14 Best Leggings That Don’t Slip or Pill, Tested by Fitness Instructors and Editors

Best for: Travel, yoga, casual wear

“There’s so much to love about Girlfriend Collective: They’re size inclusive, their brand’s ethos is rooted in sustainability, and they use eco-conscious materials in all of their products. While I adore so many of their activewear pieces, this pair of flared leggings is a standout in my closet. They look gorgeous whether I’m running errands or heading to a yoga class—especially when worn with the matching top—and the wide leg is subtle, so it doesn’t get in the way of your activity. The fabric itself (made from recycled plastic bottles) is moisture-wicking, super sturdy, and squat-proof. Plus, the waistband stays in place—no slipping or rolling—and the high-quality material still looks brand new, even after 20 wears and washes,” says Thomason.

• Pros: Size-inclusive; recycled material; moisture-wicking
• Cons: Not suited for high-intensity workouts
• Sizes: XXS–6XL
• Fabric: Recycled plastic bottles (RPET), spandex
• Slip test: Can shift slightly during workouts; best for low-intensity
• Pilling: None

Best for: Lounging, low-intensity workouts

This top-rated pair of leggings (it has more than 11,000 five-star reviews referring to them as great Lululemon dupes) lives up to its “buttery-soft” name, according to Glamour’s commerce director, Brie Schwartz. “They feel dreamy on (so much so that they’re the first thing I reach for when I get home from work), sit comfortably at the mid-waist without digging and they’re almost slick to the touch. However, they do slip—you might want to size down—so I don’t recommend these for running (unless you like tugging every few feet). If you’re just looking to wear them for athleisure activities, lounging or a day at the gym when you’re focused on upper body, though, I give them a 10 out of 10. They’re also perfect for layering under jeans or sweats in winter if you’re looking to stay warm."

• Pros: Reasonable price; soft; no pilling
• Cons: Slight sagging
• Sizes: XS–XL
• Fabrics: Nylon, spandex
• Slip test: Slick material can sag
• Pilling: None

Best for: Yoga, everyday wear

Glamour commerce producer and yoga instructor Kassidy Davidson is a fan of these high-rise leggings that she says are perfect for the hot yoga sculpt classes she teaches. “I’ve worn them five times a month for two years (and washed and hang-dried them each time after), and they still look good. They’re also the softest pair I’ve ever owned. The super-high waist allows me to teach comfortably without having to worry about them slipping down while I’m in downward dog,” she says. “And the moisture-wicking material has kept me mostly dry while I’m teaching and disguises sweat stains.” Glamour’s Schwartz adds that she’s had a pair for 10 years and they haven’t pilled after countless washes. She does note, though, that while they do sweat-wick better than any other leggings she’s owned, they’re not great at trapping odor.

• Pros: Moisture-wicking; pockets; durable
• Cons: Might be too thin
• Sizes: 0–20
• Fabrics: Nylon, Lycra
• Slip test: Passed
• Pilling: None

Best for: Yoga, Pilates

“Every time I throw on these leggings I feel confident, strong, and ready to take on any challenge. Why? They have a unique wide ribbed waistline that gives them a custom-feeling fit and reliably stays put, even during inversions and advanced yoga or Pilates postures. The material is thick but breathable, with perforated detailing on the back of the leg for a little extra airflow. I’m also impressed by their longevity—I’ve owned my pair of Good Karma Leggings for nearly five years, and they still look brand-new (no pilling in sight). Plus, this style of yoga pants comes in the most gorgeous earthy colors, winning them major style points.” says Thomason.

• Pros: Breathable; high waist
• Cons: Limited sizes
• Sizes: XS–XL
• Fabrics: Spandex, nylon
• Slip test: Passed
• Pilling: None

Best for: Casual wear, strength training

Like a lot of workout clothes, quality leggings aren’t exactly kind to your credit card. However, this pair of pocket leggings from Old Navy costs just shy of $20 and features a style comparable to other products on this list. “I like them because they are reasonably priced for the quality,” says Glamour tester Rachel D’Amato. “They are lighter weight than a lot of leggings out there, but not sheer. The pocket is deep enough to fit a phone, and they fit like shapewear to keep you snatched.” Plus, these bestsellers have a nearly perfect five-star rating (among 2,000-plus reviews on the brand’s site). “While these are technically labeled as high-rise, they fit more mid than most leggings on the market, which I prefer,” says Glamour’s Schwartz. “I’ve had my pair for at least five years, and while the waistband has gotten looser over time and they’ve begun to sag in the tush, they’ve withstood countless washes without pilling. The one demerit is they take awhile to dry after workouts and aren’t as sweat-wicking as, say, the Lululemons on this list.”

• Pros: Affordable price; useful pockets; snug fit
• Cons: Sizing inconsistency
• Sizes: XS–4XL
• Fabrics: Cotton, spandex
• Slip test: Looser waistband may slip during higher-intensity workouts.
• Pilling: Moderate, over time

Best for: Errands, wearing to work

Glamour’s Alanna Martine Kilkeary is obsessed with these high-waist leggings and has them in three colors as proof. “They’re super stretchy, very soft to the touch, and the waistband is not tight at all. Instead, they’re comfortable but still fit snug around the hips for a toned look,” she says. Kilkeary also loves this pair because of their versatility. “I wear them when I’m doing yoga at home, but I’ve also worn them to work with a longer sweater. They look good with basically anything, especially a cute puffer vest.” Kilkeary does note that while these are comfortable leggings, they aren’t great with keeping sweat at bay. “I’d recommend going for a different pair if you’re really gonna sweat it out. These will hide any sweat stains, but they stay wet, which is no fun.”

