The Top 7 Workout Leggings From Target For $40 or Less

Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.

Whether you're exercising outside or experimenting with new indoor gear (like a punching pad for boxing or a portable treadmill), you'll need to wear something. And, if you're like us, that something is almost always leggings. Depending on the intensity of the workout (or non-workout, we're not judging), you may want something silky soft, a pair packing powerful compression, or even a combination of the two. Not all leggings are created equal — some are best suited for cardio while others are made for studio classes and even relaxing on the couch. With dozens of leggings available to shop online, it's normal to overlook the details.

Since we know it's easy to get tempted, we checked out the selection of leggings at Target and found a ton of cute, under-$40 pants to kick your athleisure fashion game up several notches without busting a budget. Whether you're looking for sculpting leggings or leggings that are ultra high-waisted, the retailer has a slew of options that range from capri-length to full-size. Ahead, shop our top legging options — available in both plus size and regular — for the next time you're working out (or working in).

— Additional reporting by Morgan Ashley Parker

Best Legging With Pockets: All in Motion Women's Sculpted High-Waisted Capri Leggings 21"
target.com

Best Legging With Pockets: All in Motion Women's Sculpted High-Waisted Capri Leggings 21"

If you love high-intensity activities, the inseam panel on these All in Motion Women's Sculpted High-Waisted Capri Leggings 21" ($30) makes sure your range of movements isn't limited in the least. Its sweat-wicking fabric keeps you dry throughout medium and high-intensity workouts. Its greatest asset might be its pockets, which are located on both sides of the pant for a hands-free commitment to whatever activity you're doing.

What customers are saying: Customers are raving about the comfort and fit of these leggings. One customer said, "They hug your curves and you don't need to constantly pull them up."

Why we love them: The leggings have a sculpting fabric that makes you feel tucked and secure. In addition, they can be washed time and time again without losing their soft and stretchy feel.

What's worth noting: Make sure to order them in your accurate size, if ordered a size up, customers are reporting the waistband to fall down.

The Details: Sizes: XS-4X | Length: Capri-length | Color Options: 1

Best Contour Legging: Women's Curvy Brushed Back Ultra High-Waisted Leggings
target.com

Best Contour Legging: Women's Curvy Brushed Back Ultra High-Waisted Leggings

We'd proudly show off the foldover waistband on these All in Motion Women's Contour Curvy Brushed Back Ultra High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings 25" ($30) with a matching longline bra; even if we are just working out at home. The leggings' contoured silhouette creates a flattering fit while its flexible high-rise waistband is made to make you feel secure in your activities. The leggings even have a secret stash pocket for holding items on the go.

What customers are saying: Reviewers can't seem to get enough of these leggings, raving about their thickness, comfort, and the way they hug their bodies. The only complaint is they wish the leggings were available in more colors — which doesn't sound like such a bad thing to us.

Why we love them: For the price, the quality of these leggings can't be matched. They're comfortable, contouring, and give your body that perfect curvy look. They're ideal for a pilates class or errand you have to run, and their foldover waistband is a great bonus.

What's worth noting: The stash pocket on these leggings is small in size and isn't intended for holding larger items like a phone. If you're looking for a legging with a deep pocket, this might not be the one for you.

The Details: Sizes: 1X-4X | Length: Full-length | Color Options: 2

Best Legging For High Impact Workouts: Women's Sculpted Linear Laser Cut High-Waisted Leggings
target.com

Best Legging For High Impact Workouts: Women's Sculpted Linear Laser Cut High-Waisted Leggings

If you're doing a high-impact cardio workout class or interval training session, these moisture-wicking All in Motion Women's Sculpted Linear Laser Cut High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings 25" ($32) will support you on that journey. The waistband has a single loop that's designed to stay in place while doing squats, a HITT workout, or a cardio session. The leggings' quick dry fabric will keep you feeling fresh and comfortable no matter how intense your sweat session is.

What customers are saying: Customers enjoy that these leggings hold up to their description. They are 7/8 in length, fit true to size, and have a non-slip waistband with a stretchy fabric that's comfortable to work out in. In general, 71 percent of reviewers recommend them.

Why we love them: Aside from all the great reviews that customers give these leggings, we particularly enjoy their grape color. The purple is super unique and stands out from the crowd. If this color isn't your thing, they're also available in black.

What's worth noting: If you're short in height, customers have reported the 7/8 length of these leggings extending to their ankles. If having full-length leggings is a deal breaker to you, this is worth noting.

