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Lift you up. Hold you down. Keep you close. Safe and sound. Yes, Rihanna, ditto. Our list of compression pants that do just that includes ODODOS, Nike, Lululemon, and more.

Best Compression LeggingsShare on Pinterest
Product Review, Clothing, Gym, Apparel, Clothing, Footwear, Shoe

Like other compression garments, such as shorts, socks, and sleeves, compression leggings are a type of sportswear used to increase blood flow during exercise.

In fact, research from 2016 suggests that compression leggings may help increase endurance, enhance performance, and speed recovery after exercise.

However, with so many options available, finding a pair of comfortable, high quality compression leggings can be challenging.

The products included in this article were selected based on the following criteria:

  • Quality: We looked for leggings made from high quality materials that are lightweight, breathable, and sweat-wicking.
  • Style: Prefer a certain color or fit? The options below are available in a range of styles, colors, and patterns.
  • Price: We know budget is an important consideration, so we included compression leggings at a variety of price points.
  • Customer reviews: All the compression leggings on this list have great customer reviews, so you can feel confident with your purchase.

Here are 16 of the best compression leggings.

A note on price

General price ranges with dollar signs ($–$$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.

Generally, prices range from $23–$118, though this may vary depending on where you shop.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $50
  • $$ = $50–$100
  • $$$ = above $100
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Editor’s note: The latest update on BPA in activewear

Testing done by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) found that 19 different activewear brands had high BPA levels in the fabric of their:

  • leggings
  • sports bras
  • socks
  • activewear shirts

Three of the brands that were sent legal notices regarding their products are featured in this article. They include:

  • Alo Yoga
    • leggings
  • Beyond Yoga
    • activewear shirts
  • Under Armour
    • activewear shirts

Note that the testing did not mention specific products, and none of these products are under recall as of this update.

Any products made of polyester with spandex could contain as much as 40 times the safe limit under California law.

The synthetic chemical bisphenol A (BPA) is added to fabrics to improve the life span of the fabric and to act as an antistatic agent. Exposure to BPA through clothing happens by absorption through the skin.

BPA mimics the hormone estrogen and can change the way cells function and reproduce.

Some negative health effects associated with BPA exposure include:

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Best overall

Nike Pro Tights

  • Price: $$
  • Sizes: XS–XXL
  • Colors: black/white
  • Sustainability: Nike’s Move to Zero initiative is focused on lowering greenhouse gas emissions, decreasing waste, and reducing water usage by 2025. Nike also offers a recycling and donation program for used shoes and apparel.
  • Pockets: none

These leggings from Nike strike a great balance between comfort and compression, making them a good option for high intensity workouts.

They feature mesh panels for extra breathability, plus a sweat-wicking fabric and form-fitting shape.

They also feature an extra-wide elastic waistband for added support.

Best high end

Lululemon Align Full Length Yoga Pants

  • Price: $$–$$$
  • Sizes: 0–20
  • Colors: Pipe Dream Blue, Espresso, Dark Forest, Pale Raspberry, True Navy, Black, Red Merlot, Java, Heathered Graphite Grey, Heritage 365 Camo Deep Coal Multi, Dark Olive, Pink Blossom, Diamond Dye Pitch Grey Graphite Grey
  • Sustainability: Lululemon aims to reduce water usage and use at least 75% sustainable materials for products by 2025. They also plan to launch a program that allows customers to resell, recycle, or repair products to extend their life span.
  • Pockets: hidden waistband pockets

Lululemon is a popular brand for compression leggings — and for good reason.

These Lululemon compression leggings are made with high quality, sweat-wicking materials that have plenty of stretch and are lightweight, soft, and breathable.

As a bonus, the waistband sports hidden pockets, which you can use to store your essentials while working out.

What our tester says

“I live in these leggings! They are the most comfortable athletic pants I’ve found (and I’ve tried a lot!). I love that they’re versatile enough to wear working from home and to yoga or Pilates classes.

“They are buttery soft and create a smooth appearance. They’re also incredibly flattering and 100% squat-proof.

“The only flaw is that they’re not designed for higher impact exercise, so they will start to pill if you wear them for activities like running or cycling.”

— Charlie Danford, RVO Health Senior Clinical Quality Analyst

Read more about Lululemon activewear and athleisure.

