Our experts recommend leggings from Lululemon and Athleta.
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Not a fan of bike shorts or haven't dipped your toes into the world of tenniscore just yet? As long as you choose wisely, you don't have to retire your beloved leggings collection when the temperature spikes.
Lightweight leggings made of breathable and sweat-wicking fabric (a.k.a summer leggings) are perfect for the sweltering months. In fact, because of advancements in fabric technology, lightweight pieces make a world of difference in the heat and can actually keep you feeling cooler than you would with bare legs. The overall design is also key here—keep an eye out for seamless leggings and added features like mesh panels.
With the right pair of leggings, you can keep your workout motivation as high as the temps, crushing those runs, HIIT, yoga, or Pilates practice all summer long.
In general, look for fabrics that can keep you cool during summer's sweltering temps. That means you should avoid cotton, since it retains moisture a lot more than synthetic fabrics. Instead, WH fashion director Kristen Saladino recommends fabrics like nylon and polyester, which are more breathable and moisture-wicking. Merino wool is also another great material for leggings, since it naturally pulls away moisture.
Leggings with many seams can create chafing, says Saladino. Instead, smooth, seamless silhouettes with laser-cut designs are best if you're craving a fashion moment. Other design details, like pockets or reflective strips, won't necessarily help you in hot weather specifically, but they're great conveniences to have in any legging.
To find the best summer leggings, the WH team consulted more than a half-dozen fitness pros, plus asked our team of anonymous testers and in-house editors to tell us all about their favorite activewear for hot and sweaty days. This final list includes lightweight performance options we're confident are equipped to handle the hottest workouts of the year.
Of the dozens of leggings we've tested, Lululemon's option received top marks from our editors for its barely-there feel and plenty of functionality (including side drop-in and discreet waistband pockets). This pair features the brand's ultra-lightweight Nulux fabric, a synthetic blend, which is ideal for workouts where you seriously sweat.
The leggings are a go-to for Colette Nguyen, CPT, a trainer at Soho Strength Lab in New York City. "It hits all the marks for summer leggings—the perfect blend of lightweight support and comfort," she says. "They are flattering, easy to move in, and stay put regardless if I am lifting or running. Best of all, they have pockets." We love that they come in three different lengths, too, but wish the brand made more colors. They're so good, we want to stock multiple!
Read more: Best Lululemon Leggings
If you don't want something that comes all the way down to your ankles, this budget-friendly pair is bound to be your new summer bestie. Despite the super low price, quite a few testers told WH these are some of the best leggings they've ever owned. It's hard to argue, since they're chafe-proof, squat-proof, and sweat-wicking. They also have pockets, so you can keep things like your credit card or house key handy.
We like the wide range of colors available, plus the fact that they're size-inclusive. They're even available in a biker short style if you want less coverage on exceptionally hot days. Really, the only big drawback we could find is that the brand recommends hand-washing.
If you like your leggings to really suck you in, this is the pair for you. The material polyester and elastane material is highly compressive, but still lightweight enough for summer weather. It also offers four-way stretch, so you won't feel limited during mobility workouts.
The pair is the favorite of Miami-based trainer Jacqueline Kasen, CPT. Just one look at the bright array of colors and chic style, and it's easy to see why. "It doesn’t matter if you’re running, jumping, or using kettlebells—I never have to fidget or fix them," she says. "They stay in place, they’re not see-through, which allows you to focus on your workout rather than worrying about how you look."
Read more: Best Compression Leggings
For celebrity trainer Megan Roup, founder of the dance cardio and sculpting workout method The Sculpt Society, there's no better summer legging than the Center Stage leggings. "I love that these leggings are thin, but have a compression material that helps you feel pulled in in all the right places," Roup says. She also loves that the thick waistband stays put during all of her sculpting and dance cardio sequences.
City Row and SLT instructor Shea McAdoo is another die-hard fan. “I own every possible variation of this legging, and they are my all-time favorite," she says. "I find when a legging is super thin and lightweight, they don’t always hold you in how you would like. These manage to do both.” We also love that there's no center seam—you know, for comfort reasons. Testers say they're 100% squat-proof, too.
Read more: Best High-Waisted Leggings
Amanda Freeman, the founder and CEO of SLT, swears that these leggings are the only ones she'll wear for warm-weather workouts. What makes them so good? The ribbed performance fabric. "They are lightweight and so perfect for hot temps," she says. They also offer four-way stretch that gives you more freedom to move, whether running or doing pilates.
Testers say they run a little bit small (size up if you're unsure!), but we love the inclusivity in the line. The leggings come in sizes XXS to 4X. They're ultra-soft and don't have any outseams that might chafe your skin, especially in warmer temps. We also love that they even offer built-in UV protection, which can help prevent sunburns.
With 11 sizes and three inseam options, Girlfriend Collective's Midnight Compressive Leggings is one of the most inclusive options on our list. Our testers say it was easy for them to find the right style for them. We also love the fabric's stretchy and compressive fabric, which kept up with testers during their high-intensity circuits, rock climbing, and yoga. In fact, they're a favorite of Marcia Meade, a pilates instructor at obé fitness. "I look for my leggings to be lightweight and breathable," she says. "Girlfriend Collective is fabulous at nailing these points. Not only [that], but the fit allows me to run about town even after my workout. Talk about living your best sweat life."
Wearers tell WH these are some of the lightest leggings they've ever donned, but confirm they're squat-proof. The lighter colors don't, however, do a very good job masking underwear lines!
For any hot workout, Deely loves the moisture-wicking magic of Outdoor Voices' TeachSweat fabric. The Flex leggings, which come in three neutral colors, are one of her faves. Yes, the fabric looks a little thicker, but wearers—Deely included—say the cooling power is real. "They've never fallen down and feel like a dream," she says.
We love that they're packed with all kinds of great design details, too. The leggings have two side pockets and a third zippered one on the back. They also boast reflective details, which is particularly helpful if you're the type to hit the pavement around dawn or dusk.
What makes these made-to-order performance tights totally summer-worthy is that they’re made from a breathable two-way stretch fabric that creates a seamless look and feel (read: no chafing). It also features mesh detailing and UV protection. Hello, airflow and sun safety! Oh, and then there’s the built-in underwear so that you can minimize unnecessary layers and avoid sweat buildup all workout long.
Wearers tell us they not only look great on, but the lightweight pair also offers more support than you'd think. You can workout in these, and then feel totally cool and confident rocking them for the rest of the day.
Call these the "Goldilocks" of leggings. The buttery soft fabric offers medium compression—just enough to smooth, but not so much you'll feel restricted in movement. The brand calls out the pair as perfect for yoga and studio classes, but wearers tell us they do all kinds of workouts in these leggings. And while the mesh panels are there for breathability, they add definite style points. We would comfortably rock this pair on any casual day.
Other great design details include bonded side stash pockets for small essentials like a credit card or keys. We also love the inclusive sizing, which goes up to a 3X.
Ultimately, this comes down to personal preference. The vast majority of fitness professionals we spoke to told us you can 100% wear full-length leggings in the summer—particularly if you pay attention to the material and some important design details. While most leggings are made of fabrics like nylon and spandex, the thinner and more buttery-soft options are the ones you want to look out for. Also peep listings for buzz words like "moisture-wicking" or quick-drying. Design details like mesh panels can add breathability, while seamless designs can help prevent chafing.
Best Compression Leggings | Best Tummy-Control Leggings | Best Leggings With Pockets | Best Leggings Under $50 | Best Leggings With Mesh Details | Best Leggings on Amazon
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
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