Fitness Gear Apparel 15 Best Places to Buy Leggings for Every Style and Workout We love lululemon, thanks to its wide range of options and free alterations By Emily Stone Emily Stone LinkedIn Emily Stone is a writer specializing in health, wellness, and fitness. She writes about fitness and health products across all of the Verywell brands. Learn about our editorial process and Brianne Hogan Brianne Hogan Brianne Hogan has bylines in over 60 publications with a focus on wellness and relationships. She has a background in personal training and is a certified barre instructor. Learn about our editorial process Updated on May 31, 2022 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 Tara Laferrara, CPT Reviewed by Tara Laferrara, CPT Tara Laferrara is a certified NASM personal trainer, yoga teacher, and fitness coach. She also created her own online training program, the TL Method. 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 Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT Fact checked by Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT Isabella Broggini is a health writer and editor, NASM-certified personal trainer, and fitness nutrition specialist. She is a commerce editor at Verywell. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Getty Images Arguably the most popular piece of workout clothing, leggings are super versatile for exercise of any kind, loungewear, and even dressing up. With so many options in-store and online, the choices are endless. But before you buy, it's wise to know if the apparel store you’re choosing from suits your needs. Of course, the quality of the leggings sold is always the most important factor to consider. Reviewed & Approved Lululemon is our top choice for leggings, thanks to its free alterations on any purchase and a large selection of fabrics. Universal Standard is another great option for sizes 4XS-4XL. “A good legging starts with a compression fit to increase endurance, and dry-wicking properties for moisture absorption and skin protection,” Karen Fultz-Robinson, creator of ObservaMé Athletic Apparel, says. “You want to look for leggings that are breathable, absorb moisture without adding significant amounts of weight to the fabric, and wick moisture away from the skin.” Other features to look for include having pockets for fuel and your phone, a secure waist support to avoid foldovers or drooping, and an attractive style to boost your confidence. When selecting the best places to buy leggings, we gathered information from experts on what makes a quality pair of leggings, and we favored retailers with good size ranges, return and exchange policies, and competitive prices. According to our research, here are the best places to buy leggings. Our Top Picks Lululemon Universal Standard Girlfriend Collective ASOS Aerie Outdoor Voices Athleta Kari Traa Title Nine Gymshark In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For Return Policy FAQ Why Trust Verywell Fit Lululemon Lululemon View On Lululemon Pros Many options and materials to choose from Free alterations Ships to many different countries Cons Expensive Our top pick for leggings shopping, Vancouver-based athletic apparel retailer Lululemon has a seemingly cult-like following. We particularly love the feel and function of its clothing. Inside its headquarters, Lululemon has a research and development lab, Whitespace, where the team studies how different bodies move, feel, and interact with various levels of compression and textures—yielding an expansive catalog of proprietary fabrics. Compared to some of its competitors, the brand's leggings come at a steep price, but we think they're worth every penny and there are ways to find deals on lululemon leggings. Made of 77 percent nylon, the brand's premium leggings are ultra-durable and won't lose their shape or color, even after many washes. A number of Lululemon leggings—including one of our favorite picks, the Base Pace High-Rise Running Tight 25"—have handy hidden pockets that are perfect for storing essentials, like phones and keys, while exercising. The brand also offers free alterations on any purchase, so it’s easy to find your fit. Also, new markdowns are added weekly to the company’s sale section, We Made Too Much—and we have some tips for scoring the best finds. Our favorite Lululemon legging is probably the Align Leggings Full Length 28”, which we recommend for yoga, thanks to its buttery soft fabric and minimal seams. Shipping Cost: 0, $20, $30 | Shipping Window: 1-2 business days | Return Cost: Free | Return Window: 30 days | Size Range: 0-14 Universal Standard Universal Standard View On Universalstandard.com Pros Size inclusive Great customer perks Cons Expensive Limited colors and designs Universal Standard defies fashion norms, paving the way for inclusive, accessible styles for all. Founders Alexandra Waldman and Polina Veksler imagined a world where a size 40 could shop for leggings at the same store as a size 00. The size-inclusive company aims to make the shopping