Confirmed: these compression leggings pass the squat test
If you ever catch me in the gym looking snatched, please know it's not because I work out regularly, it's because I wear compression leggings from my fave activewear brands. But I don't just wear compression leggings to keep my derrière lifted, I wear them because they help keep my muscles engaged and joints supported during workouts.
First things first: what sets them apart from regular leggings? Compression leggings are super high-stretch and, you guessed it, compressive to keep your blood flowing (just like compression socks) and your body aligned by creating a slight constriction. Ever heard of compression therapy? Leggings with this technology apply gentle pressure to certain areas, increasing blood flow to the heart, minimizing inflammation, and potentially decreasing pain. Personally, I like wearing them for the extra support around my hips, which saves me from lower back pain. (Not to mention how many times the secure compression waistband has kept me from accidentally flashing the entire gym mid-squat!)
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.
Supersculpt™ Leggings with Pockets - Blue Mist
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 customisable! Not only do these come in a ton of different colours and sizes, but they also come in five different lengths, so you're almost guaranteed to find the right fit. 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 give your booty a well-deserved lift.
Size range: XXS-3X
Length: 23", 25", 27", 29", 31"
Colours: 8
Pockets? Yes
Materials: 77% polyester, 23% spandex
Glowing Customer Review: "I'm in love with these leggings. Thick, high-waisted, and pockets!? Perfect combination. I got a size S with 25" length. I'm 5'4" and they fit great. I haven't experienced any sliding on the waist, which is what I was most worried about. Very happy with the fit."
Wunder Train Contour Fit High-Rise Tight 25"
Leggings are like jeans: You gotta find the right fit for your body type. 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.
Size range: 0-14
Inseams: 23", 25", 28"
Colours: Espresso, legacy green, black, nomad, true navy
Pockets? Yes
Materials: 77% Nylon, 23% Lycra elastane
Glowing Customer Review: "These are my absolute favourite style of bottoms and I wear them daily! I love the soft feel while also providing compression and having four-way stretch. I love the contour fit especially because I feel that it fits all the right places without having to compromise comfort in any areas."
Body Sculpt Side Pocket Leggings
The Body Sculpt leggings from Fanka feature targeted support for your joints, thighs, and butt to keep you fully supported, no matter how intense your workout is. These are definitely not for those looking for low to medium compression, as reviewers warn they can be a little hard to get on. But once they're on, they don't budge.
Size range: S-XL (select colours available in XS-4X)
Inseam: 24-26.5", 21-22.5", 17.5-19"
Colours: 17
Pockets? Yes
Materials: 70% Polyamide, 30% elastane
Glowing Customer Review: "I felt a difference in the way my joints were supported and how my muscles were engaged when just walking from first wear. The appearance is great with an amazing butt lift, so much that my husband asked me to order another pair."
Compressive High Waisted Leggings
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.
Size range: XS-XXL
Length: 23.75", 28.5"
Colours: 4
Pockets? A hidden one
Materials: 79% recycled water bottles (RPET), 21% spandex
Glowing Customer Review: "Me and these leggings are best pals. I love how they are high rise with a long enough gusset to ensure I never end up with camel toe. They are compressive, so I feel held in during workouts. The thickness is great and they are super squat proof."
The Perform 24/7 Legging
Cosmopolitan Executive Producer Abbey Adkison loves these Everlane leggings because they're supportive, but not too restricting. (She describes the compression as a "gentle lil squeeze.") Multiple testers and reviewers agree, writing that these Everlane leggings are super-smoothing and comfortable.
Size range: XXS-XXXL
Inseams: 25", 28"
Colours: Black, beech, ocean blue
Pockets? 1 internal pocket
Materials: 69% recycled nylon, 31% elastane
Glowing Customer Review: "I am a yoga teacher and am in leggings constantly. These look great, stay put, don't lose their shape, wash well, and last a long time. They are my all-time favorite leggings for work and for my own workouts. I recommend them to all of my students."
7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging
Made from Alo's highest compression fabric—Airlift—these high-waisted leggings are made for maximum support while also providing four-way stretch to accommodate your movements. Some reviewers did note that they can run a little small, especially if you're not looking for high compression, so keep that in mind while shopping.
