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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
- Best Value Compression Leggings: CompressionZ Compression Capri Leggings
- Best Compression Leggings for Training: Stabilyx 2.0 Joint Support Compression Tight
- Best Maternity Compression Leggings: Terramed Just Think Comfort Maternity Leggings
- Best Compression Leggings With Pockets: Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II Tight
- Best Plus Size Compression Leggings: CompressionZ High Waisted Leggings
- Best Light Compression Leggings: Lululemon All The Right Places High-Rise Crop Pant
- Best High-Waisted Compression Leggings: Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation Crop
- Best Compression Shorts: Skins DNAmic Compression Shorts
- Best Compression Leggings for Marathons: CEP Women's Compression Run Tights 3.0
- Best Compression Leggings for Running: Skins Women's DNAmic Compression Long Tights
- Most Comfortable Compression Leggings: Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Powersoft Light Compression Hidden-Pocket Leggings
- Best Sculpting Compression Leggings: Nike Sculpt Women's Training Tights
- Best Compression Leggings for Smoothing Stomach: Spanx Look at Me Now Seamless Leggings
- Best Compression Leggings for Cold Weather: Outdoor Voices Springs 7/8 Leggings
Best Overall Compression Leggings
CW-X Mid Rise 3/4 Capri Stabilyx Compression Leggings
Best Overall Compression Leggings
CW-X Mid Rise 3/4 Capri Stabilyx Compression Leggings
Pros
Helps support knees
Helps keep body cool
Available in lots of fun colors and prints
Cons
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.
Pros
Budget-friendly
4-way stretch
Cons
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
Best Compression Leggings for Training
CW-X Stabilyx 2.0 Joint Support Compression Tight
Now 36% Off
Pros
Designed to help prevent strain
Flat seams to reduce chafing
Cons
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
Best Maternity Compression Leggings
Terramed Just Think Comfort Maternity Leggings
Now 44% Off
Pros
Supportive and compressive
Stretchy panel in waist
Cons
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
Best Compression Leggings With Pockets
Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II Tight
Pros
Pocket to hold essentials
Soft fabric
Cons
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
Best Plus Size Compression Leggings
CompressionZ High Waisted Compression Leggings
Now 36% Off
Pros
Wide range of sizes
Lots of colors and prints
Cons
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
Best Light Compression Leggings
Lululemon All The Right Places Pant II 23
Pros
Earned top marks in our test for comfort
Flattering fit
Helps support muscles
Cons
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!
Pros
Mesh paneling for airflow
Does not cut off circulation at hem
Cons
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
Best High-Waisted Compression Leggings
Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation Crop
Pros
Buttery soft fabric
Breathable
Available in regular, tall and petite sizes
Cons
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
Best Compression Leggings for Marathons
CEP Women's Compression Run Tights 3.0
Pros
Extra compression around knees
Reviewers say it helps reduce soreness
Cons
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
Best Compression Leggings for Running
Skins Women's DNAmic Compression Long Tights
Pros
Reflective designs
Gradient compression
Cons
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
Most Comfortable Compression Leggings
Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Powersoft Light Compression Hidden-Pocket Leggings for Women
Pros
Comfortable
Does not dig in
Budget-friendly
Cons
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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Pros
Help keep you dry
High-rise design
Cons
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
Best Compression Leggings for Smoothing Stomach
SPANX Look at Me Now Seamless Leggings
Now 58% Off
Pros
Double layer waistband to smooth stomach
Seamless
Cons
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
Best Compression Leggings for Cold Weather
Outdoor Voices Springs 7/8 Legging
Now 68% Off
Pros
Thick fabric
Stylish design
Cons
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
• 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.
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.
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.