These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (2024)

These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (1)

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You want your workout leggings to have a snug fit so that your pants don't slide down mid-run, but true compression leggings have benefits beyond just staying in place. According to Tikva Jacobs, M.D., a vascular surgeon at Weill Cornell Medicine, “Compression garments are designed to give support to the legs and help reduce pressure in the veins while you're standing. Various studies have also shown benefits in terms of performance when worn during exercise and improved muscle recovery when worn after exercise. They can also help reduce swelling in the legs and possibly even reduce muscle damage during exercise.” Many women wear compression leggings not just during exercise, but also pre-and post-workout in order to fully reap the warm-up and recovery benefits.

However, it's important to know that the term "compression leggings" is not regulated, meaning any leggings brand can advertise as such even if it does not provide sufficient compression benefits. With that in mind, the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab looked to trusted brands and their most popular styles to compile this list of the best compression leggings on the market. The GH Textiles Lab pros are experts in finding the best leggings, including yoga pants, fleece-lined leggings and everyday leggings. We've tested hundreds of pairs of workout leggings in the lab, evaluating them for their moisture-wicking properties, stretch recovery and washability.

Soo Rhee, M.D., a vascular surgeon at Weill Cornell Medicine, says, "With any type of compression garment, proper fit is most important. The compression should not be too tight to the point that it is cutting off circulation or causing areas of pressure on the skin.”

Read on for tips on what to look for when shopping for compression leggings, but first, here are our top picks are from brands with previous high-performing styles that also have tons of great user reviews::

Best Overall Compression Leggings

CW-X Mid Rise 3/4 Capri Stabilyx Compression Leggings

These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (2)

Best Overall Compression Leggings

CW-X Mid Rise 3/4 Capri Stabilyx Compression Leggings

Pros
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (3)Helps support knees
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (4)Helps keep body cool
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (5)Available in lots of fun colors and prints
Cons
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (6)Pricey

One of Amazon's most popular styles of compression leggings, this three-quarters capri pair from CW-X provides targeted compression and stabilization, particularly to your knees. When putting them on, make sure the web is aligned symmetrically on both knees for proper support. These leggings feature Coolmax fibers to help keep your body comfortablewhen building up a sweat. Another pro: They are available in a ton of fun prints and colors.

Best Value Compression Leggings

CompressionZ Compression Capri Leggings

These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (7)

These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (8)

Best Value Compression Leggings

CompressionZ Compression Capri Leggings

Now 20% Off

Pros
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (9)Budget-friendly
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (10)4-way stretch
Cons
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (11)Less compression than others

If you're unsure if compression leggings are right for you, try an affordable option with less compression. These range from just $25 to $37 — way less than most compression styles. The fabric is designed to stretch in every direction so they move with you while preventing chafing. With over 2,800 rave reviews, Amazon shoppers love the level of compression and find them super comfy to wear when running, practicing yoga or completing errands.

Best Compression Leggings for Training

CW-X Stabilyx 2.0 Joint Support Compression Tight

These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (12)

These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (13)

Best Compression Leggings for Training

CW-X Stabilyx 2.0 Joint Support Compression Tight

Now 36% Off

Pros
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (14)Designed to help prevent strain
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (15)Flat seams to reduce chafing
Cons
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (16)Pricey

CW-X's compression tights are designed to promote endurance when completing high-intensity exercise. These compression pantsfocus on the lower back,hips, quads, knees and calves to help prevent strain. They havea wide double-faced waistband to help support your core and flat seams to reduce chafing.These are machine washable, but we recommend hanging dry.

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Best Maternity Compression Leggings

Terramed Just Think Comfort Maternity Leggings

These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (17)

These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (18)

Pros
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (19)Supportive and compressive
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (20)Stretchy panel in waist
Cons
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (21)May not look good with short tops

If you have a growing baby bump, it can be hard to find leggings that are supportive but also allow room to grow, and these leggings do just that. They have compression throughout the legs with a stretchier panel around the waist to accommodate changing sizes. Take note, some reviewers say the fabric in the stomach area is slightly sheer so it may not look good with short tops.

