The 8 best leggings with pockets of 2026, tested by real women
Of the 50+ leggings we tested, these are the best on the market, from splurge-worthy Lululemon options to budget-friendly Amazon picks.
Our experts independently review everything we recommend. If you buy through our links, we may earn commission.
Not to be dramatic, but a good pair of leggings can change your life. Whether you're reaching for them as a comfortable option for a long-haul travel day, a tough workout or just as a looks-like-pants-but-doesn't-feel-like-pants option for a lazy day, leggings are a total closet staple that can make you feel equally confident and cozy.
In this story
On the flip side, not to be doubly dramatic, but there's nothing that enrages me more than a pair that lacks pockets. In a world of cargo pants, why should leggings leave us pocketless? I hate being forced to decant everything into a crossbody bag or jam my phone into my waistband (so uncomfortable, so awkward).
While great workout leggings traditionally lacked side pockets to achieve that smooth, seamless look, most of our favorite brands are finally meeting us at the cross-section of functionality and style with the best leggings with pockets. These are the picks we love most, based on 1,248 points of feedback from 20 testers who tried 53 popular pairs. These are the best of the best when it comes to comfort, style, performance, and durability.
The best leggings with pockets of 2026
Fabric:81% nylon, 19% Lycra | Pockets:2 drop-in side, 1 interior waistband | Sizes: 0-14 | Rise:High | Colors:12 | Inseams:25", 28", 31" | Length:7/8
Why we love them: Lululemon's Align leggings are the brand's most popular leggings and perhaps some of the most popular leggings of all time. It's with good reason: Not only are they among the most comfortable and flattering leggings that our editors have ever tried, but they also earned a chart-topping 4.9/5 in our tests. This version boasts great pocket depth with two side drop-in pockets as well as a hidden waistband pocket for valuables while still looking smooth and lean on the legs thanks to the second-skin fit that doesn't bunch, sag, slip or budge.
What our testers say:Testers loved the cinching, high-waisted cut and how the fabric and seams work together to visually sculpt and whittle your legs. "I didn't get the whole Lululemon obsession until I actually tried a pair, but now I understand — and actually feel confident leaving the house in leggings," a tester wrote. "The fabric strikes an inimitable balance of stretch and compression [and] the length is absolutely perfect," wrote another. "They feel perfectly snug in a way that hugs my legs without making me feel restricted or squeezed — and that's a good thing."
Keep in mind: These leggings offer moderate yet comfortable compression, earning a 4/5 in that category. While they are great for both active and lounge days, if you're looking for a super-compressive legging for sweaty workouts, you may prefer one with a more "held in" feel.
- Near-perfect scores across testers
- Comfortable, flattering second-skin fit
- Pockets don't look bulky
- Not super compressive
- Pricey
Fabric:77% polyester, 23% spandex | Pockets:2 drop-in side, 1 interior waistband | Sizes:XS-3X | Rise:High | Colors:19 | Inseams:Varies by size, 18.9"-20.7" | Length:Capri
Why we love them: A cropped, budget-friendly version of a timeless classic, testers and editors love these top-rated leggings for the wide, high-rise waistband and compressive fit that provide a high hold and lift. With a near-perfect score of 4.9/5, they're a total steal at only $23 to $25 on average — less than a quarter of some other picks.
What our testers say:"I've spent more than I care to admit on fancy leggings over the years, and these genuinely hold their own," a tester admitted, giving the leggings perfect scores across the board. "The softness is next level, the thickness gives fully opaque coverage without being sweaty, and the compression feels like a gentle hug instead of making me feel vacuum-sealed."
Keep in mind: While these come in only one length — a capri designed to hit a few inches below the knee — the inseam length varies by size. Refer to the size chart to see where your inseam lands within the 18.9"-20.7" range. Also, note that the brand specifies that these leggings should be hand-washed.
- Budget-friendly and near-perfect scores
- Compressive fit with a wide, high-rise waistband
- Quality feels more expensive than it is
- Hand-wash only
Fabric:75% polyester, 25% spandex | Pockets:2 drop-in side | Sizes:XS-XL | Rise:High | Colors:29 | Inseam:25" | Length:7/8
Why we love them:Amazon is filled with leggings brands with wild names and wilder promises, and while some are suspiciously scammy, others are total hidden gems on the cheap. Our tests showed that Colorfulkoala makes leggings you can trust. At just $25, these popular, soft leggings have generous side pockets and a super-stretchy high waist that feels featherweight against skin.
What our testers say:Testers say they feel like a second skin. One loved their "lightweight, barely there feel," adding, "They're perfect for low-impact yoga or running errands." And they last: "The durability is shockingly good, especially for how light the fabric feels," added another expert tester who rated them 5/5 for durability. "Over four years and hundreds of washes, they've held up beautifully, keeping their shape and hardly pilling." It's no wonder more than 53,000 Amazon shoppers have reviewed them and called these opaque, squat-proof leggings "perfect."
