The 12 Best Athleta Leggings of 2023, Tested and Reviewed - Shape Magazine

When it comes to high-quality workout leggings, Athleta is a clear winner. Their range of squat-proof, long-distance, and yoga-friendly leggings come in classic colorways that won't be off-trend in just a few months, and the fits are just chef's kiss. 

But if you're new to working out or you've never shopped at Athleta before, you might be overwhelmed by the (literally) hundreds of options available. We did the legwork for you and tested dozens of Athleta leggings to find the best ones for every type of activity. These are the best Athleta leggings to shop right now.

Athleta

Why We Like It: The versatile leggings suit a range of workouts and legging preferences. 

It's Worth Noting: The waist is a tighter fit than some of Athleta's other styles.

The Salutation Stash legging is a staple in the Athleta universe. The second-skin fit and soft material was designed for yoga and studio classes and the wide waistband helps prevent rolling. The thick, never-see-through fabric also makes it a go-to for our editors during weight training. "I even wear these to run," says senior commerce editor Shannon Bauer. "The level of compression means I never need to do the mid-run tug without it being too restrictive." The two side pockets are also plenty deep for your phone or other essentials. 

While we found the size chart true to size, due to the wide waistband and structured design, the waist on these leggings fit tighter than some Athleta styles. Keep that in mind when determining size and fit. 

Price at time of publish: $109

Sizes: XXS-3XL | Lengths: 23", 25", 28" | Colors: 14 | Fabric: Nylon, lycra | Pockets: | Compression: Medium | Best For: Yoga, studio classes, low to medium impact workouts

Athleta

Our Ratings

• Quality

  4.6/5

• Opacity

  5/5

• Fit

  4.7/5

• Performance

  4.5/5

• Value

  4/5

Why We Like It: The skimming fit and wide flare make these a go-to for daily activities. 

It's Worth Noting: These run long.

Whether millennial or Gen Z, team yoga pants or team flare leggings, we can all come together and agree this is one trend that was worthy of coming back into fashion. Flared leggings are made from the same material as leggings, like this Athleta version is in their soft Elation fabric. 

Unlike some yoga pants that feel like your favorite pair of sweatpants, these are a sleeker, more body-hugging fit. The high waistband and design do mean that panty lines are fairly visible — we found these are best worn commando if you want to avoid them completely. While you could wear them for yoga flows and walks thanks to the breathable, sweat-wicking fabric (in our testing they were rated best flare leggings for low impact workouts), we found these to be best suited for athleisure activities. "During testing, these became my first choice for running errands and travel. It felt more intentional than baggy sweats but still incredibly comfortable," Bauer says. She paired them with quarter-zip pullovers or cropped sweaters and white sneakers. 

The size chart was accurate for sizing but may close attention to the lengths too. These run a bit long (our tester is 5'4", bought the regular length, and needed to hem them). We do wish the long and petite versions came in the same wide size range as the regulars, too. 

Price at time of publish: $99

Sizes: XXS-3XL | Lengths: Regular, Petite, Long | Colors: 4 | Fabric: Nylon, lycra | Pockets: Drop-in pocket in the back | Compression: Medium | Best For: Lounging, running errands, low impact activities

Athleta

Why We Like It: There's lots of pocket space for phones, gels, credit cards, and more. 

It's Worth Noting: This fabric is shinier than the matte Salutation material. 

Finding the Goldilocks of leggings is trickiest for running, IMO. You want compression but not so much as to be uncomfortable or restrict movement. They need to be sweat-wicking but not so thin that they lose structure and shape as the miles increase. Finally, you want ample pocket space. These Ultimate leggings are, well, the ultimate find, and our pick for best running leggings. Two large side drop-in pockets and a slip pocket on the back waistband provides plenty of hidey holes for phone, energy gus, lip balm, and more. 

