If You Love Indoor Cycling, You Need These 9 Leggings

Old Navy
Old Navy
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In the time we spent primarily at home over the last couple of years, we discovered all kinds of at-home workouts, and fell particularly in love with indoor cycling. It's such an effective workout, the at-home bike doesn't require a massive amount of space, and the endorphin rush is almost immediate. Plus, if you're someone who has knee issues, cycling is a great cardio option. Now that gyms and studios are back open, we're starting to take class again, but the love of indoor cycling has persisted. Now that you've got your cycling shoes in hand, you need a great pair of leggings, and that's where we come in.

These nine leggings are our top choices for indoor cycling workouts. I personally use my stationary bike two to three times a week, so I know what I'm looking for in a legging. You want something that's comfortable and lightweight, that won't ride down, and will wick sweat beautifully, because there's nothing worse than feeling like you're sitting in a puddle, or are at risk of sliding right off your seat. Whether you're excited to be back at your local studio or are obsessed with your Peloton bike, these leggings will be your top choice. Keep on reading to shop our top selects, and here's to a new personal record!

Best Affordable Leggings: Old Navy High-Waisted PowerPress Leggings
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Best Affordable Leggings: Old Navy High-Waisted PowerPress Leggings

If you want high quality leggings that won't break the bank, these Old Navy High-Waisted PowerPress Leggings ($14, originally $30) are the ones for you. They're comfortable, easy to move in, and built to be flexible. Plus, at only $14, they're practically a steal. Made from the brand's PowerPress fabric, these will wick sweat during tough indoor cycling workouts.

What customers are saying: One customer notes that these are, "Super comfy, perfect high waist and good compression!" Another person says that they "did a high impact workout in these and didn't even have to pull them up or adjust them at all! Nice fabric too."

Why we love it: These are the brand's more sweat-wicking, high performance leggings. Plus, anytime we can score quality workout clothes for under $15 is a good day.

What's worth noting: If you've loved Old Navy leggings for a long time, you're going to remember these leggings under a different name, the Elevate leggings.

The details: Sizes: XS-4X | Length: 26.5, 28, 31 in. length | Colorways: 5

Best High Intensity Workout Leggings: Alo High-Waist Airlift Leggings
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Best High Intensity Workout Leggings: Alo High-Waist Airlift Leggings

These Alo High-Waist Airlift Leggings ($118) are this editor's newest favorite. They're lightweight, easy to move in, and look so good on the body. The Airlift material is shiny, and we love how flattering it is on the legs and butt. Plus, they're sweat-wicking but still hold you in, which is a more unique combination than it should be.

What customers are saying: One person said that these leggings are "extremely comfortable. Material feels great. Really like the single seam, full length and high waist. True to size and fits wonderfully," while another person said, "absolutely love them, they hug and smooth you perfectly. Just get them!"

Why we love them: These are the leggings you're going to want to be seen in pre and post cycling class. The shiny fabric is so flattering, and feels like a second skin. When you wear them, you feel like you can take on the world.

What's worth noting: These leggings do run slightly small, so if you're in between sizes, we'd recommend sizing up. They also don't have pockets.

The details: Sizes: XXS-XL| Length: 28 inch length | Colorways: 15

Most Versatile Leggings: Lululemon Invigorate High-Rise Tight
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Most Versatile Leggings: Lululemon Invigorate High-Rise Tight

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 doing a Peloton bootcamp class, where I have to both cycle and lift weights, these are the pants I choose. They don't fall down, and I've had mine for years without pilling.

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

Best Size Inclusive Leggings: Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Leggings
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Best Size Inclusive Leggings: Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Leggings

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.

What customers are saying: One customer raves, "Girlfriend Collective leggings are built to last and the fact they are sustainable makes it 100x more awesome! Also, I am a pretty active runner and finding pants that I don't have to constantly pull up is HARD. But, for me personally, once these babies make it over my hips, they aren't budging. I love running in them because they are truly comfortable. I have also gone on hikes, done yoga, gardened and biked. They are perfect for all of those activities. Truly, I don't think I'll buy activewear from anywhere else. I'm impressed with how they fit, how I can wear them for any activity, the fact they are ethical & sustainable, the quality, the price and they are CUTE!! I mean the list goes on & on. If you're unsure about buying, I say DO it. I don't think you'll find another pair of leggings of this quality, sustainability, cuteness all while being this fairly priced."

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. They also have tons of matching sports bras and tanks, so you can find your perfect fit. Additionally, some lighter colors are more likely to show sweat.

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

Best Crossover Leggings: Offline By Aerie Real Me Xtra Crossover High Waisted Pocket Legging
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Best Crossover Leggings: Offline By Aerie Real Me Xtra Crossover High Waisted Pocket Legging

Crossover leggings have been popping up everywhere recently, and they're a slightly more flattering take on the classic high-waisted legging. The Offline By Aerie Real Me Xtra Crossover High Waisted Pocket Legging ($39, originally $55) is the one that started the trend, and it's still one of our favorites. The super lightweight fabric is great for sweaty activities like indoor cycling. Plus, this version now has side pockets, which is essential.

