The Best Workout Leggings & Yoga Pants of 2026

Lululemon Align leggings are the softest leggings we've ever put on. They're made of the brand's Nulu fabric, which is 81% nylon and 19% Lycra elastane, and feels like a second skin. While the material is soft and stretchy, it offers little compression or support. This makes the Aligns the best for yoga or similar low-impact activities like Pilates or barre. They offer flexibility and a barely-there feeling but lack adequate support for higher-impact activities like running.

We've owned Aligns for years and now have 12 pairs in our rotation. They're durable and high quality, with every pair still in near-perfect condition after hundreds of wears and washes. We like that the Aligns come in an array of prints and colors, women's sizes 0 to 20, and three lengths—21-, 25-, and 28-inch. The 25-inch leggings are our favorite for our 5-foot-5, size-4 tester, hitting right at the ankles without bunching.

The Athleta Salutation Stash leggings balance softness, support, and practicality. They're made with Athleta's Powervita fabric, which has a buttery-soft feel while providing gentle compression. The result is a pair of leggings designed to move comfortably through yoga poses without feeling overly loose or restrictive.

One of their biggest selling points is the side stash pockets, which kept our phones close at hand. It's a useful feature when you're heading from a yoga class to do something else, like grabbing coffee, as we did.

The Salutation Stash leggings are designed primarily for studio workouts, but their combination of stretch, support, and functional storage makes them practical beyond the yoga mat. They aren't the first choice for someone who wants firm compression during intense cardio, but they're a strong option for anyone looking for one pair of leggings that can handle a variety of low-impact activities and everyday wear.

They go up to size 3X and have plenty of color and length options, too.

The lululemon Wunder Train leggings are built for workouts that demand more from your activewear. Made with the brand's Everlux fabric, they're designed to wick away sweat, dry quickly, and maintain their shape through repeated movement. The material feels cool and sleek against your skin, with a softer brushed finish on the outside, which we found made them feel more luxe.

Unlike lululemon's less compressive Align leggings, the Wunder Trains offer a more supportive fit. The four-way stretch allows for flexibility during yoga and strength training, while added Lycra helps the fabric retain its shape. An adjustable waistband drawcord was a practical touch, helping prevent the leggings from sliding down during our squats.

The 25-inch length sits above the ankle, and the two side pockets are large enough to accommodate a phone. There's also a hidden waistband pocket for smaller essentials, which we used for lip balm.

They're a good choice for people who regularly switch between yoga, the gym, and more demanding activities and want leggings designed for all of it.

If you like the feeling of exceptionally soft leggings that move with you (without spending a lot of money), these CRZ Yoga Butterluxe leggings are for you. The name Butterluxe is apt. The leggings are made from a blend of 81% polyamide and 19% Lycra, with a brushed finish that feels smooth against the skin and four-way stretch that accommodates a wide range of movement.

They offer gentle compression, so they lack the firm, sculpted feel of performance-focused workout tights. Instead, their appeal lies in their lightweight construction and flexibility. They're well suited to yoga, stretching, lounging, and everyday activities where comfort takes priority over maximum support.

We found that the seamless waistband and crotch gusset added to comfort and mobility. The fabric also recovers its shape after stretching, which helps maintain a consistent fit.

The only con is that they top out at size XL, a limited range compared to other brands. However, thanks to their generous stretch, that might not be an issue, since CRZ Yoga also markets these as a maternity-friendly alternative during the first and second trimesters. For comfortable, versatile leggings at a more accessible price, they're on point.

Not every pair of yoga pants is designed to handle running, jumping, or high-intensity training. It's refreshing that these Nike Go Firm-Support leggings are designed for more demanding workouts, with a compressive fit that feels noticeably different from that of softer, less structured yoga leggings.

The supportive waistband was the biggest advantage when we wore them. It helped minimize rolling, pinching, and sliding, and kept the leggings securely in place when we changed positions. Also helpful is the internal drawcord that lets you adjust the fit.

Nike's Dri-Fit technology helps move moisture away from your skin so sweat can evaporate more quickly. Combined with the cropped length and high-rise construction, these features make the leggings a top choice for cardio, strength training, and other sweat-heavy workouts.

