What if your leggings could do more than just cover your butt and absorb all your sweat? What if they could actually help you have a better workout?
Compression leggings, in theory, are meant to increase blood flow to your lower muscles during exercise, and subsequently bring more oxygen to them, explains Natasha Trentacosta, M.D., sports medicine specialist and orthopedic surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles. However, there’s just as much research confirming that wearing compression garments helps improve running endurance or cycling sprints as saying it doesn’t change a thing.
That said, a lot of athletes swear that wiggling into a pair is a game-changer. “Some people actually feel their strength and power improve while exercising in [[compression tights]], particularly during explosive movements, like plyometrics and heavy lifting,” says David Geier, M.D., sports medicine specialist and orthopaedic surgeon in Charleston, SC.
Plus, a 2018 study review by French researchers found wearing compression garments after a sweat sesh can help you feel somewhat less sore and less tired.
Compression can range from limp handshake to boa-constrictor tight, so it’s important to pay attention to the fit.“Make sure that they aren’t excessively tight, constricting motion, or uncomfortable at the joints, namely the knees and ankles,” Geier says. And ultimately, find the fit that feels comfortable to you.
That means go try on a lot of pairs. Here’s 15 to start with.
2xu
2xu.com
$99.95
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The Australian activewear company offers tights for pretty much every activity. This mid-rise style squeezes all the right places in a breathable, lightweight fabric ideal for both low- and high-impact training.
Average rating: 4/5
Number of reviews: 114
Reviewer rave: “Bought these for my first Spartan race and glad that I did! Saved my legs through all of the obstacles and cleaned up well after the roll in the mud, climb over the walls, crawl under the barbed wire race. I will get much use out of these tights in my runs and in my training.”
Outdoor Voices
Outdoor Voices
outdoorvoices.com
$30.00
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OV’s sculpting and supporting compression material has earned the brand a cult following. The 7/8 Springs Legging offer their signature fabric in their standard color-blocking aesthetic.
Average rating: 4.3/5
Number of reviews: 173
Reviewer rave: “Not only do these leggings fit like a glove, but they look great! The color changes hit at all the right places. I’m constantly getting compliments on them.”
Oiselle
oiselle.com
$96.00
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The for-women, by-women brand overdelivers with these cute leggings which not only boast compression fabric, but also a super-slimming high waist, usable rear pocket, and flattering seams.
Average rating: 4.5/5
Number of reviews: 13
Reviewer rave: “I went for a seven-mile run in the new Aero Tights today and forgot I was wearing them. My only regret about these pants is that I don’t own enough to wear one to work, to run, to sleep. That’s how amazing they are.”
Old Navy
oldnavy.gap.com
$25.00
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Everything you need without the muss and fuss, these leggings offer strategic compression, a slimming waistband, and sweat-wicking fabric—and probably cost less than your fitness class.
Average rating: 4.6/5
Number of reviews: 1,337
Reviewer rave: “I shopped around for leggings and found these to be a great fit at a great price. They are also extremely comfortable considering they are compression leggings. They hold you in and give your body a smooth shape while, at the same time, being lightweight. I even checked to make sure that I remembered to put on pants at one point during the day!”
CW-X
cw-x.com
$170.00
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The patented tech mimics kinesiology tape that trainers use to help your muscles and joints during movement. This pair is specifically designed to support the demands of serious miles underfoot with sculpted compression and max shock absorption.
Average rating: 4.6/5
Number of reviews: 40
Reviewer rave: “If I could replace all of my running gear with compression tights, I would. I am training for a marathon and…I usually deal with some dull knee pain in my left knee past mile six or so, but I didn’t feel it at all in these tights. My hips felt very supported the whole time, and I think wearing them seriously alleviated a lot of the stiffness and soreness I usually feel after a long run.”
Lululemon
Lululemon
lululemon.com
$128.00
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These leggings are part of Lulu’s “held-in sensation” line, which is designed to feel like a perfectly snug hug, supporting your muscles through every movement. Bonus feature: the side phone pocket.
