12 Best Leggings That Don’t Slip or Pill, Tested by Fitness Experts and Editors

As a longtime health and fitness journalist, I’m not exaggerating when I say finding the best leggings for women has led to me testing at least 50 pairs over the past decade, from black leggings designed for running to budget-friendly Amazon pairs that rival even the most expensive options on the market. During my tireless quest to find the just-right pairs—ones with the perfect level of compression and comfy fabric that won’t slip, sag, or pill—I’ve locked in a few personal favorites. I also polled Glamour editors and fellow fitness pros to share their own reviews, taking factors like whether the leggings rolled down at any point, how sweat-wicking they were, and how well they stood up to at least five washes into account. Ahead, shop the best leggings for the gym, yoga, cardio, and lounging.

UNIMETONE supply professional and honest service.

The best leggings for women, at a glance

• Best Overall: Lululemon High Rise Align Pants, $98
• Best on Amazon: Colorfulkoala High-Waist Yoga Pants, $22
• Best for Pilates: FP Movement Good Karma Leggings, $78
• Best for Low-Intensity: Alo High-Waist Airbrush Leggings, $118
• Best for Everyday Wear: Vuori Daily Leggings, $89

• Best Overall Leggings: Lululemon High Rise Align Pants

  • Original image by Glamour commerce writer Jenny McCoy
  • Courtesy of brand
  1/12

  Lululemon Align High-Rise Pants

  $98

  Lululemon

  Best for: Everyday wear, walks, low-intensity workouts, tummy control

  “I wear this pair of leggings more than any other pants in my closet because they’re that amazing. Even after running them through the washer and dryer 50-plus times, the supersoft fabric still feels heavenly against my skin, and the thick waistband strikes that elusive balance of comfortable yet supportive,” says certified personal trainer and Glamour fitness writer Jenny McCoy. “They’re also impressively durable: I donned them throughout my pregnancy and am still wearing them nine months postpartum. Although my belly has changed a lot during that time, these full-length leggings somehow still fit like a glove—the fabric was generously stretchy when I needed it to be but retained its elasticity. I love these so much I ordered a second pair so I have a backup on laundry day. They’re my trusted companions for work-from-home life, running errands, and gentle workouts like yoga, stretching, walking, and hiking.”

  The rest of our editors almost universally agree that these are the most versatile on the list, with truly unparalleled functionality, but one note is that it pays to wear a solid pair of sweat-wicking underwear for working out, because these tend to take a while to dry after a run.

  • Pros: Supersoft and lightweight fabric; high-quality and durable
  • Cons: Pricey; while sweat-wicking, they don’t dry quickly
  • Sizes: 0–20
  • Fabrics: Nylon, Lycra elastane
  • Slip test: Passed
  • Pilling: Minimal after more than a year of avid wear

• Best Amazon Leggings: Colorfulkoala Buttery-Soft High-Waist Yoga Pants

  • Original image by Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz
  • Original image by Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz
  • Courtesy of brand
  2/12

  Colorfulkoala Buttery-Soft High-Waist Yoga Pants

  $22

  Amazon

  Best for: Lounging, low-intensity workouts

  This top-rated pair of leggings (they have more than 11,000 five-star reviews referring to them as great Lululemon dupes) lives up to their “buttery-soft” name, according to Glamour’s commerce director Brie Schwartz. “They feel dreamy on (so much so that they’re the first thing I reach for when I get home from work), sit comfortably at the mid-waist without digging, and they’re almost slick to the touch. However, they do slip—you might want to size down—so I don’t recommend these for running (unless you like tugging every few feet). If you’re just looking to wear them for athleisure activities, lounging, or a day at the gym when you’re focused on upper body, though, I give them a 10 out of 10. They’re also perfect for layering under jeans or sweats in winter if you’re looking to stay warm.”

  • Pros: Reasonable price; soft; no pilling
  • Cons: Slight sagging
  • Sizes: XS–XL
  • Fabrics: Nylon, spandex
  • Slip test: Slick material can sag
  • Pilling: None

• Best Leggings for Pilates: FP Movement Good Karma Leggings

  • Original image by Glamour tester Kristine Thomason
  • Courtesy of brand
  3/12

  FP Movement Good Karma Leggings

  $78

  Free People

  Best for: Yoga, Pilates

  Wondering what to wear to Pilates? “Every time I throw on these leggings, I feel confident, strong, and ready to take on any challenge. Why? They have a unique wide-ribbed waistline that gives them a custom-feeling fit and reliably stay put, even during inversions and advanced yoga or Pilates postures,” says Glamour contributor Kristine Thomason. “The material is thick but breathable, with perforated detailing on the back of the leg for a little extra airflow. I’m also impressed by their longevity—I’ve owned my pair of Good Karma Leggings for nearly five years, and they still look brand new (no pilling in sight). Plus, this style of yoga pants comes in the most gorgeous earthy colors, winning them major style points.”

