These Leggings Won't Roll Down, Even During Your Most Intense Workout
The leggings you've been waiting for!!!
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Nothing kills an impeccable gym vibe like a pair of poorly-made leggings that are hell-bent on rolling down. And, sadly, it's a misfortune we've likely all experienced: You're halfway through your workout and you've finally hit your stride, but the flow is totally disrupted by the constant yanking (which often results in an unfortunate, but unavoidable, camel toe). And that goes double for workout classes, where you're forced to train in front of a giant mirror. In addition to being logistically annoying, a crappy pair of leggings can also be a torpedo to your self-confidence. I want to be feelin' myself when I work out and I'm not sorry to say it!
Over many years of trial and error, I've narrowed down my workout leggings drawer to only include styles that stay put and look great. Many options have failed, but thankfully, there are a fair few that have succeeded. Ahead, you'll find those exact styles, from brands like Lululemon, Athleta, Aerie, and more.
Our top picks for workout leggings that won't roll down:
Say goodbye to rolling forever—these styles have you covered. I can personally promise, kk?
Lululemon fans know, few things compare to their beloved Align Leggings. But if we're talking hard-core workouts and never-roll waistbands, the Wunder Train is your best bet. They're specially designed to wick sweat and stay in place, thanks to an internal drawcord that keeps the extra-wide waistband snug. Lululemfans (hehe) claim they "never roll down and fit like a glove with the perfect amount of compression."
These Aerie leggings are so roll-proof, it's literally in the name. And as a longtime fan, I can personally attest to their staying power (and snatching power, but that's a conversation for another story). My personal opinions aside, this experience seems to be universal—with 4.4 stars, hundreds of happy reviewers have backed my sentiments.
Anyone looking for a more heavy-duty legging experience, these Amazon favorites are it. They're part leggings, part shapewear and have a super-high waistband that hits just below the bust, creating a seamless, bodysuit-like effect. Meanwhile, their "anti-slip grip" lining keeps them firmly in place.
Rave Review: "I am size 12, have a square build, and I'm 185 lbs. I have long legs and a short torso which makes finding tummy control pants very difficult. They're always rolling down or I end up with muffin top but oh my God—these are exactly what I've been looking for."
I swear by Harper Wilde for their non-rolling bralettes (shop the Bliss here, you won't regret it) and, it turns out, their leggings have harnessed the same technology. Wearers of all sizes love their Flex High Rise Legging, due to their "no-roll high-waisted comfort" and perfectly opaque fabrication.
I've personally been hyping up Old Navy's workout gear for years, but I'm not the only editor who thinks so. These babies are beloved by pretty much all of team Cosmo, as well.
"I say this with my whole chest: do not sleep on Old Navy!!! Their High-Waist PowerSoft leggings are my go-to for spin classes," says Cosmo Lifestyle Editor Christen Johnson. "They don't roll down ever, and they're moisture-wicking! Plus, these also come in a tall, which a 6'2 girlie like me appreciates because I, too, want leggings to my ankles!!!!"
Girlfriend Collective's Midnight Compressive Leggings have *double checks notes* more than 18 thousand reviews—and yet, these babies still boast an average rating of 4.7 stars (if you're good at math, you already know what a feat that is).
Rave Review: "I have been SOOO tired of leggings that roll down from my waist. I watch people all over town pulling up their leggings. YUCK! These stay in place and I love them."
I'm just gonna cut right to the chase: These leggings have more than five THOUSAND five-star reviews. (Yes, the caps lock was necessary.) If we're talking numbers, they also are available in 25 different colors and textures (pleather! ribbed! metallic!) and some styles are literally 75 percent off right now. Enough said, ya?
If there's any label you can trust to provide skin-tight clothing with staying power, it's SPANX—and provide they did. Their Booty Boost Active High Waist 7/8 Leggings do exactly that. With a compacting, ultra-high waistband, these have the compression capabilities of shapewear with the sweat-wicking talent boasted only by the highest-quality fitness gear. Wear them once and you "will never go back to another legging again," reviewers say.
I'm going to be honest: I had no idea Gap's leggings hit this hard until I started researching this story. But I quickly learned that the brand has unbeatable leggings that the gym girlies go crazy for. Available in tall, regular, and petite from sizes XXS-XXL, the GapFit High Rise Power Full Length Leggings never slip or roll and—this is a big "and"—they've got pockets. The ultimate luxury of the leggings world.
Why trust Cosmo:
Cosmo’s team of fashion experts—which includes fashion director Cassie Anderson and fashion features director Rachel Torgerson, senior accessories editor Andrea Zendejas, and fashion editors Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien and Danielle Flum—have decades of experience in the industry. They spot relevant trends on the runway before they even hit your TikTok FYP or Insta Explore Page and conduct research across retailers of all kinds to bring you the best clothing and accessory picks for every season. Basically, we've curated a chic little corner of the internet for you like it’s our job (because it is, heh).
We have pretty high standards when it comes to clothing and accessory recommendations. Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes products for all sizes. And you better believe we read those product reviews (and test many of the brands IRL) so you don't have to. You're welcome!
Kelsey (she/her) is a freelance digital fashion editor and writer with a knack for turning top-performing content into top-selling content. She has extensive experience in editorial and e-commerce strategy, having worked in both divisions during her years at Seventeen and Bustle. With more than a decade of experience in digital media, she also offers creative and social media consulting, as well as copywriting services. She enjoys cheeseburgers, traveling, and vintage hauls. Follow her on Instagram at @klstieg.
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