Squat-proof leggings are a must if you’re a hardcore gym goer or just committed to becoming one.
Unlike how they are advertised, unfortunately, most leggings aren’t quite as obscure as you need them to be.
To find the best squat-proof leggings, I have reached out to six professional female trainers in the US.
From high-waist fits to panel block styles, their picks can withstand multiple rounds of squats, lunges, and deadlifts without rolling, slipping, stretching, or turning see-through.
These are the most recommended squat-proof leggings for squatting, running, burpees, or HIIT, to kick off 2023.
1/29
Adapt Squat Proof Seamless Leggings
GYMSHARK
from $24
If you follow any fitness influencers on Instagram, chances are high you’ve seen them rocking a pair of Gymshark leggings.
High-waisted, opaque, and super soft, these iconic Gymshark leggings feature a flattering design.
Made for the craziest squat day, Flex leggings are the brand’s most popular pair.
Oh, one more thing; I’ve found this pair of gym shark leggings better than the best seamless leggings I’ve tried.
- Sweat-wicking fabric
- High-waisted fit
- Body contouring
- Seamless waistband
2/29
Leg-a-See Swoosh Leggings
NIKE
from $19.97
These are for you if you’re looking for proof gym leggings.
Cotton-rich Nike Leg-a-See leggings have just enough Spandex to provide a supportive and flattering fit.
The iconic swoosh is simple yet stylish, perfect for conquering your workout and the world.
Moreover, this pair of weightlifting leggings is one of the few pairs of leggings with pockets on this list.
- Soft and stretchy knit
- High waist
- Tight fit for a body-hugging feel
3/29
Align High Rise Pants II 25″ Leggings
LULULEMON
from $49
This pair of ultimate gym leggings is another winner from Lululemon.
Lululemon Aligns isn’t just my favorite pair of leggings; it is my best piece of clothing, period.
Never have I worn something so soft, flattering, and comfortable.
The weightless, buttery-soft fabric hugs without binding, so you can concentrate on what matters.
And, despite previous claims of Lululemon leggings being sheer, these are not.
The Align II comes in various colors and lengths to suit every season and activity, with a hidden waistband pocket for essentials.
- Functional Nulu fabric
- Buttery-soft and light
- High-rise
- 25″ length
- A hidden waistband pocket
4/29
BioCompressive Ultra-High Rise Pocket Leggings
GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE
from $82
Girlfriend Collective’s leggings have a wide waistband that provides all the support you’ll need for a serious workout.
Because we all need a change from black from time to time, these leggings come in various fun colors.
Everyone looks pretty in pink, and forest green looks great in the woods and the urban jungle.
Made from recycled water bottles, the Girlfriend Collective leggings are a sustainable fashion statement and a winner for the planet too.
- High compression fabric
- Recycled materials
- Ultra-high rise
- Double side pockets
5/29
SuperForm Squat Proof 7/8 Leggings
OUTDOOR VOICES
from $59
In my opinion, these squat-proof leggings are the best workout clothes you can invest in right now.
Outdoor Voices aims to get people moving during demanding fitness sessions and sweaty workouts.
Made from moisture-wicking SuperForm fabric with a high waist and two phone pockets, these leggings are designed for worry-free, high-impact activity.
A pair of leggings that bring the fun back into your workouts and any other needs you might have to perform around town.
- Sweat-wicking SuperForm™ fabric
- High-rise
- Two phone pockets
- A waistband Pocket
- Internal drawstring
6/29
Lux 2.0 High Rise Tights
REEBOK
from $65
Launched in 1895, Reebok’s heritage defines its future as an undisputed fitness expert.
With high-performance credentials, its iconic leggings are stamped with authenticity to look just as good kicking back or crossing the finish line.
In particular, these women’s training tights are designed for all the ways you work out.
These are some of the best tights out there, made from the brand’s proprietary material – a moisture-wicking matte-look fabric with plenty of stretches.
Also, the wide, high-rise waist provides full coverage and a sculpted silhouette.
- Speedwick Cool and Dry material
- Supportive high-rise waist
7/29
High-Rise Weightless Chevron Leggings
TORY BURCH
from $128
Tory Burch has entered the world of athleisure with the debut of her Tory Sport collection.
