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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!
Credit: Amazon/Old Navy 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
Credit: Amazon
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
Credit: Old Navy
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
Credit: Athleta
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.
The 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
Credit: Halara
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
Credit: Aerie
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
Credit: Amazon
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…
