When searching for high-waisted leggings, consider how you’ll be using them. If you plan to wear your legging primarily for working out, make sure they’re washable and made of lightweight, breathable material. For lounging, you might gravitate toward softer, thinner leggings. For everyday leggings that you can wear to work or running errands, look for a durable material that will remain comfortable all day. In order to make your search easier, we tapped our editors, all shopping pros, for their favorite ultra high-waisted leggings. Our picks include heavy-duty workout leggings, buttery soft lounge leggings, sculpting compression leggings, leggings with pockets, and even stylish faux leather leggings. Our top choice, CRZ Yoga’s Naked Feeling High-Waisted Workout Leggings, is made of a buttery soft material with a comfortable four-way stretch. They have convenient side pockets, come in 40 colors, and are lightweight and breathable. To help you narrow down your choices, here are the best high-waisted leggings currently on the market.
What to Look for in High-Waisted Leggings:
Depending on your needs, there are a few things to keep in mind when searching for the right pair of leggings. If you’re planning to wear them during sweaty workouts, a breathable, moisture-wicking material is a must. Whereas you might consider a thinner, softer option if you’re shopping for something to wear around the house. And if you’re hoping to get away with wearing leggings to work (no judgement!), go for a durable, thick material and pick a length that reaches your ankles to more closely resemble pants. Pair them with an oversized sweater or button-down to finish the look. How We Tested: Worn regularly to work out in for nearly a year Recommended for: Running, yoga, and other fitness classes Keep in Mind: Consider ordering your usual size and one down to determine your best fit These leggings feature moisture-wicking, supportive compression, and comfortable four-way stretch. With a 25-inch inseam, they stay high on the waist during active use. The material is on the thicker side, so they are flattering and comfortable to wear while exercising or hiking. They have reflective accents for visibility, and they’re available in an inclusive size range from XX-Small through X-Large. How We Tested: Worn to workout in about once a week for two years Recommended for: Exercise and grocery store trips Keep in Mind: They’ll last longer if you keep them out of the dryer These are my go-to leggings for just about everything—lounging, a quick trip to the grocery store, hot yoga, you name it. As a tall gal (5'11"), I love that these come in a tall size for extra length. They run true to size, keeping me hugged in like a good pair of leggings should without feeling squeezed. Athleta’s breathable Powervita fabric is buttery soft and moves with me through every asana without ever getting saggy. I have a black pair, and I never worry about them being see-through during downward dog. I love the ultra-high rise (great for crop tops!) and thick waistband that smoothes and doesn’t roll no matter what. Plus, the waistband has a secret pocket in the back that’s big enough to hold a phone during outdoor walks. I’ve been wearing these to the hot yoga studio at least once a week for two years, and they still look brand new. (Note: As a rule, I always wash all of my leggings in cold water and air dry them to avoid shrinkage and fabric wear.) — Laura Miller, Editor & Strategist, Performance Content How We Tested: Two years of frequent wear Recommended for: Work, dinner, and walking around town Keep in Mind: They have a tight fit that offers some compression, so order a size or two up depending on your comfort preferences I’d been eyeing these faux-leather leggings from Spanx for a while before I finally decided to actually buy them. I knew from friends and coworkers that they run small, so I sized up to get a perfect (yet compressive) fit. The high-waisted leggings are incredibly comfortable but still look nice enough to go out in. I’ve had them for about two years, and I’ve worn them practically everywhere, including the office, dinner with friends, and exploring the city—often paired with an oversized sweater. I’ve even had strangers stop me on the street to ask where I got them. If I were to order the leggings again, I would probably get an even bigger size so they would be easier to put on and take off. (Even though I gained some weight during the pandemic, these leggings are stretchy enough to still fit me pretty well.) — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, Product Reviews Writer How We Tested: Four years of activities Recommended for: Sweaty workouts and long-haul flights Keep in Mind: They’re expensive but durable These Lululemon tights are the holy grail of high-waisted, flattering, and sweat-wicking leggings. I’ve had mine for more than four years, and they’re still in just as great condition as they were when they first came in the mail. They fit true to size but are so stretchy that they never feel constricting, even on days when I feel bloated. The leggings lasted me through runs, spin sessions, and Pilates classes; they’re so comfortable that I even wear them on long flights. They’re also breathable enough that I can do a sweaty HIIT workout in them and my legs still feel aired out. Even though I have more than 20 pairs of leggings, I always reach for my Fast and Free pair before anything else. — Nina Huang, Lifestyle