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Leggings Review: In Search Of The Perfect Leggings That Won’t Slip Down
I fear that I may be asking too much of the humble legging. I want them to be comfortable enough that I can wear them all day, and I desperately want them to not slip down while I am exercising. You know when you are in downward dog and notice your leggings have gone from high-wasited to low rise? It’s a maddening phenomenon so I decided to do research to see if the perfect leggings I have in my head actually exist. Over the past few months I have tried countless leggings, kissed many frogs, and have now procured a solid collection of leggings I love and wear often. So since I have several pairs that are regularly in rotation, I figured I would review them in case anyone out there is looking for solid everyday leggings that won’t slip down. Full transparency: I am a size 12/14 which I think informs how I reviewed them (AKA I am curvy so I want leggings that are high-waisted and hug my curves). Shall we begin?
Vuori Clean Elevation Legging
Price: $98
Size Range: XXS-XXL
Size worn/True to Size? L/Yes
Comfort score: 9.5
Will they slip down during a workout? Yes.
Verdict: When I first put these on my body I never wanted to take them off. I was really rooting for these but due to the fabric being so lightweight and stretchy, they will easily slip down. I wore them on a walk recently and literally had to pull them up every few steps which really bummed me out. I still wear them often though, because the fabric is so buttery and comfortable. They are really cozy lifestyle leggings but I think I am going to try their Evolve legging next to see if they hold their integrity longer.
Alo 7/8 High Waist Airbrush Leggings
Alo 7/8 High Waist Airbrush Leggings
Price: $98
Size Range: XXS-L
Size worn/True to size? L/Yes
Comfort score: 8
Will they slip down during a workout? It depends.
Verdict: These are GREAT. They are extremely high-waisted and they have a nice, thick material that feels good and keeps you feeling tucked in and supported. Immediately after a wash, they are perfect and will stay up. After a day of wearing them though, they will lose their integrity and if I wear them multiple times, I do find myself pulling them up a lot. That said, I find myself wanting to wear these for workouts more than most of my other leggings because of the thick, supportive fabric and high waist. I have to knock points for them not being very size-inclusive, though.
Alo Ribbed High Waist 7/8 Blissful Leggings
Alo Ribbed High Waist 7/8 Blissful Leggings
Price: $98
Size Range: XXS-L
Comfort score: 8.5
Size worn/True to size? L/Yes
Will they slip down during a workout? No (but there’s a catch).
Verdict: I LOVE these. They are more of a lounging legging because they are made from ribbed cotton material but the elastic waistband makes it so they don’t slip down at all. However, since the fabric is not a performance material, these are not really made to work out in and I think if you sweat in them, sweat marks might show. These are amazing for walks and light yoga and I find myself wishing I had more pairs all the time! (But again, really bummed Alo doesn’t offer more inclusive sizing – I wear a size L and thankfully they have a lot of stretch).
Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Tight 25″
Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Tight 25″
Price: $128
Size Range: 0-20
Size worn/True to size? 12/14 / Sort of
Comfort score: 6
Will they slip down during a workout? It depends.
Verdict: When I was expressing my legging woes to the team, Mal suggested I try these. They are her favorite and I can see why they are so popular. However, I am really really not a fan of thin “tech” fabric because I find it uncomfortable and less supportive. Also, I don’t think these are high-waisted enough for curvy body types like myself (I tried sizes 12-16 and none fit me correctly). I spent about an hour in the dressing room trying on different sizes and squatting/walking around to see if they would slip down and for me, they would. I didn’t end up buying them because they truthfully did not feel good on me. I talked to other people who have these though and they don’t feel like they slip down at all (it’s possible I am in between sizes OR these are not the best for curves).
Lululemon Align™ High-Rise Pant 28″
Lululemon Align™ High-Rise Pant 28″
Price: $98
Size Range: 0-20
Comfort score: 6
Size worn/True to size? 12/14 / Sort of
Will they slip down during a workout? It depends.
Verdict: I feel very similar about these as the ‘Fast and Free’ leggings above. I think they could be more high-waisted and they did slip down on me (and gave me an unfortunate camel toe). I personally prefer a thicker more supportive fabric but again, I think the slipping down conundrum is due to having curves. Full disclosure: I bought these online and ended up returning them.
