As with pretty much everything in life, I am incredibly picky about leggings. Workout leggings have even higher standards for me because of the precarious situations you can get in when wearing them. Nobody needs see-through leggings when you are dropping it low in a squat.
I have an obscene amount of leggings sitting in my closet. During the last few months, I realized that I only really wear a few pairs and the others stay locked up in a drawer.
I truly believe that clothing that makes you look good and feel good has a direct reflection on your mood. In the case of working out, it can have such a positive effect on your performance! I know I personally feel a lot more motivated to go for a jog when I look a little cute. Shallow? Sure. But it is the truth.
I AM WEARING THE GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE LEGGINGS IN A 3X IN THE PHOTO ABOVE
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WHAT I LOOK FOR IN WORKOUT LEGGINGS
- THICK, BUT BREATHABLE MATERIAL – I am very particular about the material of my workout leggings. I like them to be a little slippy for when I am jogging but do not want them to be thin.
- SUPPORT – While I don’t want to be wearing Spanx while working out, I do want things to feel tucked in. Like a low impact sports bra for my tummy and butt.
- NOT SEE THROUGH – Pretty self-explanatory, but shockingly not always the case with leggings!
- HAVE A POCKET – Props if it is big enough for my phone, but I at least need a spot for my keys!
- STAY UP! – This is essential. I do not want to be shimmying around in my leggings my entire workout. They need to stay up or stay out of my closet!
MY FAVORITE WORKOUT LEGGINGS
ATHLETA LIGHTNING TIGHTS
I have now tried all of the workout leggings that come in plus from Athleta. If I could only wear one pair of leggings to workout in from any brand, it would be the Lightning Tight in 7/8 crop. They are so good and check all of my requirements. They are pricey, but seasonal colors often go on sale, and I think they are actually worth the money.
They do run big, so if you are between sizes or not sure which one to grab, I would suggest sizing down. I wear the 3X and they fit me perfectly.
Out of the other available leggings from Athleta, I also really like the Ultimate Tight. I find that I have to pull these ones up once in a while when jogging. I have the camo print and think they are so cute!
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GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE HIGH RISE LEGGING
Girlfriend Collective is doing inclusive and sustainable clothing right. With clothing offered from XXS to 6XL with multiple lengths available, I truly think that there is a legging for almost everyone!
I absolutely love these tights for high impact exercises. They are super supportive and I don’t ever have to worry about tugging them back up. These run on the small side, so if you are between sizes, size up. I have both the 3X and the 4X, and while both fit, I prefer the 4X.
FABLETICS POWERHOLD IN 7/8
Fabletics makes some of my very favorite leggings and they are super affordable! When you sign up to be a VIP member, you can get two pairs for only $24, which is a total steal. (You can just cancel your membership after you get your leggings, or pause on a monthly basis till you want to buy more!)
The quality on Fabletics is comparable to Athleta for a fraction of the price, but the Powerhold is the only legging that I truly love. They run true to size, but if you aren’t sure, size up!
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