Best Compression Leggings With Pockets

Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II Tight

These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (22)

Best Compression Leggings With Pockets

Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II Tight

Pros
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (23)Pocket to hold essentials
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (24)Soft fabric
Cons
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (25)Some reviewers say the waist is too high

Athleta is a favorite brand among our testers, so it’s no surprise their Salutation Stash II Pocket Tight has over 840 rave reviews. Along with soft compression fabric, this pairhas a side pocket that’s large enough to stash a phone or other small essentials such as money, a credit card or keys. It also comes in a wide range of sizes from XXS to 3X as well as regular, tall and petite.

Best Plus Size Compression Leggings

CompressionZ High Waisted Compression Leggings

These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (26)

These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (27)

Best Plus Size Compression Leggings

CompressionZ High Waisted Compression Leggings

Now 36% Off

Pros
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (28)Wide range of sizes
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (29)Lots of colors and prints
Cons
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (30)May want to size up

If you’re looking for plus-size leggings, consider this high-waisted style, which has over 6,000 perfect 5-star reviews. They're made withsweat-wicking, breathable fabric that has four-way stretch so you'll be comfortable whether you're working out or lounging.It comes in sizes X-small to 6X and has 19 styles with or without pockets, in different colors and prints.

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Best Light Compression Leggings

Lululemon All The Right Places Pant II 23

These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (31)

Best Light Compression Leggings

Lululemon All The Right Places Pant II 23

Pros
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (32)Earned top marks in our test for comfort
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (33)Flattering fit
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (34)Helps support muscles
Cons
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (35)Available in only two colors

Our GH Institutetesters have consistently raved about how comfy Lululemon's workout leggings are for exercising. Lululemon recently launched these compression style leggings, designed to keep your key muscles supported with light compression. Using Lululemon’s classic Luxtreme fabric, these leggings feel smooth and breathable. Reviewers love how flattering these leggings are – especially for your booty!

Best Compression Shorts

SKINS DNAmic Compression Shorts

These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (36)

These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (37)

Best Compression Shorts

SKINS DNAmic Compression Shorts

Now 20% Off

Pros
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (38)Mesh paneling for airflow
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (39)Does not cut off circulation at hem
Cons
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (40)Available in only one length

If you're headed to a spin class or for an outdoor runon a humid day, you might want to trycompression shorts. This pair will provide pressure on your quads to help maintain circulation while keeping you cool. There are small cutouts on the side with mesh panelingto allow more airflow. Reviewers love that these shorts stay in place and "don’t cut off circulation at the hem."

Best High-Waisted Compression Leggings

Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation Crop

These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (41)

Best High-Waisted Compression Leggings

Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation Crop

Pros
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (42)Buttery soft fabric
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (43)Breathable
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (44)Available in regular, tall and petite sizes
Cons
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (45)Only available in two colors

Athleta has done well across Good Housekeeping Institute tests.Made fromAthleta’s buttery softPowervita fabric, these leggings are designed for breathable comfort with a bit of light compression. Reviewers love that they're available in regular, tall, and petite options with sizes XXS to 3XL.

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Best Compression Leggings for Marathons

CEP Women's Compression Run Tights 3.0

These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (46)

Best Compression Leggings for Marathons

CEP Women's Compression Run Tights 3.0

Pros
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (47)Extra compression around knees
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (48)Reviewers say it helps reduce soreness
Cons
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (49)Sit lower on the waist

When running long distances, you want to give your knees a little extra love. These compression leggings feature extra compression around your knees to provide more support and stabilization. Reviewers rave about the benefits of CEP compression tights during and after marathon races, as many found the leggings help reduce soreness. Note that these leggings sit a bit lower on the waist compared with other styles.

