If there’s one thing that almost every person has in their drawers, it’s a pair of leggings. Not only are they an ideal pick for running, but leggings are great for lounging, layering, or styling with something more elevated. In other words, they’re one of the most versatile, comfortable, beloved types of clothing in existence—and for good reason. Though leggings have been around for decades now, seamless leggings have flooded the market in recent years.
Meet the Expert
Liv Schreiber is a New York-based wardrobe stylist, fashion influencer, and on-air style expert.
As stylist and fashion influencer Liv Schrieber explains, for leggings to be seamless, the material of the leggings stretches more and is less wrinkly than regular leggings. In other words, seamless leggings are about as close as you can get to feeling pantless without actually being pantless. Because of their specific construction, seamless leggings can be more expensive than traditional leggings, making it more difficult to know which pair is worth your money.
To help you narrow in on your perfect pair, here are the best seamless leggings.
Best Overall
Lululemon High-Rise Align Pant 28"
Perhaps the most well-known seamless leggings of all the seamless options, Lululemon Align leggings are one of the best options in the market due to their butter-soft feel and super stretchy fabric. Best of all, they come in 24 color options, so you can mix and match them with plenty of the clothes already in your closet.
Price at time of publish: $98
Size: 0 - 20 | Material: Nylon, Lycra® elastane
Best Budget
Core 10 Women's All Day Comfort High-Waist Full-Length Yoga Legging
Core 10, an Amazon brand, is a favorite among shoppers thanks to its quality pieces and affordable price tags. These leggings, which many describe as Align dupes, fit a wide range of body types (sizes run from XS to 3X) and are ideal for sweaty workouts, quick errands, and everything in between.
Price at time of publish: $25
Size: XS - 3X | Material: Polyester, Elastane
Best for Working Out
Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings
You’ve probably seen GymShark’s famous seamless leggings all over Instagram by now, and they’re a bestseller for a reason. Available in 18 different colors, these squat-proof leggings are ideal for days when you’re hitting the gym or getting movement in at home. The high-waisted fit features a supportive waistband, figure-contouring shading, and sweat-wicking fabric so you can feel as comfortable as possible while working out.
Price at time of publish: $54
Size: XS - XXL | Material: Nylon, Elastane
Best Splurge
Alo Seamless High-Waist Ribbed Legging
Though Alo Yoga leggings are a bit on the pricier side, they’re a favorite of celebrities like Kendall Jenner thanks to their studio-to-street aesthetic and serious sculpting effect. Though the size range could definitely be more inclusive, the stretchy material of the leggings provides some give and makes them a particularly great option for everyday wear.
Price at time of publish: $98
Size: XS - XL | Material: Seamless ribbed performance fabric
Best for Running
Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II 7/8 Tights
With more than 4,600 reviews (and a ridiculously high average rating), the Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II aren’t technically 100 percent seamless—with a center seam and structured waistband—however, they feel and look like it. We hope you’ll overlook this because they truly are a great, (nearly) seamless legging for running. Plus, when it comes to sleek, everyday leggings that are as good for working out as they are for lounging around, it doesn’t get better than these. Pro tip: Size down one size in these if you’re wanting a super sculpted fit.
Price at time of publish: $109
Size: XXS - 3X (Regular, Tall, Petite available) | Material: Powervita fabric
Best for Yoga
SET Active Sculptflex Leggings
A favorite pair for Byrdie commerce writer Alyssa Kaplan, this pick is excellent for working out due to its high, no-slip waist and compressive fabric. “I’ve raved about these to all of my friends so much they’ve bought them, too,” Kaplan says. “They’re a slightly thicker material that stays in place through my workouts.” The ribbed detailing is a nice touch as well. The brand also offers matching bras to complete the set.
Price at time of publish: $57
Size: XS-XL | Material: Nylon, spandex
Best for Lounging
Alo Yoga High-Waist Alo Soft Flow Leggings
Alo’s Soft fabric is exactly what it sounds like: A buttery, gloriously soft fabric. While designed for performance, the skinny waistband, heathered look, and comfortable fabric make these the ultimate in loungewear. If you live somewhere with colder temperatures, these would also be a good fit, as many reviews noted that they were extra warm and cozy.
Price at time of publish: $89
Size: XXS - L | Material: Alosoft performance fabric
Best Compression
Spanx Look at Me Now High-Waisted Seamless Leggings
The best part of these seamless leggings (in addition to the compressive fit that Spanx is known for) is that they have zero center seam, so you don’t have to worry about camel toe ever again in these babies. Like so many other happy customers, Schreiber also recommends Spanx’s Look At Me Now leggings. “I have worked with Spanx on a launch before, so I know how much care and thought goes behind their leggings,” Schreiber says.
These leggings feature an ultra-high waist and a matte finish—a great pick for everyday wear. Throw on a cool blazer and a pair of mules, and you’ll have a winning office combo.
Price at time of publish: $78
Size: XS - 3X | Material: Nylon, Elastane
Best Ribbed
SKIMS Cotton Rib Legging
There’s a lot to love about these leggings from Skims. For one, they’re available in sizes up to 4X, so more people can find the right fit. In addition, these highly-rated cotton leggings are super soft and beloved by customers for their body-hugging design. In fact, they hold their shape all day, so you don’t have to worry about the pants becoming saggy or loose after prolonged wear.
Price at time of publish: $54
Size: XXS - 4X | Material: Cotton, Spandex
What To Look For in Seamless Leggings
Compression
It’s important to know your measurements, body type, and preferences when looking for your ideal pair of seamless leggings. And as Schreiber says, it’s also important to look for a pair that feels comfortable, durable, and encourages flexibility without restriction.
The amount of restriction, or compression, is up to you. If you’re looking for seamless leggings for yoga or lounging, you may opt for less compression (found in the Lululemon Align Leggings). Whereas someone doing weight training or running may want higher compression, like Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II ⅞ or GymShark Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings.
Inseam Length
The length of your leggings is also a factor. You may want a longer inseam for full-length pants or ⅞ for an ankle-grazing pair. People with shorter legs may look for shorter inseams and taller ones for longer.
Why Trust Byrdie
Olivia Muenter is a contributor for Byrdie. She has been published in Refinery29, Bustle, Fashionista, Glamour, and Woman’s Day, among others. Her search for this piece covered retailers of all types. For this roundup's criteria, she evaluated customer reviews, size range, versatility, and style.
Caitlyn Martyn is a staff commerce writer for Byrdie. She has tried several pairs of leggings over the years, including several from brands such as Lululemon, Athleta, Alo, and Gymshark.