experience less anxiety-inducing for all. Take one of our favorite picks from the brand, the Core Legging, which is made of sweat-wicking material and comes in sizes 00 to 4XL. We love that the online retailer carries leggings in sizes 4XS through 4XL in a variety of styles and cuts. The machine-washable leggings are made from a special cotton blend that prevents piling and won't fade in the wash. We particularly like the Spot Me Textured High Rise Pocket Leggings, thanks to their stretchy, soft fabric, wide waistband, side pockets, and antimicrobial properties. No matter your size, we all fluctuate. To help with bouts of weight loss and weight gain, the brand pioneered their Fit Liberty Initiative, which allows any piece in the Fit Liberty collection to be exchanged for a new size, for up to one year. Like Lululemon, Universal Standard is also an omnichannel retailer with a unique in-store model. In select cities, the company operates 1:1 showrooms. These multipurpose spaces are not only used for styling appointments but also hold events and networking opportunities for the surrounding community. Shipping Cost: 0-$20 | Shipping Window: 5-7 business days | Return Cost: $5 mailing fee via FedEx return label or through a Happy Return Bar | Return Window: 30 days | Size Range: 4XS-4XL Girlfriend Collective Girlfriend Collective View On Girlfriend.com Pros Sustainable Size inclusive Cons Limited stock Slow shipping Girlfriend Collective is all about transparency. We love that the Seattle-based company prioritizes producing eco-friendly activewear and building a community of conscious, engaged consumers. All of Girlfriend Collective’s pieces are made from recycled materials that would otherwise clog landfills and endanger the planet’s precious wildlife. Notably, the brand’s famous Compressive High-Rise Leggings are composed of 25 recycled post-consumer water bottles. They’re also sweat-wicking and squat-proof to boot! The brand's leggings come in various eye-catching colors and cuts, from three-quarter to full-length, and their no-slip fit is perfect for yogis and weightlifters alike. For yogis or Pilates enthusiasts, we recommend the brand’s Luxe Legging, which is ultra-soft and perfect for low-impact exercise and lounging. We love that Girlfriend Collective offers sizes XXS to 6XL in three different inseams, plus maternity sizes. The company urges customers to “Recycle. Reuse. ReGirlfriend” with its program that collects the brand’s old old leggings and upcycles them into new pieces. Shipping Cost: 0-$7; $12 outside U.S. | Shipping Window: 1-4 business days | Return Cost: $7 | Return Window: 30 days | Size Range: XXS-6XL The 10 Best Yoga Pants for Women of 2023 ASOS ASOS View On Asos Pros Budget-friendly Many options to choose from Cons Not as high quality as other retailers listed What we like most about ASOS when it comes to leggings shopping is the brand’s variety of options and relative affordability. The U.K.-based online retailer has reached global heights, with a seemingly infinite catalog of brands—including its lineup of in-house ASOS brands. Under the brand's corporate responsibility program, Fashion with Integrity, we love that ASOS has committed to prioritizing ethical trading, sustainable sourcing, and animal welfare. The company offers leggings at a wide range of prices, from $9.50 to $70+. Inventory is refreshed on a daily basis so there’s always a reason to come back. Our favorite part about the company is that they carry leggings for all shapes and sizes. The online marketplace carries over 30 sizes, including tall, petite, plus, and maternity. We particularly like ASOS’ 4505 Curve icon legging, which is sculpting and stretchy but also features incredibly smooth fabric. ASOS leggings are known for their form-hugging fit and bold patterns, making them perfect for both the gym and everyday athleisure wear. There are even options for runners, like ASOS’ 4505 Hourglass icon run tie capri leggings, which feature flatlock seams to reduce friction. Open the ASOS app to streamline your shopping journey. Using their Style Match tool, upload a photo of you in your favorite pair of leggings, and the company will quickly match your picture with similar products from its collections. Shipping Cost: Free orders over $40, $10-$19.99 | Shipping Window: 2 business days | Return Cost: Free | Return Window: 45 days | Size Range: 0-26 The 16 Best Places to Buy Athleisure of 2023 Aerie Aerie View On Ae.com Pros Budget-friendly Many options to choose from Cons Inconsistent quality Owned by American Eagle Outfitters, we love Aerie for being an inclusive, relatable brand. The brand operates both physical retail stores and has an online presence, offering intimates, apparel, activewear, and swimwear. Most importantly, Aerie practices what it preaches. With body-positivity and authenticity at the forefront, the #AerieREAL campaign vows to use airbrush-free imagery and represent all women in its marketing. With an average price of $50 or less per item, Aerie's leggings are known