Nike Women’s Gentle-Support High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings
Nike Women’s Gentle-Support High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings
Price: $100
Size Range: XXS-XXL
Size worn/True to size? L/Yes
Comfort score: 7.5
Will they slip down during a workout? Yes.
Verdict: I have had these for years and love how high-waisted they are. The fabric is a thin performance material that is soft and comfortable, but because of the thin material, the top will often roll down during a workout. I love how comfortable they are though and will wear them on walks with no issues.
TnaBUTTER™ Atmosphere Super Hi-Rise Legging
TnaBUTTER™ Atmosphere Super Hi-Rise Legging
Price: $68
Size Range: XXS-XXL
Comfort score: 8.5
Size worn/True to size? L/Yes
Will they slip down during a workout? It depends.
Verdict: I really love these. They are great quality for the price and so comfortable that you sometimes forget you are wearing pants at all. The fabric is thin but so soft and the thick waistband makes you feel very supported. They are also extremely high-waisted which I love. When I got them I was impressed with how well they stayed up, but after a while they started to slip down more and more (a common thing that happens with most leggings). Overall these are great for light workouts but I love them for everyday wear.
TnaLIFE™ Cheeky Hi-Rise Legging
TnaLIFE™ Cheeky Hi-Rise Legging
Price: $68
Size Range: XXS-XXL
Comfort score: 8.5
Size worn/True to size? L/Yes
Will they slip down during a workout? It depends.
Verdict: Similar to the pair above, these are great when you first put them on after a wash. They are extremely high-waisted which I love so there is room for them to slip down a bit without it being annoying.
Gymshark Flex High Waisted Leggings
Gymshark Flex High Waisted Leggings
Price: $50
Size Range: XS-XXL
Comfort score: 6
Size worn/True to size? L/Yes
Will they slip down during a vigorous workout? No.
Verdict: As the name suggests, these are built for the gym. These are going to stay put for an entire workout, full stop. They have a thick waistband that compresses your waist and makes you feel super supported. They are not my favorite because I don’t love the look of them (I have them in grey but would prefer them in black) but as far as not slipping down, these are a clear winner.
That’s all from me! I hope this helped anyone who needed it and PLEASE drop your legging recommendations down below. Thanks for stopping by and happy Saturday! xx
Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: My Winter Workout Gear – What I’m Wearing And Loving Both Indoors And Out When It’s Chilly (And Even Freezing)
Nice review for a key wardrobe item! I LOVE Athleta’s 7/8 tight with a pocket on the side and recommend you try them – a good kind of snug, great wide waist that doesn’t slip and lets you comfortably carry your phone. Plus material isn’t too thick or too thin.
I came here to say just this, Athleta Salutation tight does not slide down. Every other brand I’ve tried does. I wear them for weight lifting and running and rowing. They are amazing!
They slide down SO badly on me, haha! But Elations are great for me. Just shows you there really is no “perfect” legging…really depends on body type.
I agree. The athleta salutation stash tight is my factor!
Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation Tights are the only leggings I wear now. I’ve tried Old Navy, Lulu, Zella and Girlfriend and these are BETTER! Amazing tummy compression, doesn’t roll and they stay up after wearing them all day and during workouts. Oh and they pass the see-thru squat test! Also important, no camel toe.? I buy a pair during the Black Friday sale each year and they last the entire year. I think it’s worth mentioning, this type of fabric needs to be washed on gentle, inside out, with other (non-cotton) work out clothes and air dried to keep them looking and feeling their best. ?
I love Athleta plus they have an amazing return policy and are quite size inclusive. No clue why anyone shops at Lulu with their BS return policy and the fact that very few of their items go beyond a 14.
I have really loved my girlfriend collective leggings. I haven’t had a problem with them slipping. I wear a size small
Forgot to mention I use the compression high rise leggings
Agree- the best leggings! I also love GAP leggings- compression- can’t beat the prices. I do not like thin leggings
Me neither.
I’m also a fan of Girlfriend Collective. They stay up on me—but my favorite thing about them is that they don’t collect lint. (Anyone else have that issue with leggings?)
