These tights are designed with compressive panels that mimic the kinesiology taping techniques that physical therapists sometimes use to support injured runners. Although Dworecki admits that the extra stiffness doesn’t feel comfy for just lounging around, she says it can come in handy whenever her body’s feeling a little extra beat up.
Sizes: XS to 2XL | Material: Polyester, spandex, nylon, Lycra spandex | Inseam lengths: N/A
Best with Pockets: Brooks Spark Tights
Although these Brooks tights might not have the most pockets, they’re really well-designed. In the back of the waistband, there’s a turn-and-lock slot that’s big and secure enough to stash your phone without it bouncing around or dragging the waist down. And on the outside of each thigh, deep pockets are big enough to hold a bunch of gels.
Another detail I love: The fabric inside the side pockets is mesh, so it’s more breathable and keeps me cooler when temps heat up.
Sizes: XS to XXL | Material: Recycled polyester, spandex | Inseam lengths: 27 inches
Most Breathable: Nike Pro Women’s Mid-Rise Crop Mesh-Panel Leggings
If high-waisted, full-length leggings feel like too much fabric for warmer runs, opt for a cooler, cropped cut instead. This capri-length Nike pair also has cool mesh on the backs of the calves and a wide elastic waistband that hits just below your belly button. Meanwhile, lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric keeps you from getting waterlogged, even when the sweat starts dripping.
Sizes: XXS to 3X | Material: Polyester, spandex | Inseam lengths: 27 inches
Best with Reflective Details: Adidas Ultimateadidas Reflective 7/8 Leggings
Running at dusk or dawn? Look for leggings with reflective details, like this Adidas pair. “Even when you don’t think you’re going to be running in the evenings, you could get lost or something could happen,” Dworecki says. “Even if the weather is just really gray and dark, that reflective detailing is never going to hurt.”
Most leggings only have a small, reflective logo. Other times, it’s pasted onto clothing in big blocks that aren’t exactly flattering. But Ultimateadidas splits the difference, with reflective strips along the front and back of the thighs and ankles. You can easily be seen in the dark from any angle—but still look cute when you’re heading out in daylight.
Sizes: 2XS to 2XL | Material: Recycled polyester, elastane | Inseam lengths: 31 inches
Best Opaque: Spanxshape Booty Boost 7/8 Leggings
“Booty Boost” is truly an appropriate name for these leggings: The compressive material gives you a lift in the back and some extra support in the front. As someone who’s self-conscious about the cellulite on the back of my thighs, I almost always avoid light-colored tights. But Spanx makes light shades with its “No Reveal Opacity” tech—there’s a darker lining inside, for better coverage.
Although this doesn’t completely block out all panty lines for me, it covers up most of them. Even better? I see next to no cellulite—which leaves me feeling far more confident on my runs.
Sizes: XS to 3X | Material: Nylon, elastane | Inseam lengths: 25 inches
Best Plus-Size: Peloton Apparel Cadent High Rise Legging
As a plus-size runner, Young says it’s getting harder to find good running leggings in her size. “I wish there were more plus-size options that truly considered plus-size bodies,” she says.
But this pair from Peloton’s apparel line has become her tried-and-true. “These are some of the most enduring pairs of leggings I have come across,” she says. She finds the soft material to be super comfortable, but notes that it still does a great job of wicking away sweat. “And they come in a lot of fun colors,” she adds. (She also recommends the brand’s sports bras and tank tops, which make a perfect matching set.)
Sizes: XS to 3X | Material: Polyester, spandex | Inseam lengths: 25 inches
More great options
Haven’t found the right pair yet? Don’t sweat it—even though these leggings didn’t make our top picks, we still recommend them. (Many have similar features, fabrics, and price points to our favorites.)
Athleta Rainier High Rise Legging
Living in Indiana, Dworecki has several pairs of fleece-lined leggings—but the Rainier is her favorite. “The fleece interior is just really soft,” she says. While some pairs feel too heavy to run in comfortably, she finds that Athleta nailed the perfect balance of cozy (but not stifling) with this pair. “They just feel comfortable,” she says.
Nikkia Young, president of the Richmond Road Runners Club and running coach with Game Changers, is also a fan. She says they’re super durable (“they do very well for a long time, and they wash well,” she explains) and appreciates that they’re available in plus sizes.