to fit and flatter without breaking the bank. The brand's yoga pants may be cheaper than most, but they're not cheaply made and hold up well in the washing machine. With mesh and cute cutouts, these leggings stand out in a crowd. We particularly like the brand’s OFFLINE By Aerie Real Me High Waisted Crossover Leggings, which are lightweight, fast-drying, and good for yoga and lounging. Another great option are Aerie’s OFFLINE By Aerie Goals Pocket Drawcord High Waisted Legging, which features pockets and no front seam. The supportive, high-waistbands are made to uniquely hug each individual curve with lasting quality. Another major selling point is that Aerie offers three different inseams—short, regular, and long—so everyone can find their fit. Shipping Cost: $7, Free orders $75+ | Shipping Window: 3-7 business days | Return Cost: Free | Return Window: 30 days | Size Range: XXS-XXL Outdoor Voices Outdoor Voices View On Outdoorvoices.com Pros Variety of colors and patterns Great customer perks Cons Inconsistent material quality Nothing can ruin a workout more than constantly having to readjust and pull up your leggings. We love the leggings from Outdoor Voices because they're engineered with an elastic no-slip waistband that stays put without constricting, allowing you to stay focused on your workouts. What's more, their made with breathable TechSweat fabric that'll keep you cool throughout even the most intense sweat sessions. The leggings come in a variety of standout, eye-catching colors and designs—one of our favorite pair from the brand are the Move Free 7/8 Leggings in Multi Ombre. And some have conveniently-located pockets, like the Zoom 7/8 Leggings, which have two phone pockets. Available in a range of sizes and inseam lengths, there's a pair for every health nut. Shipping Cost: $5, Free orders $75+ | Shipping Window: 1-2 business days | Return Cost: Free | Return Window: 45 days | Size Range: XXS-XXXL Athleta Athleta View On Gap.com Pros Extensive inventory Range of price points Great customer perks Cons Shipping fees International shipping not available Bringing its mission to life, Athleta celebrates the power of sisterhood and the core belief that "alone we are strong, but united we thrive." Its signature "tights," "city pants," and "joggers" collections are great for a variety of activities, from rock climbing and yoga to meetings and happy hour. We particularly like the brand’s Elation 7/8 Tight which is quick-drying, breathable, and made from sustainable material. Athleta caters to all shapes, offering tall, petite, and plus sizes. We love that many of the brand's leggings are made of UPF-proof fabric, making them ideal for outdoor summer exercise. Say goodbye to stiff dress pants: Athleta’s Travel and Commute collection also offers workwear essentials, from dresses and pants to button-downs and blazers. The designs are so sleek, no one will ever know you’re wearing activewear. Best of all, Athleta offers a "Give-It-A-Workout Guarantee.” Take your new gear out for a test drive. If you don’t love it, Athleta will take it back—no questions asked. Another popular item to consider is the brand’s Ultimate Stash II 7/8 Tight which is made from recycled, breathable, and compress materials and features large stash pockets. Shipping Cost: $5-$7, free $100+ | Shipping Window: 5-10 business days | Return Cost: Free | Return Window: 60 days | Size Range: XXS-3X Kari Traa Kari Traa View On Karitraa.com Pros Range of price points Emphasis on environmental and social practices Cons Few customer perks Confusing return/refund information Don’t offer exchanges Founded by Kari Traa, Norwegian freestyle skier and three-time Olympic medalist, the European sportswear brand has made its mark globally as high-performance training gear made to withstand harsh weather. From running to skiing, Kari Traa carries a variety of leggings and base layers designed for the outdoor enthusiast. Compared to other outdoor and sporting goods brands, Kari Traa specifically uses bright colors and feminine silhouettes inspired by Scandinavian traditions and growing up on the slopes. We particularly like the Ane Hiking Capri which is UPF 40+ and is made of four-way stretch material. Most of the brand's leggings offer medium impact support and are perfect for layering under ski pants or other activewear when it gets cold. Pairs like the Nora Leggings are made with moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabric that'll keep your sweat from lingering after a tough workout. The brand is available online as well as at select outdoor sporting goods retailers. Shipping Cost: $20, free $200+ | Shipping Window: 8-10 business days | Return Cost: Free | Return Window: 30 days | Size Range: XS-XL The 11 Best Fleece-Lined Leggings of 2023 Title Nine Title Nine View On Titlenine.com Pros Large and varied inventory Easy exchange and returns Cons Restocking Fee Nearly 17 years after the pivotal amendment that changed the course of history for women—Title IX—women’s athletic gear