Key Points
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Leggings are ideal for workouts, everyday wear, and casual activities.
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When searching for top-rated women's leggings, look for moisture-wicking properties.
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Buy women's leggings for the functions you have in mind.
Did you rip a hole in your sweatpants last time you worked out? It's happened to more than just you! If you're tired of pants that don't fit right, don't allow you to move freely, or make you hotter than you already are from the exercises, it's time to look at the top-rated women's leggings. Leggings work well for almost any workout, including yoga, running, weightlifting, kickboxing, Zumba, and hiking.
Vogue contributor Christian Allaire outlines the history of leggings. "Though they trace as far back as the 14th century, leggings first became really popular back in the late 1950s, when chemist Joseph Shivers created the first Lycra pair. Come the 80s, leggings got a little more edgy, like the shiny black pair that Olivia Newton-John wears with a moto jacket in Grease. Saucy!"
Allaire continues, "It's during the 2010s, however, that leggings evolved to become a popular wardrobe staple: People began wearing them as full-on pants, in all sorts of treatments, from wild leopard styles to American Apparel disco pants."
You see leggings in the office, at the store, and everywhere in between. While leggings are convenient to wear almost everywhere, their ideal use is in the gym for exercise and workouts.
Check out the following, which are some of the best options on the market.
Lululemon Align Pant II
The Lululemon Align Pant II includes a tight fit, which you won't mind since the fabric is buttery-soft. The signature waistband pocket allows you to keep your keys and phone close. This option is easy to care for since they're machine-washable — cold water — making them one of the best women's leggings.
Where To Wear
Some yoga pants have limited use, but that's not the case with this brand. You can wear them every day, but they're perfect for yoga, stretching, and gym activities.
Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II
Going anywhere in pants without pockets is hard, but the Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II has a convenient side pocket. These are the top-rated leggings for women participating in outdoor activities like running.
Breaking a Sweat
While women's leggings are often for everyday wear, these are the best pants to wear when you plan to break a sweat. Their stretchy, breathable fabric keeps you dry at all times. They also include contouring lines that enhance your curves and streamline your shape.
Nike One Luxe
Comfort is key whenever you work out, and the Nike One Luxe leggings have sweat-wicking fabric that grabs and draws moisture away from your body. They dry quickly and won't give you a chill, either.
With a high-rise waistband, your tummy is under control no matter what motions you perform. This option creates confidence with its comfort.
Wear Around the House
Yes, the Nike One Luxe leggings are ideal for the gym, but many women also use them as go-to pants for relaxation. Nike is one of the best women's leggings brands. Wear them around the house, to run errands, or for yoga, running, and workouts.
Outdoor Voices TechSweat 7/8 Legging
You don't want heavy materials weighing you down, and the Outdoor Voices TechSweat 7/8 Legging has lightweight and breathable fabric. The high waistband gives you a secure fit for yoga and other exercises, making them perfect leggings for workouts.
This option also includes deep pockets that fit snugly against your body to keep items in place.
No-Dig Waist
No matter your waist measurement, these affordable women's leggings don't dig into your skin. They fit snugly but aren't overly tight. They're marketed as leggings for all body types, and they fit anyone and look good at the same time.
If you want women's leggings for comfort, make these your go-to option.
Gymshark Vital Seamless Leggings
No woman wants to feel as if she's jiggling during a high-intensity workout. The Gymshark Vital Seamless leggings are top-rated leggings for women who want that compressive fit, and you get high levels of support in their seamless design.
These are the best women's leggings for intense kickboxing or running sessions.
See Nothing
When you choose leggings, worrying about what others see through the pants is common. Women's legging brands are sometimes relatively thin, and when you bend and stretch, anyone at the gym quickly knows what color your underwear is that day.
With this brand, you get leggings for workouts featuring high-stretch, thick fabric so no one sees anything but your fabulous shape.
Alo Yoga Moto Legging
If you're searching for leggings for all body types, this option is for you! The unique women's legging styles include moisture-wicking fabric with moto-inspired designs.
The main goal of these leggings is to lift, sculpt, contour, and smooth your body, whether you're working out or lounging.
The Materials
If you read women's leggings reviews, the materials each legging company uses for its products may interest you. The Alo Yoga Moto Legging has 87 percent Nylon materials with 13 percent spandex, and they have a good stretch but are also machine-washable.
Beyond Yoga Spacedye Caught in the Midi High-Waisted Legging
Regarding women's leggings for comfort, it's hard to beat the Beyond Yoga Spacedye Caught in the Midi High-Waisted Legging. This brand has ultra-soft materials and a flattering, high waistband for a comfortable fit. They're affordable women's leggings and built to last.
Sizing
It's often hard to know what size to get as different companies vary how they build their leggings. Read women's leggings reviews to see how each brand fits. You may generally be a medium, but based on recommendations and reviews on tight fits, you might try a large in specific brands.
Leggings for Style
Leggings are practical pants that women wear regularly. You see them at the gym, stores, and various events. They've become go-to options for many occasions, with countless options on the market. No one blinks an eye when you wear them to work out, but what goes with them on other occasions?
Here are a few tips for creating an outfit with leggings.
Large Sweaters
If you want to dress your leggings up for a gathering with friends, place an oversized sweater over them. The pants don't show as much and fit in well.
The Right Shoes
The right shoes say everything about a woman's style, right? Avoid your gym sneakers when you wear leggings for other occasions, and pull on loafers or flats instead. Skip the socks, and the eye moves to the shoes, not the leggings.
Accessories
Anything you wear dresses up when you add accessories. Pair your leggings with a nice purse, dangly earrings, and a sparkly bracelet, and everyone knows you aren't heading to the gym.
Buying Top-Rated Leggings for Women
There are good and bad leggings, as is true for any product. How are you able to avoid bad items? There's often a trial and error to buying any clothing, and you don't know how it fits until you try it.
If you order online, waiting until the item arrives is necessary. Use these last-minute tips to get nothing but the best.
Check Return Policies
Whether you're buying in-store or online, ensure the leggings have an excellent return policy. That's especially true for online shopping since you can't try them on before purchasing.
However, even in the store, you want to ensure they'll work for the exercises you have in mind. You won't know how specific leggings feel until you use them.
Stick With Reputable Brands
There are well-known women's legging brands and off-brands, and the lesser-known brands often have cheaper materials and don't last as long. Reputable brands offer better women's leggings styles, too.
Suit Your Needs
If you want leggings for everyday wear, check for comfort and softness in the fabric. If you want leggings for yoga, you need stretchiness for freedom of movement. With various women's leggings styles, decide what you want and find products to match those needs.
Looking for more tips on the best women's leggings brands, staying fit, and working out? Subscribe to Fit&Fab for tons of articles on running, working out, and thriving.
