People Prefer These $25 Leggings over More Expensive Pairs (2024)

Lululemon's Everlux fabric featured on this pair of leggings was a favorite among GH analysts and testers alike for being moisture-wicking, sleek and durable. It showed minimal shrinkage after laundering and no pilling in Lab evaluations. Designed for sweaty, high impact exercise like CrossFit and HIIT, this pair has a very compressive fit and GH pros found that the fabric easily wicked away moisture. If pockets aren't a priority, this style is available pocket-less for a lower price tag.

Tester notes: Testers loved this pair's high-rise, compressive fit while still being flattering and stylish, but some wish it was less compressive. Raving about its moisture-wicking capabilities, one tester said, "I never felt sweaty, even when I was sweating profusely." Testers appreciated that "they aren't see through at all (squat proof)."

At an unbeatable price, these affordable Colorfulkoala leggings outperformed styles over quadruple (!!!) the price. Made with soft polyester/spandex fabric, this pair is great for low-impact workouts with comfy compression. Without sacrificing style, this pair is available in over 30 shades with roomy side pockets big enough to hold your phone. The material maintained its shape after being stretched in the Lab, but wasn't as durable as it showed some signs of pilling and was a bit see-through in opacity evaluations.

Tester notes: With the highest consumer score, one tester exclaims that "I like them better than my other high-end expensive workout leggings." Testers especially liked that they are "flattering and comfortable," giving this pair a perfect comfort score. Multiple testers called out the pockets specifically, raving that they're "deep" and noting there is one on each side.

Ideal for soft compression during your yoga practice, this top performing style from Athleta aced Lab evaluations. Looking good as new out of the wash, GH pros noticed no changes in appearance with only slight shrinkage. The brand's signature Powervita nylon/lycra fabric is the perfect combination of soft and smooth, plus proved to be pill-resistant too. The material easily wicked away water during testing but received lower scores for stretch recovery.

Tester notes: All testers agree that this pair is "extremely flattering" and "supportive while still being comfortable," offering great coverage for group fitness classes. Testers appreciated that this style has regular, petite and tall sizing to find their best fit.

These running capris from Under Armour are lightweight and proved to be moisture-wicking in Lab tests, ideal for hot summer workouts. The fabric is smooth and lightweight so you don't have to worry about friction with your fast, repetitive movements. The material proved to be fully opaque, aced stretchy recovery testing and was pill-resistant too. Note there is one larger side pocket (not two) that can accommodate a phone.

Tester notes: With overall high marks from testers, one said “I loved where the pocket was placed and how accessible and large it was for workout leggings. I was able to put things in it and not worry about if they were going to fall out.” Testers also found this pair to be comfortable, flattering and fit well, though some testers didn't like the "shininess of the fabric."

Optimal for chilly weather workouts and lounging at home, these Champion tights feature double brushed polyester/spandex fabric to trap heat while moving with you. While fleece-lined leggings are warmer, this pair is more lightweight, ideal for outdoor and indoor workouts alike. This pair has a 25" inseam for a versatile cropped length. The cozy fabric proved to be fully opaque (even during squats) but did show some pilling and wasn't as moisture-wicking, which is to be expected with a brushed fabric. There's a small waistband pocket to hold essentials.

Tester notes: Testers raved that this pair feels "soft" and "thick," making it "best suited for winter workouts" while still having a flattering fit. Some testers found the waistband rolled down a bit during workouts.

Popular for its impressive size range of XXS to 6XL with two inseam lengths, this pair of Girlfriend Collective leggings uses a blend of recycled water bottles (RPET) and spandex for a compressive feel, ideal for high-impact workouts. This pair diverts 25 water bottles from landfills, making this a more sustainable buy. They have two deep side pockets and a small hidden waistband pocket. The fabric showed no shrinkage after laundering and minimal pills.

Tester notes: Multiple testers called out the flattering seams on this pair in particular and the comfy high waistband that stayed put during vigorous exercise. Testers appreciated the "more substantial" fabric that offered complete opacity and coverage. Some consumer testers found it too compressive for their preferences, especially in the waistband.

