14 Best Leggings We Tested That Don't Roll Down or Pill 2025

25 Aug.,2025

 

14 Best Leggings We Tested That Don't Roll Down or Pill

14 Best Leggings That Don’t Slip or Pill, Tested by Fitness Instructors and Editors

Stock up for the fall.

As a longtime health and fitness journalist, I’m not exaggerating when I say finding the best leggings has lead to me testing at least 50 pairs over the past decade, from black leggings designed for running to winter leggings that’ve kept me warm during the chilliest hikes, and some budget-friendly Amazon pairs that rival even the most expensive options on the market.

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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 wear the Vuori leggings on this list every day–they’re my top pick for versatility). I also polled Glamour editors and fellow fitness pros to share their own reviews. To narrow down the list, I took various factors into account, including whether or not the leggings rolled down at any point, how sweat-wicking they were, and how well they stood up to at least five washes. Ahead, the best leggings for the gym, yoga, cardio, wearing as legit pants, and everything in between.

The best leggings for women, at a glance

  • Best Overall Leggings: Lululemon High Rise Align, 28 in, $98
  • Best Leggings for Everyday Wear: Vuori AllTheFeels Leggings, $98
  • Best Leggings to Wear as Pants: Natural Feelings Buttercloud High Waisted Leggings, $15
  • Best Leggings With Pockets: Old Navy High-Waist Side-Pocket 7/8 Leggings, $15
  • Best Workout Leggings: Athleta Elation, $99
  • Best Leggings on Amazon: Colorfulkoala Buttery-Soft High-Waist Yoga Pants, $22
  • Best Fleece-Lined Leggings: CRZ Yoga Fleece Leggings, $32

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. Our other 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 Best Workout Leggings For Women | Gymshark Central

Finding the best workout leggings for your workout is crucial to your training performance and reaching your goals. With a world of options out there, it can be challenging to find the right pair for the job… but we think the hunt for the best squat-proof leggings that won’t roll down is a mission worth completing.

Whether it’s weightlifting, running, yoga or a mix of them all, you can find your perfect-fitting leggings designed for your sport. Discover what you need from your leggings; from flexibility and compression to pockets and high, supportive waistbands - in our ultimate guide to the best workout leggings for all activities.

Why Your Choice of Workout Leggings Matters

There was a time when we had one pair of leggings for every workout, and while you can make do, once you know how different types of leggings impact performance and comfort, you start to get a bit more selective.

You realise that heavy leg days might require thicker squat-proof workout leggings with a supportive waistband to carry you through your PB attempts. Running leggings are the best when they’re made from lightweight breathable materials that allow you to stride comfortably and don’t fall down. You might want your yoga and pilates leggings to be a little softer and stretchier so you can move through poses with ease and free from restriction.

What to consider when buying workout leggings:

  • Fit and compression: Some workouts require more support than others and how compressive the leggings feel might be something you want to consider. Look for high-waisted workout leggings with a good level of compression to provide tummy control if you want more support around the mid-region.

  • Fabric: The fabric of your leggings can have a real impact on performance. Sweaty workouts require breathable lightweight fabrics. Look out for sweat-wicking leggings as these will suit every workout. Choose from thinner legging options with higher stretch, or thicker workout leggings with more compression and squat-proof coverage.

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  • Style: Besides function, you’ll probably have a strong preference for what style of leggings you like… and there’s a lot out there. Seamless or seamed, ribbed, patterns, bum-scrunches, contour details, pockets- the list goes on and on. We recommend combining your style preferences with functional needs for the perfect workout legging.

Best Workout Leggings by Activity

Workout leggings for lifting, running, and yoga or all of them combined? We’ve got you covered.

Lifting: Workout Leggings for Strength Training

When it comes to weightlifting, your leggings need to work as hard as you do. Hours spent at the rack perfecting your sumo squats, bench presses and RDLs means you’ll need a pair of durable leggings for your toughest workouts. Whether you’re resting the dumbbells on your legs, or wiping chalk down your sides, you want a pair of leggings that can stand up to it all.

Look for tighter waistbands that provide light compression to ensure your workout leggings stay put and don’t roll down annoyingly with each rep. Choose thicker fabrics to give you total confidence to sink deep into those squats without worrying about your leggings going sheer.

For a little muscle definition, why not look for contour details to accentuate the muscles and add a little extra motivation to those mirror checks?

Key features to look for in lifting leggings:

  • Thick, compressive fabric for support

  • High-waisted designs that stay in place during squats and deadlifts

  • Stretch that allows unrestricted movement

  • Squat-proof material for added confidence

Benefits of Squat-Proof Leggings

Squat-proof leggings are non-negotiable for anyone serious about their training. Whether you’re sinking into front squats, bending into yoga poses, or sweating through HIIT sessions, squat-proof leggings provide the confidence and security you need to perform at your best.

They prevent potentially embarrassing see-through moments during dynamic movements, offering peace of mind in the gym. These leggings are typically made from thicker, opaque fabrics that offer durability and stretch without losing coverage. When buying squat-proof leggings for lifting, choose dark colors that show through less than lighter colors, for optimum protection.

Top tip: Ensure your workout leggings are the correct size to prevent any see-through moments. Wearing leggings that are too small can overly stretch the fabric, causing them to become sheer.

Best Squat-Proof Leggings For Lifting

Squat-proof leggings help you stay focused on your workout instead of adjusting your gear and are versatile enough for everything from high-impact activities to heavy lifting to flexibility-focused workouts. Here are our best picks.

  • Adapt Seamless Leggings: Perfect for heavy lifts, these leggings offer excellent coverage with sweat-wicking technology, a supportive ribbed waistband, and subtle glute shaping.