Eschewing the hyper-modern look favored by most other brands, Tory Sport combines contemporary functionality with pieces that feature the bold color-blocking and crisp lines of the best ’70s and ’80s activewear.
From workout-ready leggings to preppy sweater dresses, Tory Burch apparel features the perfect mixture of comfort and class.
- Highest-quality TACTEL fibers
- Breathable
- Moisture wicking
- Ultra-lightweight
- Ergonomic cut lines,
- An interior back waistband pocket
8/29
Dri-Fit Women’s 7/8 Training Tights
NIKE
from $35.97
Another great squat-proof pair of power leggings from Nike.
The brand’s City Ready tights are made from a thick material, a high waist, and super sexy seams.
No chance of droopy Hammertime harem pants happening here.
The moisture-wicking fabric keeps you cool and dry, perfect for squats and high-intensity workouts.
- Midweight InfinaLock fabric
- High compression
- Firm support
9/29
Spacedye Performance High-Waisted Leggings
BEYOND YOGA
from $97
Most fitness experts agree that the triple panel of the Beyond Yoga high-waisted squat leggings helped them to achieve success.
No one in yoga class signed up to witness the execution of an unsolicited wedgie, and hoisting your leggings back into place is not what you ever want to have to do.
Stick with these high-waisted midi tights, and you won’t have to.
- Soft performance fabric
- Exceptionally soft
- Pockets on the side and waistband
10/29
Wunder Train High-Rise Tights
LULULEMON
from $49
Lululemon is a top pick amongst fitness gurus for a good reason.
These Wunder Train High-Rise leggings are made of the new Everlux fabric, a marvel of quick-drying that will keep you cool and comfortable throughout your session.
The drawcord offers added security, so you’ll never have to worry about tugging them back into place.
A hidden pocket in the waist provides a safe space to store your keys and card.
- Supportive waistband drawcord
- High-waist
- Full-length leggings
- A hidden pocket in the waistband
11/29
High-Waist Moto Leggings
ALO YOGA
from $118
The Extreme High-Waist Moto Legging in the brand’s signature sculpting Airbrush is an update to Alo’s bestselling Moto Legging.
This updated pair of yoga pants squats a super-chic, high-waist silhouette.
Sleek and comfortable, these leggings are ideal for pairing with your go-to crop top or bra.
Moreover, if good enough for celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Selena Gomez, and Gigi Hadid, these high-waist Alo leggings must also be good enough for us, right?
Tested; I assure you these are squat-proof and 100% opaque – yet comfortable and breathable.
Moreover, my pair held up very well to lots of washes, so I highly recommend them to heavy users.
- Contouring mixed matte/shine fabric
- Forward mesh panels
- Hold-it-in five-inch waistband
- Lifting fit
- High-waist
- Moto style
12/29
Truepurpose Squat Proof Leggings
ADIDAS BY STELLA MCCARTNEY
from $80
These squat-proof leggings are extra-high in the waist and have stirrups.
No muffin top here, and these babies will stay put no matter how low you go.
As a bonus, Stella’s squat leggings are made from recycled materials, perfect for eco-conscious sportswomen looking to make several statements at once!
- Recycled and upcycled polyester
- Skinny cut
- High-waisted
13/29
Compressive High-Rise Leggings
GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE
from $68
Another gem from Girlfriend Collective is that these leggings are made from opaque fabric but are not heavy.
The fact that they’re opaque helps a lot if you must wear period panties at the gym.
Moreover, thanks to the four-way stretch material, your panties are invisible, regardless of the type of workout you’re doing.
Finally, these leggings are sustainable (made from recycled water bottles) and come in an ‘inclusive size’ range.
- High compression
- Recycled materials
- High-rise
- A small hidden back pocket
14/29
High Waist Techflex 7/8 Leggings
SPLITS59
from $128
Versatile and stylish, this fun and floral pair of squat test leggings will take you to the gym and then brunch afterward.
The premium quality material is quick-drying and perfect for everything from yoga to CrossFit to running and will guarantee that no unappealing sweat stains appear on your derriere.
