The Best Leggings to Conquer Your Workout

Fair warning: you're going to want to live in the Align Pant II ($98-$118). It is so buttery soft, you'll feel like you're not wearing anything — which, in fact, is the purpose of the fabric it's made of, Nulu. This is definitely a yoga pant as opposed to a running or HIIT pant, but it can also be an errands pant, a brunch pant, or really just an anytime pant. I have spent a good portion of the last year on the couch in these pants, and I might just have to get another pair. Plus, there's even a pair with pockets! Explore all of the great lululemon leggings in our shopping guide.

What customers say: These pants have over 5,000 five-star reviews, with one user saying "I need 949575853 more. It feels like i'm wearing nothing! The quality is absolutely there. The comfort is there. I want to wear nothing else but these leggings."

Why we love it: The soft, comfortable lounge leggings of your dreams do exist, and you'll find yourself doing laundry just so that you can wear them again.

What's worth noting: They, like almost all Lululemon pants, are high rise; mine come up just past my belly button. I've had mine for years at this point, and they feel just as soft and comfortable as the day I bought them. There's no pilling or fraying at all.

The details: Sizes: 0-20 | Length: 25, 28, 31 in. inseam | Colorways: 21

If the Align Pant was intriguing, but you consider yourself more of a runner, lululemon has answered your prayers. The Fast and Free Tight II ($98-$138) is made with Nulux, and gives the same second-skin sensation that you're used to from the Align legging with the added bonus of being sweat-wicking and quick-drying. They're a must have for anyone who's obsessed with that buttery-soft feeling, but still wants a high performance legging. My best friend, a serious runner, counts these among her favorites, but they really are great for any activity because they're so versatile. These pants are available in 25 and 28 inch length. They're high rise and body hugging without being too heavy. If you're concerned about chafing, these are a good choice because they feel so comfortable, and though they do have inner thigh seams, they're pretty minimal and unobtrusive.

What customers say: Plus, with over 2,000 five star reviews, there's a whole community of people who swear by these leggings. One person in particular notes, "my favorite workout pant ever. I can wear them all day without having to repeatedly pull them up or adjust." Another customer says, "These leggings are a runner's dream. The material doesn't pill, pockets can fit all the energy gels, keys, etc. that you could possibly need, even a waist belt pocket that fits a phone so your phone doesn't bounce around. I have to use the drawstring to adjust the waist for running, but otherwise I almost forget I'm wearing them."

Why we love it: If you like the look of a legging but want the feel and breathability of a short, or nothing at all, these are the running pants for you. They're the summertime leggings you'll want in your closet, and they'll make even the sweatiest workouts comfortable.

What's worth noting: It's good to know about the raw hem at the ankle before you wonder if you accidentally bought an unfinished pair. They purposefully do not have a band or seam, which many people find to be looser and less constricting at the ankle, but can take some getting used to.

The details: Sizes: 0-20 | Length: 25, 28 in. length | Colorways: 10

The Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Legging ($78) is designed for high-impact workouts with an extra-high-rise waistband and four-way stretch for optimal coverage and flexibility. The fabric is both thick and sweat wicking, making them squat-proof and breathable. However, that doesn't mean you can't wear these to relax at home or run errands. Explore all of the great Girlfriend Collective leggings in our shopping guide.

What customers are saying: Customers not only adore this comfortable pair but also can't get enough of the brown color (pictured). Reviewers claim they feel soft and airy with just the right amount of compression. They also rave about the flattering fit.

Why we love them: Not only are we in love with these stylish leggings, but they also have a hidden back pocket. They feel so buttery soft on the skin as well, making them great for everyday wear. Plus, they support you in all the right places for a lifted, flattering look.

What's worth noting: The leggings are made from 79 percent recycled plastic bottles and spandex. It's best to machine-wash cold with like colors.

The details: Sizes: XXS-6XL | Length: 19.5, 23.75, 28.5 inch length | Colorways: 6

You can also get these leggings on sale in limited-edition colors ($49, originally $78).

If you want the ultimate comfortable, affordable leggings, you need these Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft Side-Pocket Leggings ($40). They've got a hidden pocket that's so useful and Go-Dry moisture-wicking technology to keep you dry and comfortable. Their high-rise waistband will make you feel comfortable and secure while their pocket is large enough to stash your phone in. Explore all of the great Old Navy leggings in our shopping guide, and you can also read our editor's review of the Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft Side-Pocket Leggings.

What customers are saying: Customers love these pants, with one saying that these are the "I will never buy another brand after wearing these to the gym. They were the comfiest to workout in." Another person said, "These are my favorite leggings. They don't slide down, they don't ball up. These are the best ones I've worn."

Why we love them: Simply put: these leggings don't move. They stay on throughout your workout and are so comfortable that they feel a lot more expensive than they actually are. Plus, at just $40, they're affordable, and perform like they're double or triple the price.

What's worth noting: These leggings are made of Old Navy's Powersoft fabric, which is lightly compressive, and buttery soft. It also comes in tall and petite varieties. If you want a more compressive fit, maybe size down.

The details: Sizes: XS-4X| Length: 26, 28, 32 inch length | Colorways: 3

These Beyond Yoga Spacedye Caught In The Midi 7/8 Leggings ($97) are made of the softest material that you'll never want to take off. You've never worn leggings that feel like this, we promise. We have them in two colors, they're that comfortable. Plus, we'll find excuses to wash them and wear them again. Pick these for winter workouts, or lower impact activities.