The firmer compression would probably be excessive for restorative yoga or lounging. But for workouts where staying supported matters more than softness, the Nike Go leggings make sense. However, Nike doesn't offer extended sizes.

Alo Yoga's Airlift leggings are a favorite with celebs Kendall Jenner and Selena Gomez. We like that the high-waisted leggings are made of a sleek, slippery polyester-spandex blend that wicks away sweat and hides moisture stains. The 7/8-length leggings didn't bunch up at the ankles or around the thighs—instead, they fit comfortably snug and landed right at the top of our tester's ankle. While the waistband sits high on the waist (about two inches above our tester's navel), it tends to roll down, especially during squats. We frequently pulled up the leggings or unfurled the waistband, an annoying distraction during our workouts. The Alo Yoga leggings come in women's sizes XXS to XL and 13 colors.

The Alo Yoga Airbrush leggings are worth considering if you want more structure than lightweight yoga leggings offer but don't need the firm compression of high-intensity training leggings. The Airbrush has a smoothing, supportive fit while maintaining enough flexibility for movement-based workouts.

One of the main differences between the Airbrush and Alo's Airlift leggings is the fabric feel. While the Airlift has a slick, slightly shiny finish, the Airbrush has a softer, more matte appearance. That makes it a better option for anyone who prefers a traditional legging texture rather than the slippery feel of many performance fabrics.

We found the supportive construction useful for yoga, Pilates, and strength-focused activities that require coverage and a secure fit without sacrificing mobility.

However, people who prefer ultra-lightweight leggings may find the more structured feel less comfortable for lounging or restorative yoga. The Airbrush is best suited to people who prioritize a smoothing fit and gentle-to-moderate support over a barely-there sensation.

The Vuori AllTheFeels leggings are made to be the kind of pair you always reach for, whether you're heading to yoga, walking around town, or spending the afternoon at home. That's thanks to consistent comfort. Their biggest selling point is Vuori's BlissBlend fabric, which combines a soft, lightweight feel with enough stretch and support for everyday movement. And the softness is spot on.

They come in sizes XXS to XXL, a thoughtful range, and are made from 75% recycled polyamide and 25% elastane. This material offers four-way stretch and moisture-wicking properties, so the leggings suit low-impact exercise without feeling overly restrictive.

The fabric is also designed to be breathable, an important consideration if you tend to get warm during workouts or practice hot yoga.

The high-rise waistband and fitted silhouette provide a close-to-the-body feel, while the 7/8 length offers a slightly cropped look that works well for the studio and casual outfits.

The only downside is that they may lack the compression needed for more intense workouts, but that's not their purpose.

For anyone who values softness, flexibility, and versatility in a single pair of leggings, the AllTheFeels are a solid option, available in Short, Regular, and Long lengths.

The Beyond Yoga Spacedye leggings stand out for one reason: comfort. In testing, they had the most comfortable waistband of all the leggings we tried. The high-rise design sat just below the sports bra (ideal for someone with a longer torso), and, even better, stayed in place throughout workouts.

Made from a soft polyester-and-Lycra blend, they're thicker than many other yoga leggings and provide reliable opacity, even during deep stretches and squats—no need to worry about them going see-through during a workout.

However, the thicker material comes with a downside. During testing, it trapped sweat against the skin and took a while to dry afterward. That makes these leggings less appealing for hot yoga or intense cardio sessions.

For lounging, gentle yoga, or everyday wear, though, the combination of softness, coverage, and a stay-put waistband is hard to overlook. The Beyond Yoga leggings come in sizes XXS to XXL and plenty of colors.

The Old Navy PowerSoft leggings prove you don't have to spend a fortune to get a comfortable, functional pair for workouts. We liked the slick feel of the fabric, which wicks sweat.

The leggings are made from 77% polyester and 23% spandex, and the compression is ideal for medium-intensity workouts. Though they lack the sculpting effect of some higher-compression leggings on this list, they offer a good balance of comfort and support.

The high-rise waistband stays put well. We also appreciated the phone pocket and the fabric's breathability, which make them a good option for workouts beyond the yoga studio.

The PowerSoft leggings deliver where it counts: comfort, flexibility, and everyday wearability at a wallet-friendly price. Plus, they go up to size 4X and offer maternity sizing.