Keep in mind: These leggings aren't built for performance, scoring just 1/5 for compression and 2/5 for sweat-wicking. While they "hug your body in a comfy, second-skin way, they do no shaping, lifting, whittling or sculpting," said one expert tester. "Any 'tummy control' claims here are not to be believed." They're insanely comfy, but if sculpting and/or sweat-wicking are priorities for you, look elsewhere.
- Affordable
- Second-skin, lightweight feel
- Tons of color options
- Minimal compression
- Minimal sweat-wicking
Material:75% nylon, 25% Lycra elastane | Pockets:2 drop-in side | Sizes:XXS-3X | Inseams:25", 27", 30" | Length: Full, 7/8, capri | Rise:High | Colors:16
Why we love them:These fits-everyone leggings are built to last, earning an overall score of 4.4/5 and a durability score of 4.7/5. Testers who self-identify as "hard" on their activewear were amazed by the endurance of these Athleta leggings, with more than 8 years of regular wear and barely any signs of it.
What testers say:Commerce Initiatives Editor Julia Webb said she's "obsessed" with these leggings, giving them a 5/5 for softness and smoothness. She said they “still look great after going through the washer and dryer numerous times." The nylon blend leggings hold up through wash after wash. "I do not treat my leggings kindly," said Senior Editor Jessica Dodell-Feder. "They have lasted me through it all." Testers praised the soft, sculpting feel, flattering fit and a wide waistband that smooths without pinching. Commerce Editor Saundra Latham added, "the high-rise tucks in the tummy without feeling constricting."
Keep in mind:The fit can be tricky to nail. Testers unanimously found them loose in the waist and said they didn't stay in place as well as other pairs, earning a 3.5/5 in the category. However, they were redeemed by their deep side pockets, which testers found exceptionally well-made.
- Durable, long-lasting construction
- Wide range of sizes and lengths
- Compressive, sculpting fit that feels supportive and soft
- May shift a bit during wear
- Gaping in the waist
Fabric:84% nylon, 16% Lycra elastane | Pockets:2 drop-in side, 3 interior waistband | Sizes: 0-16 | Rise:High | Colors:6 | Inseams:19", 23", 25", 28" | Length:7/8
Why we love them:If you've ever gone on a run and focused more on keeping track of your phone, headphones, keys and water than your mileage, you'll know that a good pair of leggings designed specifically for runs makes all the difference. Lululemon's Fast and Free Tights have two side pockets with excellent pocket depth and compression that will keep your phone secure as you run, as well as three thoughtful waistband pockets that can hold earbuds, keys, energy gels and even a card or two if you need.
What our testers say:Earning a glowing overall score of 4.8/5, these lightweight leggings were a favorite among runners. "I wore them for a sweaty outdoor run several times and no shifting or slipping of the waistband," wrote one. Testers mentioned that these were a little on the shorter side (may I direct your attention to the model's ankles?) and that there's an adjustable drawstring at the waistband, although one questioned if it was necessary. "I feel like tightness in the waist isn't something these leggings lack," they noted.
Keep in mind:The ankle openings are totally seamless, and while some testers loved how flat they laid, others described the feature as feeling "raw or unfinished." One reviewer wrote that they disliked the "weird" feel and gave the leggings a 3/5 for quality because of this design choice. "It's truly the only qualm I have with these, otherwise I love 'em," they noted.
- 5 total pockets for varied storage
- Excellent compression and sweat-wicking
- Thoughtful features for runners
- Seamless ankles were polarizing
- Pricey
Fabric:64% nylon, 36% elastane | Pockets:2 drop-in side | Sizes: XS-3X | Rise:High | Colors:4 | Inseam:25" | Length:7/8
Why we love them: Designed with the brand’s signature sculpting and sweat-wicking performance fabric, Spanx’s Booty Boost have a built-in booty lift, tummy smoothing and contoured seams that testers said "make my backside look great." Another editor owns four pairs, citing the support and "extreme compression" as the primary reasons she likes them.
What our testers say:"I've been obsessed with these leggings since the first time I tried them on," wrote one. "The side pockets are deep enough to hold my cellphone, keys and cash, but it’s very discreet and barely visible if I have nothing in it since the opening starts at the waistband seam rather than lower down on the thigh like other styles." Earning 5/5s for squat-proof-ness, sweat-wicking and smooth, high-quality fabric, testers loved how durable the leggings are. One even went against the care tag suggestion and dried her leggings several times — while we wouldn't recommend that as it wears out stretch over time, the tester noted that they looked "good as new."
