One of the most versatile pants we tested, we appreciate that it is also one of the most sustainable, made of recycled materials. That capri cut is paired with moisture-wicking fabric to help you stay dry and cool during workouts. These leggings come in a wide variety of colors (some are seasonal hues that can vary) and in sizes up to a 4XL, but only a Midi length. Because they are lighter and less constructed than other pairs we tried, these leggings are less optimal for intervals than errands.

This hard work fed our intention to analyze how each pant performed in comfort and fit, ease of movement, breathability, and durability. The leggings feature seamless construction to allow you to move freely while minimizing chafing, too. To ensure a good fit, Grainer recommends that the leggings are snug enough that they don’t bunch up or slide around.

To assess comfort and fit, ease of movement, and breathability, we analyze pant performance through a rigorous, standardized flow in hot temperatures, including a set series of challenging poses. Consider your personal preferences, as well as the temperature, when choosing the best running leggings. The single internal back pocket isn’t large enough to fit a phone or small wallet, which is a nuisance; if a roomier pocket is a priority, Girlfriend Collective does make a Compressive Pocket Legging. As you can see in our water drop test, moisture did not absorb easily into the Yogalicious Carbonlux High Waist 7/8 fabric.

Compression leggings have been proven to have a slight improvement on endurance, and to also help reduce muscle pain and inflammation. PROTECT FROM CHAFFING — THREO Pants feature a unique seamless-technology design that ensures they do not chafe or irritate your sensitive skin. I’ve been testing out a pair of Lululemon’s Wunder Train tights for more than a year now, and they look and feel as good as new even after all that time spent in my local laundromat’s industrial-strength dryer.

Yoga pants get worn for much more than yoga: the gym, hiking, maybe with a long sweater to work, and running errands on the weekend. After facing criticism in the past for its lack of size diversity, Lululemon took a step toward broader sizing in 2020, when it announced that it was increasing its size range up to a size 20. Breathability is essential when you stoke the internal fire in a rigorous flow, hike on a warm day, or climb up a sun-baked crag.