What customers are saying: One person loves the durability of these leggings, saying "Two of these bought years ago have lasted VERY well: worn and washed hundreds of times. Newest version is even softer and a better fit." Another person said, "I finally tried Beyond Yoga and am genuinely really impressed (and obsessed). No cameltoe or any semblance of getting one easily whatsoever, and extremely comfortable for all day wear. You don't feel like you're being hugged in too tightly and all that."

Why we love them: These are possibly the most comfortable leggings we've ever worn. They're buttery soft, and thick enough to be great for chillier days. When you want to feel swathed in comfort, go with these leggings.

What's worth noting: These leggings are on the thicker side, so they're not our top choice for sweating it out in 100 degree heat. These also don't have pockets, but there is a pair that does!

The details: Sizes: XXS-4X| Length: 25 inch length | Colorways: 15

If you're someone who likes to move freely, you'll be into a seamless legging. They're tight on the body and generally made of a thicker fabric, but don't confuse thick for stiff. Whether you're doing yoga or strength training, these FP Movement High-Rise 7/8 Length Good Karma Leggings ($78) will keep you supportive and able to move whichever way you please. Explore all of the great Free People leggings in our shopping guide.

What customers are saying: Customers love these pants, with one saying, "I LOVE these pants! They're breathable, comfortable, and offer great coverage. The washed out black is a great color (but I also own them in black and pink). I'm constantly saying, "thanks, they're Free People," in real life. Treat yo' self! I know it inspires me to stay motivated when I feel good about what I'm putting on for the gym, or climbing, or yoga!"

Why we love them: If you want comfortable, flexible leggings, these are the ones to get. They're high waisted, won't budge or roll down, and have little laser cutouts that are imperceptible to the naked eye, but are game changers for breathability.

What's worth noting: These leggings only come in three sizes, XS/S, M/L, and L/XL. With that being said, they're very forgiving, and run kind of large. We would recommend sizing down.

The details: Sizes: XS/S-L/XL| Length: 23 inch inseam | Colorways: 23

We all know that some of our leggings are thicker than others; they're the ones we love for winter, when it's a bit colder outside. The Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II 7/8 Tights ($80 - $109) are the go-to leggings when you want to feel comfy but still held in. These are great for low-impact workouts like yoga and Pilates where you aren't getting drenched in sweat. Explore all of the great leggings that will make your butt look amazing in our shopping guide.

What customers are saying: One person said, "I love that they stay in place, unlike other brands that I am pulling up as I walk. Very soft and comfortable!" Another one raved, "This legging is very soft and doesn't cut off my circulation.. yet it still holds everything in. I can wear these all day with no problem. It's also flattering.I definitely recommend."

Why we love them: These leggings make your butt look amazing. They're perfectly compressive and thick enough to be warm and comfortable, plus we can't stop staring at ourselves in the mirror when we wear them.

What's worth noting: These leggings are, as we've said, thicker than most. They're not too heavy, and are fine if you're planning on working out hard, but if you're doing hot yoga, you might want something a little more breathable.

The details: Sizes: XXS-3X| Length: 25, 27, 30 inch length | Colorways: 3

The Outdoor Voices Springs 7/8 Legging ($46-$54, originally $78) is perhaps the most iconic of Outdoor Voices's leggings. It's made with the brand's signature Textured Compression, which is a midweight textured compression fabric that will sculpt and smooth out your figure for a flattering fit. It's supposed to feel body hugging with a comfortable, glove-like fit. The fabric is super soft with a seamless appearance. Plus, it's thick enough that you don't have to worry about them being see-through. Explore all of the great Outdoor Voices leggings in our shopping guide.

What customers are saying: Customers love this pair for running or HIIT workouts. It doesn't slip and has a slight compression that is figure flattering. Many adore the colorblock design.

Why we love it: This pair is so stylish and will make you feel extra confident. It even has a secure and hidden waistband pocket where you can store your essentials. It's also durable and perfect for the outdoors.

What's worth noting: This has a polyester and spandex blend. This style runs small, so the site recommends sizing up.

The Details: Sizes: XS-XL | Length: 26 inch length | Colorways: 3

I'm someone who likes to switch up my workouts; one day I'm doing my favorite Pilates workout, and the next I'm sweating it out on my Peloton bike. While I respect the fact that different pants are built for different activities, sometimes you just want one versatile piece that can move with you. Enter the Lululemon Invigorate High-Rise Tight ($128). You can read my full review of the Invigorate High-Rise Tight, but to cut to the chase, I love these leggings. It's specifically designed to take you through a multitude of workouts; it's made of Everlux, lululemon's fastest drying fabric, so it's sweat-wicking and breathable but thick enough to provide support, and it doesn't have a back zipper, allowing you to lie down in Pilates or yoga. It also passes my squat test when training, and when I'm going to a Barry's Bootcamp class, where I have to both run and lift weights, these are the pants I choose. They don't fall down, and I've had mine for years without pilling. Plus, it has side pockets, and you can explore all of the great leggings with pockets in our shopping guide.

What customers say: With over 700 five star reviews, one customer says, "These are super comfortable and supportive for all kinds of workouts. They're squat proof and they don't feel soggy after an indoor spin class. They even make it feel like I can swing by the grocery store to pick up the missing produce for dinner after my workout!"

Why we love it: If you don't know what your workout will entail, reach for these comfortable leggings. They're great for low-impact, high-impact, and everything in between.

What's worth noting: The pants are available in 25, 28, and 31 inch lengths; I'm five foot seven inches, and I like the length of the 25 inch pants.

The details: Sizes: 0-20 | Length: 25, 28, 31 in. length | Colorways: 9