Best workout leggings for yoga and pilates from $20: From budget finds to studio favourites

What are some of the qualities of the best workout leggings or yoga pants for yoga and pilates? They’re technical and supportive while you’re in motion, but comforting when it’s time for you to lie on a sofa. Ideally, they’re also presentable enough to wear out in public if putting on a pair of regular trousers feels physically ambitious. 

If you’re shopping for your first pair or rebuilding a rotation that outperforms your actual workout schedule, start with the fit first. High-rise or low? Flared or tapered? Next, decide if you want to feel held (or not) through the day. Leggings are usually made from a blend of nylon and elastane: the former provides durability, smoothness, and that cool, slick sensation. A higher percentage of nylon provides higher opacity and structure, which is ideal if you want leggings that behave like a pair of actual pants. As for elastane, which is responsible for a legging’s ability to survive a set of squats without causing you emotional damage, a higher percentage delivers more softness and flexibility.

Whether you’re a Pilates princess, a yoga devotee, or someone whose most consistent low-impact workout is walking to buy groceries, these are 10 of the best workout leggings

Best Workout Leggings For Sweaty Sessions: Cervin Leggings at LazMall, $20

Engineered with breathable mesh panels and quick-dry fabric that stays smooth even in tropical heat, the uneven knit also minimises skin contact for less cling, more airflow. Bonus: built-in UV protection for your legs, an often forgotten detail until it’s too late.

Best Workout Leggings For Light compression: Air Active FlexFlow Leggings at Shopee, $21.64

These leggings are made from an 80/20 nylon-spandex blend that feels barely there but holds its shape impressively well. Its cut subtly elongates the leg, while a hidden back pocket handles all your small essentials like cards and keys.

Best Workout Leggings For Comfort Dressing: Sinophant Flare Bootcut Leggings at Amazon, $27.65

Soft, lightweight, and cut to skim the leg before flaring gently at the hem, these leggings are also designed to contour the waist and elongate the silhouette, with four inseam lengths to choose from. Proof that flattering doesn’t have to mean expensive.

Best Workout Leggings for Everyday Movement: Adidas FeelBrilliant Designed To Move Tights, $59

A second-skin fit with sweat-wicking AEROREADY fabric that keeps things breathable when your day heats up. High-rise, no-nonsense, and equipped with an inner pocket for post-class coffee runs, it’s also made partly from recycled materials.

Best Workout Leggings For Mixed Workouts: Nike One Women’s High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings with Pockets, $85

Designed to sit neatly under cropped tops, with pockets that actually hold things, another benefit of these leggings is its peachy-soft, midweight fabric that stretches easily and dries fast.

Best Workout Leggings For Polished Looks Off-Mat: Gymshark Soft Sculpt Flared Leggings, $97

Soft, seamless, and gently contouring you in all the right places, these leggings also come with a waistband that lies flat and behaves itself. The flared cut makes them feel closer to trousers than gym gear. 

Best Workout Leggings For Core Support: Lorna Jane Liberty Full Length Leggings at Zalora, $107.48

An eight-way stretch meets a supportive soft-fold waistband that holds you in without tightly squeezing. It’s also high-rise, moisture-wicking, and intentionally simple in design.

Best Workout Leggings For Everyday Wear: Beyond Yoga Spacedye Layered High Waisted Midi Legging at Revolve, $152.01

Lightweight with contrast detailing at the waist for subtle definition, the polyester-elastane blend feels smooth and breathable, making it ideal for slower workouts or long days in motion. Minimal effort, maximum polish.

Best Workout Leggings For All-Day Comfort: Lululemon Align™ High-Rise Pants 24” Asia Fit, $158

The Asia Fit for these leggings means it’s tailored specifically for shorter inseams and proportioned hips, knees, and calves. A high-rise waistband stays put through forward folds, while the buttery soft fabric wicks sweat discreetly.

Best Workout Leggings For Sculpting Support: ALO Yoga Airbrush High-Waist 7/8 Better Together Legging, $190

ALO Yoga’s signature Airbrush fabric delivers medium compression with a smoothing, sculpted finish, and is finished with a contrast waistband that’s trending for good reason. It also happens to be designed to look layered without any actual effort.