Compression leggings feel tighter and more supportive than standard leggings. And like other compression garments, they’re thought to improve recovery and performance. “Compression leggings increase blood flow from the lower body to the heart and back again,” Corey Lewis, CPT, personal trainer and CEO of 1AND1, a health and wellness company, says. “This boosts the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, improving energy and reducing muscle fatigue.”
But the best compression leggings aren’t just tight. They’re also comfortable, easy to clean, and well-suited to your favorite workouts. Great compression leggings wick moisture, dry quickly, and boast chafe-free seams. They offer the right amount of compression (light, moderate, or high) for your go-to exercises. And they’re packed with features (like padding or breathable panels) that will keep you comfortable as you work out.
We tested 88 pairs of leggings at home, following Verywell's testing guidelines, to find pairs with the right amount of compression for every workout. We tested each pair for four weeks (and counting!). We wore each option while lounging, stretching, and doing various classic workouts, including yoga, brisk walking, high-intensity interval training, and more. We then assessed each pair based on eight key factors: quality, opacity, fit, performance, durability, hold, material, and value.
We also interviewed three experts—a personal trainer, a yoga instructor, and an apparel expert—for buying tips and key factors to consider when looking for compression leggings.