11 Best Compression Leggings That Are Comfortable and Supportive

“Year of Ours’ Ribbed 7/8s Leggings are hands down my favorite compression leggings. They offer that perfectly ‘held-in’ feeling without restricting movement. I’ve had mine for years—and after countless wears, they still haven’t lost their shape or support. I reach for them anytime I want to feel sculpted and secure,” says Brigid Cash, pilates instructor at Birdie Pilates.

Best Compression Leggings with Pockets: Bombshell Sportswear Perform Thigh High Leggings

Compression leggings don’t need to have pockets—and plenty don’t—but it’s a handy feature to have. The Bombshell Sportswear Perform Thigh High Leggings have hidden pockets on the sides that are large enough to hold your phone, keys, credit card, and more, making them some of the best pocket leggings you can find. Those pockets also shrink back down when they’re not in use, so you don’t have to stress about stretching them out over time. They also have a striped pattern across the thigh to make them stand out, too.

“The material is so flexible. It’s also durable. I’ve had these leggings for a few years and everything is still intact,” says Tyneka Pack, CPT. “The high-waist ensures they don’t slide down, especially doing legs. It also acts as a tummy control for me.”

Best Compression Leggings for Curves: Gymshark Training Leggings

There’s a reason why Gymshark keeps popping up on TikTok: These leggings have a huge size range and flatter a bunch of different body types. Another reason to add these to your cart? They’re affordable, clocking in at just over $30. The Gymshark Training Leggings have a fit that’s high rise, but still land below your belly button. The thick waistband won’t roll down on you and also has a gentle curve in back to highlight your booty.

Hair stylist Sarai Martinez says that these black leggings “feel the best in my pear-shaped body,” adding, “since I am bottom heavy, the support on my lower abdomen and upper thigh area is a big deciding factor.” Gymshark leggings “are very flattering to my figure and add a nice contour-lifting effect,” Martinez says.

Best Compression Leggings for HIIT Workouts: Alo High-Waist Airlift Legging

All compression isn’t created equal, with some leggings providing extra support while others offer a more snug fit. The Alo High-Waist Airlift Legging offers a high level of support and is specifically designed for HIIT workouts. The waistband is double layered for extra hold and to keep these pants up, even through jumps and squats. Naturally, they support good blood flow, too. Along with staying put, these bestselling bottoms sculpt and lift to help you look great while you’re getting down to business. They also have a slight sheen for a little something extra. Plus, Alo leggings have perfectly matching bras and headbands, so you can really go all in with your workout style.

“They’re great for my intense strength training sessions or HIIT because they’re extremely supportive without feeling too restrictive. They also make me look very defined,” says Dalal.

Best Budget Compression Leggings: Yogalicious Lux High Waist Squat Proof Pant

Compression leggings can get pricey, and it’s fair to not want to spend a ton, especially if you’re checking out new brands. The Yogalicious Lux leggings are just $25, for a budget-friendly find that looks a lot like its higher-priced counterparts. This pant has a 4.5-inch high waistband to hold you in and smooth you out, along with four-way stretch to allow you to move freely. It also comes in a massive choice of colors.

“You can get luxe quality without the hefty price tag. But affordability aside, their real superpower is the tummy snatch. That lower belly pooch? Handled. These leggings smooth, sculpt, and hold everything in place without making you feel like a stuffed sausage. No rolling, no constant yanking—just a comfortable, snatched fit that stays put through every squat, lunge, and treadmill sprint,” says Nikki Venus, stylist at Nikki Venus & Company. Venus also calls these leggings “lightweight yet supportive, making them perfect for everything from high-intensity workouts to a coffee run.”

Best Compression Leggings for Tummy Control: Athleta Interval High-Rise Legging

Most compression leggings will offer some level of tummy control, but certain bottoms are more focused on this area than others. Athleta’s Interval High-Rise Legging provides the highest level of compression the brand offers thanks to specialized PowerMove fabric. The high waistband is bonded and designed to gently hug your body to smooth you out and keep it in place. (There’s also an internal drawstring to make sure your waistband won’t roll mid-workout.) The drop-in back pocket has enough space to hold your phone, too. Choose from three different lengths.

“I like the quality and durability. There’s an extra layer at the waist to hold you in. It’s high compression, but still moves with you. It’s also buttery soft to the touch,” says Kim Perry, CPT.

Best Compression Leggings for Outdoor Workouts: Carve Saluda Compression Tight

Most leggings will offer some level of protection from the sun, simply because they provide a barrier. But the Carve Saluda Compression Tight is rated UPF 50 to block out harmful rays, giving you something extra in the functionality department. The full-length compression leggings are lightweight and made from recycled swim fabric, so you can take these in the water after a sweaty workout if you want.

I live in a beach town and do a lot of workouts by the water. I like that the leggings do double duty as sun protection and swimwear, while being lightweight enough to be worn comfortably even on hot days. They dry incredibly fast, like a bathing suit. While these are compression tights, they’re more supportive around the midsection and upper thigh, feeling a little looser the lower down your leg you go. Just be aware that while these pants have a pocket, it’s in the front. Because of that, it’s a better spot for something smooth or small, like your credit card or a key vs. a bulky phone.

Best Compression Leggings for Sweaty Workouts: Under Armour HeatGear Armour High No-Slip Leggings

Compression leggings usually have a tighter weave than your average leggings, which means they’re not as good at shuttling sweat away from your body as other bottoms. But Under Armour’s HeatGear leggings are specially designed to keep you cool, with impressive sweat-wicking fabric that also dries fast. The compressive bottoms, which have three inseam lengths, feel light on and have four-way stretch to move with you. The high-rise waist doesn’t slip or roll, allowing you to get after it without having to constantly pull up your bottoms. There’s also a side drop-in pocket with enough space for your phone.

“They don’t ride up during a run, they are awesome at absorbing moisture, and the hidden pocket in the back is great to store Chapstick or my keys,” says Almoni Ellis, CSCS.

Best Compression Leggings for Travel: Terez Active Wear High Waist Leggings

Using compression leggings while you travel can help support good blood circulation. And, of course, it can keep you looking sleek on your trip. The Terez leggings have a soft feel with some compression, so you’ll feel like you can still move comfortably when you’re on the go. They’re inexpensive (at just $30) and come in a range of fun patterns, along with more simple colors, to give you options. Just be aware that the waistband is lower than what you’ll find with many compression bottoms. That’s not necessarily a good or bad thing—it just comes down to personal preference.

“Terez leggings are perfect for various activities, such as yoga, running, or just lounging around. They’re also great for dressing up or down, making them an awesome addition to any wardrobe,” says Cara D’Orazio, CPT. She also points out that the leggings are “built to last” and hold up well over regular use and washings.

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