8 Best Compression Leggings in 2024 That Are Trainer-Approved

July 05, 2024

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Leggings are some of the most comfortable items in our athleisure wardrobe—but they’re so much more than a pair of stretchy pants. In addition to comfort, leggings are functional pieces of athletic wear designed to provide support during exercise, promote blood flow, and help with muscle soreness. And, depending on your preferred workout, you can opt for a pair of leggings with light, medium, or high compression qualities in a range of styles and fits from top brands like Alo, Lorna Jane, Vuori, Beyond Yoga, and more.

Table Of Contents

Up ahead, find our top picks for the best compression leggings for muscle recovery and exercise support.

Best Compression Leggings, at a Glance

What to Look for in Compression Leggings for Muscle Recovery, According to an Expert

Fit

Fit is one of the most important things to consider when shopping for a pair of compression leggings. According to Kate Baldasare, a NASM-certified-, pre- and postnatal-certified trainer and corrective exercise specialist, compression leggings should have a tight fit and “stay in place like a second skin during your [training] session.”

Compression

“You might want to wear compression leggings for workouts because they give you support for high-impact activities and also promote blood flow, which helps with muscle soreness and recovery,” says Baldasare. With this in mind, the level of compression in your leggings can make a difference. You can find leggings with a range of compression, including light, medium and high.

Stretch

While most people choose compression leggings for their supportive benefits, you’ll still want to ensure that there is enough stretch for the leggings to move with your body while exercising—otherwise, they will feel uncomfortable and restricting, in turn affecting your overall workout.

Is wearing compression leggings good for you?

Baldasare says that compression leggings can definitely be good for you, especially when you consider the long-term benefits. “They are amazing for athletes since they can increase blood flow, which helps both mentally and physically during an intense workout,” she explains. Though there may be some instances in which you’ll want to avoid wearing them. “Compression leggings are mostly a great choice for anyone to try, but check with your doctor first if you have any neuropathy or circulation issues,” she adds.

What is the difference between compression tights and compression leggings?

Compression tights and compression leggings seem to be used interchangeably by athleisure companies. However, there are stark differences between the two. “Traditionally, compression tights are thinner and maybe even translucent (think: old school stockings) and would be worn underneath clothing as a base layer,” says Baldasare. “Compression leggings are meant to be worn alone for workouts, and are opaque and more stylish,” she adds.

Shop the best compression leggings for all forms of exercise down below.

