nice amount of compression around my calf and hamstring area, so they’re leg-day-approved. Also, they’re only $16! Like, what’s not to love?
Pros
- Incredibly affordable
- Great, comfortable fit
Cons
- Limited sizing
- Only available in two colors
Material
- Made from 51% polyamide, 41% polyester, and 8% elastane
Fabletics On-The-Go PowerHold High-Waisted Leggings
These Fabletics leggings are another one of my favorites, and it’s not just because they’re made from a thick yet comfy, moisture-wicking fabric that holds you in or because they have a very flattering high waistline. Nope, it’s because they’re available in a tall — as well as regular and short — length. As someone with a long inseam, most leggings are automatically ankle-length — if not shorter — so having an option that goes all the way down is a must. Also, with a Fabletics subscription, you can get a whole outfit or particular piece for less than $60 — and when you first sign up, you get two pairs for $24.
Pros
- Three pockets total
- Inclusive sizing
Cons
- Some reviewers found the fabric to be too thick
Material
- Made from 88% polyester and 12% spandex
Lululemon Swift Speed High Rise Tight 28”
Having a pair of compression leggings that are super lightweight but hold you in so that they feel like a second skin is a must for runners, and these Swift Speed tights by Lululemon do just that. They’re made from the brand’s Luxtreme fabric, offering a slick, light feel for optimum movement. It’s super breathable and has a hidden adjustable drawstring in the waist, ensuring your leggings stay in place while hitting the pavement.
Pros
- Great for runners, joggers, and power walkers
- Super lightweight
- Inclusive sizing
Cons
- Pricey
Material
- Body is made from 69% nylon and 31% Lycra® elastane; Pocket lining is made from 89% nylon and 11% elastane
Quince Performance Maternity & Postpartum Leggings
These are the best performance leggings to get if you’re pregnant, just had a baby, or know someone who is. They’re made to work for you as your body continues to grow with a bump and even afterward. It has a full-panel waistband that’s comfortable around the midsection and could be folded down to wear at the waist. They’re available in 25- and 28-inch inseams.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Fits well during all points of pregnancy
- Available in two inseams
Cons
- Limited color options
Material
- Made with 78% nylon and 22% spandex
GymShark Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings
If your activewear aesthetic leans towards seamless options, then, of course, you need a pair of GymShark’s Vital Seamless leggings. They offer a high, supportive ribbed waistband that holds the midsection in without cinching and is made with sweat-wicking fabric with breathable mesh around prominent sweat areas. Plus, they come in tons of colors. You could grab one for every day of the week and then some if you want to.
Pros
- Sleek and seamless design
- Tons of matching sets available
Cons
- Colors and sizes sell out quickly
Material
- Made with 93% nylon and 7% elastane
Spanx Booty Boost Active ⅞ Leggings
For the days you want to wear something comfy but need ample support, reach for these Kristen Bell- and Jennifer Garner-approvedleggings by Spanx. The two celebs have been spotted strutting around in these comfy pants non-stop. They’re made with a breathable and sweat-wicking fabric that’s perfect for any workout but with Spanx’s signature technology that holds you in and lifts your pretty peach. The waistline has a contoured seam that bends down instead of straight across, adding a more flattering touch than other high-waisted leggings.
Pros
- Super supportive
- Perfect for everyday wear
Cons
- Most reviewers say they run small
Material
- Body is made from 68% nylon and 32% elastane; Pocket lining is made from 80% nylon and 20% elastane
Alo Yoga Airlift High-Waist ⅞ Line Up Legging
Consider these Kylie Jenner-lovedleggings from Alo if you want to splurge on a designer option. The Airlift fabric is one of Alo’s most high-compression options that offers maximum support. This is an excellent option for someone who does studio fitness classes like pilates or yoga. This pair has flocked seams that form a sweetheart design on the back with a matching flocked velvet waistband that’s not as high as other options.
Pros
- Maximum support
- Sleek design
Cons
- Really pricey
- Limited sizing
Material
- Made with 82% polyester and 18% elastane
Outdoor Voices FrostKnit ⅞ Legging
Just because the temperature has dropped doesn’t mean your workout has to. Still enjoy your favorite outdoor activities, with these FrostKnit leggings by Outdoor Voices all winter long. They still offer high support but with a breathable, brushed knit material on the inside that is made to keep you warm and toasty.
Pros
- Perfect for cold-weather cardio
- Internal drawstring
- Reflective details
Cons
- Limited color options
Material
- Made with 36% Lycra, 34% nylon, and 30% polyester
Leave a Comment