These lightweight leggings have a barely-there feel and move with you like second skin, making them perfect for low impact studio workouts with lots of movement. They’re also versatile for everyday use thanks to their buttery-soft feel. Besides the two side pockets, they also have a smaller pocket at the back waist for credit cards or keys. Though they’re pricey, our experts swear they’re worth it. Another standout feature is how the leggings lie flat on you.

Tester notes: There are no seams to poke you as you move and the waistband stays in place without feeling compressive, which testers love. On top of that, the fabric is stretchy enough to adapt as your body adjusts, whether from pregnancy or weight changes.

Head on a winter hike in style with this pair of fleece-lined leggings from Eddie Bauer that has both convenient side pockets and a zippered pocket. With petite and tall inseams, the fabric aced stretch recovery testing and showed minimal shrinkage in Lab evaluations. GH analysts love that Eddie Bauer has its own resale site to get used gear at a discounted rate.

Tester notes: Without feeling too compressive, consumer testers found this pair to be "generously sized" with no digging in. Keeping testers warm "but not too hot," testers rave that this pair is perfect for long walks and hikes. As testers noticed a bit of fuzz after machine washing and drying, be sure to turn this pair inside out when laundering, per the care label.

Using the brand's sculpting fabric, this pair of leggings from Spanx has a fitted design for a flattering look and ultimate performance. This pair has two roomy side pockets and a hidden waistband pocket too. The fabric had a perfect pilling score, producing zero pills, but received lower scores for stretch recovery as it didn't return to its original shape as easily. This style is also available without pockets.

Tester notes: "Very comfortable, and thick material that is not see through," according to one tester who wore this pair running and biking. This pair received perfect consumer scores for being flattering and well-fitting. Some testers noted that because of its compressive design, it can be tough to take on and off.

Fleece-lined for cold weather, this pair features zippered pockets to keep your belongings completely protected. This Athleta pair uses the brand's Supersonic fabric that's designed specifically for running with an added brushed interior for a cozy feel. The fabric maintained its shape perfectly after stretch recovery testing but GH analysts did note a bit of shrinkage and pilling.

Tester notes: Raving that this pair offers regular, petite and tall inseams, one tester said she "was shocked that the length, hips and waist were all perfect fit for me — that's a rare occurrence!" Another said "although the leggings are fleece-lined, they don't feel fleecey and don't hold onto my sweat, making them very comfortable in cold weather."

Comfortable fit and about $20? Yes, please. This pair of leggings from Motherhood Maternity is extremely versatile with a flexible panel that can be worn over the belly or under the bump: it's designed to grow with you so you never feel constricted. The material is lightweight, breathable and soft as it's made with cotton and spandex. Note that cotton isn't as opaque or moisture-wicking as synthetic material, so these aren't well suited for sweaty workouts. This pair has two back pockets for easy access.

Tester notes: GH experts and consumer testers alike have tried a variety of styles from Motherhood Maternity, giving consistent high marks for style, comfort and functionality. One tester said, "they fit great and they are very comfy!" She liked that the panel easily accommodated her growing bump, but noted that they're fairly thin and not fully opaque.

With a smooth feel and flattering criss-cross waistband, this best selling pair from Aerie was an athleisure favorite among GH experts and consumer testers. The material showed some shrinkage after laundering and stretched out a bit during testing. Because of the thinner, less durable material, this pair is ideal to wear as athleisure to wear when lounging or running errands with two roomy pockets.

Tester notes: Popular for its "flattering cut," multiple testers loved that it "accentuates the waist" and feels "super soft and smooth." Because they're not as moisture-wicking, testers noted they saw some sweat marks after strenuous exercise.

For ultimate coverage, opt for a pair of ultra high rise leggings like this style from Athleta. This durable fabric proved to be pilling-resistant and maintained its shape after stretch recovery testing, but did show slight shrinkage after laundering. Although this pair doesn't have side pockets, there is a convenient back waistband pocket. Designed for yoga and studio workouts, this pick offers light compression that moves with you without constricting.