Average rating: 3/5
Number of reviews: 495
Reviewer rave: “Loved these leggings! The material is thick enough so they’re definitely squat proof for leg day! The high rise is actually high and goes over my belly button. Fits a little snug but because of that it really defines your legs! Definitely a great buy!”
Spanx
spanx
spanx.com
$110.00
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Score Spanx’s signature lifting and shaping technology alongside their performance fabric, offering four-way stretch and antimicrobial properties.
Average rating: 4.3/5
Number of reviews: 4
Reviewer rave: “They fit perfectly [in] tightness, feel, and support.”
Adidas
adidasoutdoor.com
$60.00
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In addition to strategic compression to keep your blood flowing, these tights are perfect for running at night with their moisture-wicking Climalite fabric and reflective details.
Average rating: 4/5
Number of reviews: 4
Reviewer rave: “Great pants, light and stretchy.”
Skins
skins.net
$50.00
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The British activewear brand exclusively makes compression gear from a warp-knitted mix of yarns. Their basic DNAmic Core tights combine their quality technology with super-fun patterns to put a little pep in your muscle-supported step.
Average rating: 4.5/5
Number of reviews: 106
Reviewer rave: “The Best Compression Tights I own. I totally recommend this brand. I love the material, the quality and how it holds my body, particularly my butt, my hips, and my legs. I’m a satisfied, happy customer.”
Gap
gap.com
$69.95
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These compression leggings will keep you smooth and supported during your workout with seams designed to prevent chafing.
Average rating: 4.6/5
Number of reviews: 91
Reviewer rave: “These are the best pants ever! They’re so flattering, not see-through and the high waist holds you in and also allows you to really be supported during your intense workout!”
Under Armour
Under Armour
underarmour.com
$65.00
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This ultra-tight compression fabric feels like moving in a second skin. It offers heat control to keep you perfectly regulated and a wide, flat waist to let you move without worry.
Average rating: 4.5/5
Number of reviews: 17
Reviewer rave: “These are by far the best workout pants I own. In fact, I’ll likely be buying a couple more pairs of them. They didn’t fall down or ride up, the compression wasn’t too much and actually seemed to help me not tire so fast (or maybe it’s because I used less energy trying to pull them up during my run). Either way, fabulous legging!”
Compression X
compressionz.com
$29.84
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This aptly named brand makes quality compression gear for athletes, by athletes. Their smooth, sweat-wicking fabric will stay in place while you work out—and keep you looking v cute.
Average rating: 4.5/5
Number of reviews: 1,791
Reviewer rave: “These are AMAZING. They look like they are children’s sized but MAN DO THEY STRETCH lol. They are soft, extremely comfortable, they hold you in and don’t stretch out.”
compressive
girlfriend.com
$58.00
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Sustainable activewear brand Girlfriend Collective is crushing it with these leggings—crushing water bottles, specifically. Made from recycled plastic, these high-waisted leggings offer strategic compression in a simple, single-color design.
Average rating: 4.5/5
Number of reviews: 287
Reviewer rave: “I now own three pairs of Girlfriend leggings… and will absolutely buy more. These are my FAVORITE leggings. So comfortable. So versatile. So soft. And I love that they’re made from plastic bottles.”
Sweaty Betty
Sweaty Betty
sweatybetty.com
$135.00
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Made from ultra-lightweight, sweat-wicking, high-compression fabric, these leggings will lift your bum and hug your curves till the finish line.
Average rating: 4.1/5
Number of reviews: 45
Reviewer rave: “I have a few pairs of these leggings and they’re super-sonic amazing! They hold you in well; even those love handles just suddenly disappear. I have had so many compliments whilst wearing these, with some asking whether I have dropped a dress size! Happy with that!”
Beyond Yoga
beyondyoga.com
$75.00
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These high-waisted leggings feature three layers of banded compression mesh to keep everything tight during down dog. Bonus: They’re made from recycled fabric, so you can feel as good about them as you look in them.
Average rating: 5/5
Number of reviews: 1
Reviewer rave: “I couldn’t be happier. The pants are comfortable, the material is awesome and the structure of pants hits body in a very flattering way.”
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