Keep in mind: These are true compression leggings, so expect a tight squeeze when you first put them on. Also, while one tester named the "high waistband that sucks me in and doesn't slide down as I move around" as a favorite factor, another petite tester noted that the waistband went up to her bra line and therefore rolled down a bit with movement, citing the fit as "extremely high" and "pretty funny."
- Sculpting, lifting seams and construction
- Extremely high-rise waist that smooths and compresses
- Secure, stay-put fit
- May be too high-waisted on short torsos
- Pricey
Fabric:79% recycled plastic bottles (RPET), 21% spandex | Pockets:2 drop-in side, 1 interior waistband | Sizes: XXS-6X | Rise:High | Colors:8 | Inseams:23.75", 28", 31" | Lengths:7/8
Why we love them:Girlfriend prides itself on its sustainability efforts (these leggings are made, in part, from plastic water bottles), and we love the size range from XXS to 6X, the most inclusive of our entire list. They're also comfortable and flattering enough to have made Oprah’s Favorite Things List .
What testers say:One tester notes that she still reaches for the pairs she's had since 2016, giving them 5/5 for durability and quality. "To say these leggings hold up well would be an understatement," she said. "And they seem to just get better with time. The thick fabric is best-suited for colder months or less-sweaty workouts; I don't find them sweat-wicking, but I love them all the same." Another compliments the compression and lifting effect that the leggings have: "They make your butt look really good! I also have had my pair for years now, and they still look great!"
Keep in mind: Because these leggings are made of a thicker fabric, some might find them too warm in some circumstances. "They're not super sweat-wicking," said our tester, who rated them 1/5 in the category, but they're great for casual wear on chillier days.
- Most inclusive size range on this list
- 5/5 durability and quality scores
- Oprah-approved
- Not very breathable or sweat-wicking
- Pricey
Fabric:75% recycled nylon, 25% Lycra | Pockets:Side, waistband, back | Sizes:0-16 | Rise:High | Color:3 | Inseam:26", 28", 31" | Length:7/8
Why we love them:You’ll never worry about your belongings falling out again, thanks to these utilitarian leggings from Athleta. There are many pocketed leggings out there that are great (see: the rest of this list) but these babies stand out among the crowd as they feature not one, nor two, but six zippered pockets that'll come in handy when a stretchy, open pocket isn't secure enough for the valuable contents you need to store (say, a credit card or driver's license). There's also an internal drawstring if you'd like to tighten the waist.
What our testers say:Testers noted that the stretchy material of these leggings is comfortable for a wide range of workouts. They also boast UPF 40+ sun protection, which makes them a great option for outdoor activities. “I wear my cargo leggings every single day to hike and do yoga. I need more colors, please! I get compliments, and I love the unusual crêpey fabric. The pockets are awesome also,” said one reviewer.
Keep in mind: The zippers and pockets add bulk to the leggings. You won't get the same slippery sleekness that you do with leggings that don't have any pockets or hardware, but for the security and storage that you do get, it's a worthwhile trade-off in our eyes.
- Six zippered pockets
- Stylish outdoorsy design
- UPF 40+ UV protection
- Internal waistband drawstring
- Not as smooth and sleek
- Pricey
How we test leggings
Our team of style editors spent hours researching the top leggings brands and the most talked-about pairs from Amazon dupes and infamous Lululemon styles that have earned their place in the leggings hall of fame, to lesser-known styles and newer launches in the athleisure space.
In addition to relying on our own team's years of evaluating clothes and fashion, we also tapped the expertise of designers, fitness trainers and fabric specialists to understand what goes into making a great pair of leggings.
Then we got our hands on 53 pairs of leggings and distributed them to 20 testers for evaluation. Each tester, who wears sizes 0 to 18, stands 5'0 to 5'11" and describes their body types as straight, athletic, curvy, plus-size, and everything in between, took their leggings for a spin in the real world. They went about their days standing, walking, running, jumping, sweating, and dancing in them to see where each pair shone (or flopped) and then filled out a 30+ question survey.
After analyzing 1,272 survey responses in our most recent round of tests, we found the best leggings with pockets for every activity and budget.
What to consider when shopping for leggings with pockets
There are many criteria to consider when shopping for activewear and leggings for women, including fit, fabric, performance features, aesthetics and price. We suggest taking a look at each of the following factors in detail:
Fit
Denise Chakoian , exercise specialist and owner and founder of Core Studio , wears leggings at least six days a week and says the top requirement for leggings is finding a pair that gives you the right "feel."
Those looking for a cozy pair to lounge in should choose a lightly compressive, buttery-soft option. Others seeking a figure-hugging pair that offers extra support during the most grueling workouts, or a pair that sculpts, lifts and tones the appearance of their legs and tush, should opt for compression leggings.
