10 Best Compression Leggings For Every Type of Workout
Athletes swear by these for optimal performance and speedy recovery.
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If you ever catch me in the gym looking extra snatched, please know that I'm probably rocking my secret gym weapon—compression leggings! A variety of activewear brands make them, and while you might assume they're for derrière-lifting purposes, they're actually more for keeping my muscles engaged and supported during workouts.
What sets compression leggings apart from other types of workout gear? They're extra stretchy and, you guessed it, compressive to keep your blood circulating (just like compression socks!). They also aid with recovery by putting gentle pressure on your muscles to reducing inflammation and swelling, which can help decrease pain in the days following a hard workout. Personally, I like wearing them for extra support around my lower back—the compression reminds me to keep my core engaged while I'm walking, running, or lifting weights. And let's not forget how many times the secure waistband has kept me from accidentally flashing someone at the gym mid-squat!
Different pairs offer different of benefits, like anti-camel toe features or budget-friendly pricing, but you can trust that all of these picks have Cosmo-approved compression and support that'll take your next workout to another level. Here are some of our favorites...
Our top picks for the best compression leggings of 2025:
Ready to enhance your blood flow and your workouts all in one? I polled Cosmo editors for their recs and combed through hundreds of reviews to find you the best compression leggings out there. From a Taylor Swift-approved brand to butt-lifting leggings that'll give you all the support, find your perfect pair below. But first:
What to consider when choosing compression leggings...
Compression level
Compression leggings of all levels of squeeziness exist, and you don't need to pick something with maximum compression to reap the benefits of a compressive style. Firmer compression is ideal for support during high-intensity workouts and aiding with circulation during long airplane rides, whereas medium compression helps for athletic recovery. And you might like light compression if you're just using these leggings for normal, everyday wear.
Fabric content
Any type of workout gear should be breathable and sweat-wicking, especially leggings. Keep an eye out for materials like lycra or nylon, which are both quick-drying. Additional fabrics like spandex or elastane will provide stretch!
Waistband width
Whether you're ride-or-die for high-rise leggings or prefer something that hits a little lower, the rise of your leggings is something to keep in mind when selecting for compression styles. A higher rise means greater support on your abdomen and lower back and less chance of the waistband rolling down.
Pros
- Anti-camel toe design actually works!
- Waistband doesn't slide around
- Multiple inseam lengths
Cons
- A few reviewers say the leggings pilled
Why we love it: These leggings from celeb-loved brand Popflex come in a great range of colors, sizes, and inseam lengths, so you're almost guaranteed find the right fit.
Since Popflex got the Taylor Swift stamp of approval, I've been obsessively going over the brand's styles, and the Supersculpt leggings are truly unlike any other leggings I've ever seen. Why? They're so customizable thanks to all of the sizing options! I also love that these leggings are soft but compressive enough to make you feel supported and feature a sculpting waistband and heart-shaped back seam to cup your booty.
- Size range: XXS-3X
- Length: 23", 25", 27", 29", 31"
- Colors: 8
- Pockets? Yes
- Materials: 77% polyester, 23% spandex
Pros
- 3D sculpting design adds extra support where you need it
- Multiple inseam lengths and tons of color options
- Comes in a shorts version, too
Cons
- The size range is limited
Why we love it: These leggings provide excellent joint support and muscle stimulation for anyone looking for firm compression. They also come in biker shorts form!
The Body Sculpt leggings from Fanka are definitely not for those looking for a little light compression, as reviewers warn they can be a little tricky to get on. But once they're on, they don't budge! These leggings feature excellent targeted support for your joints, thighs, and butt to keep you fully supported, no matter how intense your workout is.
- Compression level: Firm
- Size range: S-XL (select colors available in XS-4X)
- Inseam: 24-26.5", 21-22.5", 17.5-19"
- Colors: 17
- Pockets? Yes
- Materials: 70% Polyamide, 30% elastane
Pros
- Waistband drawstring helps you customize your fit
- Multiple inseam lengths
- Extra-comfortable fabric and feel
Cons
- Limited size range
Why we love it: This style is a variation of one of lululemon's most popular leggings, designed to accommodate curves without any gaps throughout the hips and legs.
Leggings are like jeans: Your perfect fit is out there, you just gotta find that style that's designed to fit your body like a glove. That's why I love that lululemon has a couple of different fit options in the brand's beloved Wunder Train tights. The Contour Fit is designed specifically for those who might need a little more room in the hips and thighs, with an adjusted hip-to-waist ratio to avoid any waist gaps or loose-fitting areas.
- Compression level: Medium-firm yet stretchy
- Size range: 0-14
- Inseams: 23", 25", 28"
- Colors: Espresso, legacy green, black, nomad, true navy
- Pockets? Yes
- Materials: 77% Nylon, 23% Lycra elastane
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Very thick
- Squat-proof, won't show underwear when stretched
Cons
- Some reviewers said that they loosened slightly over time
Why we love it: If you're a fan of high-waisted leggings with a really thick, comfortable, secure waistband, these are the leggings for you. They're also one of the most wallet-friendly picks on this list.
These are the #1 best-selling yoga leggings on Amazon, so you know they've got to be good. Designed with thick waistband and pockets for all your workout essentials, these leggings come in a ton of different colors—and thanks to their more affordable price, if you wanted to buy a pair for every day of the week (no judgment), you could!
