13 Best Amazon Leggings: Editor-Tested Pairs for Every Activity

A stretchy and opaque pair loved by associate commerce director Madison Flager, the Quuenieke leggings are great for just about anything—plane rides, road trips, or lounging around. “I was skeptical about buying a random pair of leggings off of Amazon, but nearly five years later, they’re still one of my favorite pairs, and by far the least expensive,” says Flager.

Pros: Good for year-round wear, comfortable fit, holds shape after many washes
Cons: Not sweat-wicking

Hard Tail’s stretchy cotton pants are more comfortable than compression-style leggings, making them an ideal pair for everyday wear. “I’m not usually the kind of person to wear leggings out and about—unless I’m headed straight to a workout class—but I make an exception for Hard Tail leggings when I’m staring down an overnight flight or long road trip,” says associate articles director Megan Spurrell. They’re high-waisted, breathable, and offer four-way stretch.

Pros: Comfortable enough for everyday wear and last for years
Cons: Limited color options available and no pockets

The era of yoga pants has long been forgotten, but the flared legging is like its trendier adversary. Commerce writer Paris Wilson tested these out during a six-hour road trip, so comfort was key and these flared leggings did not disappoint. “The material was incredibly soft and durable—I spilled some water on myself and it didn’t immediately soak into the fabric. The design feature that intrigued me the most was the crisscross waist. It felt comfortable even while I was sitting for hours on end and never dug into my stomach. The flared leggings accentuate your figure and give a distinct shape to your body which is an instant confidence boost,” says Wilson. The pant length fell perfectly just below her ankles (she’s 5’3″).

Pros: Slightly water-resistant, seamless
Cons: No pockets

For Wilson, the Under Armour HeatGear No-Slip ankle leggings proved their worth on a recent hike. “They felt pretty standard at first, but two features stood out: the no-slip waistband and the ultra-light HeatGear fabric,” says Wilson. “The waistband didn’t budge, even during steep climbs—no tugging or adjusting, which is a game-changer on the trail.” The HeatGear material kept her cool and dry in midday heat, and their ultra-lightweight design makes them easy to pack. “Whether you’re hiking through the mountains or navigating a long airport layover, these leggings offer all-day comfort and stay put no matter what.” While not flashy, Wilson calls them “functional, breathable, and reliable.”

Pros: No-slip waistband, lightweight, and breathable fabric
Cons: Limited warmth for cooler weather or high-altitude hike

Flager has worn these leggings for years, and they’re still in great shape. “Exercise leggings can be expensive—when I needed another pair in my rotation, I took a gamble on a $20 pair from Amazon,” says Flager. “It paid off: I had a pair of these for probably three or four years before I replaced them (I had gotten some holes in the knee on a hike), and my current pair has been going strong since 2021. They’re opaque, don’t show sweat, and are a good in-between length for when I want more coverage than a bike short but not as much as a full-length legging.”

Pros: Card/key pocket at the hip, opaque
Cons: A clear athletic style, so I only wear them when running

This unique high-waisted pair with a ribbed blue trim from Beyond Yoga comes highly recommended by research director Alex Sanidad. “I got them for running at the gym and for my boxing classes, but the fun waist and dark blue also makes them suitable for grabbing lunch when paired with a cute top.” And while this is the most expensive pair on our list, the high quality and versatility make them worth a spot among our favorites. “They’re comfortable and don’t have to be pulled up constantly,” says Sanidad. “I especially like Beyond Yoga for its selection of colors.”

Pros:  Flattering crisscross waist band, fun colorful trim
Cons: Most expensive pair on our list at $110

A favorite of travel bookings editor Jamie Spain, these buttery-soft leggings stand out for their exceptional comfort and thoughtful design. “The length is perfect for petite women, and they come in a variety of colors—from leopard print to deep violet,” says Spain. “The plethora of pockets makes it easy to carry everything you need—I was able to stash my phone, earbuds, and ID on a walk around the waterfront without any issues of the weight pulling the waistband down or the items falling out.” Beyond the storage, what impressed her most was the fabric. “It’s fairly lightweight and stretchy, so it doesn’t restrict you while on the move, but it’s still thick enough to avoid any transparency when stretching.” For Spain, they easily transition from reformer Pilates to a leisurely stroll on the pier.

Pros: Stretchy breathable fabric, many colors to choose from
Cons: Might not be a good fit for taller women

A versatile favorite of commerce editor Meaghan Kenny, this do-it-all Amazon find impressed her with its ability to handle everything from lounging around the house to sweaty Pilates classes and long walks around Hoboken. “I judge a pair of leggings by its versatility: Are they comfortable enough to wear on a long-haul flight? Are they supportive enough for a workout class?” says Kenny. “These are stretchy, super lightweight, and comfy enough to keep on all day. The high waistband didn’t slide down during any of my workouts, and they offered pretty good flexibility.” While she plans to wear them mostly for flights, road trips, and weekend errands, Kenny says, “If you’re only packing one pair of leggings, these can stand in as your athletic pair, too.”

Pros: Lightweight and stretchy fabric that stays in place
Cons: Not an ideal material for running or high-intensity workouts

Former editor Alex Erdekian praises these leggings from Ododos for being equal parts comfortable and flattering, thanks to the two pieces of ruched fabric that crisscross over the waist. They hit just above the belly button, making them not too low-waisted (which can be unflattering) or too high-waisted (which can be suffocating), but just right. “The fabric is thin, stretchy, smooth, and extremely soft, but opaque and sturdy enough to give adequate coverage,” she says.

Pros: There’s a hidden waist pocket to stash your keys
Cons: Hidden pocket would feel more secure with a zipper

For a cold-weather pair that gives you a little bit of extra warmth for outdoor runs without causing you to overheat, look no further than these lightly fleece-lined leggings. These are a go-to for Spain for runs, walks, and travel days when she wants something warm and soft. “While I probably wouldn’t wear them in the dead of summer when it’s very hot, they otherwise can be worn for any occasion or outside temperature,” says Spain. She appreciates that they never slide down and transition well between most seasons.

Pros: High-waisted, large phone pocket, don’t slide down while wearing
Cons: Not thick enough for very cold temperatures

Senior destinations editor Shannon McMahon swears by these high-waisted fleece leggings. “They look like all my normal workout leggings, but are much warmer—perfect for a fall bike ride or a long hike. I would absolutely wear these on the cold plane, and I’ll use them as a layer under jeans in the winter and for cool-weather outdoor adventures,” she says. Not only do they feature sweat-wicking fabric and a cozy interior, they’re under $40 on Amazon right now.

Pro: Sweat-wicking fabric
Con: Small waistband pocket

This pair of cold-weather leggings is a favorite of Traveler‘s senior visual editors Pallavi Mohan Kumar for running. “I’ve gone running in the freezing cold in these, powered through a sweaty Pilates class, a whole Saturday morning full of errands—and they were great in all of them,” she says. The thick, encased elastic waistband offers plenty of support without feeling constricting. If you’re looking for a sweat-resistant pair that will keep you warm on your outdoor adventures when needed, look no further.

Pros: Ideal for running, sweat-resistant
Cons: Too warm for everyday wear

These are a go-to for Wilson on cooler days and when traveling. “They keep me warm on the plane and limit the number of layers I pack in my personal item to wear just in case the air conditioning is on full blast,” Wilson says. The thick fleece lining ensures the leggings aren’t see-through and are comfortable enough for all-day wear.

Pros: No chafing, side pockets, easy to layer
Cons: Limited colors available, pocket placement is high on the hip