These Top Tested $25 Leggings Outperformed Pairs Over Four Times Its Price (2024)

These Lululemon leggings earn our top spot because they're incredibly comfortable — the lightweight, buttery smooth fabric has a barely-there feel — and they're versatile enough to wear for pretty much any occasion. They're designed for yoga but are equally useful as workout leggings, everyday wear and loungewear. The high-rise waist is flattering without digging in or rolling down. On top of that, they're available in lots of different style options in various colors and patterns and different rises on the waist and lengths on the leg. Testers did note some pilling after extensive use.

Material: 81% Nylon, 19% Lycra® elastane | Sizing: 0-14 with 23-, 25-, 28- and 31-inch inseams

In our Lab and consumer tests, this affordable pair of leggings from Colorfulkoala outperformed pairs that cost quadruple their price, and it's an Amazon bestseller with over 45,000 Amazon reviews. The soft polyester/spandex fabric stayed in great condition after laundering and stretch recovery tests in our Lab. The fabric didn't wick away moisture as well as other picks and wasn't fully opaque, so it's best suited for light exercise. Impressively, this pair received the highest overall consumer score from testers out of all the recent leggings we tested. One tester even said, "I like them better than my other high-end expensive workout leggings."

Material: 75% Polyester, 25% Spandex | Sizing: XS-XL

Leggings can get expensive, especially if you're stocking up, but this pair of cheap Amazon leggings is a total steal. It's one of the most popular leggings on Amazon with more than 43,000 reviews from users, many of whom say they're incredibly comfortable and opaque. They're not your best bet for exercise, but they're ideal for everyday use or lounging at home.

Unlike most leggings that are only available in neutral shades, this pair has 35 different color options like neon green and fuchsia to showcase your personality. We noticed that this pair doesn't have a gusset (an extra piece of fabric in the crotch area), so they bunch up a bit compared to other picks.

Material: 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex | Sizing: One size, one size plus, 1X-3X and 3X-5X

RELATED: These Cult-Favorite Leggings on Amazon Are Worth It

Head to your next gym sesh with confidence in this pair of top-tested Lululemon leggings. Ideal for your sweatiest, most intense workouts, this pair of high-impact leggings offers snug compression and a hidden drawcord at the waist to keep you supported and secure. The material has a soft feel, and it wicks away moisture with ease.

Multiple testers called this pair their "new favorite leggings," loving the comfortable, flattering fit that was entirely "squat-proof." We were equally impressed in the Lab. The durable material showed minimal shrinkage after laundering and experienced no pilling in Lab evaluations. You can choose between 23-, 25-, 28- and 31-inch inseams and 11 colors.

Material: 77% Nylon, 23% Lycra® elastane | Sizing: 0-14 with 23-, 25-, 28- and 31-inch inseams

These leggings with pockets from IUGA are perfect for exercise because they're made with performance fabric that's stretchy, opaque and comfortable to move in. They're also a fraction of the cost of other workout pants, yet verified reviewers have confirmed that they're high quality. In fact, they have more than 20,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

The roomy side pockets can easily fit a phone and there's a hidden back waistband pocket too. They're available in a range of colors, but make sure to look at the color and style listings closely before ordering as some colors are full-length and others are capris. Some online reviews wish they had a higher waistband fit for more coverage.

Material: 77% Polyester, 23% Spandex | Sizing: XS-3X with full-length and capri styles

This pair of yoga leggings from Athleta is so buttery soft it might just feel like a second skin. Whether you prefer yoga, Pilates or barre, the snug Powervita nylon/lycra fabric is both soft and smooth to stay put without digging in. The material proved to be pill-resistant and moisture-wicking in our Lab testing, though it stretched out a bit during our stretch recovery tests.

Testers particularly loved this pair for studio fitness classes. One said, "They are super flattering and soft to the touch. Highly recommended as a daily staple for anyone." All testers were happy with how this pair fit, with several saying that this pair is "extremely flattering." Testers loved the adjustable drawcord waistband and convenient side pockets that are roomy enough to fit a phone.