Best Compression Leggings for Running

Skins Women's DNAmic Compression Long Tights

These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (50)

Best Compression Leggings for Running

Skins Women's DNAmic Compression Long Tights

Pros
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (51)Reflective designs
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (52)Gradient compression
Cons
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (53)May want to size up

When jogging outside, especially in low light, you want to be visible. Certain colorways of these leggings featurereflective designs to help you stand out to driversso you stay safe. Compression legging from Skins have tighter compression in specific areas to stabilize key muscle groups when exercising. These leggings feature gradient compression, so the compression is just right in every spot for ultimate comfort.

Most Comfortable Compression Leggings

Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Powersoft Light Compression Hidden-Pocket Leggings for Women

These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (54)

Most Comfortable Compression Leggings

Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Powersoft Light Compression Hidden-Pocket Leggings for Women

Pros
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (55)Comfortable
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (56)Does not dig in
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (57)Budget-friendly
Cons
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (58)May not be compressive enough for some

Shopper after shopper says these leggings are extremely comfortable, soft and do not dig in anywhere. These are light compression so they feel like they are holding you in without feeling too tight. They come in 13 colors and prints and are one of the most budget-friendly pairs of leggings on this list.

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Best Sculpting Compression Leggings

nike Sculpt Women's Training Tights

These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (59)

Best Sculpting Compression Leggings

nike Sculpt Women's Training Tights

Now 34% Off

Pros
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (60)Help keep you dry
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (61)High-rise design
Cons
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (62)Available only in black

Get ready to hit the gym with these training tights. Made with sweat-wicking and compressive fabric, these will keep you dry and supported while doing squats and more. They have a high-rise design for tummy support and also come in a capri length, the one downside is that they only come in black.

Best Compression Leggings for Smoothing Stomach

SPANX Look at Me Now Seamless Leggings

These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (63)

These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (64)

Best Compression Leggings for Smoothing Stomach

SPANX Look at Me Now Seamless Leggings

Now 58% Off

Pros
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (65)Double layer waistband to smooth stomach
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (66)Seamless
Cons
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (67)May want to size up

These are one of Spanx best-selling leggings, and they offer targeted compression in the tummy area with a double-layer waistband to help smooth the stomach. They are completely seamless for a sleek look and chafe-free feel.

Best Compression Leggings for Cold Weather

Outdoor Voices Springs 7/8 Legging

These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (68)

Best Compression Leggings for Cold Weather

Outdoor Voices Springs 7/8 Legging

Now 68% Off

Pros
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (69)Thick fabric
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (70)Stylish design
Cons
  • These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (71)May want to size up

When the weather gets chillier, a thin legging is not going to cut it, which is why shoppers love this thick compressive legging from Outdoor Voices. Many commented on the great quality and said it had just the right amount of compression. It’s a ⅞ length legging and comes in three stylish color block designs. According to the brand, these run small so you may want to size up.

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How to shop for the best compression leggings

These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (72)

Find the proper fit and don't be alarmed if they look small at first. Follow each brand's sizing guide to find your best fit. Because compression leggings are meant to be quite tight, they may look smaller than standard leggings but should fit perfectly once on.

Find a comfortable level of compression. You should expect compression leggings to feel much tighter than traditional leggings, but they should still be comfortable and not dig into your skin. Compression leggings are available in a range of compression (a.k.a. pressure). If you are new to compression leggings, we recommend opting for a lower compression style to see how they feel during a workout before committing to more pressure.

Try a moisture management test. Here's a quick test to determine whether your leggings are moisture-wicking: Drop a small amount of water on the inner fabric that would touch your skin. If the pair is moisture-wicking, the water will spread out quickly (meaning it'll easily evaporate so you stay cool and dry). Avoid leggings where the water beads on the fabric, as they'll leave you feeling sweaty after working out.

These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (73)

Emma Seymour

Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst

Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.

These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (74)

Jamie Kim

Contributing Writer and Analyst

Jamie Kim is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing. She has held leading roles at both mid-size consumer goods companies and one of the most notable and largest apparel brands in the world. Jamie has contributed to several of the GH Institute Labs, including Kitchen Appliances, Media and Tech, Textiles and Home Appliances. In her free time she enjoys cooking, traveling, and working out.

These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness (2024)

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