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Our personal recommendations for training tights that stand up to lunges, squats and trips to the local cafe.
Anyone who’s spent a workout pulling up their tights knows the value of a well-made pair of sweatpants.
In addition to staying in place, a decent pair should be reasonably flattering, breathable, wick away moisture, and stand up to frequent washing.
From extreme compression tights to shapewear cuts, we’ve got recommendations for every type of exercise tights.
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Nike Women’s Pro Therma-FIT ADV High-Waist Leggings, $110
I’m completely obsessed with Sha’Carri Richardson right now. Like, how come I can’t even get work done at my desk without having to hold my hair up so it doesn’t stop me from thinking, and here she is running around a track in record time in a full fishnet bodysuit, with that outrageous mane of hair and nails like pods that must cross the finish line a good five seconds ahead of the rest of her.
It’s sponsored by Nike but it looks like they haven’t dropped their dime yet and I should design a full Sha’Carri range for them which is very disappointing but in the meantime these Nike Pro High Waisted Tights will do the trick. – Stacy Gregg
Hine Collection Long Varsity Leggings, $95
Hine Collection is one of those brands that makes you feel like you struck gold: reasonable price, high quality, amazing size range, comfortable and functional.
Varsity tights are my holy grail, the wide waistband means they never slip or ride down while working out (a constant struggle I have with other brands).
They have deep pockets that fit everything you might need and are completely opaque so you can squat down without revealing what brand of underwear you’re wearing. – karina parker
Morfa High-Waisted 7/8 Tights, $122
Sometimes older sisters know better. My sister had been preaching about the virtues of these stockings for months and, in an effort to convert me, she bought me a pair for Christmas. Now, I am firmly on the bandwagon.
The sculpted cut is super flattering and holds you in all the right places, and the high, firm waist means you don’t always ride up your tights. I’m also a fan of the 7/8 length, which allows you to show just the right amount of ankle. Did I mention they are completely opaque so there is no risk of anyone seeing your knicks?
I’m a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to my activewear so I stick with black, but they also come in a range of other colors including navy, olive and plum. – Dana Johansen
Clique Power Compression Stockings, $99
Squats, running, lunges: these long tights pass all tests. I’ve tried just about every brand and I always go back to my black Cliques for working out tights. High-waisted so they keep the tummy tight and don’t slip down.
Sculpted seams provide an unmatched feeling of support around the legs. The opaque fabric means they are totally “squat proof”. I love that the sizes range from 6 to 22, and you can see how they would look on your body with various models online. – nicky park
Lululemon Wunder Train Tights, $145
I am a huge fan of the Lululemon Wunder Train tights, the only ones I buy. GREAT FOR EXERCISE: It’s sweat-wicking and squat-resistant, but it’s also incredibly comfortable to wear around the house.
Personally, I also really like that these tights don’t have any obvious pockets or reflective pieces, which makes them easy to wear. Lululemon’s quality, comfort, fit, and quality guarantee definitely make it worth the cost. – Claire Hicks
PE Nation Black Leggings, $169
These leggings are very comfortable and super flattering, in a shiny, thick, ultra-stretch fabric and high waist. They’re perfect for walking the dog or standing on the sidelines of a football game in a long coat.
In terms of actual exercise, I’ve learned the hard way not to use them for yoga (you really don’t want to try to do an arm inversion while balancing on slippery fabric). – rebeca wadey
Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Short 10″, $89
I like the fast and free style of Lululemon in the short and long version. They are expensive but they are worth it. It took me years to buy a pair, and I don’t know why I didn’t sooner.
They are the perfect height on your waist, they have a band at the waist so they don’t ride down and they are also very soft. I also love the pockets, you can fit a lot in there. – Katie Heath