company, Title Nine, was born. Missy Park launched the company selling activewear out of her garage. Today, Title Nine has grown into an omnichannel retailer, operating 19 retail locations across the country, and offering top-quality sportswear to active women of all shapes and sizes. Title Nine leggings are expertly crafted for runners of all levels, from beginning joggers to marathoners. The leggings line offers a wide range of cuts and styles—from capri to full-length leggings (like our favorite Mad Dash Reversible 7/8 Running Tights) and boy shorts. All leggings have an elastic waistband that ensures they won't fall down while you run but also won't jab into your skin. Choose from a variety of colorful patterns and compression levels, expertly tested by a team of women runners. We particularly like Seneca 3/4 Running Tights in Jamberry red. Shipping Cost: $6 | Shipping Window: 1-2 business days | Return Cost: $7.50-$9 | Return Window: 365 days | Size Range: XS-XL The Best Women’s Running Shoes, According to a Running Coach Gymshark Gymshark View On Gymshark.com Pros Budget-friendly Free returns on all orders Cons No loyalty program Few customer perks Maybe you've seen the brand’s leggings on Instagram or heard the hype from a friend. Gymshark, a U.K.-based fitness apparel and accessories brand, has recently taken the internet by storm. Popular among millennial gym rats, we love that Gymshark leggings are specifically designed to enhance your “ASSets.” With sculpting, glute-enhancing patterns, the clothing line is designed for both style and performance. We love the Adapt Animal Seamless Leggings for their high-waisted, flattering fit and breathable material. Coming in a variety of colors—from neutrals to neons—the brand's signature leggings have strategically placed contoured paneling aimed to accentuate your tush. The durable, figure-flattering performance wear brand is surprisingly affordable, and available exclusively online. The seamless fit and thicker material of these leggings ensure you can squat without worrying about see-through pants. Gymshark’s high-waisted Training leggings are great for squats, with a supportive fit and soft feel. Sizes range from XS to XL. Shipping Cost: $5, free for orders $75+ | Shipping Window: 4-7 business days | Return Cost: Free | Return Window: 30 days | Size Range: XS-XL The 9 Best Yoga Pants for Men of 2023 for Comfort and Fit Goldsheep Goldsheep View On Goldsheepclothing.com Pros Pieces are handmade in the USA Accepts most forms of payment, including pay later option Offers ambassador program Cons Returns are refunded as digital store credit only Talk about a showstopper. Goldsheep, a California-based leggings company, is known for its electrifying prints. For example, we love the company’s Karter the Magical Rainbow Leggings, which are stylish, flattering, moisture-wicking, and breathable. Inspired by founder Keri Wilson’s grandmother, Goldsheep’s designs celebrate individuality and embrace our unique differences. Featuring everything from star-studded to sushi-covered prints, there’s a leggings pair for every occasion. Looking for themed leggings for an upcoming holiday, the next Star Wars premiere, or even to show off your love for pizza? Look no further. The company even offers a custom option, so you can proudly sport anything from your crush’s face to your dog, all over your next pair of leggings. Each pair of Goldsheep leggings is handmade in the company's Orange County warehouse. Goldsheep can be found online as well as at select fitness studios and boutiques nationwide. Another pair from the brand worth spotlighting are the Navy Retro Sport Leggings, which are super cute and made of four-way stretch fabric. Shipping Cost: $12 | Shipping Window: 7-10 business days | Return Cost: Free | Return Window: 30 days | Size Range: XS-XL Revolve Revolve View On Revolve Pros Free two-day shipping Free returns to U.S. customers Cons Confusing return/refund information The Los Angeles-based online clothing company features a mix of designer and lower-priced collections that cater to its millennial and Gen Z customer base. Revolve carries over 500 brands, including its in-house collections. Revolve’s activewear collection features a wide variety of designer leggings, fit for every occasion. We love the brand’s leggings that feature strategically-placed cutouts, perfect for both the gym and a night out on the town. Colors range from simple black and white to snakeskin and leopard print. We love the Eleven Legacy Leggings by Venus Williams, which feature a light, compressive waistband and come in an eye-popping Coral color. Our favorite thing about shopping Revolve is that new items are added daily, with emerging designers you won’t find elsewhere. Better yet, Revolve offers free two-day shipping and free returns to U.S. customers, as well as a 30-day price match guarantee. Another great pick to check out is the brand’s MoveWell Camino 7/8 Leggings, which are moisture-wicking and made of sustainable material. Shipping Cost: $10, free for orders $100+ | Shipping Window: 1-2 business days | Return Cost: Free | Return Window: 60 days | Size Range: XS-XL The 5 Best Walking Pants for Outdoor Exercise Nordstrom Nordstrom View On Nordstrom Pros Flexible return policy Free shipping and returns Onsite tailoring and alterations Cons Limited stock When it comes to women's fashion, Nordstrom is the holy grail. Along with clothing, shoes, and accessories, the fashion retailer carries a variety of activewear and athleisure, including its house brand, Zella. The active rave about Zella leggings, with special mention of its top seller, Live In High Waist Leggings. Fitted with a no-slip waistband, we love that the stretchy, figure-sculpting leggings won't fall down on your runs. The exercise pants are also made with moisture-wicking fabric so they'll keep you cool, even during hot yoga class. Another fan-favorite available at Nordstrom is the brand’s Beyond Yoga At Your Leisure High Waist Leggings, which are made of soft, stretchy material and feature smooth seaming and a wide waistband. When it comes to customer service, Nordstrom wins the gold. Whether shopping online or in-store, you’re sure to have a personalized experience. From free shipping and returns to onsite tailoring and alterations, Nordstrom is all about the customer. Most notably, the retailer has a famously liberal return policy. If you’re guilty of the occasional impulse buy, leaving a closet sprinkled with freshly tagged clothing, Nordstrom has you covered. In fact, the company likes to say it doesn’t actually have a formal return policy. Instead, Nordstrom handles returns on a case-by-case basis. Shipping Cost: $0 | Shipping Window: 3-6 business days | Return Cost: Free | Return Window: No time limit | Size Range: XS-XL ObservaMé ObservaMé View On Observame.net Pros Loyalty club Gives back to the community Women/BIPOC-owned small business Cons Shipping fees Limited stock ObservaMé’s leggings are perfect for long workouts or for sitting for long periods of time on work Zoom calls. Their leggings are made from a breathable material that includes a polyester and spandex blend with dry-wicking properties to avoid moisture build-up and unwanted odors. We love that ObservaMé also offers compressive leggings, like the Power Hold legging, which results in a flattering fit and supports performance when you’re standing, walking, training, or running. Looking for leggings that can store your essentials? We recommend the Women’s Power Hold High Waist Capris, which hit at ¾ length and feature two side pockets. ObservaMé’s passion for fitness goes beyond the physical. With the understanding that exercise helps support mental wellness, the brand created the FMF Foundation to support charities that promote unconventional ways to beat mental illness and disease. Shipping Cost: Varies per order with USPS and FedEx options | Shipping Window: 1-2 business days | Return Cost: Free | Return Window: 14 days | Size Range: XS-XXL Alo Yoga Alo Yoga View On Aloyoga.com Pros Free shipping worldwide on all orders Extensive inventory Fitness instructors eligible to purchase apparel at 25% off Cons Limited customer perks Alo Yoga is the go-to for many fitness instructors and influencers, including celebrities, and for good reason. The online apparel retailer has an extensive inventory of leggings from soft and stretchy to supportive and sculpting, all made from high-quality materials that rival Lululemon’s. And don’t let the word “yoga” fool you. While most devotees are indeed yoga enthusiasts, we love that Alo Yoga’s leggings are perfect for all types of exercise—including walking, running, and hiking—as well as for days when lounging around the house is all you plan to do. Just check out their renowned High-Waist Airlift Leggings that are moisture-wicking, feature four-way stretch material, and are soft but functional. When it comes to accessibility, Alo Yoga reigns queen. Their apparel is available to ship to almost any country in the world, and even better, they ship for free on all orders. Their online store is a one-stop-shop for all things wellness, including beauty and essential oils, which will go a long way with the free shipping option. Another great option to add to your rotation is the brand’s High-Waist Airlife Capri, which is breathable and moisture-wicking, and great for hot-weather workouts. Shipping Cost: Free | Shipping Window: 1-2 business days | Return Cost: Free | Return Window: 30 days | Size Range: XXS-XL Final Verdict If you’re ready to invest in quality leggings that will last you over time, we recommend snagging a pair from Lululemon. With a variety of legging styles and lengths to choose from and free alterations on any purchase, the brand offers something for everyone. If size inclusivity is one of the most important factors for you when buying leggings, we recommend checking out Universal Standard. The brand offers leggings in sizes 4xS-4XL and some pretty great customer perks. How We Selected the Best Places to Buy Leggings We