The Best High-Waisted Leggings You Can Actually Work Out In

Choosing the best high-waisted leggings for working out

Before you begin your search for a pair of high-waisted workout leggings, take into consideration what you’ll need from them (in addition to helping you look and feel your best). If you’re a runner, look may want to try a pair of leggings with pockets that are large enough to hold your phone and keys—so you can stay hands-free and focus on nothing but your run. For optimal functionality during weight training, marathons, or other high-intensity workouts, consider compression leggings—which can even help improve performance and aid recovery.

And, needless to say, you’ll want to find leggings that are comfortable enough to wear every day, but still durable enough to hold their own during a rigorous workout. To help you out, we’ve browsed some of our favorite activewear brands and fashion retailers and highlighted our favorite picks (across a variety of budgets) that meet all of these requirements and more.

• button

Nike Studio High-Rise Yoga Training Tights

If you’re looking for a super high-waisted and high-performance legging, then look no further. These Nike Studio yoga training tights have a smooth and compressed fit, with just a touch of cute ruched detailing at the hem. Made with sweat-repelling Dry-FIT technology and 24 percent spandex fabric, they’ll keep you dry and comfy while allowing you the flexibility to perform even the most extreme gym moves.

Yummie Gloria Skimmer Leggings

The Gloria Skimmer leggings from Yummie have a simple design that can take you straight from the gym to dinner with friends. Made from a blend of cotton and spandex, they boast shaping panels for added support and a double-layer waistband for comfort.

Bally Total Fitness Active Core High-Rise Capri Leggings

You really can’t beat the under-$20 price of these affordable capri-length high-waisted workout leggings from Walmart. The high-rise and comfortable waistband provides support just where you need it, and they also have two roomy side pockets for holding all your valuables while you’re exercising.

Lululemon In Movement Tight Everlux Leggings

Of course, we couldn’t leave Lululemon off the list for best workout leggings, and we’re especially loving the In Movement tights from the activewear brand’s Everlux collection. The perfect pants to get sweaty in, these leggings are made from a super-breathable, quick-drying fabric that wicks away sweat, so they’ll keep you cool and dry through the toughest workouts.

TSLA High-Waisted Yoga Pants

Who said you have to spend over $20 for a good pair of leggings? The best affordable option, these TSLA yoga pants are an Amazon best-seller with over 1,100 positive reviews from customers, and cost a fraction of the price of other high-quality workout leggings. They offer an array of different colors and prints to choose from, and also come in a stylish mesh version if you prefer a little extra ventilation.

Soul by SoulCycle Seamless Skull Jacquard Tight

There’s something about seamless clothing that makes you feel smooth and sexy, and with these high-waisted workout leggings from Soul by SoulCycle, you’ll feel supported and stylish, too. They come in a sporty grey marl shade that you can pair with almost anything, and the pastel stripes and skull print at the ankle give off an ‘80s retro vibe for a fun touch of style.

Good American Core Strength High-Waisted Leggings

We can’t get enough of Khloe Kardashian’s size-inclusive brand, Good American. The clothes are notoriously flattering for every body size, and these high-waisted sculpting leggings are no exception. With supportive mesh for extra ventilation and a back zip-pocket at the waist to store small essentials, the flat-lock seams will keep you comfortable and chafe-free while the trendy camo print will make you feel like the most stylish person at the gym.

Belly Bandit Compression Moto Leggings

The new Mother Tucker Compression Moto leggings by Belly Bandit use what the brand calls its “muffinology” fabric for complete compression and smoothing over the high waistline. This innovative, extra high-waist fit also includes an extra center panel for added support—ideal for new moms who want more support. Plus, these moto-style leggings also come in olive green and dark gray if you choose to diverge from basic black.

