Searching for the best athletic pants for women? I crowdsourced the KERF audience to find out their favorites! It’s the fit time of year! If you’re looking for some new workout gear to make this year your healthiest, this post includes all of my favorite leggings and joggers ideal for life on the move!
10 Best Athletic Pants For Women
Let’s be honest, I live in leggings thanks to WFH life. Leggings are a staple of my “mom uniform.” I also aim to be active daily, so athletic pants are just practical for my lifestyle. It is kind of like when I wear a sports bra I’m more likely get get bonus movement during my day. Life in leggings means more steps in!
I know how that perfect pair of athletic pants can make you feel confident and comfortable throughout your workout. You know what I’m talking about… the pair you wish were clean when they’re in the dirty clothes hamper.
Throughout the years I’ve tried too many different types of leggings to count, from twenty dollar Target leggings to the cream of the crop. Spoiler alert: some of my favorite leggings are under $30! I think my current favorites, however, are by Nike!
If you’re anything like me, and athleisure wear rules your closet, then you probably know that each pair of athletic pants serves a purpose: some are best for the bike, some are made to be worn on the yoga mat, and then there are those that you lounge in/live in/travel in/chase kids in. My go-tos must have a high waist and medium compression, but I love loose joggers and high compression tights for other activities as well!
I crowdsourced the KERF audience to find out their favorite athletic pants for women. With a variety of budgets and activities in mind to inspire your workout wardrobe, here are your favorites (including my must-haves).
10 Best Athletic Pants For Women
In no particular order, here are the leggings and athletic pants y'all think are the best of the best. Affiliate links included.
Lululemon Align II 25"
These are the uber popular high waisted, super buttery soft leggings that Lululemon is known for. They don’t have much compression and feel like you’re wearing nothing at all! The waist won’t dig in at all. They’re best for under tunics and dresses and lounging around; additionally, they are a favorite for yogis. I have a pair and think they are very comfortable, but they are personally not my top pick since I gravitate towards more compression. The Align leggings come in many colors that are always changing and a few different lengths as well - including shorts and joggers - with the 25" being a cult favorite.
Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight 25"
These have quite a bit more compression, compared to the Align style, and are super smooth. The Everlux material is great for high impact workouts. I love these for plyometric classes at the gym.
Colorfulkoala Leggings
These are similar to the Align leggings, at a sliver of the cost! They are very similar in fabric and fit, and great if you’re taller since these are longer or "full length" with a 28" inseam. Priced at $22.99 - unbeatable! With almost 40,000 ratings on Amazon, it's clear these are versatile and comfortable.
Colorfulkoala 7/8 Length Leggings with Pockets (Kath's favorite!)
And these, my friends, are my favorite leggings that I wear every single week. I do everything in them from riding the Peloton to folding laundry to wearing them around town. The side pockets are perfect to hold your phone on the go, and they have the comfort of yoga pants while having decent compression for everyday wear and workouts. The price can't be beat either.
Athleta Salutation Leggings
You all are my people because I love Athleta as much as y'all do! These high rise leggings were recommended several times for good reason. Designed for yoga practice, they give support that feels like a gentle hug. These also have pockets to fit your essentials and come in fun colors and prints. Plus, Athleta offers their styles in tall and petite sizes, making it easy to find the perfect fit.
Zella Live In High Waist Leggings
Moderately priced at just $59, these Nordstrom leggings are flattering and best of all can be worn both at the gym or as a casual outfit for running errands, school pick-up, and more. The brushed, sweat-wicking fabric dries quickly to keep you cool and comfortable. While I know a bunch of people love and recommend these, I have to say they are not my favorite. I bought them and returned them a few years ago.
Vuori Performance Jogger
This a pair I haven't tried myself, but Vuori is a brand that is growing in popularity fast. Not only have I received personal recommendations for their Performance Joggers, but you all seem to like them, too. The Performance Joggers have a slim, but relaxed fit with a slightly cropped leg (they come in a long version, too), side pockets and a drawstring. The fabric is dreamy soft. My VA, Hillary, says she doesn't take her off! Style with a cute tank and denim jacket for casual weekend wear, or wear with a cozy sweatshirt for a movie marathon. They'll be your new go-to.
Athleta Salutation Jogger
Salutation, for the win again. These joggers are uber comfortable and are usually part of my weekend uniform. The ultra thick waistband is amazing, and they are the best for lounging. For a more sporty jogger, the Venice Joggers are my go-to for running errands. Both are loose-fitting and have pockets. I don't wear these styles often as workouts pants, but they are certainly made with an active lifestyle in mind.
Nike Zenvy Gentle-Support High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings
These are my favorite Nike leggings because they have good compression and are a bit more of a performance material. LOVE them! The seamless ankles are great, they are supportive overall, and the waist height is perfect for me. They’re $100, so an investment, but I love them for my gym classes!
Nike Yoga Dri-FIT Luxe Women's High-Waisted 7/8 Infinalon Leggings
They are SO very soft, have the seamless ankles, and are the perfect waist height. As part of the Nike Luxe line, these leggings define luxury with buttery-soft Nike Infinalon fabric that gives you a gently compressive feel while keeping you dry as you stretch and hold your pose. They are marketed as being lower on the compression scale, but I found them much more compressive than some of my older leggings. So I’d say medium compression. These are good for classes OR good for lounging at home!
Melanie Goldsmith says
This is great thanks! One of my new favorites is Constantly Varied Gear – they have really fun patterns for those that like a variety. I just purchased two pairs of leggings and really like them.
Judith Scott says
Kath, I’ve been enjoying your blog for many years, and I never thought I’d make a negative comment, but here goes…I think these pants are the worst fashion trend ever! Other than wearing for actual working out (which I do and they are great for their original purpose)I think they look terrible on 80% of the women who wear them for everyday activities. Not you, of course, as you are petite and athletic. They are part of the move towards complete casual dress in our society, which I find distressing.
Krista says
So you can’t wear these pants if you’re not petite and athletic?
Louise RD says
I agree with leggings being a fashion disaster. I much prefer a lean boot-cut yoga pant, of which I own a bunch and basically live in. I do have a few pairs of leggings but only use them for hot yoga…..never to run in and never to just hang out in….just a personal preference:-)
Kath Younger says
I think a skinny leg vs. bootcut depends a lot on your height and shape. Both look good on different people.
Marie says
This is one your best posts! Thank you! Information I can use. Leggings for life!