Leggings can be my real skin is fine. They are my uniform for everything, from work to work from home to work on an appetite. The best leggings rise to the challenge. But finding those can feel like an Olympic sport. I tried on countless pairs looking for the perfect ones, and not all were good. Some compress you like a sausage casing, some fall into shapeless blobs after a wash, and the worst? The ones that look good until the light hits just right, and suddenly they are visible.
This guide features pairs of leggings that the WIRED staff and I keep on heavy rotation. They’ve been through the wringer—squats, sprints, and endless hours the couch—and they got out unscathed. Our top picks are more than multifunctional; it’s stylish enough to wear outside the gym, built to handle repeated wash cycles, and comfortable to wear all day. We’ve also prioritized thoughtful details like zippered pouches for your keys, deep side pockets for your phone, and wide waistbands that won’t roll up or dig into your skin.
For more clothing recommendations, check out our Best Running Shoes, Best Hoodiesand Best Merino Wool Clothes guides.
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