Emily Belfiore is an experienced lifestyle writer and editor with a passion for shopping. As a buying guides writer for Health, she covers topics spanning across the fashion, beauty, and health and wellness verticals and is always in pursuit of the best reviewer-vouched products. Emily started her career as an Associate Editor for SheFinds, where she created shopping-oriented content, and has since grown her freelance portfolio by providing lifestyle coverage for Allure, BestProducts.com, Byrdie, InStyle, Real Simple, The Quality Edit, WWD, and more. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Communications and Journalism from Marist College in 2016. In her free time, you can find her testing products for articles, watching beauty tutorials, or catching up on the latest binge-worthy show.
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We've all had that moment during a run or workout class—your leggings are just NOT fitting properly. Whether you have to pull them up after every burpee or readjust the rolling, pinching waistband constantly, you know how distracting it can be when your gear doesn't let you do your thing. The solution? High-waisted leggings. They neutralize every legging issue you've ever had during a workout. The wide, smooth, high-rise waistband ends where your tummy is smallest, which nixes that cinched, muffin-top feeling and keeps it from rolling down. Plus, they make your legs look crazy-long and accentuate your waist, so they're super flattering on basically any body shape.
However, the waistline isn't the only thing that determines whether a pair of high-waisted leggings is workout-worthy. Details such as length, fabric, breathability, and performance should also be taken into consideration, as should your preferred workout. If you like high-intensity, opt for leggings with compression, coverage, and breathability to comfortably support every jump, lunge, and squat. Yogis will benefit from lightweight, sweat-wicking high-waisted leggings that have a lot of flexibility. And if you like to wear workout leggings outside of the gym, you'll want pairs in fun colors and prints.
We pored over reviews from real customers to find the styles they trust most. Here, explore the best high-waisted leggings that won't let you down while you're breaking a sweat, according to customer reviews:
Over 5,000 five-star reviews don't lie. The wide, high waistband on these leggings sculpts your body and offers comfortable coverage, so they're perfect for a variety of workouts. Available in five colors, the leggings are a fan favorite for their moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you cool no matter what your sweat session brings.
"I love the Zella High Waist Leggings," one reviewer wrote. "I own three pairs of their long, high waist leggings… They're perfect! So comfortable and versatile! Buy these before they sell out."
For fitness buffs that love a bargain, these affordable and stylish leggings from Ewedoos don't sacrifice comfort or quality. With an incredibly stretchy fabric and a supportive high-waisted fit, the compression leggings move with your body but still have enough structure to provide security. Not to mention, they come in 17 colors and have two deep side pockets. No wonder they're a best-seller on Amazon with over 15,000 five-star ratings.
"These are amazing," one shopper raved. "The quality is really good and not see-through, which is something I've always struggled with. I put them to the test today by doing a workout consisting of squats, running, and core/arm strengths—all outside in the sun—and gotta say, they're super comfy and didn't roll down on the waist. They're affordable and I'm definitely buying all the colors they have."
The Old Navy Go-Dry technology in these best-selling high-waisted leggings, which are available in four stylish colors and sizes XS to XXL, keeps you cool and comfortable. In addition to wicking away sweat, the body-hugging workout leggings are incredibly stretchy around the waist and avoid chafing.
"Softest leggings ever," wrote one reviewer. "Love these leggings. They are the perfect rise and are so soft. They dry quickly. I must buy more."
Offered in XXS to 3XL, these size-inclusive high-waisted leggings from Athleta provide a perfect fit. They're a top pick for their supportive three-level waistband and velvety-soft Powervita fabric. Athleta fans also love the flexible-yet-secure fit courtesy of the leggings' seamless compression construction. "I bought [the leggings in] medieval violet, very pretty," one shopper's review began. "First time I wore them, I got at least four compliments on how great I looked. I credit the tights. [I'm] 5 feet and 5.5 inches and XL is a perfect fit, so comfy. Wash like a dream and look like new after three washes."
These high-waisted leggings can handle the twists and turns of yoga thanks to the brand's power flex fabric, which delivers flexibility, comfort, and support. The top-rated Amazon leggings with a light-compression waistband have a more relaxed silhouette compared to other leggings on this list, feature a discreet internal pocket, and come in over 20 trendy colors.
"They hold everything in place and are super comfortable," according to one shopper. "Also, if you're worried about them being see-through, don't be. They are super thick yet super flexible. Now that I know they fit so well and are such good quality, I plan on buying more in different colors… Seriously, praise 90 Degree By Reflex for making a pair of leggings that I don't have to pull up constantly when doing yoga. And they are so flattering on my body."
For additional support, turn to these extra-high-waisted leggings, which keep everything in place without feeling restrictive. Excelling in breathability and compression, the ultra-stretchy leggings ensure you're dry and comfortable during every phase of your workout and minimize chafing. Plus, they're available in a variety of fun prints, including tie-dye, leopard, and camo.
"The material is soft but slimming," one shopper said. "They are squat-proof and just really well made. I plan on buying a few more because I just love the fit and feel. I want to also add I just had a baby and these leggings have given me some confidence back making me feel good because I know they look good."
These cropped high-waisted leggings from Alo have smooth seams and a four-way stretch for ultimate mobility. They sit comfortably on your calves and feature a no-slip waistband, which is extra-wide for additional support. Nordstrom shoppers have praised the leggings for their "slimming" effect.
