Trainers share their favorite workout leggings for exercising when it's hottest out.
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13 Best Leggings for Working Out in Warm Weather
Updated on Jun. 29, 2022
Workout leggings for warmer weather
So what are the important things to look for when considering a workout legging? “The top things I look for in a workout legging are ones that fit well without being too tight that they cut off circulation, quality fabric that’s durable and can hold up over time, variety in length as well as size and color, and a pair that looks flattering,” says Megan Leyen, a trainer at HardFIT in Orange County, CA.
We asked Leyen and other fitness trainers to share their favorite leggings for exercise and why they love them. Here are the best workout leggings fitness trainers say they love to wear when they exercise in hot weather.
Lululemon Wunder Train High Rise Tight
The Lululemon Wunder Train High Rise leggings were designed with intense workouts in mind. They’re made out of the company’s trademarked Everlux fabric, which is ultra quick-drying, so you’ll never feel too hot or too sweaty when wearing them. “I love Lululemon leggings because they fit like a glove, they never cause chaffing—especially on my long runs which I appreciate—they’re flattering and durable,” says Lindsey Clayton, run coach, senior instructor at Barry’s in New York City. Translation: these are worth shelling out the dough for. They come in nine colorways, including camo, which we love.
Outdoor Voices Tech Sweat 3/4 Leggings
A high waisted legging that doesn’t show sweat? That’s a yes. “What I love about the Outdoor Voices Tech Sweat is that they fit very lightly but tightly at the same time, meaning that they cling tight to your body, but they don’t feel like they’re squishing you in, which is hard to find in a pant,” says Lauren Kanski, trainer at Performix House in New York City. “This is hard to find in a workout legging.”
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Free People High Rise 7/8 Length Good Karma Legging
The small pinholes in these Free People High Rise leggings (which come in 21 different color ways) allow for good ventilation and keep things breezy whether you’re exercising indoors or outdoors. “These leggings come in so many different color options, so you’re bound to find one that you like,” says Leyen. “I like the 7/8 length, too, which falls just around my ankle, making them even more attractive.” You can mix and match them with the brand’s bras and crops, too, for a bright, summery workout set!
Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II 7/8 Tight
Seeking a pair of leggings with side pockets? Look no further. Not only can these Salutation Pocket leggings from Athleta stash even a large iPhone in the pockets, but they’re also attractive, form-fitting, and performance-driven. “I have two pairs of these, and I wear them at least once a week, especially for teaching barre and yoga both in studio and at-home,” says Lauren Seib, a personal trainer, in Stamford, Connecticut. “They’re supportive yet not too restrictive—a major plus right now as I’m about to dip my toes into some maternity wear—with a super stretch comfort that moves with you for every pulse and pose. I’ll be honest, I also reach for them a ton over the weekend, lounging with a white v-neck and bomber/denim jacket.”
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Nike Yoga Luxe Women’s Infinalon Ribbed 7/8 Tights
While they might be branded as a yoga legging that’s perfect to wear for a Vinyasa or restorative class, these buttery soft Nike leggings are so comfy and light that you’ll want to wear them for all your workouts. “I love that these are high-rise so they don’t fall down when you’re running, flowing, or whatever workout you’re doing in them,” says Kanski. “They also absorb sweat really well!”
Under Armour Women’s Meridian Workout Leggings
Move through your workout with good form and full range of motion thanks to the four-way stretch of these comfy Under Armour Meridian leggings. “These are my favorite leggings from the brand, because they fit like a glove, without feeling like they’re actually even on your body,” says Meghan Hayden, trainer at Performix House in New York City. “They’re great legging for cross training, but I’ve also run, lifted, and stretched in them.” Bonus: They have side pockets to stash all your personals.
Spanx Booty Boost Active Cropped Workout Leggings
The next best thing to working out in the best workout shorts for women is a cropped legging. These cropped workout leggings from Spanx will hold everything in without making you feel like you’re being stuffed in or uncomfortable. “I love their hugged-in waistband,” says Seib. These high-waisted leggings make your butt look great, too. They offer a full length, cropped, and knee length version in both black and navy colorways.
Reebok Workout Ready Mesh Tight
Mesh side panels on these affordable Reebok leggings allow for ample airflow, which is much appreciated during the warmer weather months and sweaty workouts. Plus, the fabric is sweat-wicking, too. “I find the length of Reebok leggings to fit well—not too long like some other brands,” says Sarah Grooms, trainer on obé fitness on demand, personal trainer in New York City. “They also stay put during cardio workouts.” Sizes range from 2XS to 2XL, so everyone can rock a pair. Wear them for an at-home workout today.
Avia Women’s Performance Ankle Tights with Side Pockets
The affordable price point may initially attract you to these Avia leggings, but their performance traits will keep you coming back for more. The slick, moisture-wicking fabric feels comfortable against the skin, the thick waistband won’t move or budge during workouts, and the leggings have side pockets, too. “I love the thick waistband on these leggings,” says Ava Fagin, coach at Body Space Fitness in New York City. “Plus, they come in black, too.” Throw your phone, ID, keys, and any other essentials in the pockets and head out for a run.
Tory Sport High Rise Chevron Workout Leggings
These Tory Sport Chevron leggings are worth the price tag because they hold up workout after workout, wash after wash. The fabric is extremely lightweight and soft, making them perfect for warm weather workouts, too. “I love the fabric—it’s thin but flattering and they dry super quick,” says Liz Van Voorhis, founder and CEO of Fit Collective, trainer in New York City. “They make the booty look perky, too.”
Torch’d x Terez Tie Dye Capris
These flaming tie-dye capris are on trend, and will also perform well during your sweat session. The three-inch waistband will keep them in place, so you won’t have to constantly hike them up, mid-exercise. “I feel like I’m showing an extra side of my personality when I slide into Terez leggings because they’re all spunky in their creation,” says Grooms. “Whether it’s fabric or design choice, these always go the extra mile. There’s also options between a high waist and a normal waist—as well an option for any pregnant ladies—, and they stay up when doing high-intensity cardio, which is a must for me!”
Onzie High Rise Leggings – Bondi
If you’re looking for variety and a way to express yourself while also getting a good quality pair of leggings, Onzie’s patterned high rise leggings has you covered. “The price range of Onzie leggings is very reasonable, and they use quality materials,” says Or Artzi, trainer at Equinox in New York City. “They have lots of styles to choose from and they also fit my body really well. I have a curvey figure and sometimes patterns don’t look good on me, but their patterned leggings are some of my favorites.”
Hylete Nimbus II Capri
These four-way stretch capris provide a mix of soft and breathable fabric along with two zippered side pockets. “I have hips, so when it comes to leggings, I look for a thick waistband that doesn’t hug too tight, which is a huge factor in terms of comfortability when doing high impact workouts” says Fagin. “These leggings not only have a great waistband, but I also love the length and the zippered pockets, so I can stash my phone when I go for a run.”
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Sources
- Megan Leyen, Lagree certified trainer and a trainer at HardFIT in Orange County, California
- Lauren Kanski, NASM, trainer at Performix House
- Lauren Seib, NASM, personal trainer in Stamford, Connecticut
- Lindsey Clayton, run coach, senior instructor at Barry's in New York City
- Meghan Hayden, NASM, trainer at Performix House in New York City
- Sarah Grooms, NASM, trainer on obé fitness on demand, personal trainer in New York City
- Ava Fagin, NASM-CPT, CFSC, coach at Body Space Fitness in New York City
- Or Artzi, NCCPT, trainer at Equinox in New York City
- Liz Van Voorhis, founder and CEO of Fit Collective, trainer in New York City