selected the best places to buy leggings based on a number of variables. First, we spoke to two experts— including the founder of an apparel company and the creator of a sought-after workout class—for insight on what to look for when shopping for quality leggings. We then researched and analyzed key specifications for dozens of top-rated leggings from the most trusted apparel brands around. We prioritized retailers that offer leggings that facilitate movement and are composed of materials that enhance your performance. We prioritized retailers that offer leggings with technical qualities, like moisture-wicking and UPF+ material, and ones that offer their selections in a range of sizes, lengths, patterns, and colors. Finding retailers that offer easy shipping and returns was also important to us, as well as refunds and customer perks. What to Look for in Places to Buy Leggings Size Inclusiveness Now more than ever, brands are beginning to offer more inclusive sizing in their clothing. If you need sizes outside the typical range, look for a store that offers a broader availability of sizes for big and small. Exercise Type Choose a shop that offers leggings meant to withstand the type of training you will do. Compression gear might not be the best choice for yoga, while the soft buttery fabrics of some leggings might not stay up when performing squats or other weight lifting activities. If you train outdoors, you'll need to consider the elements and choose leggings that offer more protection against the cold, wind, or rain. Material If sustainability is important to you, you might want to look for stores and brands that carry eco-friendly materials. Moisture-wicking is key for sweat-inducing activities to avoid moisture build-up and unwanted odors. Knowing whether or not your leggings will show through when performing squats is also a concern for many, so being sure your leggings are thick enough is wise. Return Policy Online shopping can be tricky at times and sometimes leggings don’t fit the way we want them to. It helps to shop at a retailer with an easy return policy that allows you ample time to try out your leggings, with the option of exchanging for a new pair or a full refund if it’s not what you were envisioning. Frequently Asked Questions Are leggings and yoga pants the same thing? Leggings and yoga pants are not the same. Yoga pants are designed to move with your body and are typically made from breathable, moisture wicking materials. Leggings are a more broad category and can include yoga pants as well as any other type of workout or lounge pants. Can you wear leggings to the office? In some cases, you can wear leggings to the office. There is a wide variety of legging types and many are styled for professional use. It also depends on your office and the rest of your outfit. If a few other people at your office are wearing leggings, it's a good sign it's acceptable to do so. In most cases, it's best to refrain from wearing overly bright, patterned, or fitness leggings in a professional setting. What should you wear with leggings? Leggings for exercise use can be pared with any type of fitness top, such as tank tops, t-shirts, or sports bras. Casual wear leggings look fantastic with long cardigans, tucked t-shirts, boots, jean jackets, and scarves. How do you wash leggings? Follow the recommended washing instructions on the label of your leggings. In most cases, if you are concerned about harsh washing conditions, it's best to choose a gentle cycle on cold and use a mild detergent. Hang to dry. Avoid using a hot dryer on performance fabrics and do not iron. Which fabric is best for leggings? Both Fultz-Robinson and Pryce advocate for a moisture-wicking material that is a blend of spandex, elastane, and polyester. “For women, you want to protect your private area to avoid the buildup of sweat, dirt and germs that may later cause a yeast infection or other uncomfortable conditions,” Fultz-Robinson says. Pryce says some cotton is okay, but for the most part it’s a material to avoid in leggings required for exercise since it’s heavy and will keep you feeling damp. Why Trust Verywell Fit As a tall girl and leggings enthusiast, Emily Stone has tried almost every brand on the market. After many years of trial and error—and money down the drain—she finally found the brands that fit her height and active lifestyle. From the discontinued Tall Groove Pant to the new Align Pant, she's a longtime Lululemon supporter. Emily also swears by Athleta’s Travel and Commute collection. Her uniform consists of the Wander Stash Skinny Pant, paired with the Cosmic Blazer. Pro tip: Activewear disguised as workwear will change your life! Additional reporting by Brianne Hogan Brianne Hogan is an author and reporter. Her work has appeared in over 50 online publications, including The Washington Post, the BBC, Elle Canada, and BuzzFeed. She’s also a certified barre instructor and has a background in personal training and nutrition. 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