:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shp-2xu-form-stash-hi-rise-compression-tights-with-pockets-maddy-baker-1-8692f222ca8e424ea40d86d3b3aa8bbc.jpeg?ssl=1 "We Lived in Compression Leggings for a Month—These Boosted Circulation and Made Our Legs Feel Lighter")
If your legs often feel heavy after a workout, or even after a long day of sitting, you’ve likely wished for something to help ease that ache. That’s where compression leggings come in. While all leggings hug your legs, the best compression leggings take that snug, sculpting fit to the next level with strategic pressure that supports circulation and recovery.
“Think of it like a gentle squeeze that nudges circulation along, so your working muscles get oxygen and nutrients delivered a little faster,” says personal trainer Casey Lee, CPT.
To find the best compression leggings, we tested nine best-selling pairs, logging more than 175 hours of wear over 33 days. From grocery shopping to long-haul flights, we did far more than just try them on in front of a mirror — we literally lived in them. Here’s how both cult-favorite and under-the-radar compression leggings support muscle recovery, enhance performance, and reduce swelling (all while delivering effortless athleisure style).
The Shape Scoring Scale
5 – In Perfect Shape!
4 – Now We’re Talking
3 – Good, But Needs Some Work
2 – OK, But Nothing Special
1 – Don’t Recommend
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Sizes: Women’s XXXS to XL | Materials: Recycled polyester, Lycra elastane, nylon | Compression level: Moderate
True to their name, Lululemon’s Glow Up Super High-Rise Tight gave our workout wardrobes a serious glow-up. During testing, we felt both comfortable and confident — ready to tackle any activity in any of the 12 stylish color options. The mild compression offered just the right amount of muscle support, creating gentle tension without ever feeling restrictive.
And the fabric? A standout. The blend of recycled polyester, Lycra elastane, and nylon provided plenty of stretch with light, breathable compression that kept us supported without overheating. These leggings wicked away sweat effortlessly and held their shape even after hour-long workouts. Our only gripe: visible underwear lines. No matter how seamless our pairs were, a faint outline still showed through.
Our Overall Score: 5 – In Perfect Shape!
What Testers Say
“I loved this fabric — it truly felt like magic. Lightweight but strong, minimal seams, and the high quality that Lululemon is known for.” —Kristen G., Shape product tester
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Sizes: Women’s XXS to XL | Materials: Polyamide, Lycra | Compression level: Low
Getting active in the CRZ Yoga Hugged Feeling Compression Leggings won’t cost you much, in comfort or price. At around $30, they’re the most affordable option on our list, yet they still delivered impressive support during testing. Whether we were playing pickleball or heading out for a run, our muscles — especially in the glutes and thighs — felt well-supported by the light compression fabric.
That said, these leggings aren’t ideal for movements that involve a lot of bending at the waist. The firm waistband tended to roll down during forward folds, and deep squats made the seat area slightly opaque. Still, for the price, their comfort and performance make them a solid budget-friendly pick.
Our Overall Score: 4 – Now We’re Talking
What Testers Say
“These leggings have become my new go-to for long runs when I need a little extra security and support in my upper leg muscles.”—Tori O., Shape product tester
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Sizes: Women’s XXS to L | Materials: Polyamide, elastane | Compression level: Low
In the market for compression leggings that add stability to your toughest workouts? We’d go with the 2XU Form Stash Hi-Rise Compression Tights. Their durable polyamide fabric is enhanced with amide bonds, meaning they’re literally powered by protein. This added structure gave us a stronger, more supported feel during everything from yoga balance poses to HIIT sessions.
Although 2XU lists the compression level as mild, these tights felt among the firmest we tested. And yes, they were also some of the hardest to pull on and off. Still, the payoff is worth it. The high-quality, heavy-duty fabric and reinforced triple-stitched seams made these leggings feel built to last through even the most intense training days.
Our Overall Score: 4 – Now We’re Talking
What Testers Say
“I felt stronger while wearing them and I felt more supported in my challenging yoga poses or one-leg holds.” —Madeline B., Shape product tester
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Sizes: Women’s XS to XXL | Materials: Nylon, elastane | Compression level: Moderate
Air travel is notorious for causing fluid to pool in the feet and legs — and no one wants to step off a plane with swollen ankles. That’s why we’ll be packing 2XU’s Power Recovery Compression Tights in our carry-on from now on. During testing, we loved the targeted compression around the calves and knees, plus the thoughtful addition of foot stirrups that helped support circulation all the way down to our soles.
