If you’re a woman in 2017, you know at least one thing to be true: not all leggings are created equal. Furthermore, you know that your leggings which work great for yoga might not hold up so well under the friction of running. Or vice versa. But since there are a million different brands all offering similar products, we asked around to find the best pair of leggings for different activities. Whether you’re lifting heavy in CrossFit, running a half marathon, or attempting crow pose, here’s the brands and styles of leggings these local fitness experts recommend.
Best for Yoga: Alo Yoga Goddess Leggings
Best for Barre: Goldsheep Leggings
Best for Indoor Cycling: Lululemon Full-On Luxtreme Leggings
“My absolute favorite brand of leggings is Lululemon Athletica. I’m most comfortable teaching in ANYTHING in the Full-On Luxtreme sweat-wicking material. The material won’t pill on the bike seat, and they keep you cool more than any other pant I’ve worn. I have fairly long legs, so I like the 7/8 length, but they also offer free hemming in store. I like to keep it simple and sleek. Black all day every day, but I’m ALL about the embellishments. Lace. Mesh. Cut outs. Scalloped edges. No one does it better.” – Alli Luchey, Zengo Cycle instructor.
Best for Running: Saucony Bullet Capri
Best for CrossFit: Lululemon Speed Tights
“I’m currently rocking some Lululemon Speed Tights, which are working out pretty well so far. They hug your body in all the right places and keep your back side covered when you squat (which is the most important thing for me!). Also, they’ve got some sweet side pockets, which come in handy when I’m coaching CrossFit classes.” – Jen Kranjec, CrossFit Praxis coach
Correction: A former version of this article spelled McGarvey as McGravey.
Caroline Cunningham joined Washingtonian in 2014 after moving to the DC area from Cincinnati, where she interned and freelanced for Cincinnati Magazine and worked in content marketing. She currently resides in College Park.