Material: Nylon/Lycra | Sizing: XXS-3X with tall and petite inseams

Perfect for any exercise that involves lots of sweat and movement, these leggings from Under Armour are smooth and moisture-wicking to help reduce friction. They're also more compressive than other workout leggings, which can help reduce muscle fatigue from high-intensity exercise. The flat seams and minimal pockets help prevent irritation during quick movements. We appreciate that there are hidden silicone panels in the waistband to prevent it from sliding down. We're also big fans of the brand's ColdGear leggings, which are fleece-lined leggings for cooler weather that are still breathable for running.

Material: 87% Polyester, 13% Elastane | Sizing: XS-3X with tall and short inseams

Girlfriend Collective's signature compressive fabric is thick and sturdy to keep you fully covered (totally opaque!) and supported during all types of exercise, especially high-impact workouts. Across the board, testers gave positive feedback for this pair. One tester said these were "more comfortable than my other leggings," and another said, "I appreciate that the brand is very size-inclusive; I like being able to support an ethical fashion line whose ideals align with mine." The waistband is thick and designed to stay put, which one tester confirmed, saying, "I even reach for these over running shorts, because I know the waistband will stay in place no matter how fast I sprint."

This pair proves you don't have to sacrifice performance to go green. The fabric is made of recycled water bottles for a more sustainable buy. The thick material wasn't for everyone, as some testers found them too bulky for their liking.

Material: 79% recycled plastic bottles (RPET) and 21% spandex | Sizing: XXS-6XL with 28.5-, 23.75- and 19.5- inch inseams

These Nordstrom leggings have a cult-like following from users who swear they're even better than pricier brands. They're thicker than lightweight leggings, so they'll smooth you out and feel a bit more compressive. Users tell use they are stretchy and extra soft, feeling equally comfortable to wear during workouts and for everyday use. They also come in a wide range of sizes.

Material: 88% polyester, 12% spandex | Sizing: XXS-XXL

Flare leggings (a.k.a. yoga pants) are back in style. This pair from Athleta was a tester favorite and it's available in petite and tall sizing to ensure a proper fit. The snug Powervita fabric proved to be pill resistant and washed beautifully in our Lab testing. This pair has a super high-waisted fit for great coverage.

"Finally! A pair of yoga pants that fit me," exclaimed one tester who is 5'8" and wore the tall sizing. Testers raved that the material felt "buttery soft" and the waistband stayed perfectly in place. In the Lab, we found the material wicked away moisture well, but the fabric did stretch out a bit during stretch recovery tests.

Material: Nylon/Lycra | Sizing: XXS-3X with tall and petite sizing.

With the right outfit, you can get away with wearing these leggings to the office — we love styling this pair with booties, a longer tunic and a blazer for a dressy yet comfy look.

This pair has a built-in control top (like what you'd find in a pair of tights) for a smoothing and slimming effect. Testers agree that while they offer a tight fit, they aren't restricting or uncomfortable. You're better off wearing these for everyday use as opposed to workouts, but note that some testers said that they aren't as opaque as other leggings, so it's best to wear them with a longer top.

Material: 86% Nylon, 14% elastane | Sizing: XS-XL

Not only are these Spanx leggings on trend with their shiny, faux-leather look, but they're also super comfortable and incredibly flattering thanks to their stretchy and smoothing waistband. And unlike true leather leggings, they're machine washable for easy care.

Testers could not get enough of this pair, saying they "make my legs look long and lean without feeling too tight." One GH editor noted, "They don't really feel leathery at all. They feel like compressive-yet-comfy leggings, but their slick finish looks every bit like leather from afar." Some testers found Spanx leggings to run a bit tight with a few testers opting to go up a size for a more comfortable fit. Not surprisingly, they're also some of the most popular leggings on the market.

Material: 87% Nylon, 13% spandex with polyurethane coating | Sizing: XS-XL with petite sizing

RELATED: Are Spanx's Leather Leggings Worth the Hype?