• Pros: Come in sizes up to 3X; available in packs
• Cons: Kilkeary says one of her pairs did form a hole at the top waistband.
• Sizes: S/M–3X
• Fabrics: Polyester, spandex
• Slip test: Passed
• Pilling: None

Best for: Errands, lounging

“I picked up these leggings during the pandemic when I discovered my athleisure aesthetic. For real—before 2020, I used to wear jeans around the house,” says Kilkeary. She likes the baggier bottom and figure-hugging waist. “I love the way they look paired with platform sneakers or chunky Ugg boots,” she says. She can also attest to the fact that they’re very soft (perhaps the best part); they literally feel like pajama pants.

• Pros: Easy accessibility because the material is stretchy
• Cons: Kilkeary says that if you’re on the shorter side, you may not be able to wear them with flat shoes.
• Sizes: S–XL
• Fabrics: Polyester, spandex
• Slip test: Passed
• Pilling: None

Best for: Everyday wear, walks, low-impact workouts

“I received these as a Christmas gift last year and they’ve quickly become a staple in my daily wardrobe. The fabric has a subtle velvety-soft feel that makes them easy to wear all day long, and the waistband is super supportive without being overly constricting, allowing me to comfortably perform a variety of movements in them—from jogging up the stairs to bending over to pick up my daughter to strolling around the neighborhood. They’re also really flattering, accentuating my booty and aiding in tummy control on days I feel bloated. The only thing I don’t love is the white square brand logo that sits prominently—it makes it hard to pull off wearing these leggings as pants (which I would otherwise love to do!).” —JM

• Pros: Insanely comfortable; durable
• Cons: Prominent brand logo; pricey
• Sizes: XXS–XXL
• Fabrics: Recycled polyamide, elastane
• Slip test: Passed
• Pilling: None

Best for: Pilates, hot workouts, treadmill running, stair exercises, and strength training

These workout leggings are a favorite of Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle, who wears them multiple times a week. “This set is constantly getting washed because I use it so much during the week. I wear it to the gym for strength training, to my Pilates reformer classes, and on days when I don’t want to wear real clothes. I took a NYC Fuze hot workout class and it surprisingly didn’t slip, so I recommend it for hot yoga or hot Pilates classes. I’m a five two and wear a size medium. The length is petite-friendly because it doesn’t bunch up at the bottom.”

• Pros: Doesn’t dig into skin; no slipping down; silky soft
• Cons: Not super thick so might be prone to rips in the future
• Sizes: XXS–XL
• Fabrics: Nylon, Lycra
• Slip test: Passed
• Pilling: Passed

Best for: Everyday wear, weight training/gym workouts, walking

Colorado-based tester Megan Starmer loves these ultra-comfy leggings for a lot of reasons. “The fabric is buttery soft but lightweight enough that you’re not dying from heat,” she says. The thick, high waistband is another plus: “They’re not digging into you but they’re very supportive.” And the external pockets come in clutch too. “I love that there’s a pocket for carrying around your phone or key at the gym (also great for travel if you need quick access to cards or IDs),” Starmer says. To boot, these come in a wide range of inclusive sizes, making them a smart option for the plus-size shopper.

• Pros: Buttery-soft fabric, inclusive sizing
• Cons: Limited color options
• Sizes: XXS–4X
• Fabrics: Polyester, spandex
• Slip test: Passed
• Pilling: None

Best for: Winter workouts, layering

“I run extra cold," says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary, who has tried over a dozen fleece-lined leggings to find this Goldilocks pair. “I’ve worn these leggings under my ski suit without any stretches or tears, on weekends running errands, and even on my work-from-home days when I want to be extra comfy,” she says. “I’ve probably put them in the wash about 25 times since I got them a few months ago and there hasn’t been a pill in sight. They don’t slip down in the slightest and hug my waist really comfortably. I’ve worn these in 20-degree New York City weather and in nearly 10-degree weather while atop a green—they’ve kept me warm every single time!”

• Pros: Versatile; cozy; good value for money
• Cons: Some sizing inconsistencies
• Sizes: XXS–XL
• Fabrics: Polyamide, spandex
• Slip test: Passed
• Pilling: None

Best for: Wearing as pants, running errands (not for working out)

For this trendy category, we went straight to the OG. If you’re looking for something a little more elevated that can actually pass as pants (you could even get away with wearing them to work, depending on your office environment), then these moto-esque Spanx leggings are it. “I’ve had mine for at least five years and they look as good as they did the day they were born,” says Schwartz. “They’re tummy controlling, look cool with boots, and pull together an outfit more than your average pair thanks to the slick finishing, though a word to the wise: They’re not suitable for winter since you really feel the air in them and they’re cold to the touch; however, if you run hot, you’ll love them. Because they’re also ultra tight, they’re tough to pull on, but once you’re wearing them, they’re actually really comfortable and easy to move in.”

• Pros: Trendy, moto-style look; tummy control
• Cons: The air goes right through them
• Sizes: XXS–3XL
• Fabrics: Faux-fur leather
• Slip test: Passed
• Pilling: None