Best eco-friendly

Girlfriend Collective High-Rise Compression Leggings

  • Price: $$
  • Sizes: XXS–6XL
  • Colors: Black, Ivory, Midnight, Moss, Plum, Earth, Citrine, Glass, Blood Orange
  • Sustainability: All clothing is made from BPA-free recycled materials and eco-friendly dyes. Girlfriend Collective also offers a program to help recycle used clothing and provides packaging that is 100% recycled and recyclable.
  • Pockets: hidden back pocket

Made from recycled plastic bottles and spandex, these high rise leggings from Girlfriend Collective are a sustainable choice for eco-conscious consumers.

In fact, they’re even recyclable through the company’s ReGirlfriend program, which allows you to send in your old Girlfriend Collective gear in exchange for store credit.

They’re made with moisture-wicking, four-way stretch fabric for a comfortable fit all day, whether you’re sweating at the gym or simply lounging around the house.

They also include a small, hidden back pocket to keep your keys and are available in three different lengths, nine colors, and 11 sizes.

Best affordable

Dragon Fit Compression Yoga Pants

  • Price: $
  • Sizes: XS–XXL
  • Colors: Dark Olive, Black, Black (fleece lined), Black Leopard, Camo, Charcoal Grey, Grey Marble, Navy Blue, Stripe, Vintage Purple, Brown, Carbon Grey Marble, Ink Blue, Spacedye Black-Grey, White, Black and White Jacquard, Olive Green, Navy Blue (fleece lined)
  • Sustainability: no information provided
  • Pockets: hidden waistband pocket

Dragon Fit’s compression leggings are not only budget-friendly but also incredibly sleek, stylish, and comfortable.

Thanks to their moisture-wicking, four-way stretch fabric, these pants are ideal for exercising as they stretch both lengthwise and widthwise.

Plus, with a variety of colors, lengths, and patterns to choose from, it’s easy to find a pair that works for you.

Best for yoga

Alo Yoga Woman’s High Waist Moto Legging

  • Price: $$$
  • Sizes: XXS–L
  • Colors: Black/Black Glossy, Anthracite/Anthracite Glossy, White/White Glossy, Gravel/Gravel Glossy
  • Sustainability: Alo Yoga facilities are certified by WRAP, a third-party organization that ensures that international social compliance standards are met. Note that the brand was issued a legal notice in 2022 by CEH, specifying that some leggings tested high for BPA.
  • Pockets: none

Available in four colors, these high waisted leggings from Alo Yoga are designed to minimize friction and keep your movements smooth.

Made from a combination of nylon and spandex, each pair has plenty of extra stretch so you can move comfortably through your yoga routine.

This product also features moisture-wicking and odor-resistant fabric, which may be particularly helpful for sweaty hot yoga sessions.

Best for basketball

Sleefs Single Leg Basketball Tights

  • Price: $$
  • Sizes: S–3XL
  • Colors: white, black, blue, red, pink, yellow
  • Sustainability: no information provided
  • Pockets: none

Single leg basketball tights have become popular among athletes and are often used to increase blood flow, improve range of motion, and provide extra support for certain muscles. They might also be a good choice if you have an injury or are wearing a knee brace.

These single leg basketball tights from Sleefs are made with non-woven material, an elastic waistband, and stretch fabrication to help you move easier, both on and off the basketball court.

They also feature UVA and UVB protection if you’re playing outside and offer extra comfort whether you’re training or relaxing.

Best for running

Under Armour Fly Fast 3.0 Leggings

  • Price: $$
  • Sizes: S–XL
  • Colors: Black, Downpour Gray, Charged Cherry, Aurora Purple
  • Sustainability: Under Armour is in the process of transitioning to design, manufacturing, and distribution practices to decrease waste and reduce their environmental footprint by 2030. However, they were issued a legal notice from CEH after some of the brand’s activewear shirts tested high for levels of BPA.
  • Pockets: side drop-in pocket

With quick-drying, lightweight and moisture-wicking fabric, Under Armour’s Fly Fast 3.0 Leggings are a great option for runners.

Customers specifically appreciate the side drop-in pocket, which is a good size for keeping your phone or keys on hand.

Additionally, these compression leggings offer a reflective design for added safety when you’re running at night.

Best for strength training

CW-X Women’s Stabilyx Joint Support Compression Tights

  • Price: $$$
  • Sizes: XS–2XL
  • Colors: Black, Forest Night, Sky Blue, True Navy
  • Sustainability: no information provided
  • Pockets: internal waistband slip-in pocket

Made with CW-X’s EXO-WEB technology, these compression leggings are specifically designed to provide targeted support for your joints, core, and lower back.

They’re also made with moisture-wicking materials to help keep sweat off your skin.

What’s more, these pants include a double-reinforced waistband, an inner pocket for your keys, and reflective details to promote visibility in poorly lit areas.

