Yoga Equipment, Gear, and Clothing The 9 Best Athleta Leggings for Every Workout and Style The Salutation Stash 7/8 Tight is soft and sweat-wicking, with deep pockets to hold your phone By Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RD Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RD Sarah Anzolar, MS, RD is a private practice dietitian who works as a freelance writer, recipe developer, food photographer, and brand consultant. Learn about our editorial process Updated on June 06, 2023 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Kristin McGee, CPT Reviewed by Kristin McGee, CPT Kristin McGee is a certified personal trainer and currently teaches yoga and meditation for Peloton. She is also certified in Pilates by the National Association of Sports Medicine. Learn about our Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr LinkedIn Twitter Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist who has covered technology, finance, sports, and lifestyle. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Verywell Fit / Alli Waataja Athleta has long been a leader in the athleisure space for its high-quality, comfortable, on-trend workout gear. While the brand’s leggings are priced at a premium, they can last for years when cared for properly. Sabrina A. Sarabella, MS, a clinical nutritionist, personal trainer, and certified group fitness instructor, appreciates that Athleta leggings are comfortable, well fitting, and easy to wash, with plenty of colors and fabrics to choose from. Athleta not only prioritizes size inclusivity, but also sustainability. Many of its leggings are made from recycled materials in Fair Trade certified factories. Almost all of its leggings come in a wide range of sizes and inseam lengths, including petite and tall—which is one of the reasons why Caroline Young, MS, RD, RYT, owner of Whole Self Nutrition, loves them. “It’s incredibly important to me to support brands that are size-inclusive, as this is one way to reduce weight stigma,” she says. The best Athleta legging for you will depend on your preferred style, fit, rise, and material. To choose the best Athleta leggings, we interviewed four fitness instructors and personal trainers who regularly wear the brand. Then, we researched all of Athleta’s leggings, considering the price, fit, length, material, style, and washing requirements of each pair. These are our favorites for running, weightlifting, lounging, and more. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Athleta Salutation Stash 7/8 Tights at Gap.com Jump to Review Best for Running: Athleta Elation Train 7/8 Tight at Gap.com Jump to Review Best for Weightlifting: Athleta Ultimate Stash Tight at Gap.com Jump to Review Best for Yoga: Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation Tight at Gap.com Jump to Review Best for Lounging: Athleta Transcend Tight at Gap.com Jump to Review Best for Cold Weather: Athleta Rainier Tight at Gap.com Jump to Review Best with Pockets: Athleta Transcend Stash Tight at Gap.com Jump to Review Best Cropped: Athleta Elation Rib Crop Flare at Gap.com Jump to Review Best Seamless: Athleta Aurora Seamless Tight at Gap.com Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall Athleta Salutation Stash 7/8 Tights Athleta View On Gap.com Pros Soft, sweat-wicking fabric Wide waistband won’t roll down Two deep side pockets Cons May be too thick for hot workouts Athleta’s Salutation Stash 7/8 Tight is our top overall pick for its style, comfort, and versatility. The buttery fabric is breathable, quickly drying, and sweat-wicking. Kristin Draayer, MS, RDN, CPT, a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer, likes how soft and stretchy the Stash Tight is, noting that their close fit works well for any workout. We also like that the fabric moves with you as you squat, jump, or flow through Downward Dog. Draayer also loves the side pockets, because they’re deep enough to hold keys and a smartphone—no gym bag needed. Meanwhile, the wide, high-rise waistband keeps these leggings in place during your workout, without pinching or rolling down. With moderate compression, the Salutation Stash Tight sculpts and supports your body during high-intensity workouts, like yoga or Pilates, without overly constricting. But while these leggings are breathable, the thick fabric may be too warm for hot yoga, spin classes, or running. Choose from eight colors and three lengths (petite, regular, and tall) in sizes XXS through 3X. Price at time of publication: $109 Key Specs: Sizes: XXS to 3X | Materials: Nylon, Lycra | Inseam: 23, 25, 28 inches | Pockets: 2 side pockets | Care: Machine wash and dry Best for Running Athleta Elation Train 7/8 Tight Athleta View On Gap.com Pros Rated UPF 50+ Made with recycled materials Sweat-wicking and quickly drying Cons Only one pocket For running and other high-intensity workouts, we love the Elation Train 7/8 Tight. The recycled polyester and nylon blend offers supportive compression. It's also sweat-wicking, breathable, and quickly drying, to keep you cool when you’re on the run. These leggings also move and stretch with you, with a waistband that stays up for miles. With three inseam options—regular, petite, and tall—these leggings are designed to hit just above the ankle. They come in several colors in Athleta’s standard range of sizes, from XXS to 3X. We like that you can toss them in the washer and dryer after your run, for easy care. While the Elation Train Tight only has one pocket that’s hidden in the waistband, it is big enough to fit a smartphone, so you can still listen to music or use your GPS app hands-free. We especially like that the opaque material is rated UPF 50+, to protect your legs from the sun’s UV rays. Price at time of publication: $89 Key Specs: Sizes: XXS to 3X | Materials: Recycled polyester, nylon | Inseam: 23, 25, 28 inches | Pockets: Hidden waistband pocket | Care: Machine wash and dry Best for Weightlifting Athleta Ultimate Stash Tight Athleta View On Gap.com Pros Rated UPF 50+ Fabric won’t pill over time Good compression Cons Limited range of colors When you need strong support and comfort while strength training, we recommend the Ultimate Stash Tight. The thick, recycled fabric not only provides support and compression, but it’s also opaque—and thoroughly squat-proof. We like that these leggings are sweat-wicking and quick-drying, too, so you can feel confident while running post-workout errands. These leggings move beautifully, no matter what activity you’re pursuing, says Kate Ingram, MPH, RDN, RYT-500, a registered dietitian and yoga teacher who wears these pants for walking, yoga, and weightlifting. She also appreciates the pockets, which provide hands-free storage for your phone so you can listen to a podcast or music while exercising. Ingram also says the thicker material is more durable than some other leggings, noting that the Ultimate Stash Tight doesn’t pill like other, thinner leggings do. As with most Athleta leggings, these are available in sizes XXS to 3X in regular, petite, and tall inseams. We think the limited color selection is the only downside. Price at time of publication: $109 Key Specs: Sizes: XXS to 3X | Materials: Recycled polyester, Lycra | Inseam: 23, 25, 28 inches | Pockets: 2 side pockets | Care: Machine wash and dry Best for Yoga Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation Tight 4.8 Athleta View On Gap.com View On Activejoyboutique.com Pros High, wide waistband Soft, buttery fabric Hidden smartphone pocket Cons Fabric may be too thin for some With their ability to stretch and move with you through poses, the High Rise Elation Tight is our top pick for yoga. Young, a yoga teacher, notes that these are her favorite high-waisted leggings because of their buttery feel and comfortable compression. “I need that full support so I can focus on my students and my practice wholeheartedly,” she says. These leggings are made from a super soft nylon and elastane blend that’s quickly drying and breathable, making them a good option for hot yoga, too. With a hidden, smartphone-sized pocket in the waistband, they’re also ideal for activities outside the studio. Whether you’re traveling, walking, or hiking, these leggings fit the bill. Young often pairs the High Rise Elation Tight with a tunic or long sweater while walking or hiking. (We like the Pranayama Restore Wrap, if you’re looking for another layer.) They’re designed to hit the bottom of your ankle—a 7/8 length is also available, if you prefer a shorter inseam. But some wearers have found that the lightweight fabric is on the thinner side. Price at time of publication: $89 Key Specs: Sizes: XXS to 3X | Materials: Nylon, elastane | Inseam: 25, 27, 30 inches | Pockets: Hidden waistband pocket | Care: Machine wash and dry The 12 Best Yoga Pants for Women of 2023 Best for Lounging Athleta Transcend Tight Athleta View On Gap.com Pros Rated UPF 50+ Soft, buttery fabric Opaque Cons Only one small pocket The Transcend Tight is our favorite pair of leggings to take you from the