Yes! I just discovers Girlfriend and I don’t think I can ever wear any other brand!
I’m hippy and girlfriend collective slips on me. Fine if I’m waling, but no bueno when working out.
I have a bubble butt and Girlfriend Collective slipped down horribly for me too.
Can we do a review / roundup of leggings for lazy people who don’t work out, but wear leggings and need to look pulled together?
I’d say it’s much the same…sitting, snoozing, walking….if they’re going to fall down, they’ll fall down, regardless.
These are my favorite for everyday wear!! They are so comfortable and cute!
The Lululemon align are like wearing a soft hug on your legs. I’m definitely a non exerciser but they are awesome for lounging
100 bucks for leggings seems expensive in the first place but then to not have them stay up at that price is just maddening. It’s why I don’t own a single pair. Am I less stylish? Probably yes but I run or hike every day and I dont have the desire to be hiking up my pants every few steps or putting all my well earned lady lumps on full display. I am in the minority but I hate leggings. I know I’m in an even larger minority when I say I dont like how most other people look wearing them either. They are not flattering if you have a normal human body. But I’m old so ?
Right there with you.
Agreed
My question might sound silly or even sarcastic, but I ask it genuinely. What do you wear since you are active and do workout? I don’t really love leggings either, but they work for much of the year where I am and the kinds of workouts I do. Sweats are too hot often, and I haven’t found a lot of Joggers that work for weight lifting. I would love to hear your recommendations!
I wear both, I like Lulu align leggings, I like the Vuori leggings that have a tie. I also wear my Vuori joggers to do a combined cardio/resistance class. I find that if I have some running around to do, before or after the gym, I feel more comfortable wearing joggers.
I second this question. I don’t wear leggings because I look great in them – I wear them because I work out a lot and I look worse in shorts LOL.
I wear light weight joggers with an elastic waist or draw string. We have winter here for 6 months. If it’s below zero I have lined athletic pants I wear over my joggers. If it’s above 40 I wear elastic waist shorts. Simple for me and always comfortable. Most important, I’ve never had any of these fall down, fail a squat test or show my undies or my cellulite because the fabric was too thin. I’ve never once in my LIFE wished I had tight stretchy fabric hugging me tight instead of loose fitting easy moving clothing. Nor do I care if people don’t think I’m “with it”.
I haven’t tried any of the higher end leggings but I’ve had luck with Old Navy’s leggings. They’ve also stood up to tons of washes. I also only buy if they fit like a glove the first time. There is no breaking in leggings.
This is the answer! Only buy if they fit perfectly from the start.
I have also had excellent luck with Old Navy’s high-waisted and semi-high waisted. They are 1/3 of the price of Athleta’s and are just as good. You have to try them on, though, because they vary wildly in size and fit from fabric to fabric and color to color even if it is the same style.
Ha! Came here to say this also. I am not above spending more on workout stuff, but I wind up buying Old Navy’s leggings and bike shorts bc they’re the best fit for me and really hold up. (For reference, I am also a 14 and the XLs are perfect.)
Yesss! And squat and sit and move around when you try them on to check!
Yes! I also love Old Navy leggings, especially the High-Waisted PowerSoft 7/8-Length Side-Pocket Leggings. For me, as a size 14/16, they are practically perfect. Just enough compression to be slimming but still comfortable. I rarely have to worry about them sliding off and having to be pulled back up. They have pockets!! And they’re only $40… I cannot envision spending $100 on a pair of leggings…
I just bought a pair of Old Navy Powersoft leggings and I spent the whole day yanking them up. I was walking home from the grocery store praying they wouldn’t end up around my ankles. Big fail!
Another Lucy here..I’m a size 8, wear a small in Old Navy PowerSoft High Waist leggings and LOVE them. I wear them every day and they never slide down on me, even during the most intense workouts. They wash so well and don’t pluck. 10/10 for me.
I wear Old Navy leggings too, mainly because I just can’t imagine spending a lot for leggings, but I’ve never had an issue with them falling down. Maybe that’s my body type, or maybe it’s because I get the medium rise kind. I like high waisted pants, but the idea of high waisted workout clothes just sounds super uncomfortable.