Best Overall: Alo High-Waist Airlift Legging
Pros
- They’re constructed from a durable, high-compression fabric
- Despite their compression, they have plenty of stretch to move with your body while exercising
Cons
- They’re only available in sizes XS-XL
- They’re a little pricey (though we think they’re worth the splurge)
The Alo High-Waist Airlift Legging is our top pick for the best compression leggings overall because they feature a durable construction with high-compression fabric. These Alo leggings also feature a second skin fit and are super stretchy, giving them a comfortable fit that moves with the body while exercising and running errands.
Fabric: Polyester, elastane
Sizes Available: XS-XL
Colors: Black, espresso, anthracite, navy, core, fog, teal agate, paradise pink, green, dark plum, dark cactus, cherry cola
Best Budget: Quince Ultra-Form High-Rise Legging
Pros
- Cost under $40
- Excellent option for yoga
- The fabric is anti-microbial
Cons
- Only available in sizes XS-XL
- Have light compression, which might not be ideal for all preferences or needs
For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Quince Ultra-Form High-Rise Legging. These under $40 leggings are constructed with a light compression, making them a great option for those who want something supportive for low-impact workouts like yoga and pilates. On top of that, the soft, stretchy fabric features anti-microbial properties and is 100 OEKO-TEX-certified.
Fabric: Nylon, spandex
Sizes Available: XS-XL
Colors: Blue fog, chocolate, deep navy, black, plum, forest green
Best on Amazon: CompressionZ High Waisted Women's Leggings
Pros
- Cost under $50
- Come in two different styles (with or without pockets)
- Available in sizes XS-6XL
Cons
- They have lighter compression, which might not fit all preferences or needs
If you want a budget-friendly option from Amazon, we recommend the CompressionZ High – Waisted Women’s Leggings . These under-$50 Amazon leggings feature a light compression, are available in sizes XS to 6XL, and come in styles with or without pockets. The compression leggings also come in a collection of colors and prints that allow you to add a touch of personality to your athleisure wardrobe.
Fabric: Polyester, spandex
Sizes Available: XS-6XLColors: Black, black camo, carbon gray, camo black, leopard black, olive brown, pink, galaxy red, tangled black, blue camo, blue flowers, camo
$34.9949.9930% Off
Most Soft: Everlane The Perform 24/7 Legging
Pros
- Two different inseam options
- Made from recycled materials
Cons
- Only one color available
There’s something so luxurious about buttery soft leggings, and the Everlane The Perform 24/7 Leggings are exactly that. These leggings are constructed from recycled nylon with enough elastane stretch to allow them to form fit and move with the body, whether you’re exercising or on the go. In addition to their ultra-soft texture and comfortable fit, the leggings also feature two different inseam options, allowing you to choose which style best fits your needs.
Fabric: Recycled nylon, elastane
Sizes Available: 2XS-3XL
Colors: Indigo
$276860% Off
Most Sustainable: Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Legging
Pros
- Made from recycled plastic water bottles
- Three inseam options
- Inclusive sizing
Cons
- Might be too compressive for low-impact workouts
When it comes to sustainable athleisure, we always turn to Girlfriend Collective for its range of high-quality and durable items made from recycled plastic water bottles. The Compression High-Rise Leggings are one of our favorites from the brand and we especially adore them for a high-compression legging option. Available in sizes 2XS through 6XL (one of the most inclusive size ranges on our list), three different inseam options, and a surplus of stunning colors, these leggings provide long-lasting support and comfort whether you run, practice yoga (or both!).
Fabric: Plastic water bottles (RPET), spandex
Sizes Available: 2XS-6XL
Colors: Black, ivory, midnight, moss, plum, earth, citrine, glass, blood orange, prism
Most Supportive: Lorna Jane New Booty Support Full Length Leggings
Pros
- Designed with the brand’s core stability technology for added abdominal support
- They feature a drawcord for a more custom fit
Cons
- Only come in one color
For an ultra-supportive pair of compression leggings, look no further than the Lorna Jane New Booty Support Full-Length Leggings. These Lorna Jane leggings are constructed from a durable and comfortable polyester and elastane blend and feature a double layer of fabric on the booty area for added support. On top of that, they’re squat-proof and have an adjustable drawstring, so you can customize the fit.
Fabric: Polyester, elastane
Sizes Available: 2XS-2XL
Colors: Black
$507533% Off
Most Adjustable: Vuori Stride Legging
Pros
- Feature an adjustable drawstring at the waist for a custom fit
- Have a large side pocket for your phone
Cons
- Not many color options
If you’re worried about your leggings slipping and sliding, the Vuori Stride Legging is the best option for you. These leggings feature an adjustable drawstring at the waist, allowing you to customize the fit so that they stay put during intense workouts. On top of that, they’re constructed from a super soft and flexible polyamide elastane blend that is breathable and designed to move comfortably with the body during workouts.
Fabric: Polyamide, elastane
Sizes Available: 2XS-2XL
Colors: Black, ink, flint, plum
Best Color Selection: Beyond Yoga Spacedye Caught In The Midi High Waisted Legging
Pros
- Available in a collection of bright, heathered colors
- Buttery soft texture
- UV protection
Cons
- Select colors are only available in sizes 2XS-XL
Athleisure is a great excuse to play with color. And, if you’re looking for the best compression leggings with an excellent selection, consider the Beyond Yoga Spacedye Caught in the Midi High Waisted Legging. These ultra-soft leggings are constructed from a stretchy yet supportive polyester and elastane blend with a 5-inch waistband that provides additional support in the lower belly area. Available in 12 different colors, including lots of bright and radiant hues, these are a fun and functional pair to wear to your next workout.
Fabric: Polyester, elastane
Sizes Available: 2XS-4XL
Colors: Magenta heather, grape rose heather, apricot heather, lunar teal heather, ultraviolet heather, green grass heather, electric peach heather, flower blue heather, paradise coral heather, lime ice heather, pink hype heather, peacock blue heather
$48.509750% Off