Beyond Yoga Plus Size Spacedye High-Waisted Leggings

For figure-hugging, high-waisted workout leggings in plus sizes, check out these capri leggings from Beyond Yoga. They’re specially-designed to offer maximum support and breathability during high-intensity activity thanks to their slight compression fabric and four-way stretch. With an adjustable, elastic waistband that sits high on the waist, they use sweat-wicking technology to draw sweat off the body and dry it out immediately, meaning you won’t be leaving the gym with any wet patches on your bum. Available in sizes up to 3XL, you can choose from three “space-dye” colors: light gray, dark gray, and green.

Zella Twin High Waist Crop Leggings

These performance leggings from Nordstrom’s customer-loved activewear label Zella are so comfortable, you’ll never want to take them off. Their high waistband smooths the midsection and doesn’t roll down, no matter how vigorous your workout is. They’re made from a breathable, figure-sculpting fabric with ventilated mesh stripes just above the hem that not only look chic, but also keep you cool when you need it most. Along with flatlock seams (goodbye, rubbing or chafing), the capri-length leggings even have a hidden waistband pocket that’s super handy for storing small essentials during your workout.

Alo Yoga High-Waist Moto Leggings

Aside from being a staple activewear brand for celebs like Taylor Swift, Kylie Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and more A-listers, you’d be hard-pressed to scroll through Instagram and not come across someone sporting a pair of Alo Yoga workout leggings. But Alo leggings are more than just a fashion statement; they’re insanely comfortable and come in every style and color you can think of. We love these glossy grey, high-waisted Moto leggings with smooth seams that don’t cause chafing, and breathable mesh vents throughout the legs that not only keep you cool, but also look super stylish.

Adidas Originals 80s Leggings by Alexander Wang

Fashionistas, this one’s for you: How cool are these 80s-style, super high-waisted Adidas leggings by Alexander Wang? For those wanting to break away from the typical workout gear and add a trendy touch of style, these pants are just the ticket. They’re made from a comfy cotton jersey material that ends at the ankle, with eight percent spandex for extra flexibility, and their overlocking stitching means you don’t have to worry about them being see-through during those intense stretches.

Onzie Hyper Beam High Waist Midi Leggings

Yogis will tell you that Onzie is one of the best activewear brands in the game for leggings, and this pair of cute pastel leggings is no different. The high-waisted midi leggings boast a wide waistband for complete comfort (no uncomfortable digging into your waist during spin class!) and flattering contrast seams down the legs. Plus, the nylon and spandex fabric makeup means the leggings feel supportive and look opaque, but still have enough stretch that you can move freely.

HDE Women’s High Waist Athletic Leggings

Smoothing high waistband, breathable material, smartphone pocket...Check, check, check! You really can’t go wrong with these high-rise workout leggings from Walmart. Not only are they incredibly affordable, they’re made from a super comfy four-way stretch material. Plus, the camouflaged side pockets are large enough to fit a smartphone. And don’t worry about showing off more than you intended in downward dog; the streaked grey fabric is non-see-through.

ODODOS High Waist Yoga Leggings

These chic white workout leggings are a number one best-seller on Amazon, and the lightweight, four-way stretch (but still non see-through) fabric leaves you feeling supported, cool, and comfortable throughout any workout. With flatlock stitching for seamless control, this option also boasts two side pockets that are even large enough to fit—get this—a bottle of champagne, according to one reviewer: “I was skeptical about buying these pants as I am about most exercise clothing online. I got them in and wore them for a run. After my run I celebrated with champagne. Low and behold.... these pants fit a whole bottle of champagne in the pocket... I highly recommend [them] for this feature alone.” If that’s not enough to show you how awesome these super affordable, under-$20 leggings are, the fact that they have a whopping 5,000 perfect five-star reviews on Amazon might sway you.

Fabletics Rhythm 2-Piece Workout Set

Co-founded by Kate Hudson, membership-based athleisure brand Fabletics has no end to its range of cute yet practical workout outfits. This maroon two-piece from the Kelly Rowland for Fabletics collection consists of high-waisted capri-length leggings designed to “hold you in without holding you back,” and a matching medium-impact crop top with removable cups and mesh detailing under the bust