  • Pros: Breathable; high waist
  • Cons: Limited sizes
  • Sizes: XS–XL
  • Fabrics: Spandex, nylon
  • Slip test: Passed
  • Pilling: None

• Best Leggings for Low-Intensity Workouts: Alo High-Waist Airbrush Leggings

  • Original image by Glamour tester Kristine Thomason
  • Courtesy of brand
  4/12

  Alo High-Waist Airbrush 7/8 Leggings

  $118

  Alo

  Best for: Working out at the gym, yoga, casual wear

  “The Alo High-Waist Airbrush leggings have garnered a bit of a cult following, and I have to admit, I’m proudly part of that group. The high waistband feels like a comforting hug around your middle, with just enough compression to feel supported but not stifled. The fabrication is also lovely, with a cotton-soft feel,” Thomason says. “They’re best-suited for low-intensity exercise, as the waistband does sometimes roll slightly during more high-intensity workouts. Nevertheless, I love having these Alo leggings in my rotation. I automatically feel effortlessly chic when I throw them on, and I feel just as comfortable wearing them to a Pilates class as I do pairing them with a sweatshirt for the plane.”

  • Pros: Compression; smoothing; sculpting
  • Cons: Limited sizes
  • Sizes: XXS–XL
  • Fabric: Nylon, elastane
  • Slip test: Passed, but not during high-intensity workouts
  • Pilling: Minimal over time

• Best Leggings for Working Out: Athleta Elation Ultra-High-Rise Double Up Leggings

  • Original image by Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle
  • Courtesy of brand
  5/12

  Athleta Elation Ultra-High-Rise Double Up Leggings

  $99

  Athleta

  Best for: Pilates, hot workouts, treadmill running, stair exercises, and strength training

  These workout leggings are a favorite of Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle, who wears them multiple times a week. “This set is constantly getting washed because I use it so much during the week. I wear it to the gym for strength training, to my Pilates reformer classes, and on days when I don’t want to wear real clothes. I took an NYC Fuze hot workout class and the leggings surprisingly didn’t slip, so I recommend them for hot yoga or hot Pilates classes. I’m five foot two and wear a size medium. The length is petite-friendly because it doesn’t bunch up at the bottom.”

  • Pros: Doesn’t dig into skin; no slipping down; silky soft
  • Cons: Not super thick so might be prone to rips in the future
  • Sizes: XXS–XL
  • Fabrics: Nylon, Lycra
  • Slip test: Passed
  • Pilling: Passed

• Best Leggings for Everyday Wear: Vuori Daily Leggings

  Courtesy of brand6/12

  Vuori Daily Leggings

  $89

  Vuori

  Best for: Yoga, hikes, pilates, running errands, everyday wear

  For a pair of leggings that fit seamlessly with your day—whether you have a sweaty yoga class planned or are running errands—consider Vuori’s best-selling leggings. These are a favorite of Glamour contributor Jessie Quinn, who wears them at least once a week. “I’ve had these Vuori leggings on regular rotation for over a year, and they are one of my most reached-for pairs,” she says. “I love that the fabric feels soft and flexible against my skin but still provides medium compression for more challenging workouts and hikes. The leggings also have a cute drawstring detail that separates them from all of my other plain black leggings.” It’s worth noting that the leggings run a bit small (Quinn usually wears XS but prefers these in small) and don’t have the most extensive size range compared to others on this list.

  • Pros: Comfortable, breathable material; medium compression
  • Cons: Runs a little small; not the best size range
  • Sizes: XXS–XXL
  • Fabrics: Polyester, elastane
  • Slip test: Passed
  • Pilling: None

• Best Leggings for Yoga: Beyond Yoga Spacedye High-Waisted Leggings

  Courtesy of brand7/12

  Beyond Yoga Spacedye High-Waist Leggings

  $97

  Amazon

  Want more information on Women's seamless workout leggings? Feel free to contact us.