The fabric pulls sweat away from the body and evaporates it quickly to keep you cool and dry on your runs. It also offers UPF 50+ protection for sunny runs. Even the lightest colors are fully opaque, too. 

The sizing is true to size and 7/8 length with options for petite, tall, and standard lengths. While this is more of an added bonus than a must-have, we loved that the seaming really highlights, ahem, assets — perfect for that final kick in your 10K when you pass the competition. "I wore these most for running but I loved how they look on my body that I often wore for walks, errands, and more," Bauer says. 

Price at time of publish: $109

Sizes: XXS-3XL | Lengths: Regular, tall, petite | Colors: 6 | Fabric: Recycled polyester, lycra | Pockets: Yes | Compression: Medium | Best For: Medium to high impact workouts, running

Athleta

Why We Like It: The extreme stretch keeps them comfortable through bloat, travel, or pretzel-twisting workouts. 

It's Worth Noting: There is very light compression in this pair.

If you're an equal opportunity studio workout person, this is the pair of leggings to add to your closet. The high-stretch fabric moves with you — in plies or squats, child's pose, or chaturanga — for full comfort and mobility. This is also the lightest fabric that Athleta sells to keep you feeling cool during your sweatiest workouts. 

Not only do these perform well during studio workouts (they're one of our best leggings for women, according to our testing), but they're our editors' pick for travel, too. "I have worn these on almost every flight I've taken in the last year," Bauer says. "The super stretch waist keeps me comfortable even on long haul plane rides. And the large pocket keeps my phone handy through security and boarding."

Price at time of publish: $109

Sizes: XXS-3XL | Lengths: Regular, petite, tall | Colors: 8 | Fabric: Nylon, lycra | Pockets: Yes | Compression: Light | Best For: Low impact workouts, travel, those who love pockets

Athleta

Why We Like It: The ribbed texture is unique and not something we see very often. 

It's Worth Noting: Panty lines are visible in this style.

If a pick that's sleek and stylish is on your workout leggings wishlist, this pair should be at the top. The rib knit fabric is distinctive and rare in the leggings world. We like the texture for our workout 'fits in studio classes or worn casually with hoodies and puffer vests. FWIW, the ribbing is subtler in the darker colors. 

These leggings were created with very few seams for a streamlined fit and lengthening effect on the legs. A downside to the seamlessness is that these will show panty lines if you're not careful about where your underwear hits on your hips. This pair also features an extra high waistband and full-length design; be aware it only comes in one length so may hit at 7/8 or above for taller folks. 

Price at time of publish: $109

Sizes: XXS-3XL | Lengths: Regular | Colors: 4 | Fabric: Nylon, elastane | Pockets: No | Compression: Light | Best For: Yoga, low-impact works, daily wear

Athleta

Our Ratings

• Quality

  5/5

• Opacity

  5/5

• Fit

  5/5

• Durability

  4/5

• Hold

  4/5

Why We Like It: Stretchy, comfortable tights that are also machine washable is a huge win. 

It's Worth Noting: We wish Athleta had more options without the center seam. 

With a lightweight feel and tons of stretch, Elation tights are our selection for low-impact workouts, like yoga or pilates. We found we had full mobility in all poses and postures without the leggings rolling or bunching. Don't let the thin fabric fool you, the quality is high and they're durable as well. Since they were designed for studio classes, these only have a small slip-in pocket in the back waistband. 

The nylon and lycra blend is sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and machine washable. The waistband and V seam in the back is super flattering on the butt; however, we do wish Athleta had more options without a front crotch seam — it can sometimes create a camel toe in the thinner leggings materials. 

Price at time of publish: $89

Sizes: XXS-3XL | Lengths: Regular, petite, tall | Colors: 6 | Fabric: Nylon, lycra | Pockets: Back slip-in | Compression: Light | Best For: Yoga, pilates, studio classes

Athleta

Why We Like It: The brushed fleece interior keeps your legs nice and toasty in chilly temps.

