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Forbes
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
The Best Leggings For Women, Worn And Loved By Our Team
From gym sessions to long trips to work-from-home days, leggings are the unsung heroes of our modern day wardrobes; and as a fully remote team, Forbes Vetted staffers reach for their favorite pairs regularly. To gather recommendations for the best leggings for women, I tapped seven active team members to share their most-loved styles for different activities. Our winner is the Lululemon Align High Rise Pants With Pockets, a versatile, ultra-soft pair that maintains its shape over time. In terms of value, it's hard to beat the Colorfulkoala High Waisted Workout Leggings, which offer ample support and compression for around $25. The type of activity you plan on doing will determine the type of legging that's right for you. For instance, for those who want a pair for high-impact workouts and training sessions, I recommend compressive leggings with excellent stretch recovery. On the other hand, those who want leggings for travel or errands should prioritize a lightweight, soft feel. Below, find the best women's leggings for any scenario, all of which have been reviewed and approved by our activewear expert, gear editor Cam Vigliotta. Sizes: 0 to 20 | Inseam lengths: 23 inches to 31 inches | Colors: 9 total, including Lava Cake and Army Green | Materials: 81% nylon, 19% Lycra | Pockets: 3 What you'll love: Keep in mind: The Lululemon Align has earned a passionate fanbase over the years, and multiple members of the Forbes Vetted team vouch for just how comfortable they truly are. Made from the brand's signature fabric—a buttery soft blend of nylon and Lycra—these leggings offer unparalleled softness and impressive longevity. 'I've had the same pair of Align leggings for five years, and they have withstood the test of time,' says managing editor Emmy Favilla. 'They're still as soft as ever, there are no holes or tears, and they're just as supportive at the waistband as they were when I got them.' Editorial director Brinda Ayer, who also owns these leggings, adds, 'I also like that they have a wide waistband so they don't bunch up or sit weirdly when you're wearing them with tighter t-shirts or tanks, and the pocket makes them functional for stashing my phone and keys during dog walks.' With four inseam length options available, the Lululemon Align leggings are suitable for most heights. Sizes: XS to XL | Inseam lengths: 25 inches | Colors: 23 total, including Steel Blue and Dusty Red | Materials: 75% polyester, 25% spandex | Pockets: 2 What you'll love: Keep in mind: If you'd rather not splurge on a more expensive pair of leggings, the Colorfulkoala High Waisted Workout Leggings are a great option. 'I would say they're definitely the best value you can get for a legging,' says Favilla, who owns the capri version of these pants. 'The pockets are big enough for a phone or set of keys, which makes traveling light easy while wearing them to run errands.' She also notes that they're compressive enough for the gym, making them one of the more versatile options on this list. They come in a wide range of colors, including neutrals as well as brighter, trendier shades. Sizes: XXS to 3XL | Inseam lengths: 23 inches to 28 inches | Colors: 27 total, including Coastal Teal and Truffle | Materials: 75% nylon, 25% Lycra | Pockets: 1 What you'll love: Keep in mind: For yoga, pilates and other low-impact workouts, you need a soft pair of leggings with good coverage—which is exactly what the Athleta Elation Ultra High Rise Legging offers. 'They smooth everything out so that I often feel confident wearing them with just a sports bra or cropped tank,' says senior deals editor Kara Cuzzone, who owns five pairs of these leggings. 'The material isn't the most breathable, so I wouldn't necessarily recommend them for running, but they're great for low-impact workouts or everyday loungewear.' They're available in over two dozen colors, making it easy to infuse your workout class wardrobe with a bit of personality. Sizes: 0 to 20 | Inseam lengths: 15 inches to 31 inches | Colors: 11 total, including Raceway Green and Goodnight Plum | Materials: 77% nylon, 23% Lycra | Pockets: 1 What you'll love: Keep in mind: While the Lululemon Align leggings are great for low-impact workouts, the Wunder Train High-Rise Tight excels in situations where you need more compression and support. 'These are some of the only leggings that actually stay up and don't require constant adjustments while working out,' says senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman. This is thanks to an internal drawcord at the waist, which provides a secure fit. The lack of side pockets contributes to the streamlined silhouette, although this pair does have a concealed waistband pocket for stashing keys. Since these leggings are made of Lululemon's moisture-wicking Everlux fabric, you don't have to worry about gathering sweat marks while training. Sizes: XXS to XXL | Inseam lengths: 23 inches to 27 inches | Colors: 10 total, including Deep Earth and Royal Navy | Materials: 88% nylon, 12% elastane | Pockets: None What you'll love: Keep in mind: The crossover waist on these leggings from Aerie is designed to hug and enhance your curves, creating a flattering silhouette and a secure fit that stays in place. 'I wear them constantly, whether I'm working out or just lounging,' says home and mattress writer Monica Petrucci. 'They're stretchy, breathable, and never feel too tight or restrictive—they're honestly as comfy as wearing sweats.' The brand describes these leggings as lightly supportive, so they're better suited for low-impact workouts rather than HIIT sessions. Due to the unique waistband design, these leggings are pocketless. Sizes: XXS to XXL | Inseam lengths: 22.5 inches to 27.5 inches | Colors: 4 total, including Mercury and Black | Materials: 72% polyester, 28% elastane | Pockets: 2 What you'll love: Keep in mind: The Vuori Daily Pocket Legging is our top pick for travel, thanks to its deep side pockets, adjustable drawstring waist and ultra-smooth, sweat-wicking fabric. 