Best Leggings That Combine Style and Function: The Ultimate Guide for 2025

Looking for leggings that work as hard as you do? Whether you're scaling mountains, perfecting your downward dog, or simply navigating the urban jungle, the right pair can make all the difference. Our dedicated team of fitness enthusiasts and style experts spent months testing dozens of leggings across various activities to bring you this definitive guide. From durability and performance to style and sustainability, we've considered every factor to help you find your perfect pair.

What Makes the Perfect Leggings?

Nomad Set and Motion Fleece in Midnight Fjord

Before diving into our top picks, let's talk about what sets exceptional leggings apart from the rest:

The ideal leggings should offer uncompromising support without restricting movement, wick moisture effectively while maintaining breathability, and feature thoughtful details that enhance your specific activity—all while looking good enough to wear beyond your workout.

"The days of separate workout and everyday wardrobes are behind us," explains our Style Director. "Today's active individuals expect their leggings to transition seamlessly between exercise and daily life, which means performance fabrics in sophisticated designs are non-negotiable."

The All-Stars: Our Top Picks for Every Activity

Best for Hiking and Running: HAUTE Nomad Leggings

What makes them special: If you've ever tried to stash your phone, keys, and energy gel while trail running or hiking, you'll understand why proper pockets aren't just convenient—they're essential. The HAUTE Nomad Leggings feature ingeniously designed, strategically placed pockets that secure your essentials without bouncing or creating bulk.

These leggings are engineered specifically for outdoor movement with abrasion-resistant panels in high-wear areas and UPF 50+ protection. The wide, no-dig waistband stays put during rigorous activity, while the four-way stretch fabric moves with you whether you're tackling steep inclines or picking up the pace.

"What impressed us most was how the Nomad leggings handled temperature changes during elevation gains," notes our Senior Outdoor Editor."The moisture-wicking technology works overtime to keep you comfortable, and the quick-dry fabric means you're never stuck in damp gear when you stop to enjoy the view."

Available in earth-inspired tones that hide dirt and dust, these leggings are as practical as they are stylish, making them perfect for transitioning from trail to town.

Bottom line: For serious outdoor enthusiasts who refuse to sacrifice style for function, the Haute Hike Nomad Leggings deliver exceptional performance with thoughtful details that enhance every adventure.

Best for Yoga and Pilates: HAUTE Essential Leggings

What makes them special: True to their name, the HAUTE Essential Leggings have become, well, essential in our yoga and Pilates rotations. The barely-there sensation these leggings provide is nothing short of revolutionary—many of our testers reported forgetting they were wearing them during hour-long sessions.

The secret lies in the ultra-luxe, buttery-soft fabric that feels like a second skin while maintaining impressive opacity, even during deep stretches and challenging poses. The seamless construction eliminates any potential friction points or distractions, allowing you to focus entirely on your practice.

"Unlike many yoga leggings that sacrifice support for comfort, the Essential design maintains gentle compression that helps with proprioception without restricting movement," explains our Wellness Editor, who practiced in these leggings for 30 consecutive days. "The high-rise waistband stays perfectly in place during inversions, and the moisture-wicking properties keep you dry even in hot yoga environments."

Available in a range of sophisticated, matte finishes, these leggings transition beautifully from studio to street when paired with an oversized sweater or crisp button-down.

Bottom line: If your priority is distraction-free comfort during mind-body practices without compromising on style, the Haute Hike Essential Leggings should be your go-to option.

Best for Everyday Wear: Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant

What makes them special: There's a reason these leggings have achieved cult status. The Nulu™ fabric feels incredibly soft against the skin while maintaining its shape throughout the day. These leggings feature minimal seams for maximum comfort and come in a wide range of colors and lengths to suit various preferences and body types.

While designed primarily for yoga, their versatility makes them perfect for everything from running errands to lounging at home. The only downside is that they're less durable for high-intensity workouts compared to some other options on our list.

Best for High-Intensity Training: Nike One Luxe

What makes them special: When your workout involves burpees, box jumps, and battle ropes, you need leggings that can keep up. The Nike One Luxe features sweat-wicking technology and strategically placed mesh panels for ventilation, while the compressive fit supports muscles during intense movements.

The fabric is substantial enough to pass the squat test with flying colors while remaining comfortable enough for extended wear. The hidden drawcord ensures they stay in place no matter how dynamic your movements.

Best Budget-Friendly Option: Old Navy PowerSoft High-Waisted Leggings

What makes them special: At a fraction of the price of premium brands, these leggings deliver impressive performance. The PowerSoft fabric provides gentle compression and excellent opacity, while the high waistband offers comfortable support. Available in regular, tall, and petite sizes, these leggings are surprisingly durable for their price point.

Best Sustainable Choice: Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Legging

What makes them special: Made from recycled plastic bottles, these leggings prove that eco-friendly options can be just as high-performing as their conventional counterparts. The compressive fabric offers excellent support, and the simple, clean design works for virtually any activity. Plus, the inclusive size range (XXS-6XL) ensures more people can find their perfect fit.

Best for Cold Weather: Under Armour ColdGear® Leggings

What makes them special: When temperatures drop, these dual-layer leggings keep you warm without overheating. The brushed interior traps heat while the smooth exterior wicks away moisture, making them ideal for winter runs and outdoor workouts. The seams are strategically placed to prevent chafing, and the wide waistband provides comfortable support.

How to Choose the Right Leggings for You

When selecting your perfect pair, consider these factors:

Primary activity: Different activities demand different features. High-intensity workouts benefit from more compression and durability, while yoga and Pilates call for maximum flexibility and minimal distractions.

Fabric weight: Lighter fabrics offer greater breathability for hot conditions or intense workouts, while heavier options provide more warmth and typically greater opacity.

Rise height: High-rise styles offer more core support and stay in place better during movement, while mid-rise options might feel less restrictive for certain body types.

Seam placement: Fewer seams generally means less potential for chafing, but strategically placed seams can enhance support and shape.

Care requirements: Some premium leggings require more delicate handling to maintain their performance properties. Consider whether you're willing to hand wash or air dry your activewear.

While preferences will always vary based on individual body types and specific needs, our extensive testing revealed that the HAUTE Nomad Leggings stand out for active outdoor pursuits, while their Essential Leggings offer unparalleled comfort for yoga and low-impact workouts.

What truly sets both these styles apart is their thoughtful design that elegantly bridges the gap between performance and style—proving you don't have to choose between looking good and feeling good in your activewear.

Remember, the best leggings for you are the ones that make you feel confident and comfortable while supporting your active lifestyle, whatever that may involve. Invest in quality pairs that serve your primary activities, and you'll find yourself reaching for them again and again.