couch to the studio, and then out to coffee with a friend. We love the opaque fabric’s full coverage and soft, barely-there feel. Although these leggings offer the least amount of compression of any Athleta legging on our list, they still hold their shape and stay in place as you move. The nylon and Lycra blend offers full stretch, so you won’t find yourself adjusting them throughout the day. Like the Elation Train 7/8 Tight, these are rated UPF 50+ and are quickly drying, breathable, and sweat-wicking. We also like that they’re made in a Fair Trade certified factory. With three inseam lengths and a wide range of sizes, finding the perfect fit is easy. But unlike our top overall pick, the Salutation Stash 7/8 Tight, these leggings only have one small pocket hidden in the waistband that fits a key or credit card. For bigger items, you’ll need to carry a bag. Price at time of publication: $99 Key Specs: Sizes: XXS to 3X | Materials: Nylon, elastane | Inseam: 25, 27, 30 inches | Pockets: Hidden waistband pocket | Care: Machine wash and dry Best for Cold Weather Athleta Women’s Rainier Tight 4.8 Athleta View On Gap.com Pros Warm, brushed lining Three pockets Reflective details Cons May run small For activities like cold-weather running or walking, we recommend the Rainier Tight for its warmth, compression, and added safety features. They’re made from recycled nylon blended with Lycra and have a soft, brushed lining that keeps cold air out. In addition to zippered pockets to keep your valuables safe, they have reflective details, so you’ll stay visible to motorists and other pedestrians in low-light conditions. Sarah Pflugradt, MS, RDN, CSCS, a physical education teacher, wears the Rainier Tight while on the run or as everyday pants in the winter. “They are so cozy and perfect for cold weather,” she says. And we like that the thicker material is still breathable, sweat-wicking, and quickly drying, to prevent moisture from building up between layers. However, these leggings tend to run small. So if you’re in between sizes, we recommend sizing up. Price at time of publication: $99 Key Specs: Sizes: XXS to 3X | Materials: Recycled nylon, Lycra | Inseam: 25, 27, 30 inches | Pockets: 2 zippered side pockets, hidden waistband pocket | Care: Machine wash and dry The 11 Best Fleece-Lined Leggings of 2023 Best with Pockets Athleta Transcend Stash Tight Athleta View On Gap.com Pros High, wide waistband Barely-there feel No side seams Cons Low compression The Transcend Stash Tight is our top pick for a legging you can wear from Pilates to brunch while feeling comfortable and confident. They’re made with a nylon and Lycra blend that feels like a second skin, but still offers the full coverage and sweat-wicking properties we appreciate in high-quality leggings. The two large side pockets, paired with the hidden waistband pocket, provide enough space to carry your essentials, from keys and credit cards to your phone. We love that the legs don’t have any side seams, to make irritation and chafing a thing of the past. The Transcend Stash Tight doesn’t have much compression, which makes it ideal for low-impact activities like yoga, hiking, walking, or running errands. But they may not offer the support you need for running or lifting weights. We also like the secure, high-rise waistband that stays put all day long. Designed with full-length coverage that hits right at your ankle, this pair comes in three inseam lengths. Plus, they’re available in sizes XXS to 3X. Price at time of publication: $109 Key Specs: Sizes: XXS to 3X | Materials: Nylon, Lycra | Inseam: 25, 27, 30 inches | Pockets: 2 side pockets, hidden waistband pocket | Care: Machine wash and dry Best Cropped Athleta Elation Rib Crop Flare Athleta View On Gap.com Pros Ultra-high-rise waistband Breathable Thick, ribbed fabric Cons May run small No pockets Athleta’s Elation Rib Crop Flare leggings are our recommendation for a cropped pair that stands out. With a slightly flared silhouette made from a thick, ribbed fabric, these leggings are as fashionable as they are functional. We also like the ultra-high-rise waistband, which provides additional support whether you’re stretching on your yoga mat or lounging at home. They’re made with the brand’s signature Powervita fabric, a soft combination of nylon and spandex that moves easily with you through a yoga flow. It’s also breathable and moisture-wicking, making this pair a good option for warmer studio classes, like hot yoga. The only thing they’re missing is a