The best ALO leggings of 2026: We tested the top 5 pairs so you don't have to
Our style editors wear-tested every single fabric the brand offers to find the very best.
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Even if you haven't heard of ALO, you've definitely seen the brand's clothing, maybe without even realizing. Its mega-popular workout gear has been spotted on the likes of Martha Stewart , Katie Holmes , Hailey Bieber, Victoria Beckham and more. The brand offers a great mix of practical exercise clothing and fun, stylish athleisure but there is one major trade-off: It's definitely pricey. Tops cost $70+ and leggings and jackets hover in the the $150+ range.
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Still, many swear it's worth it — especially the brand's top-rated leggings which have amassed an all but cult following despite sitting well above $100 a pair. But which one of the brand's trademark (and similar-sounding) offerings is best? There's Airlift, Airbrush, Alosoft, Softsculpt and more. I've been in a long-term relationship with black leggings since high school and I test clothing for a living. Despite my experience, I still found my head spinning.
So to get to the bottom of it, our style editors tried not one, not two, but all five of the brand's fabric offerings in its signature high-rise leggings to see which ones fit, look and feel the best. Our pros wore them on runs, to workout classes, while doing manual labor (NYC walk-ups will do that to you) and in both subzero cold and warmer spring weather.
All said, our testers logged more than 100 hours in ALO leggings to find the best leggings worth your money, including the best pair for workouts , high-compression options that smooth and support and even winter-ready fleece-lined leggings . No spoilers, but there were some clear winners after weeks of testing and reviewing.
Every ALO legging, ranked
Material: 71% Nylon, 29% Elastane | Sizes: XXS-L | Inseams: 25" (XS-S); 25.5" (M-L) | Lengths: 7/8, full | Rise: High | Compression: Medium | Colors: 2 options
✔ Overall rating:5/5✔ Best for: Everyday wear, low- and medium-impact workouts
Fit: Not to be dramatic, but the Softsculpt leggings fit the way I've always dreamt, a sentiment echoed by my fellow tester, Senior Style Editor Jessica Teich . They have a high, comfy waistband with all-over medium compression that makes me feel held-in. The fabric is so comfortable I forget I'm wearing leggings: "It truly moves with you without restriction," says Teich. One tiny downside: They're definitely higher-waisted than ALO's other high-waisted leggings, so there may be a little rolling at the top.
Feel: The fabric is stretchy but extremely buttery and soft. They're easy to pull on (no squeezing yourself into them) and they snap into place with comfortable medium compression, staying put all day long with complete opacity. "Obsessed and want to wear 'em every day, thank you very much," raves Teich. "If you're looking for a true 'second-skin feel,' this is the blueprint."
Function: Softsculpts are perfect for any scenario you'd reach for leggings, whether it's a 12-hour flight, a long road trip, a lazy afternoon or any workout from yoga to a cardio dance class. Teich mentioned they wicked sweat well too — they're truly a do-it-all legging.
Warmth: The midweight fabric feels cozy, and there is about as much insulation as you'd expect from a pair of everyday leggings. They may not be best-suited for the coldest days but testers never felt particularly chilly or overheated in them.
- Soft, buttery feel
- Second-skin fit
- Stretchy, opaque fabric
- Great at wicking sweat
- Very high-waisted
- Limited size range
Material: 82% Polyester, 18% Elastane | Sizes: XXS-XL | Inseams: 24.25" (XS-S); 24.75" (M-L) | Lengths: 7/8, full | Rise: High | Compression: High | Colors: 25 options
✔ Overall rating: 4.5/5✔ Best for: Any high-impact or high-intensity workout where you want your leggings to really support your muscles and offer real, functional compression
Fit: If you're looking for true compression and a "snatched" feeling — whether that's for tummy control , booty-lifting or plain old support — Airlift leggings are going to be right up your alley. The waistband is where a lot of the sculpting tightness is, but once they're on, they aren't uncomfortable at all. Tester agreed they felt like they ran slightly smaller than other Alo leggings — but not to the point where I would recommend sizing up, since you might lose some of that compressive, supportive feeling. All testers agreed the ankles fit a little loose, which was confusing given how compressive the leggings are.
Feel: This is a true performance fabric. It looks and feels athletic, with a glossy, smooth, subtly shiny appearance. "The fabric is so smooth that I actually caught myself petting them throughout the day," says Teich. "The one downside is that they definitely look like workout gear so you can't get away with wearing them as casual wear."