  • Lift Contour Seamless Leggings: Designed for serious lifters, these thick leggings are high coverage and shape and lift the glutes like no other.

  • Vital Seamless Leggings: A fan-favourite for their flattering fit and all-day comfort, these leggings blend style and function with sweat-wicking tech and added breathability.

  • Gains Seamless Leggings: High-waisted and physique-accentuating with contour details, a deep ribbed waistband that stays put and slightly compressive fabric, these workout leggings are a staple for strength training

  • Legacy Leggings: Timeless designs built with gym performance in mind, these are our lightest lifting leggings for when you want to switch it up and enjoy butter-soft comfort.

Best Workout Leggings For Running: Reflective and Secure

When you're pounding the pavement (or the treadmill), lightweight and breathable leggings are non-negotiable for running your best. Sweat-wicking fabrics will help keep you dry and pockets are a must for your keys, phones and other essentials. Look for reflective details to stay safe and seen during those early morning or late night runs. And don’t forget to consider the length: full-length leggings are great for winter running, while cropped options work well in warmer weather.

Key features to look for:

  • Lightweight, breathable fabrics to keep you cool

  • Pockets for storing small essentials

  • Reflective details for visibility in low light

  • Secure fit that won’t slide down mid-run

  • Running Leggings: Designed with runners in mind with an ultra-high waist, tie waistband and back pocket to combine comfort and performance

  • Pocket Leggings: Lightweight, secure, and functional. Keep your and essentials secure on your stride with these leggings with pockets.

  • Training Leggings: A versatile option for runners who cross-train, these are lightweight, stretchy and suitable for everything from your slow runs to mobility routines.

Yoga: Workout Leggings for Flexibility and Comfort

For yoga, comfort and flexibility are the stars of the show. You need leggings that move with you and soft, stretchable fabrics are your best friends. High-waisted designs help your workout leggings stay put as you transition seamlessly through yoga poses without restriction. Seamless designs and a stretchier waistband can help prevent discomfort as you bend and stretch your way through class.

Key features to look for:

  • Soft, buttery fabrics that feel weightless

  • Stretchy material for full range of motion

  • Seamless or flat seams to prevent chafing

  • High-waisted styles for a secure and flattering fit

Best Yoga Leggings

  • Elevate Leggings: Crafted for comfort and ultimate stretch, Elevate are our chicest workout leggings for yoga and pilates with an ultra-high waist, soft-touch and sleek minimal design.

  • Crossover Leggings: The unique crossover waistband design adds flair to your studio leggings and a buttery soft fabric lets you flow through your vinyasa sequence with ease.

  • Everyday Leggings: Versatile and soft, with a flattering ribbed waistband and simple design. These gym leggings are perfect for both yoga and everything you have planned for after your class.

Multi-purpose Gym Leggings: Everyday Wear

If you’re mixing up your workouts with a bit of everything, yoga, pilates, running and weightlifting, first of all, well done to you, you’re a hybrid athlete, but second of all, you need leggings that can keep up! Look for features like high waistbands for support, fabric stretch for flexibility, and performance technology to handle different types of movement. Some leggings are made for a single sport, some for everything, here’s what to look for if you want your leggings to do it all.

Key features to look for:

  • Sweat-wicking technology or breathable designs

  • Durable fabric for multiple activities

  • High-rise waistbands to stay put and provide support

  • Classic styles that seamlessly transition from workout to workout

  • Whitney Leggings: Beautifully designed for comfort and functionality across workouts, the Whitney leggings, soft, stretchy and stylish are perfect for everyday workouts and an active lifestyle.

  • Vital Seamless Leggings: A fan favorite for their flattering fit and all-day comfort, Vital does it all, blending style and function with sweat-wicking tech and added breathability.

FAQs: How To Choose The Right Gym Leggings

Are high-waisted leggings better for workouts?

It’s a personal preference but most people find high-waisted leggings are better as they don’t need pulling up constantly and stay secure during movements, offer support around the waist, and provide a sleek, flattering fit.

What does “squat-proof” mean?

“Squat-proof” means no see-through moments when you’re bending, stretching, or squatting. Squat-proof gym leggings tend to be thicker, darker, and opaque to offer more coverage. They’re a must for weightlifters and classes that involve a lot of stretching like yoga.

Can I use the same leggings for running and yoga?

You can, but you might not have the sport-specific benefits that make the difference. Running leggings often focus on breathability and pocket space, while yoga leggings prioritize softness and flexibility so the waistband might not be as secure as you’d need for running. If you mix both activities frequently, opt for a multi-purpose pair like our Vital Seamless Leggings.

Why do my leggings fall down?

Your leggings could be falling down due to a number of reasons; they’re too big so the waistband is too loose, they’re too small so the material won’t stay up, or the fabric is worn out. To avoid this, make sure you know your size in gym leggings and choose a pair with a secure, high-rise waistband and snug fit that hugs your body without being too tight.

What makes leggings see-through?

Leggings can become see-through due to low-quality fabrics, incorrect sizing that stretches the material too much, or wear and tear over time. Choosing high-quality, squat-proof leggings with thick, durable fabrics and the right fit can help you avoid transparency during workouts, whether that’s yoga, running, or lifting.

Final Thoughts

The best gym leggings for lifting, running, yoga, or anything in between come down to what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Explore different options, consider your workout needs, and don’t settle for leggings that don’t meet your standards!

Ready to find your dream pair? Start with our top picks, or dive deeper into more guides like:

  • The Best Black Leggings For Working Out

  • How To Choose The Best Running Leggings

Shop your favorite gym leggings; old and new when you download The Gymshark App, and keep in the loop on all the latest product releases… including the return of an iconic pair, the Whitney Leggings.

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