  Best for: Yoga, cycling, hiking, leg day

  For leggings you can wear to the yoga studio, gym, or the great outdoors, consider this pick from Beyond Yoga. These high-rise leggings are different from the buttery-soft, sheen-heavy fabrics on this list; instead, they boast a more matte texture, so they’re a nice alternative if you’d prefer something unique. “I love these Beyond Yoga leggings because they are comfortable for long wear, have enough compression to support me through different types of workouts, and look so cute as a set with a matching sports bra,” Quinn says. “While they are a little too thick to wear in warm weather, especially in late summer and early fall in Los Angeles, they’re a pair I reach for the most during the winter when I want something warm that isn’t fleece-lined.”

  • Pros: Comfortable fit; matte texture; nice size range
  • Cons: Too thick for warm weather
  • Sizes: XXS–4XL
  • Fabrics: Polyester, elastane
  • Slip test: Passed
  • Pilling: None

• Best Leggings with Pockets: Old Navy High-Waist Side-Pocket 7/8 Leggings

  • Original image by Glamour tester Kristine Thomason
  • Courtesy of brand
  8/12

  Old Navy High-Waist Side-Pocket 7/8 Leggings

  $20

  Old Navy

  Best for: Casual wear, strength training

  Like a lot of workout clothes, quality leggings aren’t exactly kind to your credit card. However, this pair of pocket leggings from Old Navy costs just shy of $20 and features a style comparable to other products on this list. “I like them because they are reasonably priced for the quality,” says Glamour tester Rachel D’Amato. “They are lighter weight than a lot of leggings out there, but not sheer. The pocket is deep enough to hold a , and they fit like shapewear to keep you snatched.” Plus, these bestsellers have a nearly perfect five-star rating (among 2,000-plus reviews on the brand’s site). “While these are technically labeled as high-rise, they fit more mid-rise than most leggings on the market, which I prefer,” says Glamour’s Schwartz. “I’ve had my pair for at least five years, and while the waistband has gotten looser over time and they’ve begun to sag in the tush, they’ve withstood countless washes without pilling. The one demerit is they take a while to dry after workouts and aren’t as sweat-wicking as, say, the Lululemons on this list.”

  • Pros: Affordable price; useful pockets; snug fit
  • Cons: Sizing inconsistency
  • Sizes: XS–4XL
  • Fabrics: Cotton, spandex
  • Slip test: Looser waistband may slip during higher-intensity workouts
  • Pilling: Moderate, over time

• Best High-Waist Leggings: Leggings Depot High-Waist Flared Leggings

  • Original image by Glamour contributor Alanna Martine Kilkeary
  • Courtesy of brand
  9/12

  Leggings Depot High-Waist Flared Leggings

  $16 $10 (38% off)

  Amazon

  Best for: Errands, lounging

  “I picked up these leggings during the pandemic when I discovered my athleisure aesthetic. For real—before , I used to wear jeans around the house,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary. She likes the baggier bottom and figure-hugging waist. “I love the way they look paired with platform sneakers or chunky Ugg boots,” she says. She can also attest to the fact that they’re very soft (perhaps the best part); they literally feel like pajama pants.

  • Pros: Easy accessibility because the material is stretchy
  • Cons: Kilkeary says that if you’re on the shorter side, you may not be able to wear them with flat shoes.
  • Sizes: S–XL
  • Fabrics: Polyester, spandex
  • Slip test: Passed
  • Pilling: None

• Best Faux-Leather Leggings: Spanx SpanxShape Faux-Leather Leggings

  Courtesy of brand10/12

  Spanx SpanxShape Faux-Leather Leggings

  $98 $65 (34% off)

  Spanx

  Best for: Wearing as pants, running errands (not for working out)

  For this trendy category, we went straight to the OG. If you’re looking for something a little more elevated that can actually pass as pants (you could even get away with wearing them to work, depending on your office environment), then these moto-esque Spanx leggings are it. “I’ve had mine for at least five years and they look as good as they did the day they were born,” says Schwartz. “They’re tummy controlling, look cool with boots, and pull together an outfit more than your average pair thanks to the slick finishing, though a word to the wise: They’re not suitable for winter since you really feel the air in them and they’re cold to the touch; however, if you run hot, you’ll love them. Because they’re also ultra tight, they’re tough to pull on, but once you’re wearing them, they’re actually really comfortable and easy to move in.” They don’t exactly come cheap though, so peep these Spanx promo codes to save when you’re ready to pick up a pair.