"They literally feel like a second skin and now I need another pair," one reviewer raved. "They are high waisted so they are slimming… They are squat-proof, have a beautiful sheen to them that makes them look streamlined, and are still fitted enough they almost fit like a compression legging. I even tested them out on a run outside in 85-degree heat and felt fine—I wasn't overheated like I thought I would be. These are worth every penny and now the only problem I have is I want more pairs, in more colors."
There's nothing better than a pair of workout leggings that doubles as faux-leather leggings. These shiny leggings from Koral will be the star of any workout class with their sleek, almost-leather-like material, which still allows for maximum stretch. Their thick, high-rise waistband offers support for your midsection, and they can easily be dressed up for outside the gym with the right accessories and footwear. Choose between signature black, metallic grey, and bold blue.
Keep your phone, keys, and workout essentials close with these Amazon best-selling high-waisted leggings from Gym People. Their sleek design and ultra-stretchy fit never feels bulky or weighs you down no matter what you put in the two deep side pockets. There's even a hidden pocket in the waistband for extra storage, and if your workout calls for squats, burpees, and other tricky moves, whatever's in there won't get in your way.
Reviewers say that they're able to comfortably fit a full-sized wine bottle in the leggings—in fact, that's why some shoppers bought them in the first place. "I'm not going to lie, I added [them] to cart to add to the reviews of pictures with wine bottles in the pockets," one shopper wrote. "I whipped these on, felt all snug and happy, grabbed my bottle, and ran up the stairs. I took the picture and realized my mirror was dirty. I went and got a towel and some cleaner and bent down and wiped the full-length mirror top to bottom before realizing how secure the bottle had been this entire time."
Ribbed leggings fans will enjoy the soft, textured feel of this top-rated pair from Zella. Stretchy and supportive in all the right places, the lightweight-yet-sturdy knit leggings have a wide waistband for extra security and moisture-wicking technology that dries quickly.
"Super comfortable," according to one Nordstrom shopper. "Beautiful color and the ribbing is a nice change to every other workout pant I own. There's a lot of give so they are super comfortable."
Seamless and never see-through or flimsy, these high-waisted leggings have a full-coverage fit that will support you through yoga, Pilates, HIIT, and running without poking and prodding. According to reviewers, the high-rise waistband truly doesn't budge.
"Let me preface this review by saying that I have a really really hard time finding leggings, this is mainly due to the fact that I have really wide hips with a very narrow waist," one Amazon shopper shared. "For reference I'm a 25.5-inch waist 39-inch hips and I ordered a small. Fit is perfect; good amount of compression, not see-through when squatting, even with colored underwear on. Wore this to a very intense workout and they did not slip down once."
Breathability is never more key than in warm weather. These high-waisted leggings from Afitne have ventilating mesh detailing, so you can break a sweat without overheating. They're moisture-wicking to keep you dry and comfortable from start to finish and have deep side pockets, and they're available in 13 colors.
"When I tried these on, they felt so comfortable and have a high waist so no rolling down," explained one Amazon shopper. "The mesh looks nice around the lower legs so it doesn't expose too much skin and allows your skin to breathe. I also like the pockets for your personal items as well. I would definitely buy more."
Stay warm and supported with these fleece-lined leggings from Baleaf. With a sleek profile and a controlled high-rise waistband, the winter-approved workout leggings keep out the cold but still provide ventilation courtesy of their moisture-wicking material. They also feature a flexible gusset, so they're never stiff or bulky.
"This is the fifth pair of Baleaf workout leggings I've purchased, I've been so pleased with every one," wrote one Amazon reviewer. "The fleece pair is great for winter, thick enough to be cozy and warm but still breathes great for jogging or the gym… All the ones I've gotten are so comfy and not see through at all, so I don't worry about bending over or anything. They stay in place great and don't roll down or slip and are far and away my favorite leggings to move in."
These sustainably made leggings from Bandier are designed with recycled polyester yarn to get their signature softness and curve-hugging fit. In addition to having minimal impact on the environment, they have an ultra-high waistband made with flexible mesh material that provides extra coverage and stretch. But, of course, the real selling points are its deep side pockets. These leggings are best suited for low-to-medium impact workouts.
Offering the perfect combination of flexible and sturdy, these maternity workout leggings from Reebok will stretch with you throughout your pregnancy. Their high waistband fits comfortably above your growing bump and is made with gathered fabric for extra support. They're also sweat-wicking, which is always a bonus.
"I wish I bought these earlier on," one shopper wrote. "When I opened them I thought they would be too tight (I got my pre-pregnancy size) but they are comparable to the softness and stretch of the Lululemon Align Pant. And finally, [leggings] that are not see-through. Very soft and comfortable, I will be living in these pants until baby [arrives]."
Stay on top of the trends with Aerie's TikTok-favorite Offline leggings. The workout leggings have reached viral status for their "crossover" waistband, which is V-shaped, sits right below your belly button, and has a comfortable stretch that feels like a second skin. The lightweight and breathable fabric is fast-drying and moisture-wicking, which is helpful to have even if you're not making it to the gym that day.
"As an athlete and avid weightlifter I am always looking for leggings that fit my athletic build," according to one reviewer, who noted that they didn't roll down. "I bought these and I have them in three colors and I love them for the gym or any activity."