These Super Comfy Compression Leggings Help You Avoid Muscle Soreness

You want your workout leggings to have a snug fit so that your pants don't slide down mid-run, but true compression leggings have benefits beyond just staying in place. According to Tikva Jacobs, M.D., a vascular surgeon at Weill Cornell Medicine, “Compression garments are designed to give support to the legs and help reduce pressure in the veins while you're standing. Various studies have also shown benefits in terms of performance when worn during exercise and improved muscle recovery when worn after exercise. They can also help reduce swelling in the legs and possibly even reduce muscle damage during exercise.” Many women wear compression leggings not just during exercise, but also pre-and post-workout in order to fully reap the warm-up and recovery benefits.

However, it's important to know that the term "compression leggings" is not regulated, meaning any leggings brand can advertise as such even if it does not provide sufficient compression benefits. With that in mind, the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab looked to trusted brands and their most popular styles to compile this list of the best compression leggings on the market. The GH Textiles Lab pros are experts in finding the best leggings, including yoga pants, fleece-lined leggings and everyday leggings. We've tested hundreds of pairs of workout leggings in the lab, evaluating them for their moisture-wicking properties, stretch recovery and washability.

Soo Rhee, M.D., a vascular surgeon at Weill Cornell Medicine, says, "With any type of compression garment, proper fit is most important. The compression should not be too tight to the point that it is cutting off circulation or causing areas of pressure on the skin.”

Read on for tips on what to look for when shopping for compression leggings, but first, here are our top picks are from brands with previous high-performing styles that also have tons of great user reviews::

• Best Overall Compression Leggings: CW-X Mid Rise 3/4 Capri Stabilyx Compression Leggings
• Best Value Compression Leggings: CompressionZ Compression Capri Leggings
• Best Compression Leggings for Training: Stabilyx 2.0 Joint Support Compression Tight
• Best Maternity Compression Leggings: Terramed Just Think Comfort Maternity Leggings
• Best Compression Leggings With Pockets: Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II Tight
• Best Plus Size Compression Leggings: CompressionZ High Waisted Leggings
• Best Light Compression Leggings: Lululemon All The Right Places High-Rise Crop Pant
• Best High-Waisted Compression Leggings: Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation Crop
• Best Compression Shorts: Skins DNAmic Compression Shorts
• Best Compression Leggings for Marathons: CEP Women's Compression Run Tights 3.0
• Best Compression Leggings for Running: Skins Women's DNAmic Compression Long Tights
• Most Comfortable Compression Leggings: Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Powersoft Light Compression Hidden-Pocket Leggings
• Best Sculpting Compression Leggings: Nike Sculpt Women's Training Tights
• Best Compression Leggings for Smoothing Stomach: Spanx Look at Me Now Seamless Leggings
• Best Compression Leggings for Cold Weather: Outdoor Voices Springs 7/8 Leggings