17 Best High-Waisted Leggings: Comfy Activewear For Every Workout

2022-05-28 17:12:01 By : Mr. Nick liu

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No matter how much you sweat.

High-waisted leggings have basically become the norm when it comes to the types of leggings out there. Sure, you might mix things up with the occasional mid-rise, but when high-waisted is an option, why wouldn't you opt for it? High-waisted leggings provide more support than low-rise options, are stylish, and are also easier to pair with your favorite sports bras or crop tops for workouts (or brunch).

And, since there are so. many. options. out there when it comes to high-waisted leggings it can be hard to sift through the multitude of options out there. Well, you can trust your Women's Health editors to know a thing or two (or 20) about the most comfortable and flattering leggings out there. On top of that, all the high-waisted leggings below have thousands of five-star reviews behind them.

These leggings are great for workouts, but the good thing is that there's a comfy pair of high-waisted leggings out there for every activity type and style. Whether you're a runner and need something with compression and support, do a lot of yoga and are prioritizing a high-stretch pair of leggings, or just want something comfortable and buttery soft to go on walks and lounge in, the perfect pair of high-waisted leggings are just a few clicks away.

See below for 17 of the best high-waisted leggings according to Women's Health editors and five-star reviews.

These seamless compression leggings have almost 5,000 five-star reviews on Amazon from people who praise how squat-proof and sweat-proof they are. The super stretchy, quick-drying, and non-see-through fabric is perfect for weight training, hot yoga, dance cardio, and beyond.

The killer booty-framing design? Simply the cherry on top.

Rave review: “I’m blown away 😳 . By far one of the best pairs of tights that I have for the gym, hands down. The material is great, squat-proof, high-waisted, and freaking sweat-proof! I sweat on another level of extreme—all over—and these are just amazing. Great purchase and getting the navy color soon.” Sizes: S-L

When I say this pair of leggings is versatile, I really mean it. Not only are they made with the brand’s super-soft Powervita fabric for comfort, but they have also flat seams to minimize chafing, come in lots of colors from neutrals to trendier shades, and have seamless stash pockets in which to stow your phone or keys again.

Oh, and they’re available in an amazing size range, from XXS to 3X, and petite, regular, and tall lengths.

Rave review: “I cannot think of any negative comments about these tights. I bought them because they were comfortable—looking great and feeling sexy in them was just an added bonus. The material is so soft. It hugs your body perfectly. Absolutely thrilled with this purchase. Another added bonus is the side pocket. It fit my iPhone perfectly.”

Over-the-heel leggings are popular for yoga because good ones provide a non-constricting sense of support while stretching. This high-waisted version offers that support from your upper waist to your toes.

Beware: They look hilariously long at first, but it all makes sense once you try them on.

Rave review: “Love!!!!! Soft silky material, good stretch, and the best part is that they’re long enough for my long legs. I have a 33” inseam and these fit perfect. I’ll be buying every color!!!”

Lululemon is always a go-to for leggings, and this high-waisted style is no exception. When I was asking every Women's Health editor which leggings are their favorite, nearly all of them named the famous Aligns.

They're lightweight, easy to wear, have a heavenly buttery soft material, and feature four-way stretch. They even come in three inseam length options, so you can decide exactly how high-waisted you want these to be on you depending on your height.

Rave review: “So comfortable and make me feel amazing. I wear them all day working from home and transition straight to my strength and yoga workouts. I need more!”

At $32, the price of these Nike high-rise leggings truly can't be beaten for the quality you're getting, along with the stylish grippy waistband that ensures these won't slip down while you work out.

Available in five neutral colors, I'm thinking you're going to want to stock up on a few so you’ll always have a pair at-the-ready for sweating, lounging, and everywhere in between.

Rave review: “Very cute, soft, and comfortable. They're lightweight, so are perfect for summer. I'd buy another pair."

High waist? Check. Mesh panels for ventilation? Check? Sweat-wicking fabric? Check. It's no wonder these made-to-perform trendy moto-style leggings are so beloved by celebs from Gigi Hadid to Hailey Bieber and Cindy Crawford.

Rave review: “Great quality and flattering! The Alo High Waisted Moto Leggings are my favorite style of Alo brand leggings. They are so figure-flattering and I love the quality of the fabric. I am a devoted Alo fan because of their consistent delivery of quality fabrics and fit. I also love that they offer size XXS, which can be difficult to find in leggings. The fit is true to size. I highly recommend. You will love them, too!"

This editor-loved brand creates high-waisted leggings that are breathable, functional, and fashionable. Available in 28(!) different patterns from leopard to camo, trendy marble, and tie-dye, they're all moisture-wicking and feature a thick, supportive waistband.

Rave review: “Have a number of other Onzie leggings and find them very comfortable for pilates workouts. The smooth fabric has no funky seams that create a bump when doing mat work. Love the fun patterns. This pair fits well, kind of like a second skin (only one of my four pairs had a slightly uncomfortable, tighter fit). The fabric is similar to a lycra swim suit—thin and slick. I have had my original Onzies for four to five years now and although they have stretched out a little, they are still very comfortable. I get lots of compliments."

Of course, Khloe Kardashian’s fashion line features a trendy high-waisted ribbed legging—but these babies are functional, too. The textured fabric coupled with a wide waistband keeps things comfortable with lots of support around your waist. Don’t sleep on the matching sports bra for a full lewk worthy of an #OOTD post on Instagram.