Sizes: XXS to 3X (regular), XXS to L (petite) | Material: Polyester, Lycra | Inseam lengths: 25, 27, 30 inches
Beyond Yoga Spacedye The Go Pocket Midi Legging
If you want running leggings that are also opaque enough for yoga class and strength training, plus comfy enough for day-to-day lounging, this Beyond Yoga pair has you covered. They’re made from the brand’s UV protective Spacedye material that’s sweat-wicking, has four-way stretch, and feels majorly soft. It’s just as good for curling up on the couch as it is for going on a run.
This pair in particular has side pockets that are big enough for your phone,and a secure, high-rise waistband that won’t slip down, thanks to an adjustable drawstring.
Sizes: XXS to XXL | Material: Polyester, elastane | Inseam lengths: 24 inches
Sweaty Betty Power 7/8 Workout Leggings
These leggings are made with super stretchy, but supportive—and sweat-wicking—polyamide elastane fabric that’s simply ideal for running. They also have a zippered back pocket to keep your phone safe, plus an extra side pocket for your gels, keys, or anything else you want to carry.
One detail we love? Strategic seams across the thighs and backside make for an especially flattering design. Bonus: They come in tons of colors and fun patterns, for a major dopamine boost.
Sizes: XXS to 4XL | Material: Polyamide elastane | Inseam lengths: 24, 27 inches
Vuori Daily Pocket Legging
Vuori has a well-earned reputation for making buttery soft clothing, and these leggings are no exception. A drawstring lets you loosen the waist when you’re just hanging around, or tighten it up to stay in place when you’re picking up the pace. (The only bummer is that it can get in the way if you’re wearing a tighter long top.)
Also helpful: Although there’s no back pocket, two drop-in slots on the outside of the thighs are big enough to stash your phone.
Sizes: XXS to XXL | Material: Polyester, elastane | Inseam lengths: 22.5, 24.5, and 27.5 inches
What to look for in running leggings
Not all leggings are good for running. Here’s what experts suggest keeping in mind while you’re shopping for a pair that will hold up for miles.
Look for breathable, sweat-wicking fabrics made from synthetic materials like nylon, elastane, Lycra, spandex, or polyester. “Avoid cotton or anything that’s going to hold moisture against your skin,” Dworecki says.
If you live in a cold climate, leggings with a fleece lining or a thicker weave will keep you warm. When it’s warmer, Dworecki suggests looking for a pair with mesh cutouts. “Just keep them in the lower leg because sometimes, that can cause some chafing,” she warns.
Another way to stay cooler in the summer is to reach for leggings with a shorter inseam that lets your ankles and calves breathe. Just know that, while a 23-inch inseam may hit mid-calf on longer legs, they could fit like full-length leggings if you’re shorter.
Some brands (and runners like Staehler) recommend that people who are 5 feet, 4 inches tall or shorter buy 7/8 length leggings to avoid extra fabric bunching around their ankles.
Leggings can be high-rise, mid-rise, or low-rise. “A high-rise waistband gives more coverage and support,” Dworecki points out, adding that it also typically offers extra space for pockets. However, other runners prefer a mid-rise waistband because it covers less of their core and doesn’t feel as restrictive.
To minimize chafing, Dworecki suggests reaching for leggings made with flatlock seams that lie smooth against your skin. “And look for something called a gusseted crotch—it looks like a diamond—because you can get chafing down in that area too,” she says.
Also, consider how much compression you want in your leggings. “If you get ones with proper compression, it can really support your body in some of those later mileages,” says Young. She adds that some runners wear compressive leggings in place of compression socks or sleeves.
Other helpful details include pockets to stash essentials and reflective elements to help you be seen in the dark.
How we tested running leggings
To find the best running leggings, I asked other runners and coaches for their top recs—and took stock of my own go-tos after trying loads of pairs myself over the years. I quizzed the experts on both the essentials (sweat-wicking fabrics) and nice-to-haves (pockets) in good running leggings, then scoured both new releases and longtime fan favorites to find pairs that fit the bill.
Frequently asked questions about running leggings
How do I stop my leggings from falling down while I run?
Choose a pair with a drawstring you can tighten, Dworecki suggests. It can also help to avoid putting anything in your leggings’ pockets. (Pro tip: Strap on a running belt instead.)
Young also recommends experimenting with sizing down: “That tends to hold you in with the extra compression, but also is a little more resistant to moving around,” she says.
Why do some runners wear shorts over their leggings?
Since leggings are super form-fitting, some runners prefer to layer shorts on top for additional coverage. “Some people are self-conscious about having it be too tight on certain parts of their body,” Dworecki explains. And sometimes, Young adds, people add the extra layer in the winter to offer a smidge more warmth to their backsides.
Related:
Get more of SELF’s great product recommendations delivered right to your inbox (for free!).