Rise
Your preferred rise (the point on your body where the top of the waistband sits) will ultimately depend on your preferences and what feels most comfortable and flattering to you.
"The waistband is key — opt for high-rise or mid-rise styles that will stay in place and provide support, especially for high-intensity activities," says Ben Jenks , NASM-certified personal trainer, fitness expert and senior editor of Powerlifting Technique . A guide:
-
High-risehits at or just above the natural waist.
-
Mid-risehits just below the waist, under the belly button.
-
Low-risehits at the hips.
Inseam
The inseam is the measurement that runs from the garment's crotch to the bottom hem at the ankle. It determines the length of the garment's leg. While inseam length varies from brand to brand, here's a rough guide to the average measurements you might see:
-
Capri:17–21"
-
Short/petite:23–25"
-
Regular:26–28"
-
Tall:29–32"
Look for "flat [or] seamless construction to avoid chafing, as well as gusseted inseams that allow a full range of motion," Jenks says. Peterson agrees that this can "prevent chafing or discomfort during physical activities."
Fabric
Legging fabric matters for both comfort and laundry. Melissa McGlynn, senior strategic account manager at the LYCRA Company , says high-quality fibers and fabrics are essential "to ensure they fit better, last longer and feel more comfortable." (The trade-off: Premium fabrics can come with a higher price tag.)
An opaque, "squat-proof" fabric is also ideal, so you can concentrate on your workout without worrying about visibility. "For lounging, softer, cotton-blend fabrics are most comfortable," says Jenks.
You'll want it to be sweat-wicking too. Peterson says, "The ability of the leggings to manage sweat and allow your skin to breathe can dramatically enhance your overall experience, especially if you're wearing them for exercise or in warmer climates." To test, drop a bead of water onto your leggings. The way the fabric reacts will tell you whether it's sweat-wicking: If it quickly spreads and lightens, you're good to go. If it beads up and leaves a dark, saturated spot, continue your search.
Pockets
Pocket depth varies: Some are just big enough for your keys, headphones and energy gels, while others sport pockets spacious enough to hold a phone. Where the pockets are placed depends on style preference and what you're carrying. And while some might want as many pockets as possible, others "may want fewer pockets for a sleek look," says Jenks.
-
Side pockets"are easier to access and retrieve items than pockets within the waistband," says Tammy Foxx , fitness trainer and founder of Bridal Fitness Coach. Lexie Chan, regional director of operations at Fanka , agrees saying, "Since nearly everyone needs a place for their phone, I think side pockets are the most useful."
-
Waistband pockets"are ideal for storing smaller items like keys or cards discreetly, keeping them on hand without the risk of bouncing or shifting during dynamic movements," says Chan. Personal trainer and nutritionist Jasmine Peterson added that items in the waistband can even be beneficial to your workouts since they can help "distribute weight more evenly around your core" than side pockets.
Comparison chart
| Fabric |
Pockets |
Rise |
Color(s) |
Inseam(s) |
Length(s) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lululemon Align High Rise |
81% nylon, 19% Lycra |
Side and waistband |
High |
12 |
25"-31" |
7/8 |
| Iuga Capri Leggings |
77% polyester, 23% spandex |
Side and waistband |
High |
19 |
8.9"-20.7" |
Capri |
| Colorfulkoala |
75% polyester, 25% spandex |
Side |
High |
29 |
25" |
7/8 |
| Athleta Salutation Stash |
75% nylon, 25% Lycra elastane |
Side |
High |
16 |
25", 27", 30" |
Full, 7/8, capri |
| Lululemon Fast & Free |
84% nylon, 16% Lycra elastane |
Side and waistband |
High |
6 |
19-28" |
7/8 |
| Spanx Booty Boost |
64% nylon, 36% spandex |
Side |
High |
4 |
25" |
7/8 |
| Girlfriend Collective |
79% RPET, 21% spandex |
Side and waistband |
High |
8 |
23.75-31" |
7/8 |
| Athleta Headlands Cargo |
75% recycled polyester, 25% Lycra |
Side, waistband and back |
High |
3 |
26-31" |
7/8 |
Meet our experts
-
Denise Chakoian , exercise specialist and owner and founder of Core Studio
-
Lexie Chan, regional director of operations at Fanka
-
Tammy Foxx , fitness trainer and founder of Bridal Fitness Coach
-
Ben Jenks , NASM-certified personal trainer, fitness expert and the senior editor of Powerlifting Technique
-
Melissa McGlynn , senior strategic account manager at the LYCRA Company
-
Jasmine Peterson, personal trainer and nutritionist
Update, Sept. 18, 2026: We checked all product prices and availability and added Athleta Salutation Stash leggings based on recent testing.