  • Pros: Trendy, moto-style look; tummy control
  • Cons: The air goes right through them
  • Sizes: XXS–3XL
  • Fabrics: Faux leather
  • Slip test: Passed
  • Pilling: None

• Best Leggings to Wear as Pants: Golden Butter Cheeky Hi-Rise Leggings

  Courtesy of brand11/12

  Golden Butter Cheeky Hi-Rise Leggings

  $78

  Aritzia

  Best for: Everyday wear, yoga, low-impact exercise, running errands

  With their minimalist design, Aritzia’s Golden leggings should seamlessly fit in with the rest of your leggings collection—especially if you like to wear leggings more than anything else. “I work from home and wear leggings as pants almost every day of the week,” Quinn says. “These Aritzia leggings are some of my favorites because they’re lightweight and feel like second skin—I also love that they don’t have any pockets or brand logos on the ankle, so you can get away with wearing them as pants with oversized sweaters and fall boots.” In addition to wearing them as pants, Quinn also sports hers at yoga classes, on hikes, and while running errands. The leggings feature a soft and flexible fabric that is comfortable in every season (and, most important, doesn’t feel too hot in the summer and early fall). While they do tend to shrink a little in the wash, Quinn tells us that they stretch back out once you slip them on.

  • Pros: Fits like a glove; breathable fabric; minimal branding
  • Cons: Tend to shrink slightly in the wash
  • Sizes: 00–16
  • Fabrics: Nylon, elastane
  • Slip test: Passed
  • Pilling: None

• Best Flared Leggings: Lululemon Align High-Rise Mini-Flare Pants

  Courtesy of brand12/12

  Lululemon Align High-Rise Mini-Flare Pants

  $118

  Lululemon

  Best For: Wearing as pants, traveling, practicing yoga

  Lululemon Align leggings are our absolute favorites on this list, but if you want to switch up the style without sacrificing that viral texture, Quinn swears by the Align flared leggings. “Because I have short legs, flare leggings typically drown me; These have a more petite flare silhouette that gives a similar effect without the excess fabric,” she says. “I have worn these to yoga classes, during figure skating lessons, on planes, and while putting some serious steps in across Europe, and they always stay in place, regardless of the activity. The regular fit is supposed to reach the ankle, but it touches the floor on my frame—so if you have short legs, consider going with the short length to ensure you won’t trip. They feel brand new even after dozens of washes, despite a few accidental snags caused by my kitchen cabinet knobs.”

  • Pros: Genuinely soft fabric; easy-to-wear flares
  • Cons: A bit long for those with short legs; material can snag
  • Sizes: 0–20
  • Fabrics: Nylon, Lycra
  • Slip test: Passed
  • Pilling: None

What we looked for

Here’s what we considered during testing.

• Slip and squat test: All leggings passed the slip test, meaning they didn’t slip, slide, or roll down during workouts. They were also “squat-proof,” meaning the fabric didn’t become transparent while squatting.
• Sizing: We noted brands that take size inclusivity into account, including the range of waist sizes along with inseam availability.
• Material: We considered which materials would be best suited for different fitness activities: Natural fabrics (usually cotton) tend to be more sustainable and breathable, while synthetic fabrics (such as nylon and polyester) are better for moisture wicking. As for synthetic fabrics, we sought out those made with recycled materials. We looked for leggings made of these high-quality fabrics, with appropriate thickness, moisture-wicking qualities, breathability, softness, and balanced compression. We also gave bonus points for eco-conscious materials.
• Pilling and fading: We monitored how well the leggings stood up to a minimum of five wears and washes, noting pilling and fabric degradation.
• Fit and design: We sought out leggings that were well-designed, fit comfortably on the body, weren’t too tight across the waist, and included innovative features (e.g., pockets or strategic mesh panels).

How we tested these leggings

Glamour is continuously monitoring the best products on the market on behalf of our readers, and that research extends to the best leggings for women. This year we’ve kept tabs on the most talked-about and trending leggings and the latest releases from the brands our editors stand by.

Our contributor Kristine Thomason is fitness editor and writer with more than a decade of experience who has tested over 50 pairs in her career. To narrow down the best leggings for women on this list, she considered brands and styles that suited various fitness and lifestyle needs. She also surveyed Glamour editors and testers to have a wide range of picks based on various preferences. Contributor Jenny McCoy is a fitness writer and certified personal trainer who basically lives in leggings and has lots of firsthand experience on what makes a great pair.

To determine which leggings were truly the best in each category, our testers wore each pair a minimum of five times during various types of activity (running, hiking, lounging, running errands, and more). Each pair on this list excelled in every category of criteria (fit, e.g., if they managed not to roll down, slip, or sag; sizing; material; and durability).

The company is the world’s best Personalized Swaddle Blanket supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.