Me too!! I’m a size 8/10 and have tried leggings at all price points, up to $150… I always, always go back to Old Navy. I love their PowerSoft side pocket leggings, I’ve had a couple for 2-3 years that are still holding up well after washing nearly weekly. I generally try to avoid cheap fast fashion, and going into physical Old Navy stores stresses me out (so many people/volume of clothes/generally messy) but GET THEIR LEGGINGS.
Couldn’t agree more!
The Zella High Waisted leggings from Nordstrom used to be my favorite for vigorous workouts. However, the most recent pair I bought falls down HORRIBLY so I am guessing they changed the fabric. I have three pairs that I rotate and always am bummed when I pull out the ones that fall down. Why do products have to change!!! (I get WHY they do, just expressing my annoyance).
I love Athleta’s 7/8 Elation tights- you should give them a try!
Yes! Athleta Elations are so good for a curvy body. I have a small waist/big hips and everything else seems to slide down on me. I do find that they fold over a bit if you’re doing lots of bending over in yoga, but I think that’s just the trade-off with an ultra high rise.
Yup. After hearing a lot of love for these on another blog’s (CLJ) legging round up, I caved and tried them since my old lululemon leggings finally wore out and I didn’t like their new styles. I’ve always considered Athleta as a slightly uncool brand (not that it matters, really), but I’ve found my new go-tos. They are WONDERFUL.
Dragon Fit high waisted leggings with three pockets are my holy grail. Less than $30 a pair on Amazon, they DO NOT ROLL AT THE WAIST! I have 5 pairs in multiple colors, lengths, and one pair is fleece lined. I have a thick tummy & an ample booty, but these leggings compress just the right amount to make me feel confident. And I’m 5’5”, 185# and wear a large.
I swear by sweaty Betty 7/8 power leggings. Spendy but I buy the sale patterns.
I love these leggings as well!
I also came here to recommend Sweaty Betty! I love their pocket leggings, both in 7/8 and full length, and it’s just fun to say “Sweaty Betty.”
Oiselle has some really good ones (wearing the pocket jogger style right now!) –high waisted, pockets, great design for different body types … and drawstrings. I’ve found a drawstring is the best insurance against displacement.
Um, sorry….not paying more than $50 max for leggings AND clothes are generally more expensive in Australia due to the exchange rate.
I’ve had one pair out of about 8 over the last few years, that fell down.
I don’t think one has to pay that ampunt of $ to buy good, no-fall-down leggings….oh, and I hafta have pockets, too!
I’m curious if there’s sponsorship involved here? Transparency?
Absolutely fine if there is, just tell us, so we know.
Nope, this is not sponsored.
Thanx, Ryann?
Ok… I don’t want to be rude but I swear we have had this exact post.
I really like farmhouse updates or even EHD staff apartment stories or thrift store finds.
I mean I know clothes are important but today after the paint reveal yesterday I really wanted another farmhouse post.
Dejavu again.
Saturdays = style/fashion, Sundays= link up and holidays = sales for years and years. Maybe skip the weekends or the holidays if these posts aren’t your favorite?
It’s not that there are fashion posts, people get that …it’s that more and more posts lately are kinda too familiar, as in reworked, recomposed, dejavu.
Why does it feel as though fashion has crept into weekdays? Am I confused? I agree, fashion Saturdays, known quantity. Fashion weekdays, for me, because I am not the right age for this cohort, feel like more than I’m up for.
Meanwhile I’m over here like, I’d love a post of each of the team members favorite leggings and why!
?
Me too. More fashion please!
I’m team UnderArmour. Their compression leggings don’t move. There are so many legging brands out there and I get inundated on Instagram with ads. I will not pay $100 for leggings and then have them fall down all the time. Since I’m short waisted the really high waisted tend to roll on me and I prefer 7/8 length or capri. I am lucky to have an Under Armour outlet right down the street and also a Lululemon. But I guess I won’t be trying the latter after this review.
Wow, this was awesome! I am also a curvy size 14 with big thighs and hips but a pretty flat stomach and finding leggings is a disaster! I never know if it’s the leggings, the cut, the fabric, too big, or too small! It drives me nuts! I just went to go buy the gym shark pair and they were sold out in black in large.