Rave review: “Purchased these with the matching sports bra to wear as a set and I'm so obsessed! These leggings are so flattering and make me feel really confident—they smooth everything out. I wish I could own this in every color. "

High-rise leggings are great for compression and shaping, but sometimes they can get a little uncomfortable if they value compression. Enter: ICONI’s seamless, moisture-wicking leggings. Their fit is smooth, comfortable, and dig-free.

Rave review: “Just bought my second pair! The olive color arrived yesterday and I just ordered the maroon. Excellent quality, style, and craftsmanship, and a great value for the quality. The high-waisted design is ingenious and, as advertised, they do not slide down when doing squats. Extremely comfortable and supportive, yet light and breathable. Oh, and did I mention this is a Black woman-owned business??? C’mon girls. Let’s support this entrepreneur.”

These high-waisted leggings are a must for outdoor athletes or anyone in need of something cozy to lounge in during the winter thanks to the fleece-lined fabric that's also moisture-wicking. They feature a chafe-proof fabric that over 16,000 five-star reviews love, making them a cold weather essential for tons of happy customers.

Rave review: “Wore these this morning for my Sunday morning run. It was 30 degrees. My legs were not cold!! I have to say, I have not had a single disappointment from this brand. Highly recommended!"

Leggings are always stretchy, but there's also a spectrum of compression to high-stretch, and this is the stretchiest pair out there. This BIPOC-owned, Women's Health editor-loved brand delivers just that with their high-waisted pocket leggings. The ultra stretchy yet soft material made out of recycled water bottles keeps you moving just as freely as you might without any pants on at all.

Review: “I absolutely plan to buy more of these in different colors. They held up after several workouts and trips through the washing machine. Fabric is great quality, and I LOVE the pockets, as well as the color and stitching."

More mid-rise than a full high-rise, the classic, three-stripe Adidas design had to have a spot on this list because people are just so obsessed with the barely-there fabric and range of size offerings. Made with a stretchy cotton, they're as functional for working out as they are stylish in your travel wardrobe.

Rave review: “Love these so much, I came back for 3 more pairs. They are #1 8n my book for comfort and fit. My Sister turned me on to them, when I asked why she wore them daily. She has 5 pair! I wish they came on more colors, I’d buy them all."

Comfort is always a priority, but it's a non-negotiable if you're pregnant. Totally seamless and uber lightweight, these are definitely an essential pair of maternity leggings—they make an amazing gift for the mom-to-be in your life, too.

Rave review: “Love these leggings! I'm a huge fan of Girlfriend Collective, and these maternity leggings might be even more buttery soft than their usual. These are also the most comfortable leggings I now own for pregnancy—and really overall."

If there was any feature that would make a good pair of high-rise leggings utterly incredibly, it’s pockets—and, these have three of them. Dragon Fit's best-selling high-waisted leggings have over 20,000 five-star reviews, so don't be surprised if yours is next.

The six inches-deep side pockets mean you can store everything from snacks to earbuds, credit cards, and phone with room to spare. Note: Reviewers say it's important to pay attention to the size chart since these run a bit small.

Rave review: "This is now my second pair of these. I wear them for intense workouts and just around town. I’ve tried every brand out there and these are among my fave because they stay put. No pulling up my pants after every set. They aren’t see-through in a squat (say what?!) and they’re long enough for my tall legs (I'm 5’8”). Love the side pockets for my phone and headphones. Bonus perk: They don’t get stretched out and stay tight even after wearing them several days in a row. They’re on the thicker side so are great for fall/winter but can be a bit stifling in the summer heat or a super Intense cardio sesh in a hot gym."

Stirrup leggings are having a serious style moment, and these are specifically great for heavy sweaters. Made from soft, sweat-wicking, antimicrobial fabric, consider them your do-it-all leggings. They're great for warm-weather vacations when you want to be comfortable yet stylish, but you could also wear them for a run or to hot yoga.

Rave review: “These are magic. I love this material. I love how they feel. I can sleep in them. I can dance in them. I can climb Mt. Everest in them. Bravo!”

Made from recycled water bottles, these leggings are a win for Mother Earth and (thanks to their super supportive, snug fit) you, too. So, go ahead and sweat sustainably and confidently in any of the 10 colors offered. They offer three inseam options for different length preferences, too.

Rave review: "These leggings are super comfortable and a good material. They give in the waist and leg without compromising the material. They are thick, flexible, and not see-through! Love them." Sizes: XXS-6X

Personally, I have a hard time finding leggings that conform to the curves of my body without slipping. The drawstring on these Vuori leggings totally eliminate that issue, and the fabric is super second skin-like and breathable. Lots of reviewers note that the high-quality fabric never pills, too—and I can attest to that.

Rave review: “I think these leggings are made of magic. When they came I thought "there is no WAY these are fitting me!" They looked tiny, and my behind is ample. But lo and behold, the magic fabric stretched over every curve and I got them on and they're COMFORTABLE! Like, so comfortable. I've worn them to work out in and I also wear them for working/lounging at home. I love the higher waist so that they really hold me in, there is no folding down and allowing my muffin top to come out. Trust that these magic leggings will work for you, too."