Whoever decided that the standard price for quality leggings is $100 deserves jail time (in my humble opinion). But luckily, in recent years, more and more of the best affordable leggings are measuring up to the big names in athleisure. So, instead of shelling out a boatload of cash just for a flattering gym or couch ‘fit, there are options out there that provide everything the brand names do for a fraction of the price.
But where to begin? You open up Amazon and are faced with thousands upon thousands of options. It can be overwhelming, to say the least. To help cut through the noise, I’ve compiled the top eight affordable leggings for women that combine quality with comfort. They have everything Lulus do, and sometimes even more.
Keep reading to discover which affordable leggings are actually worth your while.
Key Takeaways
Alrighty, after scouring the internet high and low, the verdict is in. If you don’t want to spend half a month’s rent on athleisure, the HeyNuts Essential Leggings With Pockets are a budget friendly Lululemon alternative and the best affordable leggings. They have a similar design and fabric, along with great color options and pockets. For an even more affordable pair, the FullSoft High Waisted Leggings are under $20 with a thinner material that’s squat proof and great for year-round wear.
Top Picks
Best Overall: HeyNuts Essential Leggings With Pockets
Best Budget: FullSoft High Waisted Leggings
Best for Workouts: 90 Degree Power Flex Yoga Pants
Best Pockets: Ewedoos Leggings with Pocket
Best Colorful: Sunzel Workout Leggings
Best on Amazon: The Gym People High Waisted Leggings
Best Everyday: Old Navy Extra High Waisted PowerChill Leggings
Best Luxury: GymShark Everyday Seamless Legging
Best Overall: HeyNuts Essential Leggings With Pockets
Why they’re great: These viral Amazon leggings are the top Lululemon alternative for a nearly identical look and feel. In fact, tons of reviewers say they’re even better than Lulu Aligns… and honestly, I’m inclined to agree. They have the same buttery fabric, coupled with a high-waisted seamless design and a 7/8s length, which makes them the perfect black leggings for everyday wear. It’s easy to mistake these as a high-end pair, given the gusseted crotch, side pockets, and eighteen color options. They’re surely the best overall option and easy to reach for regardless of the situation.
Who are these for? If you simply can’t pull the trigger on a pair of $100 leggings, then the good news is, you don’t have to! With these HeyNuts leggings, you get all the best aspects of high-end leggings without the steep pricing. Quality athleisure has never been more accessible, flattering, or affordable.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: HeyNuts Essential leggings are really best for lounging. If you’re looking for workout leggings, opt for the Workout or Yoga Pro options instead.
Material: 70% nylon, 30% spandex | Sizes: 2XS – 2XL | Colors: 20 | Care: Machine wash cold
Best Budget: FullSoft High Waisted Leggings
Why they’re great: At under $20, these best-selling leggings are the top affordable choice. They come in tons of colors and have a super soft fabric and a sculpting fit that will make you feel as confident as you do in your favorite jeans. Although they may not be as robust as some other legging options, the lightweight material makes them perfect for summer while still being squat-proof if you plan on wearing them to the gym.
Who are these for? Any woman looking for a full range of motion and a super budget price will benefit from these leggings. They’re some of the best leggings under $30 and will serve you well for any purpose.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: It’s worth remembering that you get what you pay for with these leggings. They have minimal sizes and will start to show wear faster than higher quality pairs.
Material: 92% polyester, 8% spandex | Sizes: Small/Medium, Large/Extra Large | Colors: 30+ | Care: Machine wash cold
Best for Workouts: 90 Degree Power Flex Yoga Pants
Why they’re great: If you’re worried about ending up with a flimsy pair of leggings that will show every lump and bump, this pair is significantly thicker than most affordable leggings without sacrificing the budget-friendly price. Other aspects to love include the dual side pockets, the perfect amount of compression, and the smoothing effect on the midsection to help you feel (and look) your best.
Who are these for? If you prefer leggings with a sturdier fabric, this is the best pair. They’re a solid medium weight made from a soft material for comfort and durability.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Prone to slipping down, these affordable leggings aren’t the best choice for running but can easily be used at the gym.