- Compression level: Medium
- Size range: XS-3X
- Inseam: Unspecified
- Colors: 27
- Pockets? Yes
- Materials: 88% Polyamide, 12% spandex
Pros
- High-compression legging won't budge mid-workout
- Squat-proof fabric
- Adjustable drawstring waistline
- Multiple inseam lengths
Cons
- Lighter colors show sweat according to some reviewers
Why we love it: These leggings feel secure and compressive without being too tight or restrictive. They're also adjustable at the waist, and come in multiple inseam lengths.
Sometimes, no matter what you do or what size you get, your leggings just keep rolling down your waist. The Interval Stash high-rise leggings from Athleta are made with a bonded waistband to avoid any unwanted rolling, and a drawstring at the waist so you can customize the fit to your liking. Twist and turn all you want; these leggings are not budging. They're also squat-proof, so you don't have to worry about accidentally flashing your underwear at some unsuspecting stranger in the gym!
- Compression level: Firm
- Size range: XXS-3X
- Inseam: 23", 25", 28"
- Colors: 11
- Pockets? Yes
- Materials: 77% Recycled polyester, 23% elastane
Under Armour HeatGear High No-Slip Waistband Pocketed Leggings
Under Armour HeatGear High No-Slip Waistband Pocketed Leggings
Pros
- Can also work as a base layer in colder weather
- Very comfortable and breathable
- Multiple inseam lengths
Cons
- Might not be compressive enough for some
Why we love it: These lightly-compressive leggings work just as well as a summer legging as they do as a base layer under snow pants, ski pants, or jeans when it gets cold outside.
These leggings are perfect if you're active year-round because Under Armour's HeatGear tech keeps you cool in hot weather, while being thin enough to act as a base layer during the colder months. They're also designed with compression throughout the pant leg, so it won't just give you support around your waist, but anywhere you might need it.
- Compression level: Light-medium
- Size range: XS-3X
- Inseams: 27", 29", 31"
- Colors: Black
- Pockets? Yes
- Materials: 87% Polyester, 13% elastane
Pros
- Super high waist stays in place during workouts
- No camel toe effect
- Matte finish
Cons
- Material is on the thicker side so it might be less breathable
Why we love it: These leggings provide both abdominal compression and lower back support thanks to the extra-wide, double-enforced top.
If you're on the hunt for a pair of leggings that keeps you feeling secure as you're running, jumping, or doing other forms of high-impact exercise, these super high-waisted leggings from Homma will help you feel cinched. And, yes, the pants also have compression!
- Compression level: Medium
- Size range: S-XXL
- Inseam: Not specified
- Colors: 12
- Pockets? No
- Materials: 88% Nylon, 12% spandex
Pros
- Thicker fabric keeps these leggings from being see-through
- Multiple inseam lengths
- Longer gusset to avoid camel toe
Cons
- Can get a little hot in the summer months
Why we love it: Girlfriend Collective offers an excellent range of sizes to accommodate a range of body types. These leggings are also made of recycled materials for a more sustainable buy!
Girlfriend Collective offers tons of legging styles, but the brand's compressive high-rise legging is definitely one of my all-time faves. I'll admit: They are a little hard to pull on if you're not used to compression, but that just means you'll get a lot of support while wearing them! I love that these have a thick waistband, so they don't roll down, and that they're opaque, so I can wear them out and about without any worries.
- Compression level: Medium-firm
- Size range: XXS-6XL
- Length: 23.75", 28.5"
- Colors: 21
- Pockets? No
- Materials: 79% recycled water bottles (RPET), 21% spandex
Pros
- Elastic-free waistband allows for more breathing room
- Quick-dry fabric
- Soft and comfortable
Cons
- Only one inseam length
Why we love it: Tend to sweat a lot? These leggings will dry quickly! They're also soft and compressive without feeling too tight.
Zella's Studio Luxe High-Waist leggings are made with 26% spandex, so you know that stretch is gonna hit! That same stretchy fabric is also quick-drying, which offers next-level comfort and breathability for all your workouts. Reviewers also attest the compression and elastic-free waistband are both supportive without feeling too restrictive. If you want extra compression, size down!
- Compression level: Medium
- Size range: XS-XXL
- Inseam: 24"
- Colors: 7
- Pockets? No
- Materials: 74% Nylon, 26% spandex
Pros
- Thin material is so soft, you'll forget you're wearing them
- A great comfortable introduction to compression
- Multiple inseam lengths
Cons
- Not for those looking for super strong compression
Why we love it: These buttery-soft leggings stay up, don't fold over at the waistband, and have pockets that stretch to fit anything you might need to carry with you during your workout.
I went through a phase where I only wore Old Navy PowerSoft leggings, and I regret nothing. These leggings are so, so, so soft; they feel like pajamas, they have a high waist that never rolls down or gets saggy, and pockets that just so happen to be perfectly phone-sized. They aren't the most compressive out there, but they do give a nice smoothing effect, and they're not so constricting that you can't wear them in hot weather.
- Compression level: Light
- Size range: XS-4X
- Inseam: 23", 25", 28"
- Colors: 7
- Pockets? Yes
- Materials: 79% Nylon, 21% spandex
Hannah is the Shopping Editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from chic home decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and pictures of her office outfits that nobody asked for.
Olivia Truffaut-Wong is an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers beauty, entertainment, and lifestyle. She loves finding and testing the best skincare products to recommend, like the best tinted sunscreens, and is always researching the best cat accessories for her fur baby. She has over 10 years of experience as an entertainment and culture writer and editor, and her work has been featured in The Cut, Refinery29, Teen Vogue, Polygon, Bustle, and more.
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