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Even if you have a whole drawer full of trendy leggings, chances are, there’s one pair you’ll dig through them all to find. You know the pair that’s survived all your barre, bootcamp, can yoga classes—and are comfy enough to lounge around in for hours before or after?
We asked Well+Good readers to reveal their very favorite, most dependable pair, and the answers were passionate. (People have feelings when it comes to leggings.) Rounded up here are the brands that got the most praise, from the 100-plus responses.
Here are the top workout leggings Well+Good readers are running, boxing, and warrior-posing in on a long-term basis.
1. Lululemon
The majority of readers say they’ve gotten five or six years out of their Lululemon leggings. The exact pant style varied among Lulu faithfuls, but we got a few votes for Wunder Unders. “They lasted through five-plus years of running, yoga, lounging, and a lot of weight loss and gain,” Brynne says. The Run Crops, specifically Inspire, got a lot of love too.
2. Zella Live-In Leggings
A few readers pointed out that they literally do live in them, wearing them not just at the gym but as street style black leggings, too. “I’ve had them for years and wear them constantly and they look brand new. Plus, they suck everything in!” Krissy reports.
3. Victoria’s Secret Yoga Pants
The bra and panties brand is proving itself as an activewear retailer, too. Well+Good readers like the yoga leggings and crops, from both the Pink collection and the Sport line. They’re long-lasting (one person said she’s had hers for eight years!) and good for workouts across the board. “I have used, abused, and washed them hundreds of times and they never let me down,” says Amanda.
4. Athleta Chaturanga
The flattering Chaturanga pants are the fan favorite, with a few readers pledging their allegiance to Relay Capris for races. “I’ve had them for almost three years now and probably wear them twice a week for a variety of activities. They’ve held up really well!” Kim says of her Chaturangas, and Debbi throws them on with boots and a sweater for a comfy, chic outfit.
5. Prana Prism Capris
The lifestyle company makes clothes for yoga and outdoor activities with sustainable materials and production practices. The Prism capris are a fan fave, with water-resistant fabric and compression technology. As one enthusiast explained: “I had one pair that last me for 7 years and…STILL COUNTING!”
6. Lucy Perfect Core
The Perfect Core leggings/capris not only “wash great and look like new after four years,” they also “hold everything in, but aren’t too tight.” One reader, Terri, said hers are so old, she doesn’t even know what style they are.
7. Nike Power Legendary
A bunch of you love your Nike pants, but the specific style varies. Legendary, Sculpt, and Pro are three that are popular among Well+Good readers. The consensus: they’re just the right tightness, aren’t see-through, and “are also Dri-fit which is super-key for hot yoga!” Alex points out.
8. Fabletics Salar Leggings
The Salar leggings seem to be the most beloved from the brand—in any of its wide selection of designs—for both yoga and gym workouts. One big draw: they provide coverage. “I teach yoga, so the see-through when bending over is a no-go, and Fabletics always has me (my butt, specifically) covered!!” says Baye C.
9. Onzie
LA-based hot yoga brand Onzie has received its share of praise for being a great yogawear investment. “Perfect fit, super comfortable, they don’t show wear at all, they stay put when you are moving through your flow so you don’t have to constantly readjust,” says Angie. And the cool patterns don’t hurt either.
10. Reebok Training Legging
Reebok has really stepped up its game lately, and you noticed, giving their Training Leggings lots of praise. “It feels really premium and thick, yet not constricting,” says Ella of her pair. Nothing’s worse than moving into a deep squat while worrying the person on the matt behind you can completely see through your leggings. With these, that fear goes away.
Originally published August 16, 2015; updated July 6, 2018.
Speaking of covetable activewear, these are Kate Middleton’s favorite sneakers. And this new workout style is seriously trending.
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