pocket—so if you’re looking for extra storage, try the Transcend Stash Tight (or invest in a fanny pack). The Elation Rib Crop Flare is available in sizes XXS to 3X and comes in three lengths: regular, tall, and petite. They do run on the smaller side, so if you are in between sizes, we recommend sizing up. Price at time of publication: $89 Key Specs: Sizes: XXS to 3X | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Inseam: 24, 26, 29 inches | Pockets: None | Care: Machine wash and dry Best Seamless Athleta Aurora Seamless Tight Athleta View On Gap.com Pros Anti-odor Won’t chafe Wide waistband won’t roll down Cons Low compression No pockets We recommend Athleta’s Aurora Seamless Tight if you’re looking for cozy, chafe-free leggings. The high-rise waistband stays in place as you flow from Downward Dog to Mountain Pose. We love that they’re both odor-controlling and antimicrobial. Not only will these leggings keep you feeling fresh, but they’ll also last for many studio classes to come. The nylon-elastane blend is sweat-wicking and breathable, too. These leggings come in one inseam length and are designed to hit your ankle, they are not very compressive, and they don’t have any pockets. If you’re looking for leggings that feel more secure and supportive during high-impact workouts, try our best overall pick, the Salutation Stash 7/8 Tight. Price at time of publication: $109 Key Specs: Sizes: XXS to 3X | Materials: Nylon, elastane | Inseam: 24.5, 23.5 inches | Pockets: None | Care: Machine wash and dry We Found the 15 Best Seamless Leggings That Feel Like a Second Skin How We Selected the Best Athleta Leggings To narrow down Athleta’s leggings and find the best pairs, we turned to the experts. We asked five personal trainers and dietitians who regularly wear the brand’s leggings what sets the top Athleta pairs apart, including: Caroline Young, MS, RD, LD, RYT, a registered dietitian, health journalist, and yoga teacher. Sarah Pflugradt, MS, RDN, CSCS, a registered dietitian, certified strength and conditioning coach, and physical education teacher. Sabrina A. Sarabella, MS, a NASM personal trainer and certified group fitness instructor. Kate Ingram, MPH, RDN, RYT-500, a registered dietitian and yoga teacher. Kristin Draayer, MS, RDN, CPT, a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer. We then researched all of Athleta’s leggings, considering the fit, sizing, rise, and price of each pair. We also looked at which materials the leggings were made from, how many pockets they had, and how durable they were. What to Look for in Athleta Leggings Price Most Athleta leggings cost between $80 and $110, which is in line with other athleisure brands. Leggings that have more design features—like pockets or a seamless construction—tend to cost more. Our top pick, the Salutation Stash 7/8 Tight, was priced at $109 when we published this list. Known for their durability, functionality, and comfort, Athleta leggings can be worn for a wide variety of activities, making them worth the investment. They also tend to go on sale regularly, so keep an eye out for site-wide or end-of-season deals on your favorite styles. Fabric Most Athleta leggings are made from a blend of multiple materials, including nylon, spandex, polyester, Lycra, and elastane. Some pairs, like the Rainier Tight and the Ultimate Stash Tight, are also made with recycled polyester that comes from plastic bottles. Others, like the Transcend Tight, are rated UPF 50+, meaning they block 98% of the sun’s UV radiation. When shopping for leggings, we recommend looking for fabrics that are breathable and sweat-wicking, to keep you cool. Odor resistance and quick-drying properties are also helpful, especially if you like to exercise outdoors. Fit Your leggings should have a snug fit, without any pinching or bunching. Look for a pair that allows you to move freely—the waistband shouldn’t fall down or ride up. Although Athleta leggings mostly run true to size, some (like the Rainier Tight and the Elation Rib Crop Flare) may run small, so we recommend ordering one size up from your usual. Not sure which size you are? Athleta offers photos of most leggings on models of different sizes, plus a detailed size chart and a guide to getting your measurements for the right fit. Length Athleta leggings come in a variety of inseam lengths, including cropped, 7/8, and full length. Finding the right length depends on your measurements, personal preference, and when you’ll be wearing your leggings. If you’re going to be