Rise: High | Compression: Medium

What places the Athleta legging in the top spot? We love that it provides comfortable compression in all the right places (think glute lifting and waist cinching) and that the high waistband never slides down. The material is smooth and stretchy, and these leggings come in petite, tall and plus sizing.

These leggings are pricey, though they sometimes go on sale. We also think the material is too thin for cold weather though it’s great for all kinds of exercise, and the waistband isn’t heavily tapered, so there may be some extra fabric in the back depending on your measurements.

Rise: High | Compression: Heavy

Fabletics Powerhold leggings are a tried and true favorite for several reasons: Sizing goes up to 4X, the waistband doesn’t fall or roll and the material offers ample compression. We love the fun colors and patterns, and though there is no petite sizing, the 7/8 length can work as full-size length for women under 5’4”.

However, these leggings will look more like capris if you usually buy tall leggings. You also need a membership to get the low prices that Fabletics offers. While you can skip the membership fee every month, it can get cumbersome. We’ve also noticed that the most recent Powerhold material feels different, and some buyers may dislike the change.

Rise: High | Compression: Medium

Before you balk at the price, hear us out: Splits59 Leggings are the best compression leggings we tried. The Sprint High Waist Rigor 7/8 legging is made of thin fabric, so at first, it doesn’t seem like it will do much. However, these leggings are easy to pull on and they offer excellent, comfortable compression that lifts glutes, cinches the waist and smooths cellulite. The waistband is tapered to create a perfect fit and the material is squat proof. Overall, it’s a fabulous pair of leggings.

A few downsides: When brand new, these leggings have a strong off-gassing smell. It’s also best to machine wash cold and air dry, which you may find inconvenient.

Rise: High | Compression: Medium

Looking for an affordable pair of leggings that still offer decent compression? Consider the 90 Degree by Reflex Power Flex Leggings. We like that the fabric is on the thicker side (compared to the very thin fabrics that make up a lot of inexpensive leggings) and that the waistband cinches the waist without causing discomfort.

However, buyers may find the cleaning instructions — machine wash cold, air dry — inconvenient. The elastic inside the waistband can also feel uncomfortable or cinch the waist in the wrong spot, though we appreciate that it prevents the leggings from sliding down.

Rise: High | Compression: Light/Medium

While the world of leggings has a long way to go in terms of inclusivity, we appreciate that the Fabletics Oasis PureLux Leggings are available in sizes up to 4X. The fabric is also chafe resistant, moisture wicking, pilling resistant, soft and smooth, and the light to medium compression allows you to move freely. These make a great pair of leggings for yoga and other mobility workouts.

On the other hand, some buyers have noticed that the fabric has changed in recent years and feels thinner. Others note that these run small, and the waistband can roll down if the fit is tight.

Rise: High | Compression: Medium

What we love about the Abercrombie YPB sculptLUX Leggings: They offer supportive compression in the right areas while still feeling comfortable, and the fabric is soft. The waistband also has a double layer which adds structure and prevents the material from rolling. We like that these come in a short inseam so you can achieve a true 7/8-length fit if you wish.

What could be improved: Abercrombie & Fitch recently updated the design of these leggings and some customers dislike the changes. A few have noticed that these run small, and the fabric may wear down if you don’t follow the care instructions closely (machine wash cold, tumble dry low).

Rise: High | Compression: Light

Tired of all your “high rise” leggings looking more like “mid rise” because they aren’t designed for tall figures? Try the lululemon Align Super-High-Rise Pant with a 28-inch inseam. Not only do they have a truly sky-high waistband, but they are also buttery soft. The light compression gives you full range of motion, making these a great pair of leggings for yoga.

The downsides? lululemon is pricey (as we all know!) and the shipping can be slow. For a light-compression legging, a few customers think these are a little too light.

Rise: High | Compression: Light

Need a pair of leggings that can toe the line between work and gym? We recommend the FIGS Salta Seamless Legging. These classy leggings are easy to pull on and off and still offer well-structured, light to moderate compression. We like that the material is thick, squat proof and moisture wicking. Plus, it’s made with ionic+ nylon antimicrobial technology which reduces bacteria and odor.

What could be improved: These leggings don’t come in tall sizes and the shipping is on the slow side. They also aren’t available at other retailers. We recommend sizing up for less compression and sizing down for more.

Rise: Mid | Compression: Medium

The Spanx EcoCare Seamless Leggings can work in a great deal of situations, from the gym to running errands to staying at home. We like that they have no center seam (no camel toe!) and are made with recycled nylon. Plus, sizing goes up to 3X.

However, there are only two color options available and one inseam length available (29 inches). The fit is on the smaller side, so you may need to size up, and some customers find the care requirements — machine wash cold inside out, no fabric softener — annoying.

Rise: High | Compression: Heavy

A lot of heavy compression leggings are restrictive to the point of creating discomfort and heartburn, but thankfully, Fanka’s Body Sculpt Leggings do not. They are a little tough to pull on, but they offer excellent sculpting to lift the booty and cinch the waist. The waistband is well-structured so it doesn’t roll if you bend over. We love that these leggings are reversible and available in a wide variety of colors.

Since these leggings are quite compressive, they aren’t the most comfortable for all-day wear. They also don’t have a tremendous amount of stretch, so the company recommends sizing up if you are between sizes.

Rise: High | Compression: Medium

Famously worn by Kylie Jenner after having baby Aire, the Belly Bandit Mother Tucker Leggings are an excellent pick if you’re postpartum. These super-high-waisted leggings provide ample core support without restricting breathing or cutting into the waist, and they hold their shape after each wash. We love that the material still feels breathable despite decent compression on the tummy, booty and thighs.

The downsides: Belly Bandit leggings are expensive and not available at other retailers. A few customers have also experienced pilling around the inner thighs.

Rise: High | Compression: Light/Medium

Need a pair of leggings that won’t roll or fall down, no matter how fast you run or how high you jump? The Better Bodies Highbridge Leggings are for you. They have a thick but soft elastic waistband which ensures a snug fit at the waist, and the four-way stretch of the fabric means these are easy to pull on and off. We also like that they have a smartphone pocket with a flap on the leg.

However, these leggings are pricey and shipping can take some time depending on the destination. These tend to run large.

Rise: High | Compression: Medium

Looking for a compressive legging that still allows a full range of motion for yoga? We recommend the Splits59 Airweight High Waist Legging. These leggings appear simple at first, but they are smartly designed to create the perfect fit. We love that the waistband is tapered and the material lightweight, so that the compression is comfortable and hits in all the right places. The fabric is soft and stretchy, making the leggings great for all-day wear as well.

What could be improved: These leggings had a strong off-gassing smell right out of the package, and they’re expensive. They also aren’t available at other retailers.

Rise: High | Compression: Light

Need a good knock-around pair of leggings that work for lounging, running errands and yoga? Check out Azur Fit’s Classic Fit Leggings. We like that the tapered waistband gently cinches the waist and the light compression lifts the booty. These are also squat proof, buttery soft and breathable, making them extremely comfortable for all-day wear.

However, Azur Fit leggings aren’t available in tall or short sizes. Some customers also wish that they had pockets and note that shipping can be a little slow.

Rise: High | Compression: Light

A thick pair of leggings can mean the difference between a good and bad winter run, and the 90 Degree by Reflex Fleece Lined Leggings are the perfect pants for the job. The fleece is light enough that you can exercise without sweating, but thick enough to protect against harsh wind. We also like that the waist fits snugly and doesn’t fall or roll.

However, some buyers dislike the elastic inside the waistband. We found that a smartphone placed in the side pocket could pull down the pants slightly, and we think the waistband could use a little more compression.