When layering leggings under other clothes, you'll want a warm pair that won't feel too sweaty. These leggings from Hue are made with a cotton blend for the perfect combination of softness and moisture-wicking. And unlike some other layering leggings, they have a wide waistband so you don't have to worry about them rolling down. Because of the soft, not-too-compressive fit, many online reviewers say these make a great pair of leggings for walking.

Material: 54% Cotton, 38% Rayon, 8% Lycra Spandex | Sizing: XS-3X with capri and full-length inseams

Head outside for your next workout with this pair of durable leggings from Champion. The super soft, double-brushed fabric proved to be warm in colder weather, according to testers. These leggings kept their shape after our stretch recovery testing, meaning these leggings will easily move with you, workout after workout.

The material proved to be completely opaque (even during squats) in our Lab and consumer testing. Testers described these leggings as "soft" and "thick" and found them "best suited for winter workouts" thanks to their warm feel. The fabric wasn't very moisture-wicking, which is typical for brushed leggings.

Material: 78% Polyester, 22% Spandex | Sizing: XS-2X

These cozy fleece-lined leggings were a top performer in our Lab tests and a favorite among testers for keeping them warm in chilly winter weather. These Eddie Bauer leggings have a drawcord waistband for a snug fit and flat seams that won't cause chafing.

Testers said this pair was "generously sized" without digging in or being uncomfortable when exercising. Wearing this pair on outdoor hikes and long walks, testers said the soft brushed fabric kept them warm "but not too hot." We love that Eddie Bauer has its own resale site to get used gear at a discounted rate. Make sure to follow the care label closely and wash the leggings inside out because some testers noticed a bit of fuzz after laundering. Pilling is unfortunately quite common with fleece-lined leggings and these are no exception.

Material: 88% Polyester, 12% spandex | Sizing: XS-3X with petite and tall sizing

Fiber scientists and fitness experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test all types of leggings to find the best buys, including fleece-lined, compression, faux-leather and workout leggings for all types of exercise. We evaluated 36 different styles of leggings in our most recent test, leading to over 1,080 data points to analyze before making these picks.

✔️ Consumer feedback: Partnering with over a hundred different testers overall (all with a range of body types and workout routines), GH analysts assigned each style of leggings to five testers who wore them while exercising. They gave feedback on comfort, fit, opacity, breathability, appearance and more, noting which type of exercise each legging is best suited for. For over 500 collective hours, testers ran marathons, practiced yoga, did workouts at home, etc., before giving feedback.

✔️ Stretch recovery: To determine how well the material will return to its original shape after use, a swatch of legging fabric is stretched to a standard length for two hours. After it's released, we measure a benchmarked length after one minute and one hour to see how well the fabric returns to its original shape.

✔️ Pilling resistance: Using a specialized piece of textile testing equipment, we evaluate whether each legging will form pills. Swatches of fabric are rubbed together a thousand times using our abrasion machine to see whether or not the fabric will form those pesky little balls of fibers.

✔️ Washability: GH product analysts wash each pair of leggings five times according to its care label to evaluate changes in appearance or if any shrinkage occurred.

✔️ Moisture management: We drop water on the inside of the legging's fabric and measure how quickly the water is wicked away to evaluate the legging's moisture-wicking capabilities, which is especially important for sweaty, cardio exercise.

✔️ Opacity: Using a specialized room with industry-standard lighting, we squat, bend and move around in each pair of leggings to ensure they are not see-through.

✔️ Construction: We evaluate each pair of leggings to ensure that they have key features for a more comfortable workout like a built-in gusset and flat seams.

When you're shopping for leggings, consider when you'll be wearing them. Here's what to keep in mind:

✔️ Workout leggings: Synthetic performance fabrics (like polyester or nylon) are ideal for workout leggings because they are stretchy, durable, opaque and often moisture-wicking to help manage sweat. Look for flat interior seams to prevent irritation and friction.

