One of my favorite items of clothing to wear is a good pair of leggings because they’re not only versatile but comfortable! Whether you’re looking for the best affordable leggings, or just trying to find a good pair to wear when you’re running errands, you want to make sure they’re not breaking the bank. In fact, some of my favorite ones are under $20!
Affordable leggings are my go-to for workouts, and maternity leggings were a lifesaver when I was pregnant with my kids. Running around in leggings, especially a pair with pockets, is my favorite stylish yet comfortable secret. Today, I’m sharing the best affordable leggings that I own as well as some top-rated options on the market to help you find the best ones to add to your wardrobe.
My Top Picks:
- My Favorite: HeyNuts Essential Workout Leggings – $32 at Amazon
- Best Budget Leggings: High-Waisted Powersoft ⅞ Leggings – $27.99 at Old Navy
- Best High End Affordable Leggings: Athleta Salutation Stash High Rise Capri – $49.95 at Athleta
- Best Viral Affordable Leggings: SoCinched High Waisted Tummy Control Leggings – $34.95 at Halara
- Most Flattering Affordable Leggings: Aerie Real Me High-Waisted Crossover Leggings – $31.46 at Aerie
- Best Affordable Leggings With Pockets: THE GYM PEOPLE Thick High Waist Yoga Pants – $24.99 at Amazon
Reviews of The Best Affordable Leggings
1. My Favorite: HeyNuts Essential Workout Full Length Leggings
These are my absolute favorite leggings! They’re great for working out but don’t look too athletic, either. They pair really nicely with everyday outfits, so they’re great for running errands and recipe testing in the kitchen. They’re a solid choice for black leggings, but they also come in 18 other colors. They’re so comfortable, compress snugly in all the right places, and I love that they’re full-length. I always feel confident when I’m wearing these, no matter what I’m doing!
The Specs:
- Available Sizes: XS-XL
- Inseam: 28 inches
- Waist: High-waisted
- Material: nylon, lycra elastane
- Pockets: Hidden inner pocket
What I Like:
- High, thick waistband that slims
- Not see through
- Full-length
- Pet hair doesn’t stick
What I Don’t Like:
- Inner pocket doesn’t hold much
- Fabric might pill
- Not great for running
What Others Are Saying:
The HeyNuts Essential Workout Full Length Leggings have a 4.6-star rating from more than 8,000 reviews on Amazon.
Buy the HeyNuts Essential Workout Full Length Leggings:
2. Best Budget Leggings: Old Navy High-Waisted Powersoft ⅞ Leggings
Old Navy has been my go-to for years because they’re super affordable, but still really good quality. These leggings come in so many great colors and a wide range of sizes (up to 4X!), and they’re also available in regular, tall, and petite sizes, so they fit every body type! If you’re looking for super-affordable workout leggings, skip splurging on LuluLemon leggings and buy these instead!
The Specs:
- Available Sizes: XS-4X
- Inseam: 23 inches (petite), 25 inches (regular), 28 inches (tall)
- Waist: High-waisted
- Material: polyester, spandex
- Pockets: Side pockets
What I Like:
- Sweat-wicking fabric
- Super-soft feel
- Pocket fits your phone
- Doesn’t fall down
What I Don’t Like:
- Some colors look different than online
- Front seam
- Material is thin
What Others Are Saying:
The High-Waisted Powersoft ⅞ Leggings have a 4.5-star rating from over 20,000 reviews on Old Navy.
Buy the High-Waisted Powersoft ⅞ Legging:
3. Best High End Affordable Leggings: Athleta Salutation Stash High Rise Capri
These leggings are usually a splurge, but you can still find them for around $50 on sale in select colors, which is why I prefer to buy them at a discount. These are a great option if you’re willing to spend a bit more, and I love them because of the pockets and flattering fit. They come in 6 colors (2 are on sale currently!), and it’s easy to find the best fit as they come in sizes XXS to 3X and in regular, tall, and petite inseam lengths.
he Specs:
- Available Sizes: XSX-3X
- Inseam: 18.5 inches (petite), 21 inches (regular), 23 inches (tall)
- Waist: High-waisted
- Material: nylon, LYCRA
- Pockets: Side pockets
What I Like:
- Flattering fit
- Soft material
- Goes on sale often
- Pockets to hold phone
What I Don’t Like:
- Expensive regularly
- Sizing
What Others Are Saying:
The Athleta Salutation Shtash High Rise Capris has a 4.5-star rating from nearly 4,000 reviews on Athleta.
