Lululemon has a little phrase in reference to new fabric technologies and fits within the brand: “When you feel your best, you perform your best.” As someone who loves exercising, I can confidently say that statement rings true for me. We all know the feeling of being in a workout or, heck, even walking down the street in a pair of leggings that don’t fit right. You’re constantly fidgeting and adjusting and, in turn, not feeling like your most confident self. My trick for ensuring my leggings fit perfectly every time? I buy compression leggings.
Whether I opt for a full-compression design or choose leggings that have the compression fit in one or more parts (e.g., the waistband, butt area, etc.), I have found that paying attention to this one detail in product descriptions and style names has ensured that my leggings fit like a glove. I was recently chatting with the PR manager at Lululemon, Meghan Chisholm, about this exact topic. She told me that at Lululemon, they focus a lot on how products make you feel and how our mind and body interact. “Our product developers use this philosophy to engineering-specific physical sensations that drive emotional responses toward how products are perceived,” says Chisholm. While she was specifically speaking to Lululemon’s Everlux material, this overarching theme of how our body and mind connect is something I think about when purchasing new leggings.
With that said, if you’ve struggled to feel confident in leggings, I highly suggest trying out compression leggings. The “tight but not too tight” fit ensures a fidget-free wear time and again. Ahead, I have shopped out 24 of the best compression leggings on the market based on customers and my personal reviews. After reading up on all the hype, I’m sure you’ll be hopping on the compression bandwagon soon.
“Compresses in all the right places and still feels very light and breathable!” — Retail reviewer
“These leggings are incredibly well made and worth the money. I don’t think I’ve ever owned a pair of leggings that are this nice and fit so nice. I ordered a small and they are a tad snug on my thighs, but not to the point where it’s uncomfortable. Lifts all the right places, keeps it in nicely.” — Retail reviewer
Spiritual Gangster designs some of my favorite leggings when it comes to compression. If you’re looking for a sleek black pair, choose these.
“These tights are super comfortable, stay in place, and definitely pass the squat test. I am 5’5″ and the 7/8 length falls a few inches above my ankle which is what I was looking for.” — Retail reviewer
Compression leggings don’t just have to be for the gym or for health purposes. A pair with a little bit of sheen can make for a “real” outfit as well.
“Love these leggings so much. They fit perfectly. They’re good quality but they have more of a slick, compressive feel (which I kinda… dare I say… prefer). I’ve bought too many ‘affordable’ leggings and these blow them out of the water.” — Retail reviewer
“I’ve tried many different leggings and I keep coming back to Spanx because the high waist covers and feels the best!” — Retail reviewer
If there were ever a time to try out a bold legging color, it’s while we are spending more time indoors.
“Love, love, love. Bought black pair and they are easily my favorite pair out of all of the expensive pairs I own.” — Retail reviewer
Compression leggings that are chic? Yes, they exist, and these are them.
“Dragon Fit yoga pants are, by far, the best brand for the most reasonable price that I have tried from Amazon. I love the weight and density of the fabric (no see-through), that the high waist tummy control offers a nice amount of control without being uncomfortably tight.” — Retail reviewer
“I use these for running and any high impact workout and I’ve never been so impressed with how well a pair of leggings fit. They never fall down meaning I don’t have to constantly pull them up whilst running (we’ve all been there!), they’re super flattering with the bum sculpting element as well as the level of support at the waistband (they have high compression so pull you in quite a lot), and the fabric is so lightweight you barely feel like you’re even wearing anything.” — Retail reviewer
“I absolutely love these leggings. When I work out with other leggings I would always have the issue of pulling them up because they would slide or the waistband would fold over. Never had a problem with these leggings. You can do snatches, cleans, squats, deadlifts, etc. They’re so comfortable. Waiting for the shorts to restock.” — Retail reviewer
“Fits perfectly. Waistband sits just above the belly button and doesn’t budge without being constrictive or uncomfortable. Fabric weight is not too thick or thin with just the right amount of compression and flexibility.” — Retail reviewer
“Fits perfectly with adequate compression. The weight of the material is a perfect blend of soft without being see-through.” — Retail reviewer
This seamless aesthetic will ensure a comfortable fit while exercising and lounging.
Good American makes some of the best leggings around, and out of the dozens of pairs I have acquired over the years, they remain some of my favorites.
“Thick material that holds it all in and doesn’t budge, even when running.” — Retail reviewer
“These are definitely ‘compression’ leggings. I absolutely adore them and the way they feel on my legs. I don’t have to worry about trying to sneak knee-high compression socks underneath because they provide a really nice, comfortable amount of pressure. I have worn these for an entire day and wish I could wear them everywhere, every single day.” — Retail reviewer
“Good waist control and nice fit true to size. Good quality fabric with a nice feel. I wore these with no other undergarment, and it gave my waist a nice shape.” — Retail reviewer
“They are comfortable enough to wear and exercise in—they have compression but still let you move freely. This winter I was thinking I might wear them under my jeans for added warmth and to keep my stomach smooth.” — Retail reviewer
“You can’t go wrong with a classic brand like Commando. After years of designing shapewear and undergarments, creating a pair of leggings that feels like you’re wearing nothing comes second nature.” — Retail reviewer
“Let’s start with the material, Core 10 nailed it! Worked out this a.m. in these beauties and was not tugging at the waist or worrying about a sagging bottom. These pants held their form and the best part, receiving compliments on your gym clothes while sweating!” — Retail reviewer
“These are some of the best quality leggings that I own. Just the right amount of body-hugging snatch yet comfort for all-day wear. Love them so much.” — Retail reviewer
“These leggings are great! I love them and have bought them in all 3 colors. I wear a 3X and it is hard to find good leggings.” — Retail reviewer
“I’ve never purchased from Beyond Yoga before, I’ve usually go for Lululemon or Alo Yoga. Decided to give these a try and all I can say is wow—these are so soft and comfy. They remind me of a thicker lining with slightly more compression. I wish I bought these sooner, I’m definitely going to purchase in more colors.”— Retail reviewer
“These are my new go-to leggings; so glad I bought both colors! They are super comfy with a waistband that’s not too tight but also doesn’t slip down and they feel like they will hold their shape well with multiple uses in between washings.” — Retail reviewer
“These leggings are so soft and stretchy. The quality is amazing, usually, leggings wear on the inner thigh part really quickly for me but not these ones. I have probably ten pairs of these and will continue purchasing.” — Retail reviewer
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