'They wash well, come in a length perfect for petite people and the waistband falls at just the right spot to be comfy for all-day (or travel) wear,' says baby and kids editor Esther Carlstone. (Chapman also owns these leggings and recommends them for travel.) The only downside is that the color selection is pretty limited, particularly for the Short and Tall options. However, if functionality is your main priority, this is easy to overlook. Sizes: XS to XXL | Inseam lengths: Not listed | Colors: 2 total, including Grizzly and Jet Black | Materials: 90% cotton, 10% spandex | Pockets: 2 What you'll love: Keep in mind: For lounging, you don't have to prioritize sweat-wicking materials or great stretch recovery—you can focus on comfort. These leggings from Duluth Trading Co., made from a blend of cotton and spandex, are perfect for laid-back days working from home or trips to the grocery store. 'The pockets are actually sizable so that my phone doesn't feel like it'll slide out, unlike a few of my other pocketed leggings,' says updates writer Francesca Sales. She also notes that this pair runs a bit large, but once she found her correct size they 'fit like a glove.' Since they're on the thicker side, you can even dress them up with a nice sweater or blouse for a business casual look. Sizes: XXS to 6XL | Inseam lengths: 23.8 inches to 31 inches | Colors: 17 total, including Terrace and Moon | Materials: 79% recycled water bottles, 21% spandex | Pockets: 1 What you'll love: Keep in mind: Girlfriend Collective is known for its sustainable practices: The brand creates innovative fabrics using recycled water bottles, and 1% of each purchase is donated to a charity of your choosing. The Compressive High-Rise Legging is an excellent pick for high-impact workouts, as it offers a good deal of support throughout the seat and leg. 'I wear these during my volunteer shifts walking dogs at the shelter, and they keep me comfortable and cool, even after four hours of constant walking on warm New York City days,' says Favilla. Due to their smooth, lustrous texture, Favilla notes they're easy to spot clean when necessary. Girlfriend Collective also earns points for its thoughtful, sophisticated color options. At Forbes Vetted, we're dedicated to making the best possible activewear recommendations. Our collection of gear roundups includes researched and tested apparel and accessories to outfit all your adventures. When assembling this list, we considered a wide range of factors such as fabric quality, fit, durability and additional features. While picking out a pair of leggings, there are a few things to keep in mind. Below, Ueda breaks down what to look for. Leggings designed for working out are typically made of polyester or nylon blended with elastane (such as spandex or Lycra) for stretchiness. 'These materials are moisture-wicking and quick-drying, perfect for the gym or other activities [where] you'll work up a sweat,' says Ueda. Note that the higher the percentage of elastane, the more compressive the leggings will be. 'Some might want higher compression to feel 'held in' while others find compression feels too restrictive." If you're looking for lounge leggings, Ueda suggests opting for a cotton blend, since it's soft and breathable. However, she doesn't recommend cotton leggings for working out, since the material 'absorbs moisture and takes longer to dry.' While leggings are typically worn for practical purposes—such as working out and running errands—they should also blend seamlessly into your wardrobe. Some brands, like Lululemon and Athleta, are known for their array of appealing, on-trend color options. Lighter or bright shades are great for lounging or yoga, and can help infuse your activewear closet with a dash of personality. Meanwhile, neutral, dark shades like black, charcoal and navy are best for high-intensity workouts, since they do a good job at hiding sweat marks. Pockets on leggings offer extra convenience—many side pockets are deep enough to hold your phone, while smaller waistband pockets are perfect for stashing a key or ID. If you're going to be running errands in your leggings, pockets can eliminate the need for a separate bag. For outdoor runners, Ueda recommends looking for a pair with zippered pockets to keep your stuff safely with you on your route. Keep in mind, though, that side pockets do add bulk, especially when full; those who are seeking a sleek, streamlined legging silhouette should opt for a pocketless pair. What Is The Best Brand Of Leggings For Women? Based on our team's feedback, the best brand of leggings for women overall is Lululemon. Its Align leggings are beloved by multiple Forbes Vetted editors for their softness and longevity. Lululemon also offers more compressive styles for training, including the Wunder Train Tights featured on this list. What Brand Of Leggings Is Comparable To Lululemon? While it's impossible to find a brand that exactly replicates Lululemon's popular leggings, you can find comparable styles at Athleta. Both offer a wide range of styles in an impressive array of hues, but Athleta's leggings tend to be a bit less expensive, on average. What Are Good Affordable Leggings? If price is your top deciding factor, we recommend the Colorfulkoala High Waisted Workout Leggings. At around $25 per pair, these leggings punch well above their weight in terms of durability, performance and comfort.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
I'm a shopping writer, and these $29 workout leggings are as good as Lululemon