Most comfortable

Adidas Believe This 2.0 Training Pants

  • Price: $$
  • Sizes: XXS–4X
  • Colors: Black/White, Crew Navy/Black, Dark Grey Heather/Black, Indigo/White, Legacy Purple/Purple Tint, Orbit Violet/Ambient Blush, Teal, Legacy Green/Black, Wild Pink/White, Legacy Blue/Black, Noble Purple, Black, Black Stripes, Carbon/Real Magenta, Dark Grey Heather/Black, Glory Blue/White, Victory Crimson/Victory Blue
  • Sustainability: Adidas has set ambitious goals to reduce their carbon footprint and decrease greenhouse gas emissions from retailers, operations, and suppliers. They also aim to be carbon neutral by 2050.
  • Pockets: waistband pocket

Adidas’s compression leggings are made with moisture-wicking fabric that absorbs water quickly to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable during your workout.

Each pair is high waisted and fitted to hold its shape, so it will stay in place even during intense training sessions.

Most seamless

Spanx Look at Me Now High-Waisted Seamless Leggings

  • Price: $$
  • Sizes: XS–3X
  • Colors: Green Camo, Olive Leopard, Port Navy, Heather Camo
  • Sustainability: no information provided
  • Pockets: none

For a seamless fit with plenty of coverage and comfort, consider these high waisted leggings from Spanx.

They include a double-layer waistband for extra sculpting and are even made without a center seam for a smoother fit and feel.

What’s more, these Spanx compression leggings are made with soft and flexible material and can be purchased in a wide range of sizes.

Best for shapewear

Skims Seamless Sculpt High-Waisted Legging

  • Price: $$
  • Sizes: XXS–4X
  • Colors: Sand, Clay, Sienna, Bronze, Cocoa, Onyx
  • Sustainability: No specific information provided, but the company says: “We only work with suppliers and vendors who we believe in and share our commitment to sustainability, accountability, and transparency.”
  • Pockets: none

These high waisted leggings from Skims are designed to provide targeted compression to help smooth, shape, and sculpt your body.

They’re good for wearing under skirts, dresses, or pants and feature silicone along the top band to help them stay in place.

Additionally, they are available in sizes ranging from XXS–4X and a variety of neutral shades, such as Onyx, Sand, and Sienna.

Best high rise

CompressionZ High Waisted Women’s Leggings

  • Price: $
  • Sizes: XS–6XL
  • Colors: Black, Camo Black, Carbon Gray, Leopard Black, Olive Brown, Brown, Pink, Blue Camo, Blue Flowers, Camo, Galaxy Red, Purple, Rose, Tangled Black, Sport Heather Gray, Tangled White
  • Sustainability: no information provided
  • Pockets: side pockets (available only in certain colors)

If you’re looking for a pair of high rise compression leggings designed to boost your athletic performance, check out these leggings from CompressionZ.

These high waist compression leggings are made from premium fabric with chafe-free stitching and four-way stretch material to maximize comfort and mobility during your workout.

They’re also super lightweight and include a small pocket on the back with a zipper for easy storage.

Most stylish

CRZ YOGA Women’s Naked Feeling High Waisted Yoga Pants

  • Price: $
  • Sizes: XXS–XL
  • Colors: Black, Arctic Plum, Dark Carbon, Dark Green, Ink Gray, Light Grayish Blue, Lunar Rock, Olive Green, Taupe, Tie Dye Smoke Ink, True Navy, Crimson, Dark Grey Camoflauge, Magenta Purple, Melanite, Navy, Curtain Violet Ash, Double Ash, Grey Sage, Hibiscus Purple, Moonphase, Olive Camoflauge, Turquoise, Brick Rose, Chartreuse, Dark Russet, Petrol Blue, French Navy
  • Sustainability: no information provided
  • Pockets: side pockets

This slimming, sweat-wicking compression leggings are comfortable, supportive, and stylish, with many versatile colors and patterns to choose from.

They also feature a high waist with four-way stretch material and two side pockets to hold your phone, wallet, or keys.

Best of all, you don’t have to choose between style and price, as they’re one of the more affordable options.

Best with pockets

Beyond Yoga Spacedye Out of Pocket High Waisted Midi Leggings

  • Price: $$
  • Sizes: XXS–XL
  • Colors: Darkest Night, Black-Charcoal, Nocturnal Navy, Magenta Heather, Lunar Teal Heather, Ultra Violet Heather, Green Grass Heather
  • Sustainability: Beyond Yoga uses waterless print techniques and eco-friendly fabrics and packaging materials. Some fabrics are also certified by Bluesign, which ensures that harmful chemicals are kept out of the manufacturing process. Still, keep in mind that Beyond Yoga was issued a legal notice from CEH after some of the brand’s activewear shirts tested high for BPA.
  • Pockets: hip pockets

Designed with four-way stretch fabric and a double-layer waistband, these high rise compression leggings are a flattering option for any body type.