That said, these aren’t our everyday go-to. The stirrups made walking slightly uncomfortable and occasionally tugged the leggings downward. They also aren’t the most breathable option, so we’d recommend saving them for cooler months or long-haul flights when comfort and recovery take priority over ventilation.
Our Overall Score: 4 – Now We’re Talking
What Testers Say
“I liked the targeted compression panels in the lower leg area of the tights. This feature offered noticeable support without feeling extremely compressive.” —Tori O., Shape product tester
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Sizes: Women’s XS to XL | Materials: Polyamide, elastane | Compression level: Firm
Some compression leggings are made for long runs. Others, like Zensah’s Ultra Compression Recovery Leggings, shine after the miles are done. The compression here is no joke: it took us several minutes just to pull them on, and they were far too tight to comfortably run in.
But after long training sessions, these leggings truly delivered. Lounging in them post-run noticeably reduced soreness and muscle fatigue, making them a solid recovery-day essential. That said, we’d reserve them for at-home wear — the ultra-firm waistband felt a bit restrictive and wasn’t the most flattering for everyday outings.
Our Overall Score: 4 – Now We’re Talking
What Testers Say
“I think my soreness levels were lower and I recovered a little faster when I prioritized wearing these leggings post-run.” —Kristen G., Shape product tester
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Sizes: Women’s XXS to XXL | Materials: Polyamide, elastane | Compression level: Low
The Vuori Daily Form Leggings sit on the lighter end of the compression spectrum, making them perfect for activities that need just a touch of support. During testing, we found them ideal for low-intensity yoga flows or comfortable all-day wear. The buttery-soft, lightweight fabric felt amazing on skin and was so easy to move in, we barely wanted to take them off.
However, if you’re seeking stronger benefits — like improved circulation or reduced swelling — you may want a pair with firmer compression. While these leggings excel in comfort, we didn’t notice much in terms of recovery or fatigue relief. We also noticed a few sheer spots during poses like downward dog and crow, which is for sure something to keep in mind if you plan to wear them to class.
Our Overall Score: 4 – Now We’re Talking
What Testers Say
“They were still tight after hours of wear, but they are pretty thin and stretchy compared to the thicker compression leggings.” —Madeline B., Shape product tester
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Sizes: Women’s XXS to XXXL | Materials: Polyamide, elastane | Compression level: Moderate
We were more than happy to do everything — from running and weight training to lounging at home — in the Adanola Ultimate Leggings. They stand out for their silky-smooth comfort and light-yet-durable fabric blend that moves with you and wicks moisture effortlessly. During testing, we loved how breathable and flexible they felt. We honestly didn’t want to take them off.
We also noticed minimal fatigue after workouts, a good sign that the compression level hits that “just right” balance for active wear. Our only real gripe? No pockets. A minor miss for an otherwise incredibly comfortable and versatile pair of leggings.
Our Overall Score: 5 – In Perfect Shape!
What Testers Say
“They are so comfortable I didn’t want to take them off, and so good for both leisure and working out!” —Kelly M., Shape product tester
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Sizes: Women’s XXS to 3X | Materials: Recycled polyester, elastane | Compression level: Firm
You might not buy compression leggings just for the way they smooth and sculpt, but finding the best compression leggings for cellulite certainly doesn’t hurt. We loved how the Athleta Interval Stash Leggings delivered noticeable tummy control, thanks to a high, supportive waistband that stayed put through every movement.
During walks, runs, circuits, and bodyweight workouts, the flattering, all-over contouring gave us a serious confidence boost. That said, we didn’t notice much improvement in recovery or reduced soreness after wearing them. These leggings win big in the style and shaping department — less so in circulation or performance benefits.
Our Overall Score: 4 – Now We’re Talking
What Testers Say
”I liked the support on my hips/tummy area, just in that the leggings seemed to hold things in place well when moving. That gave me more confidence when I was working out, which in turn helped me have a better workout.” —Kelly M., Shape product tester
Other Shape-Loved Compression Leggings
We’re confident our tested picks offer plenty of great options, but if you’re still browsing, here are a few more worth considering. While we haven’t tested these firsthand, we combed through reviews — and these standout styles just might be the perfect fit if the ones above don’t suit your needs or aesthetic.
What Are the Benefits of Compression Leggings?
- Improved blood flow: That snug, squeezing sensation you feel when you pull on compression leggings is actually great for your cardiovascular system. “Compression leggings enhance blood flow by applying controlled, gradual pressure to the lower legs, facilitating the return of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the heart,” explains personal trainer Amy Kiser Schemper, MS, CPT.