Ecommerce Writer How We Tested: More than a year of wear Recommended for: High-intensity workouts Keep in Mind: Size options are limited I’ve tried at least 30 pairs of high-waisted leggings, and I keep coming back to these from low-key California brand Beach Riot. I’m not a big fan of leopard print, but the Piper leggings fit so well, I made an exception. I’ve had them for more than a year now, and they’re still the comfiest, most flattering pair I own. They have a waistband that starts at the hips, stops at the belly button, and somehow never rolls down, even during hour-long HIIT classes. In my opinion, they’re true to size, but the brand needs to offer a wider range—everyone deserves to experience this level of comfort. — Tess Garcia, Ecommerce Writer How We Tested: Worn during various activities for nearly a year Recommended for: Exercise and lounging Keep in Mind: These leggings will stay put on These high-waisted leggings restored my faith in comfortable and flattering workout gear. I’ve had them for almost a year now (10 months) and have worn them for yoga, workout classes, and three-mile walks outdoors. They’re soft, smooth, and hold everything in while I move without squeezing the life out of me. I ordered my usual size, and they fit tight but not uncomfortably so. There’s room to breathe and move, but I haven’t experienced any awkward sagging or drooping around the waist and knees. Stretching, pilates, dancing, and HIIT routines aren’t enough to make them roll, bunch up, or slip down. They also have handy side pockets, and I love that they come in other deep tones that feel neutral but a touch more fun. I used to be a person who regarded leggings solely as workout wear, but I’ve found myself trading in my jeans for these more often and pairing them with an oversized sweater or jacket. — Melissa Epifano, Ecommerce Writer How We Tested: Two years of workouts, sleeping, and running errands Recommended for: Comfortable exercise or relaxing Keep in Mind: It’s best to air dry these leggings If I could live in these leggings, I would. They’re the absolute softest things I’ve ever put on my body, and I’ve tested dozens of leggings in my lifetime. They’re smooth and don’t put any uncomfortable pressure around my abdomen. As someone with significant stomach problems, this is a life-changer for me. I exercise, sleep, run errands, and even travel in these pants. They’re my go-to when my stomach hurts so badly I can’t wear anything else, and after two years, they still look brand new. I use a defuzzer on the inner legs every now and again to remove pilling, but they’re seriously worth the high price (and are surprisingly true to size). I want them in every color! The only thing you can’t do with these pants is put them in the dryer—you’ve been warned! — Marilyn La Jeunesse, Shopping Newsletter Manager How We Tested: Two years of workout classes, hikes, and more Recommended for: Indoor exercise classes Keep in Mind: The material may be too thick for hot summer days As a health and wellness shopping writer, I own dozens of different leggings—and this pair is one of my all-time favorites. I’ve had them for almost two years and have worn them for basically every workout activity including Pilates, high-intensity workout classes, and hikes. They’re made with a super thick sculpting fabric that hugs the body like a second skin (and gives the booty a bit of extra lift). Not only does the waistband hit well above the belly button, but the fabric is also totally squat-proof with plenty of compression. Whenever I do laundry, I always wear this pair first and have yet to find a comparable pair that’s fast-drying and still offers the same level of coverage. I should warn that the fabric might be too thick for hot summer days, but it’s perfect for an air-conditioned class. — Braelyn Wood, Health and Wellness E-Commerce Lead How We Tested: Worn during activities and resting for over a year Recommended for: Hiking, traveling, doing yoga, and relaxing at home Keep in Mind: The pockets are slim I love that these leggings offer a comfortable, secure fit without feeling too snug. I’ve had them for over a year and I’ve worn them while hiking, doing yoga, and, most often, lounging at home. I’m impressed with how durable they are after plenty of wear and how well they stand up to the washing machine. The high-waisted fit is flattering and easy to wear both with workout and lounge clothing, making them a versatile option for everyday wear and while traveling. The pockets are slim but still deep enough to hold keys, cards, and even my iPhone. — Madeline Diamond, Ecommerce Writer How We Tested: Weekly runs and workout classes for more than two years Recommended for: Long, outdoor runs Keep in Mind: The inseam may pill slightly over time I’ve worn these leggings on countless outdoor runs (including a half-marathon) and to dozens of workout classes over the last two-and-a-half years. I ordered my usual size and they fit just right. They stay put even through tough, sweaty workouts, and they feel supportive despite being lightweight. Plus, they’re totally squat-proof, so they’re ideal for someone who’s looking for their next pair of go-to workout leggings. I’m also a fan of the wide waistband that lays flat without digging into my stomach. Over time, I’ve noticed slight pilling around the inseam, but for as much as I wear and wash these, I’ll still recommend them to everyone I know. — Christie Calucchia, Lifestyle Ecommerce Lead