Each pair features pockets at the hip for keeping your phone and keys secured while you exercise.

Customers also appreciate that these leggings are made with Beyond Yoga’s signature Spacedeye knit fabric, which is especially soft and sweat-wicking.

Best with extended sizes

ODODOS High Waisted Workout Leggings

  • Price: $
  • Sizes: XS–2XL
  • Colors: Brush Green, Dream Blue, Mauve, Camo Black, White Camo, Camo Dark Gray, Deep Purple, Black, Deep Navy, Lavender
  • Sustainability: no information provided
  • Pockets: large side pockets, small zipper side pockets

ODODOS’s high waisted compression leggings are a favorite with customers, as the leggings are available in a variety of colors, with sizes ranging from XS–2XL.

What’s more, each pair includes:

  • an elastic waistband
  • an adjustable drawstring
  • dual side pockets large enough to fit most smartphones

The leggings also feature four-way stretch, moisture-wicking, non-see-through fabric to optimize performance, comfort, and style.

Best for bulge

Real Men D Pouch Compression Pants

  • Price: $
  • Sizes: XS–5XL
  • Colors: Grey, White with White Stitch, Dark Blue, Grey Modal, Black, Black with Black Stitch, Grey with Grey Stitch
  • Sustainability: no information provided
  • Pockets: side pockets

These compression pants provide support right where you need it while also providing extra space in the areas you don’t.

They’re made with moisture-wicking, odor-resistant material and feature dual side pockets deep enough to hold your phone.

Plus, this product is available in several colors and a wide range of sizes, making it a great, flexible option.

We evaluated many of the top compression leggings on the market to find the best options available.

Some of the main factors we considered while compiling our list include:

  • Materials: We prioritized compression leggings made from high quality materials to maximize durability and comfort.
  • Style: The compression leggings on our list are available in many different colors, patterns, styles, and fits to help you find your perfect pair.
  • Features: We selected many compression leggings that offer extra features, such as side pockets, UV protection, or reflective details for added visibility.
  • Size range: Many of the brands featured on our list offer compression leggings in a wide selection of sizes to fit various body types.
  • Reviews: We chose compression leggings that customers or our hands-on reviewers rate highly.
  • Sustainability: Several of the brands we selected use sustainable practices to decrease waste and help minimize their environmental footprint.
  • Price: We chose compression leggings at various price points to find options to fit any budget.

There are several factors you’ll want to consider when shopping for compression leggings, including:

  • Material type and quality: Be sure to check the type of material, as some offer specific benefits, such as four-way stretch, or are moisture-wicking or odor-resistant.
  • Length and fit: As compression leggings are available in a variety of lengths and styles, you’ll want to think about the fit that’s most comfortable for you.
  • Extra features: If you prefer keeping small items on hand during your workout, consider leggings with pockets. If style is important, look for products offering a variety of colors and patterns to choose from.
  • Customer reviews: Before purchasing a pair, read customer reviews to help determine the fit and feel, its durability, and whether it offers good value for the money.

Is it good to wear compression leggings all day?

You can wear compression leggings all day long if it is comfortable for you. However, be sure to check with a doctor first if you have any medical conditions that affect your circulation, such as diabetes or peripheral vascular disease.

Should I wear compression leggings on a long haul flight?

Many people prefer wearing compression socks or leggings while traveling to help promote circulation while sitting for long periods.

On the other hand, some people might find that wearing compression leggings on a long haul flight feels restrictive or uncomfortable, so it’s important to listen to your body and determine what works best for you.

Do compression leggings really work?

Compression leggings can be a solid option to boost circulation and provide extra support. According to research from 2016, compression clothing might also increase endurance and reduce muscle pain and damage and inflammation.

Are compression leggings the same as yoga pants?

Though yoga pants and compression leggings are similar, there are some slight differences. For instance, yoga pants don’t typically provide the same level of compression. Additionally, yoga pants are often thicker and may come in different styles, such as flared or bootcut varieties.

Compression leggings may enhance exercise performance and speed muscle recovery.

They’re available in various styles, colors, and materials, so it’s important to consider which features are most important for your workout.

This list is a great starting point when shopping around for a pair.