What customers are saying: These leggings have plenty of positive reviews, with one person noting that these are "actually the best leggings I have owned in my existence. Super comfy and form fitting. They aren't super tight but they also stay up. I've owned plenty of leggings in my lifetime and these are the ones I want to marry. 11/10"

Why we love them: These leggings are impossibly flattering. They're one of our favorite pairs to wear with a crop top or sports bra because they help define the waist. They're also lightweight and a great option for hot summertime days.

What's worth noting: These pants are more lightweight, so if you're looking for something more compressive, they might not be the best choice. They also come in both petite and tall varieties.

The details: Sizes: XXS-XXL| Length: 23, 25, 27 inch length | Colorways: 6

Best Drawstring Leggings: Vuori Daily Legging
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Best Drawstring Leggings: Vuori Daily Legging

If you're someone who's always pulling your leggings up on the bike, you need the Vuori Daily Legging ($89). It has a drawstring adjustable waistband, so it'll be the perfect fit. Plus, the cuffed ankles help ensure the fabric won't get caught on your pedals. These leggings help wick sweat and moisture, so you'll always be comfortable.

What customers are saying: One customer says that these are "my favorite workout leggings! Use them for running and strength training. Waist doesn't roll down, squat proof, wick away all the sweat and so incredibly soft. Love!!" Another person said, "Vuori leggings honestly are the best I've tried . . . these will be my forever leggings."

Why we love it: If you're looking for comfortable, soft leggings that wick sweat and don't budge, these are the leggings to try.

What's worth noting: Some customers have noted that these leggings run small, so if you're in between sizes, consider going with the larger option.

The details: Sizes: XXS-XXL | Length: 24.5 in. length | Colorways: 10

Best Leggings With a Side Pocket: Under Armour Meridian Leggings
underarmour.com

Best Leggings With a Side Pocket: Under Armour Meridian Leggings

These Under Armour Meridian Leggings ($70) have a discreet side pocket that's easy to store everything from your phone to keys. The material was created to be both super soft and sweat-wicking, which is a unique combination. If you're going to a cycling or bootcamp class, pick up these leggings.

What customers are saying: One customer noted "When it comes to shopping for my workout clothes I am very skeptical on what I decide to invest my money on. This line that UA came out with truly stole my heart, the Meridian leggings are my all time new favorites. From squat proof, to durability, to comfort, they just fit so right and hug your body in all the right places and definitely true to size."

Why we love it: This legging is built for high performance movement. The fabric has been specially engineered to be buttery soft but still wick sweat unbelievably well, which is so rare.

What's worth noting: These leggings also come in petite and tall sizes, so you can find your preferred fit easily.

The details: Sizes: XS-XXL | Length: 29 in. length | Colorways: 5

Best Seamless Leggings: Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings
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Best Seamless Leggings: Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings

If you love a seamless legging, you're not alone. Our top pick is the bestselling Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings ($54). They're comfortable, supportive, and easy to move in. Plus, even though seamless leggings are normally associated with thicker fabrics, these are surprisingly breathable, and great for sweaty rides.

What customers are saying: One person notes these leggings "fit perfectly, very flattering and can be worn in hot or cold weather (very thick but not weighing you down)" while another customer says that they're, "snug in all of the right places and hold my waist in nice and tight. Super flattering. I now want them in every color."

Why we love them: These leggings will not budge throughout your toughest workouts. The seamless fabric is comfortable and easy to wear, and these leggings have a waistband that's flexible and sturdy.

What's worth noting: If you like a more compressive fit, customers recommend going with your usual size, and if you want a bit more room and flexibility, try sizing up.

The details: Sizes: XS-XXL| Length: 30.5 inch length | Colorways: 10

Best Colorful Leggings: Outdoor Voices Core 7/8 Legging
outdoorvoices.com

Best Colorful Leggings: Outdoor Voices Core 7/8 Legging

The Outdoor Voices Core 7/8 Legging ($88) feels like butter and has a flattering fit that will make you feel confident. It's made with the TechSweat fabric that helps cool your body down by wicking away sweat. The legging is also quite breathable and lightweight. It's great for indoor cycling, as well as all medium- to high-intensity workouts. If you want something lightweight and breezy, this is the one for you.

What customers are saying: One purchaser notes, "I LOVE these pants - so much so that I own them in 4 colors. The best for everything from walks to HIIT to running a half marathon (wore these through a crazy storm during my half and they didn't budge once). When I say these are the best pants to workout in I mean it. Will probably buy them in every other color!!"

Why we love it: The legging has a back pocket where you can store your essentials, and it's one of the only back pockets we've used that fits our phone. It also has a bonded waistband that is designed to stay put no matter how you move.

What's worth noting: These leggings are really light and breathable, but they can show sweat. We wouldn't necessarily recommend going commando in these.

The details: Sizes: XS-XL | Length: 25 in. length | Colorways: 5