2023 SELF Activewear Awards: The Best Leggings

Available in sizes 4XS to 4XL.

The All-Time Bests: Superfit Hero Superhold Pocket 7/8 Leggings

These high-rise compression leggings (which we’ve honored in previous years) continue to be crowd pleasers thanks to their sturdy, supportive waistband, no-sag fit, large pockets, and inclusive size range. “The leggings definitely did everything they were supposed to do. They were supportive, comfortable, cute, and helped me stay dry when I was really sweaty. I especially appreciated how the waistband stayed in place, and overall I didn’t have to adjust anything during my workouts,” one judge wrote.

Available in sizes L to 7XL.

The All-Time Bests: ThirdLove Kinetic Performance Pocket Legging

Known for its bras, ThirdLove has proven it’s a competitor in the activewear space too, with a second consecutive SELF Activewear Award for their Kinetic Performance legging. What sets these apart is their elastic-free waist, which feels seamless and slips on and off easily. One tester, who wore the leggings during two-hour-long runs and a workout class, gave them top marks for their sizable pockets and compression at the band: “They’re the perfect amount of stretchy, and I had no problem squatting in them. I could wear these leggings year-round. The material is airy enough for summer but they’re full-length enough to keep me warm in winter.”

Available in sizes XS to 3X.

The All-Time Bests: Vitality Cloud II Pant

Constructed without a front seam, these leggings help you avoid camel toe while still offering plenty of waistband support, four-way stretch, and a special seam that gives a little glute boost. One tester continually reached for these ahead of ballet classes, as they made her feel “graceful.”

Available in sizes XXS to XXXXL.

The Best Yoga Legging: Beyond Yoga Spacedye Caught in the Midi High-Waisted Legging 

Beyond Yoga leggings are the blueprint for “buttery soft.” They’re thick, tight, and extremely stretchy, so you can tackle all of your folds, inversions, and restorative poses without feeling restricted. “These leggings definitely lived up to my expectations,” wrote one tester. “I found myself reaching for them again and again since they were so comfortable, cute, and I didn’t have to fiddle with them while teaching or practicing yoga.”

Available in sizes XXS to 4X.

The Best Legging for Strength Training: Nobull High-Rise Tight

When you have a barbell strapped across your back, the last thing you want to be thinking about is a leggings snafu. You can trust this pair from Nobull, a brand that also makes some of the best strength-training shoes around. “These leggings held up through deadlifts, squats, split squats, and lunges,” said one tester. “I didn’t have to fuss with the waistband at all, and I didn’t feel like I needed to adjust it a lot either. I felt like the function was really good here—it moved with me and never impeded my workout.”

Available in sizes XS to XXL. Additional sizes available in a similar style here. 

The Pregnancy and Postpartum Pick: Offline by Aerie Real Me XTRA Hold Up! Leggings

“My stomach is still settling back to its new normal postpartum, and the high-waisted, thick compression band at the top of these leggings is super comfortable,” one tester said. She appreciated the simplicity and support of these lightweight, medium-support Aerie leggings around her belly while she ran, took a squat class, and did Pilates: “I feel super confident in these leggings. They’re the perfect fit and provide just the right support around my stomach.”