Like many people with computer-based jobs, most of my days are spent sitting. To counteract my sedentary workweek, I'm constantly looking for ways to be active while I'm off the clock. That could mean going on brisk morning walks or logging some miles on my Peloton bike. I genuinely enjoy moving my body, but what I'm not a fan of? Squeezing into super-constricting workout clothes. I'm also extremely frugal (I'm a deals writer, after all), so shelling out close to $100 for Lululemon leggings just isn't my bag. That's why I was intrigued when I heard about a brand called Colorfulkoala, available at Amazon. Its leggings are a fraction of the price of the name brands, but a slew of reviewers have claimed they're just as comfy as their beloved Lulus, if not more so. Well, that was enough to pique my interest: I got a pair of them, pronto — keep scrolling for my review. (And if you want to give them a try for yourself, now's the time! They're currently marked down to just $29, from a still-affordable $34.) Colorfulkoala leggings come in tons of styles that have collectively racked up tens of thousands of perfect ratings from Amazon shoppers. I decided to try their Dreamlux Leggings, which, according to the brand, feature a material that "has a special molecular structure [that makes] it comfortable to the skin and more durable and temperature-resistant than other fabrics." Comfort is my top concern when it comes to workout clothes, and based on the pair of Lululemon leggings I've tried, I understand why some shoppers pay Lulu's prices — the fabric is so soft. Would these $29 leggings compare? The first thing I noticed when my leggings arrived was how thin the fabric felt — not necessarily a bad thing, seeing as thicker leggings often make me heat up. But I did wonder how they'd stack up in the compression department. I tried them on and was pleased with how effortlessly they glided over my legs. There's that silky-smooth feeling we're all after! They also felt secure without being too snug, and 5-foot-tall me was relieved to find they didn't bunch up at the bottom like most leggings do (I opted for the 25-inch inseam, but they also come in a 28-inch length). In terms of looks, they did a good job of smoothing everything out and have a classic, clean style that'll pair well with any sports bra or workout top. I don't like the look or feel of leggings with a ton of seams, and I appreciate that the ones on these are minimal. I mostly stick to walking and cardio, but I figured I should perform the notorious squat test in the event that I wake up one day suddenly eager to strength train (yeah, right). The gray-blue hue I chose was opaque enough to keep my underwear from showing through, but I can't speak to the lighter colors. (There are over 20 options.) To start, I wore the leggings on a three-mile walk. Since they're very lightweight, my legs felt nice and free while I strolled around — it was almost as if the leggings were a second skin. I never felt the waistband rolling down or digging in; it just stayed put the entire time. After a successful walk, it was time to see how they fared during a Peloton ride, which involves pedaling while both seated and standing. I was impressed by how well they stayed in place, even during more intense sprints, and the thinner fabric didn't feel constricting. There was enough compression to ensure nothing spilled out, and the material also made good on its cooling promise. That said, jury's still out regarding the moisture-wicking aspect since my legs don't tend to get sweaty. All in all, if you're looking for leggings that are comparable to Lululemon, Colorfulkoala Dreamlux Leggings are an affordable alternative (though they're supremely comfortable in their own right). You can stock up on several colors for less than half the price of many high-end brands, which I'd very much advise doing. These workout pants checked off all the right boxes when it came to comfort, support, aesthetics and — for me, at least — fit. I will note that while there's a teeny pocket in the inner waistband for keys, these leggings do not have a cell phone pocket in case that's important to you. (But this version does! Plus, we have a whole roundup of the best leggings with pockets for you to check out.) I'm in good company — over 1,000 other buyers gave these leggings a perfect five-star rating. "Better than Lululemon!" exclaimed one excited reviewer. "I can't say enough great things about these leggings! They don't roll down; they feel amazing on. I have all kinds of brands: Lululemon, Vuori, Athleta, etc., and these are my favorites and the ones I feel the best and most confident in!" "Not only do they feel great, but they have stood the test of falling on concrete," shared another shopper. "I fell in the pouring rain on my knees and the side of my leg. I instantly thought these were ruined because I could feel my knees were busted. Once I was able to check my wounds, I was shocked that these leggings had not one tear, rip or snag! My knees were bloody, but the leggings survived another day." "I've been loyal to Athleta leggings for years, so I wasn't expecting a lot from these leggings given the price point — but wow, I'm super impressed," said a convert. "These are almost exactly like my Athleta leggings at less than half the price. They're soft, proportioned correctly and the perfect length ... I'm 100% going to be buying more, and honestly, these might replace Athleta for me!" "These leggings feel amazing!" gushed a generally pleased wearer. "They have a perfect amount of stretch and look great on the body! ... Only downfall about these leggings [is] the lack of pockets." (Again, this version has pockets, and they cost a bit less.) "I love the color, they feel great and they are the perfect length for me," wrote a final fan. "However, if you are looking for squat-proof leggings, I would recommend getting a darker color because they are more squat-proof than the lighter colors." The more you know! Need a top to go with your new favorite leggings? One Yahoo Life editor swears by this one. If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.) The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
