The Best Workout Leggings, Shorts, and Pants for All Athletes
Can do, will do, doing. That's the motto of the Teen Vogue Athlete, who comes in all sizes, all abilities, all skill levels and knows that whatever the playing field, you've got this handled.
No matter the season, shorts, crops, leggings, and pants all have a place in the workout wardrobe, depending on the type of activity you’re looking to do. But there’s nothing worse than getting a new pair of workout bottoms, throwing them on for the first time… and finding yourself constantly tugging and pulling them up during your class. If you’re going to spend the money on new gear, it needs to stay in place and fit well. The only issue is, you’re not always able to try them on beforehand. So we scoured the web and then tested what’s available to take the guesswork out of the equation for you. Below are our picks for the best workout bottoms that won’t fall down — and will hide sweat marks, eliminate chafe, and just plain look good. Who says you can’t have it all?
1/23Superfit Hero Colorblock Pocket Leggings
A base of black mixed with color blocking on the sides makes these leggings attractive without being boring. Pull the high waistband above your belly button and stash and personals in the full size side pockets. A bit of compression in the fabric hugs you in, too.
$89, superfithero.com
2/23Old Navy High-Rise Mesh Panel Compression Crops
Mesh side paneling not only looks chic, but also allows for ample airflow, keeping things cool on hot, sweaty days. Flat-lock seams will also prevent any chafing while you’re walking or working out.
$25, oldnavy.com
3/23Adidas Women’s Originals SST Track Pants
We’re throwing it back with these three-stripe track pants! While they still have a tailored look, the more relaxed fit makes slipping them on—and off post-sweaty gym session—a breeze. The cinched waistband won’t move or shift, even if you do.
$65, adidas.com
4/23Outdoor Voices TechSweat Flex Short
These high waisted, sweat wicking shorts will fit you like a glove. They’re super lightweight, and are made out of a four-way stretch material, making them perfect for anything from hot yoga to running.
$45, outdoorvoices.com
5/23Lululemon Fast & Free 7/8 Tight II
Calling all those who like leggings with pockets! This lightweight, sweat-wicking pair has two deep pockets on either side for you to stash your phone, ID, credit card, keys, and anything else you might bring on your run. They have reflective details, too, in case you’re pounding the pavement at dusk or dawn.
$128, lululemon.com
6/23GapFit Studio Side-Stripe Joggers
Throw on these joggers before your next workout. Their four-way stretch material allows you to move with ease, whether you’re dropping down to do a burpee or hopping up for a box jump. The thick, ribbed waistband sits tight on your waist, so the pants stay fit without cutting into your body and making your feel uncomfortable.
$55, gap.com
7/23Gaiam x Jessica Biel Capsule Collection Bryant Cropped Coulotte
So comfy you’ll want to live in them, these relaxed fit, wide leg crops are the perfect pants for yoga, dance, or even a rest day. Adjust the drawstring for a personalized fit that will remain secure on your hips.
$110, gaiam.com
8/23Free People Seamless Triumph Legging
The seamless construction of these nylon-spandex leggings hug tight to the body and stay in place during barre, yoga, or Pilates class. Plus we love that the thick waistband holds you in tight, without squeezing or chafing against the skin. The zippers on the bottom not only look cute, but they don’t get in the way of a workout either.
$88, freepeople.com
9/23Reebok 4-inch Performance Short
If you’re looking for a race day short, look no further. The extreme lightweight material of these lined shorts doesn’t hug tight to the body, so you can run without ever feeling restricted. They’re moisture-wicking, too, and pull the sweat away from your body as you perspire.
$30, reebok.com
10/23Manduka The High Line—Sidewinder Print
If you’re a fan of animal prints, you’ll love the snakeskin pattern on these high waisted, four-way stretch leggings. They have a bit of compression to provide support, and a media pocket in the waistband, where you can stash your iPod.
$88, manduka.com
11/23Beyond Yoga Caught In The Midi High Waisted Legging
Soft doesn’t even begin to describe the hand of these leggings. You’ll never want to take them off. The wider waistband keeps them in place even through your toughest bootcamp class.
$88, beyondyoga.com
12/23CALIA Women’s Two-In-One Printed Short
If feeling covered and secure is of utmost importance to you, throw on a pair of these two-in-one shorts. The bottom, form-fitting layer is made of an antimicrobial, compression material with flat seams that won’t cause chaffing, and the layer is über lightweight. Make them fit as tight or loose as you like using the drawstring.
$40, caliastudio.com
13/23TLA By Morgan Stewart leggings
Moisture wicking, breathable, UV protection fabric is what these seamless bright crops are made out of. Make a statement with the bright colorway and know that the tight, high waist will keep you feeling secure.
$98, touchelosangeles.com
14/23Koral Chase Mid-Rise Legging
The sheen finish of these pants paired the tan and black colorway makes them look and feel luxurious. They have a good amount of compression, so they fit close to your body without feeling too tight. Plus, they’re perfect for workout to brunch!
$105, koral.com
15/23Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity 7/8 Run Leggings
A combination of compression and stretch in the fabric of these leggings sculpt and support your booty and legs. Adjust the drawstring inside the waistband for a personalized fit. You can stash your phone and key in the zippered pocket in the back.
$135, sweatybetty.com
16/23Lorna Jane Rocket Run Short
Not only are the mesh inserts on the sides of these shorts attractive because of the star pattern, but they’re also functional, keeping things breezy as you work up a sweat. The back zippered pocket securely holds your phone, ID and keys so you can just focus on the miles ahead. They have briefs built-in and the material they’re made out of is wrinkle-free, so they’re a perfect short to pack when traveling.
$68, lornajane.com
17/23Under Armour Favorite Wide Leg Pants
If you like a more relaxed fit pant, look no further. This wide-leg pair is made out of a lightweight, performance cotton, designed so you can do just that—perform. Plus, they’re also antimicrobial to help keep any odors at bay. The logo-ed waistband lays flat across your tummy. Get them in black, grey, or both!
$55, underarmour.com
18/23Tory Sport Printed Running Shorts
Stand out in these printed shorts! The drawstring gives you a unique fit, and the mesh lining has cooling properties to keep things feeling fresh where it matters most. You’ll love the comfortable, loose fit, too.
$98, torysport.com
19/23K Deer Victory Sneaker Length in “Magenta/Coral”
Spice up your plain black legging game with a little bit of color around just the ankles of these leggings, which give a slimming look. UPF 50 sun protection and moisture-wicking properties make them the perfect pair for an outdoor exercise class.
$98, k-deer.com
20/2321. Mizuno Women’s Alpha 4” Short
Thanks to the sweat-wicking fabric, these shorts will never weight you down. Adjust the drawstring for a personalized fit, throw your phone, ID, and cash in the back zippered pocket, and hit the ground running.
$45, mizunousa.com
21/2321. P.E. Nation Long Lift Legging
If running shorts are typically uncomfortable for you, look no further than this genius 2-in-1 combo of long leggings and a loose short.
$179, pe-nation.com
22/2322. Two-Tone Pleated-Hem Tennis Skirt
If you're looking for that classic tennis skirt, look no further. Plus, this can double as a cute wardrobe staple to pair with a varsity jacket.
$138, torysport.com