Size range: XXS-XL
Inseams: 24.5", 28"
Colours: 18 (28" leggings come in fewer colours)
Pockets? No
Materials: 82% polyester, 18% elastane
Glowing Customer Review: "Unbeatable comfort! I love the compression that keeps my legs looking smooth without feeling like it's suffocating. Amazing material that is not see-through and has a nice weight and sheen."
Thick High Waist Yoga Pants with Pockets
These are the number 1 bestselling yoga leggings on Amazon, so you know they've got to be good. Designed with thick waistband for extra tummy control and pockets for all your workout essentials, these leggings absolutely deserve a spot in your wardrobe. If you wanted to buy a pair for every day of the week (no judgment), you could!
Size range: XS-3X
Inseam: Unspecified
Colours: 5
Pockets? Yes
Materials: 88% Polyamide, 12% spandex
Glowing Customer Review: "I love these leggings. They have the right amount of compression, they're comfortable, they aren't see-through, and they have pockets! I have at least 3 pairs!"
Contour Leggings
If there's anyone I trust to deliver on compression, it's Kim Kardashian. These SKIMS leggings are no exception. They are not specifically categorized as shapewear by the brand, but if you think Kim K would release a legging that didn't make you feel snatched, you're sadly mistaken.
Size range: XXS/XS-4X/5X
Inseam: Not specified
Colours: Onyx, truffle, gunmetal
Pockets? No
Materials: 91% nylon, 9% elastane
Glowing Customer Review: "I love these leggings!! They look amazing on and shape you perfectly!! The fabric is a little tight and thick, so size up if you do not want them to be super tight."
Thick High Waist Tummy Compression Leggings
If you're on the hunt for some tummy compression, you should absolutely consider this pair of Homma leggings. Designed with a super high waist, these leggings feature an extra wide, double-enforced control top meant to cinch you in and ease your movements. And, yes, the pants also have compression!
Size range: S-XXL
Inseam: Not specified
Colours: 16
Pockets? No
Materials: 88% Nylon, 12% spandex
Glowing Customer Review: "The material provides great compression, which helps during exercise, and I'm not jiggling when I walk or run. The finish on the material is matte, with a bit of texture along the inner and outer aspect of the leg. There is no see through. There is no camel toe. They come in several colors. I can recommend these with confidence, ladies."
Evolve Legging
Vuori's Evolve leggings are touted as the brand's softest yet. The stretch knit fabric is smooth to the touch and has four-way stretch to accommodate your movements. The fabric is also moisture-wicking.
Size range: XXS-XXL
Inseam: 24.5"
Colors: Charcoal, black, bone and sangria
Pockets? No
Materials: 85% Polyamide, 15% elastane
Glowing Customer Review: "They look great and they're comfortable. Evolve leggings are compression, which means better performance and quicker recovery after working out. They're high wasted and make your body look terrific. Great for work outs, running errands, or going out to dinner."
£125.00 at vuoriclothing.co.uk
OFFLINE By Aerie The Hugger High Waisted Legging
Aerie's Hugger leggings live up to their name. The material isn't too compressive, but gives your legs a nice hug of support that stays comfortable all day long. Made with mid-weight fabric, these are meant to keep you cozy and warm without overheating, and they come in eight classic colours that'll never go out of style.
Size range: XXS-XXL
Inseam: 24.75", 26.75", 28.75"
Colours: 8
Pockets? Yes
Materials: 87% Recycled polyester, 13% elastane
Glowing Customer Review: "The material is soft, breathable, and has just the right amount of thickness. It doesn't become see-through when stretched, which is essential. I can wear them all day without any discomfort, whether I'm working or just lounging around. I'm beyond thrilled."
Faux Leather Leggings in Black
Any leggings can be worn outside of the gym, but if you want compression without the sporty look, you're going to want something that looks a bit more like a regular pair of trousers. Enter: Spanx Faux Leather Leggings, equipped with a sheen that adds a bit of sophistication. Plus, in true Spanx style, they have a full control top, so you don't have to worry about them rolling down while you go about your day.
Size range: S-XL
Colours: Black
Pockets? No
Materials: 87% Nylon, 13% elastane
Glowing Customer Review: "When I took these out of the package, my first thought was, 'Oh no, I have to return these for a large.' I tried them on anyways, felt extremely tight going over my calves and thighs. But when I kept putting them on and adjusted the material and pulled it over my stomach, I was amazed at how great they felt and looked. It flattened my lower belly, smoothed my cellulite and saddlebags and they just look amazing."
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