✔️ Leggings to wear as pants: You can wear leggings as pants or even to work if they're made of thicker fabric like ponte or faux leather. To make sure the fabric isn't see-through, try the leggings in natural daylight or under a bright light. Bend over in front of a mirror or check for show-through by deeply bending your knees.

✔️ Loungewear leggings: Don't need leggings to be fully opaque? Opt for a plant-based fiber like cotton, lyocell or modal for a super-soft pair to wear 24/7 or to layer under longer tops or dresses.

Meira Active Smooth Duo Leggings: While these performed well in our Lab with only a bit of shrinkage, testers were divided on the comfort of the built-in underwear.

ThirdLove Kinetic Performance Pocket Legging: Testers found these leggings best suited for travel rather than exercise and liked the chic color-block details.

Outdoor Research Women’s Ad-Vantage Leggings: Overall, these leggings performed well in the Lab and testers liked them, but we found them too bulky to make the shortlist.

Knix LeakStrong Leakproof Leggings: If you want leakproof leggings, these are an excellent buy, though the thick waistband was too tight, according to multiple testers.

Halara CrossOver Leggings: Testers loved the trendy crossover waistband, but in the Lab, we found them to be a bit see-through and they pilled easily.

Aerie Offline Real Me Xtra Hold Up! Legging: Though they were popular among testers for their soft feel, this pair wasn’t machine washable when we tested it.

Lacoste Stretch Legging: Testers found this pair a bit too tight overall, though they generally liked the appearance.

Outdoor Voices TechSweat 7/8 Leggings: While the brand’s sports bra aced Lab testing, this pair was a bit too see-through to cinch a top spot.

Vuori Daily Legging: Popular among GH editors, this pair of leggings did great in the Lab but testers found it ran a bit snug.

Quince Ultra Soft Performance Legging: Great for yoga and low-impact exercise, this pair of leggings did well overall, but other styles outperformed it.

Year of Ours Ribbed Football Legging: Some testers liked the lace-up waistband while others didn’t find it flattering. The material stretched out a bit in Lab testing.

Spanx 7/8 Booty Boost Legging: A contender for our top list. Testers loved the flattering compression this pair offered. The wide waistband rolled down for some during exercise, but our Lab analysts appreciated its durable construction.

Alo Yoga AirBrush High Waist 7/8 Legging: The sleek and smooth fabric is very lightweight and comfortable, according to testers. Testers noted that they wish it offered more compression for exercise.

Knix HiTouch High Rise Leggings: The thick waistband on this pair of leggings divided testers. Some loved the flattering fit and others found it uncomfortable.

Terez Hi Shine Leggings: This style of leggings did great in Lab testing. If you want bold prints, this is an excellent buy. Most testers preferred more neutral leggings.

Girlfriend Collective FLOAT Leggings: Girlfriend Collective’s new fabrication did not perform as well as the original compressive leggings, but they still had decent overall performance.

Abercrombie YPB Legging: Testers praised the flattering cut of this pair, but analysts noted that the material didn’t wick away moisture as well as other tested styles.

Athleta Rainier Tight: This pair is featured in our best fleece-lined leggings. We love the zippered pockets. It’s a thick material, so best suited for very cold temperatures.

Tommy John GO Anywhere Fleece Lined Brushed Legging: A tester favorite, though this pair doesn’t have flat seams, so it can feel a bit irritating when exercising.

Lexie Sachs is the Executive Director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Fiber Science from Cornell University and more than 15 years of experience in the textiles industry, including merchandising and product development fields. Lexie joined Good Housekeeping in 2013 and has extensively tested fitness apparel of all kinds — including workout clothes, sports bras, walking shoes and more — using specialized lab equipment and with hundreds of consumer testers.

Emma Seymour is the Senior Textiles Analyst at Good Housekeeping where she tested over 30 leggings to update this story. In her four years at Good Housekeeping, she has tested all types of fitness gear, including sports bras, walking shoes and yoga mats. She has a degree from Cornell University in Fiber Science and Apparel Design where she worked in the Body Scanner Laboratory to help design workout apparel to maximize athletes' performance.