The best leggings actually help you train better. 

They let you move with maximum range of motion. When you’re grinding hard, they keep you dry. When you’re pushing your limits, they keep you comfortable and free from chafing. 

For different kinds of training, there are different kinds of gear. To help you choose the right performancewear for you, this guide will walk you through the best sport leggings for every activity. 

Whether you’ve trained in this gear before or not it’s not always obvious what to look for. Here are some simple suggestions for how sports leggings should fit. 

• Like a second skin: The best leggings fit snug to the skin - they shouldn’t be loose anywhere. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, a close fit offers compression and muscle support. Second, any looseness will mean they wick sweat less effectively. Looseness could also cause chafing. 

• A snug waistband: You’re looking for gear that stays in place - any slippage will just distract you. But they also shouldn’t be so tight that they dig in. High waisted leggings can give you more of a locked in feel (especially if they have internal drawcords), support and coverage. 

• Flex and stretch: The best sports leggings should move with your body without restricting your movements. But they should also retain their shape. 

Ultimately, the length of your leggings is a matter of personal choice. Most athletes own a few pairs for different kinds of exercise and weather conditions. 

Full length leggings: They offer maximum coverage and insulation when training in the cold. Also a good option for trail running when bushes, twigs or mud are a distraction. 

Top pick: Women's UA Meridian Ultra High Waisted Leggings

Capris and three-quarter lengths: They reach anywhere from the middle of your calves to just above the ankle. They’re a little more breathable (making them a good choice for warmer weather). 

Top pick: Women's UA Launch Capri Pants

Shorts: Ideal for summer workouts or intense indoor training where you sweat. 

Top pick: UA Meridian Cycling Shorts

The best gym leggings and sports leggings are constructed with technical fabrics that are made for training hard in. This performancewear wicks sweat so it gets to the outside of the material and evaporates. It provides muscle support with compression panels. And the best leggings are seamless to avoid chafing. 

Don’t assume that your best yoga leggings can be used in a HIIT class, while lifting weights or when running. They’re likely made from materials that are great for stretching in, but not for intense workouts. 

We build our sports leggings from breakthrough technologies that help you train better:

UA Meridian: This is our go-to for everyday training. It’s ultra soft, but safe to sweat in. The fabric is brushed on both sides, so it feels buttery soft. That also means it won’t ‘bobble’ or ‘pill’, even after multiple washes. 

Top pick: Women's UA Meridian Leggings

UA Motion: We brushed the outside and kept them smooth on the inside. UA Motion is built for movement - it wicks sweat and stays in place, during even the hardest workouts. 

Top pick: Women's UA Motion Leggings

UA Vanish: Insanely lightweight and breathable, UA Vanish is one of our fastest drying materials. Ever. That makes it perfect for intense sessions where you sweat.

Top pick: Women's UA Vanish Elite Vent Ankle Leggings

UA Rival: A cotton blend fabric that’s lightweight and versatile. 

Top pick: Women's UA Rival Leggings

UA Tech™: A lightweight knit fabric. It wicks sweat and dries really fast. 

Top pick: Women's UA Tech Leggings

UA HeatGear®: Built for training in hot conditions. The fabric is light, breathable and dries super fast. 

Top pick: Women's HeatGear® Rib Leggings

UA ColdGear®: Dual layer fabric which means more insulation in cold weather, but without added bulk. 

Top pick: Women's ColdGear® Leggings

Besides the fabric itself, the best sports leggings also give you other helpful features:

• Waistband drawcords: Help to prevent slipping, even when you’re squatting, lunging or jumping. 

• Drop-in pockets: A secure place for your phone, credit card and keys. 

• Speedpocket: On the backside of the waistband. Easy access to your earbuds, energy gels, keys, cash, or whatever you need to train. 

• Reflective elements: Be seen by other road users when training after dark. 

• Laser perforations: They give you more breathability. 

Compression features: Structured panels give your muscles additional support for high intensity bursts of speed and effort. 

Every sport is different. So, it’s important to choose performancewar that matches the needs of your activity. 

Look for versatile all-rounders that are as comfortable when running on the treadmill as they are when using weight machines. 

Choose gear that’s lightweight, supportive and stays in place. Think about the season and weather conditions too. 

You’ll want plenty of coverage and insulation to keep you protected from cold weather, rain, bushes and other obstacles.  

You’ll need gear that’s insanely breathable, that wicks sweat fast - and which stays in place with every burpee, jumping lunge or sprint. 

Choose flexible base layers that wick sweat, that are super tough, and which give you serious levels of compression.  

Every athlete can benefit from supportive, form-fitting and high quality leggings. Working like a second skin, they let you train hard without limits. 

Browse our women’s sports leggings and men’s sports legging, and find tough, technically advanced and durable gear that’s built to make you better.