Tester notes: All testers agreed that they are "so comfortable and so flattering." One tester said "as someone with bigger thighs I am usually very aware of my pants/leggings and feel the need to be constantly adjusting. With these leggings I never have that problem. They are always flattering and stay in place." Multiple testers commented that these are their new go-to leggings.

Flare yoga pants have a bootleg design that's super comfy to wear when lounging and during light exercise. This best selling pair from AFITNE is available on Amazon, costs just $27 and has 7,000 reviews. While we haven't tested this pair in the Lab yet, GH analysts appreciate that this pair uses flat seams with a built-in gusset. Unlike most yoga pants, this pair has a zippered pocket that can accommodate most smartphones and has a smaller hidden front waistband pocket to hold keys or cards.

Tester notes: Obsessed with their "buttery smooth" feel, one GH editor swears by these yoga pants, loving that "the flattering fit makes them perfect for lounging but also sneaking into real outfits."

Most leggings don't have an adjustable waistband but this pair from Vuori has a chic drawstring waistband, so this pick always stays perfectly in place. In Lab evaluations, this pair stretched out a bit but GH analysts found it looked great wash after wash. It also aced opacity testing, proving to be fully opaque with its compressive material with six stylish color options.

Tester notes: GH pros love wearing this pair while working out and when running errands because of its flattering fit and comfy feel. "I love the ultra-high waistband and buttery soft feel," said one tester. Testers note that this pair runs a bit small.

While most featured leggings have one, maybe two side pockets, this pair from Halara has four different pockets to hold everything you need when working out. The two large pockets on each side are roomy enough to fit your cell phone. Designed for lower impact exercise, this pair wasn't as durable as other tested pairs, with slight shrinkage and pilling observed. GH analysts appreciate that this pair uses flat seams and has a gusset, plus it's available in 7/8 and capri lengths.

Tester notes: Testers found this pair "flattering" and said the "fabric feels smooth/buttery." All testers appreciated the easily accessible pockets that held an impressive amount. Most testers agreed that this style is better suited for casual wear instead of for intense exercise.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab is comprised of workout apparel experts who put all types of exercise tights to the test in the Lab with specialized methods and equipment alongside feedback from consumer testers. Our most recent leggings test featured 38 different pairs with over 180 testers.

✔️ Consumer feedback: Users with a range of workout routines, body types and ages gave feedback after wearing these pairs exercising. After giving feedback on whether they are comfortable, well-fitting, flattering, opaque, breathable, stylish and breathable, they have the opportunity to share open ended comments about their likes and dislikes. Consumer testers worked out for over 300 hours total in our most recent test.

✔️ Stretch recovery: GH analysts stretch a swatch of legging fabric to a standard length for two hours. To determine how well the fabric can return to its original shape, we release the fabric and measure the benchmarked length after one minute and one hour.

✔️ Pilling resistance: Using our abrasion machine, swatches of the same fabric are rubbed together to see if the fabric will form pills (small balls of fiber).

✔️ Washability: To ensure each pair can withstand continued washing, GH analysts evaluate shrinkage and appearance after one and five wash and dry cycles.

✔️ Moisture management: GH pros measure how quickly drops of water are wicked away on the inside of the fabric to ensure they'll handle sweaty workouts.

✔️Opacity: Under standard lighting, GH pros wear each pair of pants and squat to rate if it's see-through.

✔️Construction: Each pair is rated on its included features like flat seams and a gusset.

Emma Seymour is a senior textiles product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she has overseen in-Lab and consumer testing for a variety of workout products. She personally tested dozens of pairs of leggings for this story. With a degree in fiber science from Cornell University, Emma is a product quality expert, evaluating workout leggings, sports bras and walking sneakers.

Lexie Sachs is the executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab. She has a degree in fiber science from Cornell University and more than 15 years of experience in the textiles industry, including merchandising and product development fields. Lexie joined Good Housekeeping in 2013 and has extensively tested fitness apparel of all kinds — including workout clothes, sports bras, walking shoes and more — using specialized lab equipment and with hundreds of consumer testers.