17 Best Leggings We Tested That Don’t Roll Down or Pill 2024

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As a longtime health and fitness journalist, I’m not exaggerating when I say finding the best leggings has taken me testing at least fifty pairs over the past decade, from black leggings designed for running, to winter leggings that’ve kept me cozy during the chilliest hikes. During my tireless quest to find the just-right pairs—ones with the perfect level of compression, and comfy fabric that won’t slip, sag, or pill, I’ve locked in a few personal favorites (I wear the Vuori leggings on this list everyday–they’re my top pick for versatility). I also polled Glamour editors and fellow fitness pros to share their own reviews. To narrow down the list, I took various factors into account, including whether or not the leggings rolled down at any point, how sweat-wicking they were, and how well they stood up to at least five washes. Ahead, the best leggings for the gym, yoga, cardio, wearing as legit pants, and everything in between.

The best leggings for women, at a glanceBest Overall Leggings: Vuori Daily Leggings, $89Best Everyday Leggings: CRZ YOGA Butterluxe High Waisted Lounge Legging, $32Best for Running: Nike Go Firm-Support High-Waist 7/8 Leggings With Pockets, $120Best for Yoga: Lululemon Groove Nulu Super-High-Rise Flared Pant, $118Best Fleece-Lined Leggings for Winter: Yogipace Water-Resistant Fleece-Lined Warm Thermal Tights, $40Best Hiking Leggings: Sweaty Betty Power Leggings, 98Here’s what we considered during testing:

Slip & Squat Test: All leggings passed the “slip test” meaning they didn’t slip, slide, or roll down during workouts. They also passed the “squat test” meaning the fabric didn’t become transparent while squatting.Sizing: We noted brands that take size inclusivity into account, including the range of waist sizes along with inseam availability.Material: We considered which materials would be best-suited for different fitness activities: Natural fabrics (like cotton) tend to be more sustainable and breathable, while synthetic fabrics (like nylon and polyester) are better for moisture-wicking. As for synthetic fabrics, we sought out those made with recycled materials. We looked for leggings made of these high-quality fabrics, with appropriate thickness, moisture-wicking qualities, breathability, softness, and balanced compression. We also gave bonus points for eco-conscious materials.Pilling/Fading: We monitored how well the leggings stood up to a minimum of five wears and washes, noting pilling and fabric degradation.Fit & Design: We sought out leggings that were well-designed, fit comfortably on the body, weren’t too tight across the waist, and included innovative features (like pockets or strategic mesh panels).How we tested these leggings

Glamour is continuously monitoring the best products on the market, on behalf of our readers, and that research extends to the best leggings for women. This year, we’ve kept tabs on the most talked-about leggings and the latest releases from the brands our editors stand by.

Our contributor Kristine Thomason is fitness editor and writer with over a decade of experience, who has tested over fifty pairs in her career. To narrow down the best leggings for women on this list, she considered brands and styles from 2024 that suited various fitness and lifestyle needs. She also surveyed Glamour editors and testers to have a wide range of picks based on various preferences.

To determine which leggings were truly the best in each category, our testers wore each pair a minimum of five times, during various types of activity (running, hiking, lounging, running errands, and more). Each pair on this list excelled in every category of criteria (fit, e.g. if they managed not to roll down, slip, or sag, sizing, material, and durability).

2/17

CRZ Yoga Butterluxe High-Waist Lounge Leggings

Best for: Errands or everyday wear, low intensity workouts

These buttery leggings are a staple for Glamour editors and reviewers alike thanks to their stretchy, comfortable material that hugs the legs and hips to give you flattering shape and definition. They feel luxurious at just $32, and give every part of your legs up to your waist a bit of gentle compression without any restraint. They also have a high waist that gives you just the right amount of tummy control, if that’s what you’re after (many reviewers refer to them as a Lululemon alternative).

“The reviews speak for themselves,” says fashion content creator Stephanie Pernas, who shares that this is one of her all-time favorite pairs. They are super comfortable, and look “so good” on, compared to other leggings Pernas has tried, which says a lot considering a ton of Pernas’ fashion content revolves around the very best Amazon finds. “They’re available in endless colors, and are so good, I’ve bought them in multiples,” she says. Pernas also loves that this pair is also “squat-proof” which means that they’re suitable for beyond just running errands or going to the store, and that the fabric quality stays strong and doesn’t thin out over time.

Pros: Versatile, soft, budget-friendlyCons: The material is thinSizes: XXS-XLFabrics: Polyamide, LycraSlip test: PassedPilling: None4/17

Lululemon Groove Nulu Super-High-Rise Flared Pants

Best for: Yoga, everyday wear

Glamour commerce producer and yoga instructor Kassidy Davidson is a fan of these high-rise leggings that she says are perfect for the hot yoga sculpt classes she teaches. “I’ve worn them five times a month for two years (and washed and hang dried them each time after) and they still look good. They’re also the softest pair I’ve ever owned. The super high waist allows me to teach comfortably without having to worry about them slipping down while I’m in downward dog,” she says. “And the moisture-wicking material has kept me stay mostly dry while I’m teaching and disguises sweat stains.” Glamour’s Schwartz adds that she’s had a pair for ten years and they haven’t pilled after countless washes. She does note though that while they do sweat-wick better than any other pair of leggings she’s owned, they’re not great at trapping odor.