Material: 76% polyester, 24% spandex | Sizes: XS – 3XL | Colors: 30+ | Care: Hand wash or machine wash cold
Best Pockets: Ewedoos Leggings with Pockets
Why they’re great: These leggings are so flattering that you may never go back to name brands again. Given the strategic seam placement that sculpts and lifts the backside while holding everything in place, it’s easy to understand why reviewers consider them Lululemon alternatives. They’re perfectly opaque, stay in place during high-intensity movement, and have a high-waisted design that smooths the lower belly for a figure-enhancing fit.
Who are these for? A lot of moms adore these leggings, given the support in the stomach area. They’re also a wonderful choice if you’re not sold on the quality of other affordable leggings. These are made from a robust fabric that feels like luxury at an affordable price.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: According to reviewers who own multiple pairs of these leggings, the sizing can be a bit inconsistent across colors.
Material: 75% polyester, 25% spandex | Sizes: XS – 3XL | Colors: 14 | Care: Machine wash cold
Best Colorful: Sunzel Workout Leggings
Why they’re great: Made from a quality nylon blend, these are the best affordable leggings for versatile wear. Whether you use them to boost your performance in the gym or look cute while running errands, these leggings have all the features of a high-end pair minus the steep price tag.
Who are these for? If you’re looking for a simple, no-fuss pair of leggings, then these are an apt choice. The accessible pricing makes it easy to stock up on your favorite colors, and the breathable material denotes them as a year-round staple. They also have a less constricting waistband if you don’t like the feel of tighter leggings.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: With nearly 30,000 five-star reviews, it’s hard to find fault with these leggings. However, some users aren’t a fan of the way they collect lint and hair.
Material: 70% nylon, 30% elastane | Sizes: XS – 3XL | Colors: 30+ | Care: Machine wash cold
Best on Amazon: The Gym People High Waisted Leggings
Why they’re great: Whoever thought, “Let’s take the luxury leggings, put them on Amazon, and sell them for a fraction of the price” deserves an award. These Gym People leggings have a whopping 50,000+ five-star reviews, so you know they’re going to live up to the hype. Complete with the signature butter texture, decent stomach control from the thick waistband, and an insane amount of color options, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better pair of leggings for $25.
Who are these for? This option has every quality you’d want in a pair of daily leggings. Deep pockets can hold your phone, and the waistband pouches are perfect for keys or cards. The super stretchy material works for lounging or working out, and the flat-locked stitching reduces chafing during consistent movement. These leggings are for anyone who wants a high-end feel for an affordable price.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: These leggings collect lint and dog hair like nobody’s business. The fit can also be a bit inconsistent, so consult the sizing chart for the perfect match.
Material: 88% polyamide, 12% spandex | Sizes: XS – 3XL | Colors: 40+ | Care: Machine wash cold
Best Everyday: Old Navy Extra High Waisted PowerChill Leggings
Why they’re great: Trendy leggings don’t always cost a fortune, as shown by this Old Navy pair. Featuring a V-shaped waistband and a buttery soft material, they’re a strong alternative to leggings made by Lululemon or Alo. It’s easy to overlook Old Navy as somewhere you shopped in middle school, but since it falls under the Gap brand, you’re still getting insane quality for a fraction of the price. And if you don’t want to take my word for it, trust the 4500+ five-star reviews.
Who are these for? These affordable leggings are for anyone who struggles to find flattering leggings for their body type. Like most of Old Navy’s offerings, the PowerChill leggings have three inseam lengths to choose from: regular (25”), tall (29”), or petite (23”), as well as sizes ranging from extra small to 4XL for a truly customizable fit.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Since these cotton blend leggings are primarily designed for lounging, the Old Navy’s Power Soft Leggings are more suitable for gym wear. They’re squat-proof, have pockets, and aren’t far behind in terms of a fan base, with 2,500+ five-star reviews.
Material: 53% cotton, 22% polyester, 13% tencel | Sizes: XS – 4XL | Colors: 4 | Care: Machine wash cold
Best Luxury: GymShark Everyday Seamless Leggings
Why they’re great: As far as name brand athletic wear goes, GymShark has some of the best affordable leggings. This pair swaps their signature butt scrunch for a seamless design that’s perfect for hanging out or low-intensity exercise. They’re also super flattering, with a contoured design under the bum that subtly lifts and sculpts.
Who are these for? If you’re looking for affordable leggings that are backed by a brand’s reputation, these are the best pick. At under $40, they’re still a budget-friendly price point for anyone seeking superb value.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Although most of GymShark’s offerings are pretty opaque, the Everyday leggings aren’t squat-proof, so I wouldn’t wear them to the gym unless you want everyone to see what’s going on below. That said, they’re still an excellent choice for biking, running leggings, or hanging around town.
Material: 88% nylon, 12% elastane | Sizes: 2XS – 2XL | Colors: 5 | Care: Machine wash cold
Buying Considerations for the Best Affordable Leggings
Material Composition
The main consideration when choosing affordable leggings is their material composition, which affects their overall quality and weight. Most affordable leggings are made from nylon or polyester blend, creating a compelling alternative to materials used by big names like Lululemon, Alo, and Athleta. Nylon blends have a smoothing effect with plenty of compression, which is the key to a flattering fit.
However, you’ll also find some affordable leggings made from cotton or polyester blends, which are often less expensive but have enviable durability. That said, polyester leggings tend to pill much more than nylon, spandex, or elastane, making them wear out faster than classic legging fabric.
Fit and Rise
You should also consider the fit and rise of the affordable leggings you choose, as this will have an impact on how they actually look on your body. It can also affect how the leggings compare to luxury brands, as some really convincing alternatives exist.
If you want your affordable leggings to pass for high end athleisure, then choose a high -aisted, 7/8 fit, which will stop just above the ankles. Leggings in this style are the ultimate choice for lounging, working out, and everything in between.
For even more versatility, consider a pair of affordable flared leggings that can easily pass as everyday pants.
Customer Reviews
Affordable leggings can be a bit hit or miss and always look different on various body types. This is why it’s essential to read user reviews before buying. They may look fine to some women, but others (who may have more in common with you) might find serious flaws.
For example, The Gym People High Waisted Leggings are magnets for pet hair, which is a total deal-breaker for a lot of dog and cat owners. However, people without pets won’t be concerned with this minor detail.
Although it’s impossible to find truly perfect leggings, the reviews will help you find the ones that are perfect for you.
How We Chose These Products
Finding the best cheap leggings is like searching for needles in a very big haystack. With thousands upon thousands of options on the market, it can be extremely challenging to understand which ones are worth your while. This is why I took it upon myself to order 30 of the highest-rated affordable leggings on Amazon and put them to the test myself. Aside from the reviews, the leggings I tested were chosen based on their material, versatility, and brand reliability. The eight options you find in this article are truly the best in every category, ensuring an impressive substitute for pairs five times the price.
Quality of Material: I sought leggings that offer durability and comfort without the high price tag. My focus was on fabrics that maintain their shape and texture after multiple washes, ensuring that affordability doesn’t compromise longevity.
Style Versatility: Recognizing that leggings are a staple for both fitness and casual wear, I looked for products that transition smoothly from the gym to the street. This includes a variety of colors and patterns as well as those with pockets or other useful features.
Brand Reliability: I prioritized brands known for their consistent quality and positive customer relations. Brands that offer satisfactory customer service and reasonable return policies scored higher on my list.
Why You Should Trust Us
Jane Elmets is a fashion writer, and when she’s not sitting behind her computer, she’s out testing products (like affordable leggings), putting them through rigorous workouts, walks around the block, and plenty of couch sessions. She aims to deliver the most relevant, unbiased, up-to-date information to help readers find the best fit for them — whether it’s leggings, wellness products, makeup, or anything else in between. If there’s someone out there more suited to recommending leggings, we haven’t met them. Trust Jane.
Final Verdict
Out of all the best cheap leggings for women, the top picks are the HeyNuts Essential Leggings With Pockets, which have a buttery material similar to Lululemon and a body-hugging design. For an even more affordable pair, the FullSoft High Waisted Leggings are under $20 and are a wonderful option for lounging or gym wear.
FAQs
Which brand is best for affordable leggings?
The best brand for affordable leggings is HeyNuts, which consistently produces the best Lululemon alternatives. The leggings have a buttery soft material, tons of lengths and fits to choose from, and of course, plenty of color options so you can find what really works for you.
What are some good quality affordable leggings?
Some good quality affordable leggings include:
- HeyNuts Essential Leggings
- GymShark Everyday Seamless Leggings
- 90 Degree Power Flex Yoga Pants
- The Gym People High Waisted Leggings
These leggings all offer something a little bit different, with a range of affordable price points (all under $40).