Warmth: "There's not much insulation," Teich notes. "I wore them on a blustery day and was a little chilly." I also had a similar experience — the athletic material almost has a cooling feel that's ideal for workouts, so they aren't exactly your best bet when the temps start to drop.
- Extremely compressive and supportive
- Offers a sculpted look
- Smooth, athletic sheen
- Not very warm
- Ankles fit slightly loose
Material: 83% Polyester, 17% Elastane | Sizes: XXS-L | Inseams: 28" (XXS-S); 28.5" (M-L) | Length: Full | Rise: High | Compression: High | Colors: 5 options
✔ Overall rating: 5/5✔ Best for: Outdoor winter activities like hikes, runs and walks
Fit: Compressive but not constricting in the slightest, these high-waisted leggings fit and look like any other athletic pair but boast a secret, warm inner lining without any bulk. "These leggings stayed in place all day," says Teich. "They didn't shift, slip or feel overly tight." They only come in a full length, and I did find that they stretched out a little over multiple uses, so don't fret if you find them to be a little tight initially.
Feel: The exterior has the same extra-smooth feel as the regular Airlifts while the interior feels like a thin brushed fabric, rather than a textured fleece or a high-pile faux fur. "They feel thinner than the traditional fleece I'm used to but they're surprisingly soft and plush," Teich notes.
Function: I absolutely fell in love with the Winter Warm leggings for my outdoor runs — they're truly delightful and so functional. I'm currently training for a half-marathon, and these leggings were perfect for 20-30ºF weather. They're sleek and not bulky in the slightest but noticeably warmer and more insulated than a normal running tight.
Warmth: Yes, yes and yes! While the interior lining feels thin and svelte, it does a great job of keeping out the wind and keeping body heat in. Even if you have no plans to run or hike in the cold, these leggings make a great base layer under pants or jeans in sub-freezing temps.
- Sleek, glossy exterior
- Sleek yet highly warm interior
- Great for cold and/or outdoor workouts
- Limited size range
- Doesn't come in 7/8 length
Material: 87% Polyester, 13% Elastane | Sizes: XXS-L | Inseams: 24"(XS-S); 24.5" (M-L) | Lengths: 7/8, full | Rise: Mid-high | Compression: Low medium | Colors: 4 options
✔ Overall rating: 3/5✔ Best for: Traveling, road trips, lounging
Fit: I found the fit comfortable and didn't experience any slipping or shifting, but Teich found, "they shifted a lot during wear" and needed to readjust them frequently. "I was tugging at and readjusting the waist a lot." And while they're advertised as high-waisted, they definitely sit a little lower than some of Alo's other high-waisted options. I'd say they're medium-high, but Teich found "they slipped down past my belly button and onto my hips and sagged at the crotch."
Feel: Alosoft fabric is aptly named. These leggings have a brushed, almost velvety-soft texture without being thick or stuffy and "a cottony, comfortable feel," Teich added. I found these leggings to be very comfortable — so comfy, in fact, that I didn't feel the need to immediately peel them off after a workout like I normally do. All testers found them fully opaque too.
Function: Testers wore these to group workout classes and Pilates classes and outdoor runs. I found that they were a great option for lower-impact forms of exercise with a barely-there feel that I appreciated (because when your legs are burning during a barre class, the last thing you need is to be overly aware of your extra-tight pants).
Warmth: The brushed material adds a little warmth, but not to the point where it was noticeable. You can comfortably wear these while sweating and they won't trap heat, in fact, I found them to be quite breathable.
- Soft, cottony texture
- Opaque, rich black fabric
- Comfortable, low compression fit
- Lower rise; may slip down or shift during wear
- Limited size range
Material: 87% Nylon, 13% Elastane | Sizes: XXS-XL | Inseams: 24" (XXS-S); 24.5" (M-L) | Lengths: 7/8, full | Rise: High | Compression: Medium | Colors: 10 colors
✔ Overall rating: 3/5✔ Best for: Colder days, comfy-casual outfits, low-sweat workouts
Fit: The thick ribbed-knit material Teich described as "an almost sweater-like feel" is stretchy and compressive enough, but there isn't much lifting going on with these leggings. There were some minor fit inconsistencies too: I found the ankles to be tight and the leggings to be semi-tight, but Teich found the ankles to be loose even though she described the leggings as "the tightest I've tried by far."