Buy the Athleta Salutation Stash High Rise Capri:
4. Best Viral Affordable Leggings: Halara SoCinched High Waisted Tummy Control Leggings
Every time I opened social media, I kept seeing these Halara leggings! They’re so flattering and have what’s called a “sandwich waistband” to help control your tummy. The high-waisted cut provides a nice shape, so I feel confident and comfortable in these flattering leggings. They come in a range of colors, lengths, and sizes, and I like the flare leggings for a change of pace, too.
The Specs:
- Available Sizes: XS-4X
- Inseam: 25 inches
- Waist: High-waisted
- Material: nylon, elastane
- Pockets: Side pockets
What I Like:
- Super flattering
- 17 different colors
- Sizing goes up to 3X
- Deep side pockets
- No front seam
What I Don’t Like:
- Thick material
- Might need to size up because they’re so cinched
- Not breathable
What Others Are Saying:
USA Today tested and reviewed Halara and calls it stylish workout wear for less.
Buy the SoCinched High Waisted Tummy Control Leggings:
5. Most Flattering Affordable Leggings: Aerie Real Me High-Waisted Crossover Leggings
These Aerie High-Waisted Crossover Leggings have been trending for years now, and aren’t stopping anytime soon—for good reason. The crossover v-shape at the waist creates a flattering shape around the stomach area, and they come in a wide range of gorgeous colors as well as inclusive sizes and different inseam lengths. These leggings are so soft and comfortable and look amazing on; it’s clear to see why people love them—especially since the price is so affordable!
The Specs:
- Available Sizes: XXS-XXL
- Inseam: 23 inches (short), 25 inches (regular), 27 inches (long)
- Length: ⅞ ankle length
- Waist: High-waisted
- Material: nylon, elastane
- Pockets: No
What I Like:
- 9 color options
- Lightweight, barely-there fabric
- Buttery soft
- Flattering crossover
What I Don’t Like:
- Not good for intense workouts
- No pockets
- Material is thin
What Others Are Saying:
The Real Me High-Waisted Crossover Leggings have a 4.6-star rating from over 5000 reviews on Aerie.
Buy the Real Me High-Waisted Crossover Leggings:
6. Best Leggings With Pockets: THE GYM PEOPLE Thick High Waist Yoga Pants
Affordable workout leggings with pockets? Sign me up! These leggings from THE GYM PEOPLE are meant for high-impact workouts, with a snug waistband that doesn’t slip. They’re perfect for yoga, cardio, and runs, but they’re also comfortable enough to wear around the house when you’re just relaxing. I love that these leggings have two side pockets as well as an inner pocket to easily stash a phone, keys, and other must-have items when running around town. Plus, if you want to expand your legging wardrobe beyond black, there are 26 colors and patterns to choose from.
The Specs:
- Available Sizes: XS-3X
- Inseam: Not listed
- Length: ⅞ ankle length
- Waist: High-waisted
- Material: polyamide, spandex
- Pockets: Two side pockets, one inner pocket
What I Like:
- Super affordable
- Slanted side pockets
- Thick fabric
- Doesn’t pill after washing
What I Don’t Like:
- Hand wash only
- Pet hair magnet
- Waistband is thin
What Others Are Saying:
THE GYM PEOPLE Thick High Waist Yoga Pants have a 4.4-star rating from over 51,000 reviews on Amazon.
Buy the THE GYM PEOPLE Thick High Waist Yoga Pants:
Other Affordable Leggings to Consider
Athleta Elation Ultra High Rise Capri
These sleek Athleta leggings are a nice choice if you’re looking for capri-length leggings. They come in 4 colors and range in size from XXS to 3X, and in regular, tall, and petite inseam lengths. The fabric is very comfortable, but we found that the waistband was too high for those with shorter torsos. The Athleta Elation Ultra High Rise Capri are available at Athleta for $39.97.