- Quick-drying Techflex fabric
- High-rise
- Ankle-length
15/29
Tuxedo High-Rise Stretch-Jersey Leggings
LIVE THE PROCESS
from $55
Inspired by tailoring codes, Live The Process’s green Tuxedo leggings feature a wide, supportive waistband that echoes a cummerbund.
Crafted in the USA from a moisture-wicking stretch jersey, these leggings are finished with pintucks running down the back of the legs for an elongating effect.
- Super soft fabric
- Four-way stretch
- Sweat-wicking
- High-waisted
- Butt-sculpting seaming
16/29
Bar First Position Leggings
P.E NATION
from $109
Co-founded by Australian designers Pip Edwards and Claire Tregoning, activewear label P.E Nation gleans inspiration from fashion and applies it to the multi-faceted everyday lives of active women.
P.E Nation gives a nostalgic nod to physical education while encapsulating designer Edwards’s tomboy attitude.
In its collection of movement-friendly hoodies, leggings, and tops, P.E Nation focuses on confident, authentic designs, embracing functionality, fabric, and fit in every piece.
- Technical fabrication
- Soft feel
- High-rise
- 7/8 length
- Shiny finish
17/29
The Icon High-Rise Full-Lenght Leggings
GOOD AMERICAN
from $20.95
Feeling like a pro? Go for the Good American Icon leggings.
As flattering as comfortable, the high-rise style waist will stay put no matter how hard you work them.
These squat-proof leggings will show off your curves and your unique taste.
- 4-way stretch fabric
- Full-length
- High-waisted
- Breathable
18/29
Royal Squat Proof Leggings
ONZIE
from $48
Onzie Royal sweat and squat-proof tights deliver big time on the demanding range of movement and breathability.
Great for yoga flows, the mesh panel shows some skin — but not in the back.
Get up and get going with these leggings that are sexy and safe in the seat.
- High waistband
- Mesh inset inseam
- Breathable
19/29
Pro Squat Proof Leggings
NIKE
from $45
Nike makes a lot of athlete-approved leggings (I’ve covered two above), but one of its most popular pairs is the Nike Pro tights.
I own two pairs, and I can say they’re the ones I reach day after day.
I feel that Nike Pro leggings are supportive enough for any activity or intensity level and provide me full coverage – in all the right places.
- Recycled polyester fibers
- Soft and stretchy fabric
20/29
All Access Center Stage Leggings
BANDIER
from $95
All the style bloggers and celebs (looking at you, Ashley Graham!) obsessed with Bandier leggings are onto something.
I bought a best-selling All-Access Center Stage leggings pair and found them silky smooth, appropriately thick, and very flattering.
- Silky-smooth compression fabric
- Double-layer elastic waistband
- High-waisted
- 7/8 length
21/29
High-Waisted 7/8 Gym Leggings
JOYLAB
from $15.99
Joylab’s leggings’ seamless construction offers a smooth, sleek look and the high-rise waist is ideal for intense workouts.
No saggy Spandex here; these leggings are also excellent for a hot yoga class.
The 7/8 length provides comfort, freedom, and flexibility, not to mention it looks flattering on any body type.
Laser-cut-out detailing makes these squat-proof leggings perfect for fashion-forward females.
- Soft and stretchy
- Wide full elastic pull-on waist
- Secure and easy fit
22/29
Veronica Squat Proof Leggings
YEAR OF OURS
from $49.50
A stunning pair of squat-proof leggings designed with a contemporary woman’s life in mind.
The Year of Ours Veronica boasts a high crossover V waist guaranteeing full bum and back coverage.
Moreover, it does that while keeping the style transitions seamlessly from the gym to the rest of your busy day.
Comfortable, compressive, moisture-wicking, and sexy, you sacrifice nothing, least of all performance.
- Active Nylon Rib
- Form-fitting cross-V waist
- 7/8 leggings
- Accentuate the waistline
23/29
Salutation Stash Pocket II Tights
ATHLETA
from $34.99
Soft yet firm, real professionals know that the Athleta Salutation squat-proof leggings are some of the most comfortable you’ll ever own.