Pros: Moisture-wicking, pockets, durableCons: Might be too thinSizes: 0-20Fabrics: Nylon, lycraSlip test: PassedPilling: None5/17

Yogipace Water-Resistant Fleece-Lined Warm Thermal Tights

Best for: Warmth, Winter hikes, layering under pants

I have Raynaud’s so as soon as winter hits, If I’m going to be outside for more than thirty minutes (which is often in NYC) I have to layer. These are the warmest leggings of the dozens I’ve fleece-lined options I’ve tested. I wore them on a glacier hike in Iceland, during two Turkey Trots in Buffalo, NY when the temps dropped to 20 degrees, and under jeans to keep me toasty during walks through the park,” says Schwartz. “They sit at the waist (I’m 5′ 5) and because they’re not constricting, doubling up on waistbands when I wear them as tights doesn’t bother me. They do attract lint though, and while I’ve owned them for five years, they have started to pill, but I’ll give them a pass since they’re often rubbing against jeans.”

Pros: Moisture-wicking, warmCons: Attracts lintSizes: XS – XXLFabrics: Nylon, lycraSlip test: PassedPilling: Slightly over time7/17

Alo High-Waist Airbrush 7/8 Leggings

Best for: Working out at the gym, Yoga, Casual wear

The Alo High-Waist Airbrush leggings have garnered a bit of a cult following, and I have to admit, I’m proudly part of that group. The high waistband feels like a comforting hug around your middle, with just enough compression to feel supported but not stifled. The fabrication is also lovely, with a cotton-soft feel. They’re best-suited for low-intensity exercise, as the waistband does sometimes roll slightly during more high-intensity workouts. Nevertheless, I love having these Alo leggings in my rotation. I automatically feel effortlessly chic when I throw them on, and I feel just as comfortable wearing them to a Pilates class as I do pairing them with a sweatshirt for the plane.

Pros: Compression; smoothing; sculptingCons: Limited sizesSizes: XXS–XLFabric: Nylon, elastaneSlip test: Passed, but not during high intensity workoutsPilling: Minimal over time8/17

Girlfriend Collective Compressive Flare Leggings

Best for: Travel, Yoga, Casual wear

There’s so much to love about Girlfriend Collective: They’re size inclusive, their brand’s ethos is rooted in sustainability, and they use eco-conscious materials in all of their products. While I adore so many of their activewear pieces, this pair of flared leggings is a standout in my closet. They look gorgeous whether I’m running errands or heading to a yoga class—especially when worn with the matching top—and the wide leg is subtle, so it doesn’t get in the way of your activity. The fabric itself (made from recycled plastic bottles) is moisture-wicking, super sturdy, and squat-proof. Plus, the waistband stays in place—no slipping or rolling—and the high-quality material still looks brand new, even after 20 wears and washes.

Pros: Size-inclusive; recycled material; moisture-wickingCons: Not suited for high-intensity workoutsSizes: XXS–6XLFabric: Recycled plastic bottles (RPET), spandexSlip test: Can shift slightly during workouts, best for low-intensityPilling: None10/17

FP Movement Good Karma Leggings

Best for: Yoga, Pilates

Every time I throw on these leggings, I feel confident, strong, and ready to take on any challenge. Why? They have a unique wide ribbed waistline that gives them a custom-feeling fit, and reliably stays put, even during inversions and advanced yoga or pilates postures. The material is thick but breathable, with perforated detailing on the back of the leg for a little extra airflow. I’m also impressed by their longevity—I’ve owned my pair of Good Karma Leggings for nearly five years, and they still look brand new (no pilling in sight). Plus, this style of yoga pants comes in the most gorgeous earthy colors, winning them major style points.

Pros: Breathable; high waistCons: Limited sizesSizes: XS–XLFabrics: Spandex, nylonSlip test: PassedPilling: None14/17

Victoria’s Secret Pink All-Day Cotton Foldover Flare Leggings

Best for: Everyday wear, winter

“I’ve worn these consistently for a year and have washed them over 50 times, and they look good as new” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary. “My favorite winter leggings, the thicker cotton fabric has kept me warm during long 45 degree walks in NYC, too, and they’re completely non-slip.” Something to note: If you’re petite (like Kilkeary), you’ll need to wear a chunkier sneaker to ensure that the flare doesn’t drag on the floor.

Pros: The foldover waist allows you to wear them as high, mid, or low-riseCons: The material is really thick, which might not be suitable for working outSizes: XS-XXLFabrics: Cotton, modalSlip test: PassedPilling: None16/17

Natural Feelings Buttercloud High-Waist Leggings

Best for: Erands, wearing to work

Glamour’s Kilkeary is obsessed with these high-waisted leggings and has them in three colors as proof. “They’re super stretchy, very soft to the touch and the waistband is not tight at all, instead, they’re comfortable but still fit snug around the hips for a toned look,” she says. Kilkeary also loves this pair because of their versatility. “I wear them when I’m doing yoga at home, but I’ve also worn them to work with a longer sweater. They look good with basically anything, especially a cute puffer vest.” Kilkeary does note that while these are comfortable leggings, they aren’t great with keeping sweat at bay. “I’d recommend going for a different pair if you’re really gonna sweat it out. These will hide any sweat stains, but they stay wet, which is no fun.”

Pros: These come in sizes up to 3X and come in packsCons: Kilkeary says one of her pairs did form a hole at the top waistbandSizes: S/M-3XFabrics: Polyester, spandexSlip test: PassedPilling: None17/17

Leggings Depot High-Waist Flared Leggings

Best for: Errands, lounging

“I picked these leggings up during the pandemic when I discovered my athleisure aesthetic (for real, before 2020 I used to wear jeans around the house),” says Kilkeary. She likes the baggier bottom and figure-hugging waist. “I love the way they look paired with a platform sneaker or chunky Ugg,” she says. She can also attest to the fact that they’re very soft (perhaps the best part), they literally feel like pajama pants.

Pros: Easy accessibility because the material is stretchyCons: Kilkeary says that if you’re on the shorter side, you may not be able to wear them with flat shoesSizes: S-XLFabrics: Polyester, spandexSlip test: PassedPilling: None