Ever tried going for a long, sweaty run in fuzzy joggers? Or grinding out an intense HIIT workout in soft sweatpants? You could probably do it, but it's not ideal. That's because gym clothes aren't just for cute mirror selfies — the right gear, like a supportive sports bra, a sweat-wicking pullover, and stretchy leggings, can aid your athletic performance.
The best compression leggings, for example, provide firm (yet comfortable) pressure that can help you feel supported as you complete those last few reps. The compressive feeling mimics ready-to-work muscles, helping you get into that let's-crush-this-workout headspace. A good pair can also promote increased blood flow, help prevent swelling while flying, and won't ride up or down. Don't be surprised if they're a little extra snug the first time you try them — the fabric will stretch slightly as you keep wearing them, molding to your body for the perfect fit.
Things to look for in good compression leggings:
How does it fit around the ankle? Is it too loose or tight?
How does the thickness of the waistband feel? Most people prefer a thicker waistband for support.
Do they feel secure enough? Is the stretch good, too compressive, or too loose?
Can you squat, jump, and run comfortably?
Ready to feel ✨super snatched✨ during your workouts? Here are some of the best compression leggings out there.
If you're looking to stock up on stretchy, soft leggings in a ton of unique colors, you're going to love these. They offer moderate amounts of compression, and there's no front seam which helps avoid the dreaded camel toe situation.
Customer Review: "Material is so comfortable, just the right amount of compression. True to size, I usually wear a small and I ordered a small. Stood up to a kickboxing workout as well as weightlifting. Waistband stays put. 10/10 Recommend!"
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Best Budget Option
Old Navy High-Waisted Elevate Compression Leggings
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Best Budget Option
Old Navy High-Waisted Elevate Compression Leggings
“Old navy compression leggings might be the most important person in my life right now,” writes one Reddit user. These bold leggings are as functional as they are cute with flat seams (read: less chafing) and a gusseted design (that triangle in the crotch of your leggings that allows for more movement).
Customer Review: "I came to get a few more pairs of these only to see they are gone!! I live in these. The fit is spot on, they don't roll down, amazing support, they keep shape and are thick, not see through. These are everything! I need more!!!"
These Firm-Support leggings offer compression with a capital C. They boast moisture-wicking fabric, have 6 different pockets to hold your keys, phone, and hairties, and the drawstring waistband will help you get the best fit around your torso as well as preventing slippage.
Customer Review: "They were difficult to put on due to lack of stretch. This was a blessing in disguise as once they were on, these held everything in place. It didn’t move when I exercised and bent over. The side pocket was nice for me to put my phone in. Overall super satisfied with these leggings.
If you want to know how good these are, just know that one shopper declared that she donated all of her other leggings after trying these on. They live up to their booty-boosting name and offer tight compression for support while walking around or working out.
Customer Review: "By far the best work out leggings I have purchased. So comfortable and they don’t cut into my stomach at all! I will definitely be purchasing more!"
Fair warning: these leggings are compressive. Many reviews talked about buying a size up, which we suggest doing if you aren't looking for compression and would prefer to just lounge in these leggings.
Customer Review: "I usually buy pricey Nike leggings which are similar in style, and to find an almost-equivalent for less than half the price is seriously exciting for a bargain hunter as I am! I've worn these at least once a week, washed every time and they look as new after 3 months of intensive 2 hour sessions, which is seriously impressive."
If you have to wake up early for strength training or sports practices, these leggings are so soft that they're kind of like a little treat. 🫶 They're thick enough to be snug but not too thick that they're uncomfortable.
Customer Review: "I wanted to try these after seeing that they had 500k 5 star reviews or something like that and let me tell you…I totally get the hype! Perfectly high rise and thicker material that does not feel cheap at all."
PSA: These leggings have been rated almost 19,000 times, and they have close to a 5-star rating. That's pretty darn good. The PowerHold® leggings are made of Fabletic's highest compression fabric, so you know that they'll hold you securely.
Customer Review: "These are one of my favorite leggings! The booty boost is no joke! I'm a fitness instructor and every time I wear these people want to know the exercise I do to keep my booty fit! I say it's actually the leggings… no joke!"
These are good compression leggings, with one caveat. Fans of the brand love these leggings and your regular size will offer a nice snug fit, but if you want lots of compression, we suggest sizing down as some people reported slipping with really high-impact activities.
Customer Review: "These leggings are good quality and I love the green color. I'll likely wear them for hiking or yoga as well. They are a little thicker with good compression."
One shopper compared these to Lululemon's popular Align style, but more compressive. Depending on how tight you prefer your leggings to be, you can either buy your regular size or size up for a slightly looser feel.
Customer Review: "Love these for hard workouts! I do cross fit in these gems and nothing moves around. You also can’t see sweat through them."
These leggings are meant for medium to high-impact workouts, and the 7/8 length is designed to hit above your ankle — although that will depend on your height. Good thing they have Petite and Tall options, too!
Customer Review: "These are great! Love the compression and feeling! I use them for spin and high impact workouts!"
Hannah is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from cute apartment decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and unhinged updates on the books she’s reading on the train.