9 Best Compression Leggings for Any Workout, Reviews
Here’s how: Compression leggings are designed to increase blood flow to the muscles in your lower body during exercise, delivering more oxygen to your muscles, according to orthopedic surgeon David Schneider.Natasha Trentacosta, MD“Wearing compression leggings increases blood flow and improves muscle oxygenation, helping you work out more efficiently with less muscle fatigue.”
So it’s no wonder that many athletes swear by the idea of slipping on a pair of leggings, especially when it comes to heavy weight training or explosive movements. Wearing compression leggings during your weightlifting sessions can help improve your strength and speed during explosive, powerful movements.
“Some people actually experience increased strength and power when exercising in compression tights, especially during explosive movements such as plyometrics and weightlifting,” says orthopedic surgeonDavid Geier, MDsaid:
But there are plenty of benefits outside of the gym.Laura Purdy, MDpoints out that compression leggings tend to be especially helpful for people whose jobs require them to stand for hours on end — think retail workers, surgeons, and teachers. Pregnant women and those with conditions like diabetes, varicose veins, heart failure, lymphedema, and psoriasis can also benefit from the increased circulation, she says.
Things to consider
The factors to look out for when buying compression leggings will mainly depend on your personal goals and the activity for which you will be wearing the leggings.
Compression Level
If you like to hit the gym with heavy weightlifting sessions or long distance runs, you’ll be best served by purchasing leggings with high or graduated compression, which means more pressure at the extremities and gradually decreasing pressure towards the core. This is according to USAW Level 2 Weightlifting Coach,StrongHER.
“High-compression, high-support compression leggings are designed to combine the effects of compression with kinesiology tape,” Nakhlawi says. “They feel very tight, but they also provide great support for your muscles and joints.”
material
If you work out multiple times a week, make sure your leggings are made from high-quality, breathable fabrics like spandex, nylon, or polyester blends. They’re machine washable, saving you time rubbing your tights by hand or dealing with weakening compression over time. Not only do these durable fabrics offer comfortable four-way stretch, wick away sweat, and dry super fast, some even come with antibacterial properties to prevent odor buildup and keep your gym from smelling bad.
Selection method
As editors at Women’s Health, leggings are our livelihood. For this article, our staff editors dug through our years of testing to find the best leggings that offer just the right amount of compression, support, and comfort. We also consulted with Dr. Geier Or Doctor Purdy We consulted doctors such as: Every winner on this list has been vetted and tested by our editors and writers.
Read on for the 10 best compression leggings from experts and rave reviews.
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Best Overall Compression Leggings
Lululemon Senseknit High Rise Running Tights
Strong Points
Drawstring waist prevents sagging
– Machine washable
Cons
Very expensive considering the materials used
One of the most uncomfortable things to do while running is to have your leggings sag, shortening your stride and making you feel heavy. But with the SenseKnit HR Running Tights, you won’t have to worry about that. They feature a high-rise waistband and seamless leg length that supports, cinches, and flexes with every step. Though these leggings are specifically designed for running, their four-way stretch and moisture-wicking fabric also make them perfect for high-intensity activities like plyometrics and HIIT training. Personal trainer Kelsey Wynn, NASM, wears these leggings for rigorous workouts and attests to their durability. Bonus: Reflective details improve visibility in low light, especially helpful for nighttime runs.
Read more: Best Lululemon Leggings
Compression Level
Moderate
material
Nylon, elastane, polyimide
Best compression leggings for cross training
2XU Mid-Rise Compression Tights
Strong Points
– Machine washable
Reflective color options
Cons
No lining/not very warm
The ankle feels too tight for some users
Tired of chafing during your workout? These 2XU Mid-Rise Compression Tights go all out to prioritize your comfort with flat, non-irritating seams and specialized fabric designed to protect your abductors, glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calf muscles while you work out. Winn also found that the supportive design makes them extremely useful for cross-training, which involves moving in different directions. Wear these leggings for any activity, from running to cycling to yoga to weightlifting. The breathable material keeps you cool and dry, and the mid-waist design provides extra support for your core muscles.
Featuring a durable design and form-fitting silhouette, these compression leggings promote proper alignment and muscle recovery, making them a versatile addition to your workout wardrobe.
Compression Level
expensive
material
Lycra, polyester blend
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The best compression leggings for tummy control
Adidas Classics Tonal 3-Stripe Leggings
Strong Points
Perfect size
Large waistband for maximum coverage
Cons
Some users say it sometimes rolls off
Designed to stay in place for every activity, from running to yoga, the Adidas Originals Classics Tonal 3-Stripes Leggings hug your legs like a second skin without feeling suffocating or restrictive. Our testers rave about how the size always fits perfectly and the thick, elastic waistband keeps your tummy under control. Soft and versatile, available in three color options, our editors love these leggings at the yoga studio, around town, and everywhere in between.
Compression Level
Moderate
fit
Polyester, elastane
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Best medium compression leggings
Shapermint High Waist Sculpting Leggings
Strong Points
– Machine washable
Very suitable fit
Cons
Not machine washable
Shapermint leggings are popular for their stretchy, comfortable fabric. Designed with movement in mind, they come in a variety of colors so you can dress them up or down depending on the day. We love the durable fabric that compresses in all the right places. Winn says these sculpting leggings slim your waist to your ankles and flatter your tummy. Plus, testers love that these thick leggings are see-through.
Compression Level
Moderate
material
Polyamide, Elastane
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Sabrina is an Editorial Assistant at Women’s Health. When she’s not writing, you can find her running, training mixed martial arts, and reading.
Kelsey Winn is a NASM certified personal trainer covering fitness shopping news, the former editor-in-chief of Spartan Race, and a contributor to Everest Outdoor News.