Great pair of tights with a handy side pocket because women need to stash lots of stuff, no?
Perfect for dancing, yoga, high-intensity, and of course, squats.
- Buttery soft Powervita fabric
- Recycled polyester/lycra
- Sit at the waist
- A side pocket for your phone
24/29
Harper Squat Proof Leggings
ENAVANT ACTIVE
from $50
Envant’s Active Nova seamless design at the waist and ankles fits like a second skin, and the flat-locked seams provide extra strength and durability.
Supportive and super flattering, Enavant’s leggings will become your go-to for squatting, walking the dog, getting coffee, running errands…you get the picture.
- Full-length
- High-waisted
- High level of compression
25/29
Vamp Gym Tights
ALALA
from $115
The experts agree that it’s hard to beat these high-stretch leggings for high-intensity training.
A pair of affordable leggings that provide superior back coverage thanks to the thick yet breathable fabric.
- Soft, comfortable, and versatile
- Inner key pocket in the waistband
26/29
Camo Seamless Squat Proof Leggings
WOMEN’S BEST
from $115
These leggings won’t squash your curves or flash your neighbor when you squat.
The breathable material is extra comfortable, and the ribbed waistband won’t slip or slide when you hit it hard.
As for the soft jacquard camo pattern, it’s a perennial favorite that will make you stand out.
- Super supportive
- Camo pattern
- High-waisted fit
27/29
Squat Proof Performance Rib Leggings
IVL COLLECTIVE
from $88
Whether I’m doing a fitness class, running, or going about my daily life, these are my go-to leggings.
Made of performance fabric and having a high waist, you can wear them all day without worrying about falling down or turning see-through when squatting, cleaning, or just picking something up.
If you live a busy lifestyle, this is an excellent and multifunctional pair of leggings you’ll love to wear.
- IVL Hydralux collagen fabric
- UV-protection
- Temperature-regulating function
- Ribbed detailing at the waist
28/29
Seamless Sports Leggings
H&M
from $24.99
Ankle-length sports leggings in fast-drying, functional fabric with jacquard-patterned details.
High waist and wide, elasticized waistband.
Designed with minimum seams for added comfort and increased freedom of movement.
- Functional fabric wicks away moisture that keeps you dry
- High waist with a wide waistband
29/29
Maternity Leggings
GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE
from $88
Looking for the best leggings for squats?
Try Girlfriend Collective, a label I love because it truly knows what women want.
These high-quality maternity leggings will last through your third trimester, staying put without squishing you.
Maternity often equals many squats, so these leggings provide the super-stretchy and extremely comfy protection you need.
A great pair of squat-proof leggings of excellent fit for you and your bump.
Also, I highly recommend you check this article if you’re looking for cheap maternity clothes.
- Super stretchy and versatile
- Recycled fishing nets fabric
- Ultra-lightweight
What Does Make Leggings Squat Proof?
Quality, comfort, and fit are essential when choosing a pair of squat-proof leggings.
To hold up during your workout routine, the fabric type matter a lot.
Some leggings are a dream for lounging but a nightmare for working out.
Thin materials such as modal or cotton are adequate for morning strolls or lounging horizontally.
However, a sweaty routine requires more durable fabrics such as polyester or nylon.
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Now it’s your turn…
Which one of these leggings do you see as the best for squats and intense workouts, and why?
Which squat-proof leggings do you think we’ve missed and should include in our next article update?
What are the most important factors you consider when shopping for squat-proof leggings?
Please leave your comments below; we always appreciate your comments and use them to learn, improve, and update these articles.
After years of managing hundreds of fashion brands from London's office of a global retailer, Mandy has ventured into freelancing. Connected with several fashion retailers and media platforms in the US, Australia, and the UK, Mandy uses her expertise to consult for emerging fashion brands create top-notch content as an editorial strategist for several online publications.
We, Russians, are very picky when it comes to what we wear at the gym, almost like a catwalk show. The brand of leggings you wear is so important, that even your gym subscription depends on it. So, while I like the leggings brands in this article, in Russia you can’t wear them at expensive gyms. What you need are Versage leggings, Stella McCartney, Dior, and so on.