The Details: Sizes: 1X-4X | Length: 7/8 length | Color Options: 2

Best Legging For Studio Classes: All in Motion Women's Simplicity Mid-Rise Leggings
target.com

Best Legging For Studio Classes: All in Motion Women's Simplicity Mid-Rise Leggings

These All in Motion Women's Simplicity Mid-Rise Leggings ($20) work well for barre, pilates, or even at-home dance workouts. Plus, they come in five colors, and regular and long lengths, too. We adore their stash pocket for holding keys, as well as their ability to be thrown in the washer and dryer without worry. These are the perfect no-fuss leggings to throw on before a workout class, and then throw in your laundry afterward.

What customers are saying: Reviewers discuss how these leggings are thick and not see-through, allowing them to work out in them with ease. In addition, they don't ride down and have great compression, which can be a deal-breaker for many.

Why we love them: Nobody wants to deal with high-maintenance anything, and when leggings come with special care instructions, I always forget and end up ruining them in the wash. These leggings are different since they can be thrown in the washer and dryer without worry. Their low maintenance style is a huge bonus.

What's worth noting: While these leggings are stretchy, they can lose a bit of that in the wash. If that's a dealbreaker for you, make sure to air dry them.

The Details: Sizes: XS-XXL | Length: 7/8 length | Color Options: 5

Best High Waisted Legging: Women's Contour Curvy Leggings with Power Waist
target.com

Best High Waisted Legging: Women's Contour Curvy Leggings with Power Waist

We love these All in Motion Women's Contour Curvy High-Waisted Leggings with Power Waist ($25) because they really cinch in your midsection with a wide, mesh-lined waistband (and then contour to hug hips and thighs, too). Their hidden pocket lends to hands-free movement during workouts, and their seamless style ensures a smooth fit. Made of recycled polyester, you can feel good about this purchase.

What customers are saying: Customers love the way these leggings contour their bodies. One customer wrote, "Best leggings I've ever owned! They're buttery soft and not see-through at all! Comfortably high-waisted, which I love because it helps accentuate an hourglass figure, and they don't roll down."

Why we love them: There's nothing better than feeling confident in the clothes you wear, and these leggings' high waist has the contouring capabilities to make anyone feel good. You'll want to wear them well beyond your workout class.

What's worth noting: These leggings are high-waisted and rest above your belly button. If you're looking for low-rise leggings, these are not the pair for you.

The Details: Sizes: XS-XXL | Length: 7/8 length | Color Options: 1

Best Patterned Legging: All in Motion Women's Premium High-Waisted Leggings
target.com

Best Patterned Legging: All in Motion Women's Premium High-Waisted Leggings

These pretty patterned All in Motion Women's Premium High-Waisted Leggings ($40) look great whether you're running errands or walking around the neighborhood. Available in six different prints, these pants are suited to reflect your personality. Their moisture-wicking fabric allows you to wear them all day without feeling hot or uncomfortable. You'll be inspired to take your workout to the next level with these leggings on.

What customers are saying: The material is what has customers swooning, with a majoring of reviews mentioning how soft and comfortable they are. One reviewer wrote, "I usually don't write reviews but I am absolutely obsessed with these leggings. The material is comfortable, the way they shape my body is great, and they're perfect for the days at the gym that are weight-focused."

Why we love them: Beyond how soft and comfortable these leggings are, we love all of the patterns they come in. The designs are a great way to express your personality.

What's worth noting: Reviewers are reporting sizing flaws with these pants. If you want to purchase a pair for yourself, make sure to size down.

The Details: Sizes: 1X-4X| Length: 7/8 length | Color Options: 6

Best Legging For Travel: All in Motion Women's Premium Ultra High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings 23"
target.com

Best Legging For Travel: All in Motion Women's Premium Ultra High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings 23"

If side seams are your enemy, you'll want to opt for a pair of these All in Motion Women's Premium Ultra High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings 23" ($40). Not only are there flat seams throughout, but they're also super soft, too. Wear them on your next flight for a comfortable ride, you'll love their stretchy nylon and spandex material to relax in.

What customers are saying: For the price, customers say these leggings exceed their expectations. One customer said, "These leggings are so comfortable and flexible. I've worn them for air travel, casual city walking, barre class, and cold weather hiking." They continued, "I would definitely purchase another pair — they're worth double the price!"

Why we love them: Everyone needs a good pair of leggings for running errands and traveling, and these leggings are perfectly suited for the job. While their material can be a little hot at times, they're incredibly comfortable and great for everyday wear.

What's worth noting: These leggings are thick and can be hot to wear. While they're great for chilly days, if it's hot outside, you might want to reach for another pair of pants.

The Details: Sizes: 1X-4X| Length: 7/8 length | Color Options: 3