Courtesy of Sculpt+Legging

Forme Sculpt+Legging for $118: Forme’s Sculpt+Leggings are designed with a multi-panel waistband and layers of tensile fabric that are meant to tug your hips, spine, and core into better alignment. The company claims this design helps activate muscle memory and improve proprioception, with endorsements from physicians for lower back pain, hip stiffness, and postpartum recovery. I didn’t transform into a Pilates instructor overnight, but I did feel a subtle lift in my core and a bit less slouchy while wearing them. They’re more of a reminder to be mindful of your posture, but they won’t do the work for you. It may be a placebo, but it is a comfy one at that. They’re snug and supportive without squeezing your midsection, which isn’t always the case with compression wear.

On Active Tights for $75: I recently started strength training to support my running and climbing, and because I don’t want my bones to crumble into a pile of dust as I get older. These leggings are my favorite pick for lifting at the gym. They’re composed of 68 percent recycled polyamide and 32 percent elastane, and they feel incredibly silky on, are lightweight and breathable, but also, somehow supportive. I don’t feel self-conscious when doing squats or taking a rest break. They also have a pocket that fits my iPhone 16, so I have somewhere to put my phone when I’m moving from machine to machine. —Adrienne So

Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant with Pockets for $128: These workout leggings check most of our boxes: four-way stretch, sweat-wicking, and full coverage. They’re technically yoga pants, but I prefer wearing them when I’m working from home or running errands. I also love wearing these for a flight. The light compression is more of a snug hug than active support. That said, the fabric tends to pill and collect lint over time. Also, if pockets aren’t a must-have for you, the standard Align High-Rise Pant may be a smarter purchase. The pocketed model runs $20 to $30 more than the original, depending on the color (kind of insane).

Courtesy of Gymshark

Gymshark Legacy Regular Leggings for $54: These are my deadlift darlings. Soft, stretchy, and squat-proof. The sculpted waistband and internal bum scrunch add just enough flattering lift without feeling like an uncomfortable wedgie. At $54, they’re a steal compared to many competitors, so I don’t sweat the price tag while I’m sweating in them. Unfortunately, I’ve owned these for about a year now, and some of the stitching is undone.

Gymshark Mesh Waistband Leggings for $50: I like the Gymshark Mesh Waistband Leggings for weight-lifting, though I prefer the Legacy leggings overall. The mesh waistband holds everything in place, but it also digs into the skin—it’s not painful, just odd. The bum scrunch is a little more pronounced than the Legacy and not as comfortable for all-day wear.

Nike Women’s Go High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings with Pockets for $73: I run almost every day, and these are the best leggings I’ve ever had. I get sad when these are in the wash. While the fabric composition is a fairly standard mix of nylon and spandex, the Nike Infinalock treatment is unique. It feels almost like wearing an extremely thin wetsuit, and yes, this is a good thing. I feel totally locked in. Nothing sags, nothing jiggles, and the seams are flat, so you don’t have anything pilling or rubbing in between your legs (ew, sorry). There are plenty of pockets, even though I don’t really use those while running, and a drawcord for keeping the leggings cinched up. I hate yanking my leggings up! There’s no reason for this! We have the technology! —Adrienne So

Courtesy of Spanx

SPANXshape Booty Boost 7/8 Leggings for $98: Let’s start with what I like. The center-seam-free design is fabulous (no gusset checks). I’ve sported them to heated workouts, and they dried faster than expected. But when it comes to the “booty boost” promise, I just didn’t see it. I’ve gotten more of a noticeable lift from my Gymshark and Fanka leggings. The contoured waistband does offer decent core support, but the lining creates an unflattering design. And while compression is a hallmark of Spanx, in this case, it feels uncomfortably tight and unflattering. So tight that sizing up is strongly recommended.

prAna Heavana 7/8 Leggings for $89: These are a good alternative to the On gym leggings above for under $100. The description makes them sound like they’re ultrasoft and for lounging, but they’re actually very thin and breathable, and the big waistband means they don’t roll down while you’re moving. I would feel a little self-conscious lounging on the sofa in these, but they’re great for working out. —Adrienne So

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