Feel: Airbrush isn't quite the word I'd use to describe these. They're a textured material (that attracts pet hair and lint) rather than smooth. They don't exactly smooth you out either: I found that despite the ribbed fabric, you'll definitely see panty lines. Teich reported she "saw some sheerness as I pulled them on," which makes these the only ALO leggings that hint toward slight opacity.
Function: Airbrush leggings aren't ideal for sweaty or high-intensity exercise due to the thick, knit fabric. They also have a more casual look (the black shade is definitely a lighter black) but stay in place well throughout wear, so I'd primarily wear these for lounging, relaxing, traveling and maybe some low-intensity workouts like yoga. That said, Teich found "the fabric isn't soft enough and the fit isn't stretchy enough to warrant as loungewear."
Warmth: Since they're thicker, these are definitely a good fall/winter legging choice. They have a cozy feel that's great for casual days when the temps drop.
- Thick, cozy fabric
- Cozy feel that's good for lounging
- Picks up pet hair and lint
- Some sizing/fit inconsistencies
- May be opaque
What are the differences between ALO leggings?
Airlift
One of the brand's best-selling styles, Airlifts are designed to sculpt and compress. Airlift leggings offer lots of support and hold you in tightly, but they also have a more "athletic" look which you may or may not prefer. They're great for high-intensity workouts: think lifting, cardio, boxing, dance and endurance training.
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Material: 82% Polyester, 18% Elastane
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Best for: Anyone who loves strong compression and a glossier material
Airlift Winter Warm
A spin on the O.G. Airlift, Winter Warm has the same glossy, smooth exterior but is lined with a brushed fleece material for extra insulation, making it best for outdoor and/or winter activities from hikes to runs to walks.
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Material: 83% Polyester, 17% Elastane
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Best for: Anyone in need of an extra-warm legging to wear during the colder months
Airbrush
If leggings are your go-to pants for casual, chillier days and you prefer a casual, comfortable feel over a super athletic one, Airbrush might be right up your alley with its thick ribbed-knit material.
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Material: 87% Nylon, 13% Elastane
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Best for: Anyone who prefers a thick legging with little compression
Alosoft
Aptly named for its brushed, cotton-y feel, these leggings are breathable enough to wear year-round for less technical activities, like traveling or everyday lounging.
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Material: 87% Polyester, 13% Elastane
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Best for: Anyone who prefers a cozy yet form-fitting legging
Softsculpt
Anyone who's constantly in search of the ultimate buttery leggings will love Softsculpt, a medium-compression option that's equal parts stretchy and comfortable, perfect for everyday wear and low- and medium-impact workouts.
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Material: 78% Nylon, 22% Elastane
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Best for: Anyone who wants one ultimate pair that works for both working out and lounging
Bottom line: Are ALO leggings worth it?
Yes, with some conditions. ALO leggings are cute, comfortable and functional if you know how to parse through its many versions to find the one that's designed for your lifestyle and the way you like to exercise.
That said, there are some considerations. First, they're on the pricier side, between $100-$150. For comparison, Lululemon is a similarly premium legging brand but its extra-popular Align leggings ring in at $98. And some top-tested Amazon leggings from brands like CRZ Yoga and ColorfulKoala are in the $25-$40 range.
The sizing is also disappointing. Most styles cap out at size large while others are only slightly better and go up to XL, whereas competitor brands go much higher — Lululemon makes certain styles in a 2XL, Athleta offers a 3X and Girlfriend Collective go up to a 6XL. Also of note: ALO doesn't make leggings with pockets (side or even tiny waistband pockets!).
After testing each of them for weeks, though, we do think there are a few standouts worth the splurge: Airlifts for serious athletes who love a compressive legging; Softsculpts for a beautifully buttery texture and yummy fit; and Winter Warms for added warmth in chillier temps.
If there's one pair of ALO leggings we'd recommend, it's Softsculpt leggings without contest. With perfect 5/5 scores across the board, testers found them extremely comfortable, with the perfect amount of medium compression and a true-to-size fit all the way down to the ankles.
They have that perfectly buttery, second-skin feel and can play ball as a casual lounge pant and in a sweaty workout class thanks to their sweat-wicking capabilities. If you're only investing in one pair of ALO leggings, make it this do-it-all hero pair.