For everyday wear, I love these $20.00 guys from amazon:
IUGA High Waisted Leggings for Women Workout Leggings with Inner Pocket Yoga Pants for Women
and for exercise, these will never fall down (but pretty high compression so not as comfy). I have a few pairs of Marisa leggings and they all stay up:
Marika Women’s Contour Ultra High Rise Ankle Legging
Girlfriend collective are amazing! Not only the actual leggings, but their commitment to sustainability, etc.
I also really like Third Love for their compression and thickness.
The old navy ultra high power chill or powersoft the best leggings that I’ve tried in a while. I have tried so many as I’ve been a spin teacher for years and these are my favorite to work out in and also walk around in.
I’m shocked there was no mention of the unitard/jumpsuit ;)
I really like Zyia Light n Tight Hi-Rise 7/8 leggings for working out! They don’t roll and stay in place.
My all time favorite legging is this inexpensive version from Amazon.: THE GYM PEOPLE Thick High Waist Yoga Pants with Pockets, Tummy Control Workout Running Yoga Leggings for Women. I am curvy with a tummy. I feel very compressed in these and I love the pockets on the sides. I have never had them slip down. I wear for the gym and at home all day. I highly recommend. I have 3 pair now!
to be honest, the best leggings I have come from Old Navy. I don’t like that they removed the stash pocked from styles, but for something that i sweat in and toss in the wash and dryer (I KNOW I KNOW) they hold up!
Hi Ryann, what brand are the white sneakers (with black accents) pictured after the All ribbed leggings? Thanks!
*Alo
They look like DOLCE & GABBANA White & Black Daymaster Sneakers.
I really love the Fabletics leggings and have about 5-6 pairs! They are so supportive and don’t slip down. Highly recommend
Sweaty Betty for the win, give them a try!
I’ve worn 90 Degree by Reflex leggings for years and never have the ‘slide down’ issue. I order them on Amazon. They’re not pricey, keep their shape, pet hair doesn’t cling to the shiny version (!), they come in different lengths, with or w/out side pockets, and mine seem to last forever. They’re definitely worth a try!
I am the same size as you and apple-shaped and I agree with this assessment – gymshark are really the only ones that don’t annoyingly roll down on me…
Arro Athletics is the holy grail of leggings.
It’s a small company and sizing and colors are still sometimes limited, but the silicon around the wait really does what it’s supposed to with these leggings, and the soft material has held up well for a year.
I pretty much only wear leggings but also haven’t found a pair suitable for everything. For running I love the Pureactive Pocket Leggings from Pact, they have an internal drawstring so they don’t fall down. Also they’re organic cotton and are often on sale. For daily life, my hands down favourites are Arc’teryx Essent High-Rise Leggings which are super pricey but last forever and don’t have elastic in the front which makes them super comfortable.
As a dancer I live in leggings and can’t tolerate them sagging all day. My holy grail for leggings is Spanx. Their fabrics are beautiful and their design is superbly flattering to so many different body types. I love the wide, compressive waistbands that really hold you in, but don’t roll down or stretch out, and I especially appreciate the booty lifting design. They make your backside look fantastic!
Thanks for Sharing!
Thank you for sharing your recommendations! I, too, am a curvy girl always looking for leggings that stay put. My favorite by far are Calia by Carrie Underwood. They are thick material and keep me held in. Thanks again for the great reviews!
Request from the community if anyone is still reading this: Any recos specifically for hot yoga? I just got back into it this winter.
I’m a curvy size 10 who likes discretion. I’ve had good luck with leggings from Old Navy and Lululemon, Not good for my body: Girlfriend collective, Nike or any Amazon dupes.
Had mixed results with Athleta, I like their joggers for everyday wear but returned all workout tops I’ve ordered.
THANK YOU !!!
I own a ton of Fabletics; it totally depends on the style or the fabric they’re made from, but overall I think they are good value for the price. Athleta has been my fave … but … and this is mildly embarrassing but … my current favorite leggings were both bought on sale from Peloton. They are so soft, stay up, fit well, I don’t know–I love them. It’s the high waistband of my dreams. You have to be willing to endure the logo though. I am a similar size and build to Ryann, and I toggle between a L and an XL because I’m pear shaped.