It's Worth Noting: They're made with a high-compression fabric.

With a soft, brushed fleece interior and a thick, durable fabric, the Rainier Tights are the best Athleta leggings for your winter workouts. But don't just take our word for it. "I live in Chicago, where winter lasts approximately nine months, and I also have a dog that loves the snow," says Kristen Geil, Shape senior commerce editor. "I own three pairs of these fleece-lined leggings, and they've stood up to tromping through snowy parks and sub-freezing temps." She also loves the convenience of the side zipper pocket, which is easier to reach than a waistband pocket when you're wearing a heavy jacket and gloves.

The recycled nylon and Lycra fabric blend is thicker than the Salutation or Transcend leggings, but not in a way that overly constricts your movement. Just know that it's going to feel a bit more compressive, which we view as a pro in this case — after all, any increased blood flow in the legs will keep you that much warmer.

Price at time of publish: $109

Sizes: XXS to 3X | Lengths: Regular/Plus: 27" Petite: 25" Tall: 30" | Colors: 5 | Fabric: Recycled Lycra and nylon | Pockets: Yes | Compression: High | Best For: Medium- and high-impact activities outside in cold weather

Athleta

Our Ratings

• Quality

  5/5

• Opacity

  4.8/5

• Fit

  4.7/5

• Performance

  4.5/5

• Value

  5/5

Why We Like It: The fabric is the best of both worlds — lightweight and supportive.

It's Worth Noting: Did someone say… pockets? 

Whether your preferred practice is a challenging Vinyasa or a bolster-supported restorative class, the Salutation Stash Tight is our pick for best leggings for yoga from Athleta. The Powervita fabric is designed to wick sweat and dry quickly, so it's perfect for hot yoga classes. The Salutation Stash Tight is a little more compressive than the Transcend Tight, especially in the high-rise waistband, which doesn't roll an inch throughout your flow. We felt able to move fluidly from asana to asana. 

While you may not need pockets during your yoga class, we've never felt like the deep side pockets were an obstacle to our practice (we barely noticed them, TBH). They're perfect if you like to travel light from home to studio and back.

Price at time of publish: $109

Sizes: XXS to 3X | Lengths: Regular/Plus: 27" Petite: 25" Tall: 30" | Colors: 6 | Fabric: Lycra and nylon | Pockets: Yes | Compression: Low to medium | Best For: Yoga or studio practice

Athleta

Why We Like It: The fabric moves with you for a barely-there feel.

It's Worth Noting: They're extra stretchy and may be a good option for maternity leggings.

If you chafe — literally — at the thought of wearing leggings that squeeze you or pinch and pull around the seams, we've got the solution: the Transcend ⅞ Tights. The Vitafree fabric feels thin, but it's not see-through at all (and trust us, we've put it to the squat test). Every single part of these leggings stretches like a dream, and the seams are minimal and unobtrusive. 

In fact, the all-around stretch leads us to think the Transcend Tight would be a great pseudo-maternity pant for pregnancy and postpartum (or anyone whose weight fluctuates often). In our experience, the fabric gently hugs your body, so you'll get plenty of mileage out of your usual size.

Price at time of publish: $99

Sizes: XXS to 3X | Lengths: Regular/Plus: 25" Petite: 23" Tall: 28" | Colors: 7 | Fabric: 75% Nylon/25% Lycra | Pockets: Hidden in waistband | Compression: Low | Best For: Yoga, casual wear

Athleta

Why We Like It: Cargo pants, but make them fashion.

It's Worth Noting: They're a tad longer than Athleta's other leggings.

Let's be honest. Most hiking pants look like you're about to go on a dinosaur hunt in Jurassic Park. But for the slightly more style-conscious hiker, we highly recommend the Headlands Hybrid Cargo II Tight. They look very similar to the Rainier Tight, but with even more functionality: they're water-repellant, rated UPF 50+, and abrasion-resistant, with six secure zip pocket...