Gymshark Elevate Leggings
Gymshark apparel is made for working out, and these high-quality leggings are no exception. I love that they don’t have a front seam, and the waistband is very flattering in both the front and back. However, some colors are slightly see-through, and they cost upwards of $60 when they’re not on sale. The Gymshark Elevate Leggings are available at Gymshark for $44.80.
Fabletics PureLuxe High-Waisted Maternity Leggings
Finding good maternity leggings makes all the difference when you’re pregnant, whether you’re working out or just can’t bear the thought of wearing uncomfortable pants. These Fabletics leggings fit true to size, have pockets, and still have a flattering silhouette. The only downside is that they’re not the most affordable, so unless you want to splurge, you may need to wait for a sale. The Fabletics PureLuxe High-Waisted Maternity Leggings are available at Fabletics for $74.95.
Why You Can Trust Me
Hi, I’m Gina, the creator of Skinnytaste. Although I’m known for my healthy, delicious recipes, I’m a mom first and foremost. That means that when I’m running around with my girls or trying to get my workout in—whether it’s Zumba, yoga, or cardio—I need leggings that are comfortable, flattering, and durable. I’ve tried so many pairs of affordable leggings over the years, and these are my favorites, hands down.
I put together this list of the best affordable leggings by considering fabric, length, comfort, and especially pockets! My leggings take me through the whole day, and I feel confident knowing that I’m secure and able to tackle anything the day throws at me.
Everything to Know Before Buying Affordable Leggings
What to Consider Before Buying Affordable Leggings
If you’re looking for the best affordable leggings, you’re obviously going to start with the price. But that’s not the only thing to consider.
Material: Do you need something thick, like compression leggings, or something more breathable? How stretchy or tight do you need them to be? If you’re planning to wear your leggings for strenuous (and sweaty) cardio workouts, you need a pair that’s highly breathable, but if you’re just wearing them to run errands, that’s less of an issue. High-waisted leggings often provide good cinching, but it’s important to check the fabric to find leggings that match what you’d want to use them for.
Usage: You might want to consider different leggings for different occasions – though there are some black leggings that can do it all! Good affordable leggings can be good for daily wear, and you might opt for fleece-lined leggings in the winter. Workout leggings for heavy cardio and lifting might have different features than running leggings, even though they’re both sweat-wicking. Maternity leggings are great for doing it all in those nine months, and most of the time, regardless of what you’re doing, leggings with pockets are just convenient.
Length: Leggings range in length, usually from capri length to ⅞ length (ankle length), and full length. Some brands offer petite and tall options on top of regular sizing, and this mainly impacts the inseam. But if you’re on the shorter side, you may consider ankle length over full-length. Likewise, you may do the opposite if you’re taller. Make sure to check reviews to see how different lengths fit different people.
What to Wear with Leggings
Leggings are one of the most versatile clothing pieces, and you can pair them with just about everything. If you have a workout top in a matching color, throwing on sneakers can suffice not only for a workout but a comfortable look on a warmer day. Throw a cute sweater and boots on with leggings in the winter, and you’ve got an instant cozy look. You can style them similarly to how you’d style any fitted pants – they’ll just be more comfortable!
How to Wash Leggings
Most of the time, you can machine wash your leggings with the cold setting, though some brands advise against doing this because the fabric will pill. As a general rule of thumb, avoid dry cleaning, ironing or bleaching leggings, and wash with similar colors. Also, turn them inside out during washing to keep the color vibrant!
Are Leggings Still in Style?
Leggings and skinny jeans are not one and the same, so you don’t need to worry about leggings going out of style. They’re a closet staple that can be worn as casually or as dressed up as you want them to. The athleisure trend, which emphasized everything from blazers to workout sets with leggings, is still something you see everywhere you go. From casual errands to cute gym sets, leggings aren’t going anywhere.
How Much Are Lululemon Leggings?
Lululemon leggings are super popular, but that popularity comes with a pretty hefty price tag. They’re not affordable leggings by any means, ranging in the ballpark of $98 to $128, but many people love the lululemon Align leggings for activities like yoga and working out.
Prices were accurate at time of publication.