We Put the Squeeze on Compression Leggings to Find the Best Pairs

Spend 10 minutes shopping for exercise leggings, and you’ll find tons of pairs that supposedly hug, support, and hold your lower body. These aren’t just really touchy-feely bottoms—they’re compression leggings, which are different from butter-soft, second-skin tights in their fit and potential benefits.
While the research is mixed on whether compression leggings can actually improve your workouts or make them more challenging, there’s something to be said about the confidence boost they provide. Experts say they may also help you warm up faster and feel more in touch with your body. Plus, they’re tighter and usually feel thicker than standard yoga pants, which comes in handy during tough gym sessions where security counts (hello, squat test).