- Reduced swelling: Fluids tend to collect in the lower part of your body — aka your feet and legs. “Compression leggings help push some of that fluid back into circulation instead of letting it pool in your legs,” says Lee. “The end result is less of that heavy, swollen feeling.”
- Reduced soreness: Wearing compression leggings can help minimize delayed-onset muscle soreness by reducing inflammation and helping flush lactic acid from your system, so you recover faster.
- Increased support: Pull on compression leggings and you’ll feel supported right away (IYKYK). The gentle squeeze of compression leggings can help support your core and lower back, reducing pain and improving your ability to move smoothly and functionally.
- Improved balance: Some compression leggings may also help with balance by promoting your proprioception (aka your ability to sense the position, movement, and force of your body) and increasing your awareness of your muscles.
How We Tested the Compression Leggings
What better way to find the best compression leggings than by living in them? Our team of testing experts wore nine different pairs for more than a month, logging over 175 hours of movement, errands, workouts, and travel. We chose leggings with a mix of compression levels, fabrics, and styles to see how each performed in real life.
After weeks of testing (and plenty of sweaty workouts), we documented every detail — the good, the bad, and the too-tight-to-handle. We paid close attention to fit, compression level, comfort (obviously!), performance support, and overall value. The leggings that made our final list delivered noticeable benefits like reduced swelling, less muscle soreness, and lower fatigue — proving they don’t just look good, they also work hard.
What to Know About Compression Leggings
- Sizing and fit: Compression leggings should feel tight but never restrictive. “Go for snug, not suffocating,” says Lee. You should be able to move freely without pinching or discomfort. And if your usual size feels too tight, try sizing up.
- Lee recommends checking out brands’ in-house sizing charts to determine your best fit.
- Materials: Compression leggings come in a range of fabrics, including nylon, spandex, and polyester. “Look for blends of nylon and spandex (or elastane and Lycra), as they provide the strength, flexibility, and stretch needed for compression,” says Kiser Schemper.
- Compression level: Low compression (15 to 20 mmHg) works well for everyday wear and travel, while moderate compression (20 to 30 mmHg) supports recovery and athletic performance. Firm compression (30 mmHg and above) is medical-grade and should only be used under a doctor’s guidance, Kiser Schemper notes.
- When to wear: Anytime your legs are working overtime, compression leggings can help. “During workouts, they can give you support and boost circulation,” says Lee. “Afterward, they may reduce soreness and swelling.” They’re also great for long flights, road trips, or marathon days on your feet.
- When to avoid: If you have circulation issues, nerve problems, or vascular conditions, talk to your doctor before wearing compression leggings. They can sometimes make these issues worse. When in doubt, check with a healthcare professional before adding them to your routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can compression leggings help with cellulite?
Unfortunately, compression leggings can’t do it all. “While some people report that compression garments temporarily improve the skin’s texture — likely by compressing fat and fluid under the skin — there’s no significant scientific evidence that they reduce cellulite long term,” says Kiser Schemper.
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Should you wear compression leggings all day?
Yes, you can wear compression leggings all day, says Lee, but you’ll get the most benefit during workouts, recovery sessions, or travel. Just be mindful of how they feel on your skin; if you notice chafing, irritation, or discomfort, give your legs a break.
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How tight should compression leggings feel?
Think: Snug, not suffocating. “If your legs tingle or go numb, that’s your body saying ‘too tight,’” says Lee. On the flip side, if they feel like standard yoga pants, they’re probably too loose. The sweet spot is somewhere between secure and comfortable.
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Are compression leggings good for running and workouts?
Absolutely. Many runners and athletes swear by compression leggings for boosting blood flow and easing post-workout soreness. Everyone’s experience is a bit different, though, so ease into wearing them during runs or workouts to see what feels best for you.
Why Trust Shape
Sarah Garone, NDTR, CNC, is a Shape writer with eight years of experience covering health, fitness, and wellness. She’s written extensively about fitness gear and understands firsthand how the right pair of leggings can impact performance and recovery. As a dedicated runner, hiker, and Pilates practitioner, Sarah brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her recommendations.
For this article, she combined her own experience with SHAPE’s in-depth testing data to make thoughtful, evidence-based product picks. She also consulted the following experts to provide additional guidance on the benefits and safety of compression leggings:
- Casey Lee, CPT, certified personal trainer and owner of Purposeful Strength
- Amy Kiser Schemper, MS, CPT, certified personal trainer and fitness advisor for Bowflex Fitness