running outdoors in cold weather, you’ll want a full-length tight to keep you warm. For indoor classes, you may prefer a cropped silhouette or a 7/8 leg. Many of their leggings are also available in petite and tall inseams, so you can find a pair that hits exactly where you’d like. Pockets We love pockets for stashing essential items, like your phone, keys, wallet, or credit card, while you’re on the go. The Athleta leggings on our list have deep side pockets on the thighs and a few smaller ones hidden in high-rise waistbands. Hidden pockets with zippers are ideal for runners, so you won’t lose any valuables. However, if you’re wearing your leggings to a yoga or Pilates class, it’s best to leave any waistband pockets empty (or avoid them altogether) for a more comfortable class. Our top pick, the Transcend Stash Tight, has both side and waistband pockets, plus seamless legs for a barely-there feel. Frequently Asked Questions How does Athleta compare to lululemon? Athleta leggings and lululemon leggings are made from similar, high-quality materials. Both brands make soft, durable leggings that are ideal for walking, hiking, yoga, Pilates, weightlifting, and more. Although Athleta leggings are slightly less expensive than lululemon pairs, lululemon offers a wider range of styles and colors. Young also notes that Athleta leggings come in more sizes, plus petite and tall inseams, which lululemon doesn’t offer. Should I size up or down in Athleta leggings? Athleta leggings mostly run true to size. However, some of their leggings may run small, so we recommend sizing up if you’re in between sizes. Bought the wrong size? Athleta offers free returns and exchanges for online orders, with a 60-day return window. Are Athleta leggings good for running? The Elation Train 7/8 Tight is our top pick for running. Rated UPF+ to protect you from the sun and made with sweat-wicking, recycled materials, these Athleta leggings are durable and dry quickly. They also have enough compression to feel supportive, plus a hidden pocket in the waistband to hold your phone and keys. We also like the Rainier Tight, which has a soft, brushed lining for running in cold weather. If you’re searching for a different Athleta pair to add to your running wardrobe, we recommend looking for leggings that are breathable and supportive, with reflective details for safety. Do Athleta leggings contain BPA? Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical found in some types of plastic. Research has shown that exposure to high levels of BPA can lead to obesity, hormonal imbalances, and uterine cancer, among other health complications. In May 2023, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) announced that, after testing, it found high levels of BPA in certain activewear pieces containing blends of polyester and spandex, including sports bras from Sweaty Betty, leggings from Nike, Athleta, Champion, Patagonia, and Kohl’s, shorts from Champion, Nike, and Adidas, and athletic shirts from Fabletics. We may recommend some of these products or similar items from these brands in this list, as these products have not been recalled and the science on transdermal absorption of BPA is still not settled. “The best way to prevent BPA exposure is to make educated decisions in choosing your personal care products,” explains Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. As a precaution, it is best to limit the amount of time you spend in activewear by changing out of it when you are finished working out. Why Trust Verywell Fit Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RDN, LDN, is a certified spin instructor and an avid runner who works from home and lives in leggings. With such an active lifestyle, she knows how important it is to find high-quality, durable leggings. She wears many of the leggings on this list when she’s lounging, running, spinning, lifting, going to yoga classes, or chasing after her two kids. Her personal favorite is our top overall pick, the Salutation Stash 7/8 Tight. After Testing Dozens of Pairs, These Are the 12 Best Leggings on Amazon 2 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Nutrition C for FS and A. Questions & answers on bisphenol a (Bpa) use in food contact applications. FDA. Published online March 27, 2023. Ohore O., Zhang S. Endocrine disrupting effects of bisphenol A exposure and recent advances on its removal by water treatment systems. A review. Scientific African. 2019;5:e00135. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit