7 of the best compression leggings for 2022 Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What are some of the best compression leggings Medically reviewed by Gregory Minnis, DPT, Physical Therapy — By Beth Sissons and Anne deLeeuw — Updated on September 7, 2022We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. People may choose to wear compression leggings during or after exercise to help support the muscles and aid recovery. Share on Pinterest A quick look at 6 of the best compression leggingsBest for multi-targeted support CW-X Endurance Generator Compression TightsBest for targeting thigh and calf muscles CEP Compression Run Tights 3 0Best for muscle efficiency CompressionZ Compression LeggingsBest for a graduated compression 2XU MCS Run Compression TightsBest for recycled materials Nike Sculpt Training TightsBest for a base layer Under Armour HeatGear High Waisted LeggingsThis article looks at whether wearing compression leggings benefits health and performance and explains the key features to consider when purchasing them. It also provides details on some of the compression leggings available to buy. We refer to “women,” “men,” or both to align with how companies market their products, but there is no need to stick to one type or the other. A person should choose the product that best suits their needs. Are compression leggings helpful Wearing compression leggings can bring several health benefits, but they may carry risks for certain people. Benefits Compression leggings may provide a faster recovery when athletes wear them after intense, resistance-based exercise. Wearing compression leggings after exercising may help minimize exercise-induced muscle damage. According to a 2018 article, compression garments may help by:improving recovery by boosting oxygen supply to the muscles and aiding the removal of lactic acid from themsupporting the hamstrings in sprinting and increasing leg extension and flexion when the clothing covers the lower legsreducing exercise-related trauma, swelling, and muscle sorenessimproving performance due to a psychological effect An older review of 12 studies found that compression garments provided a moderate improvement in recovery from delayed onset muscle soreness after exercise. Compression leggings are tighter than regular leggings and may stay in place better during a workout or everyday activities. Risks As with other compression garments, compression leggings may not suit people with certain health conditions. The excess pressure they place on the legs can feel uncomfortable and may cause numbness in the affected area. Too much pressure or unevenly distributed pressure may even break the skin, according to one case report. Therefore, people with thin or damaged skin may wish to consult a healthcare professional before wearing compression leggings. How we chose Medical News Today chooses compression leggings according to the following criteria where possible:Support: Products offer support to all the major muscles in the legs.Size and comfort: Products fit a majority of people.Materials: Products feature moisture-wicking and quick-drying materials.Activities: Products are suitable for indoor and outdoor activities. 6 of the best compression leggings Below are seven pairs of compression leggings available for people to purchase online. Most of the products listed below are for women’s compression leggings. However, all of the companies mentioned offer versions for men. Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. Best for multi-targeted support CW-X Endurance Generator Compression Tights According to the CW-X website, these leggings target the hip flexors, quads, hamstrings, and calf muscles, as well as the hip and knee joints. The company states that they offer the following compression benefits:improved circulation and increased oxygen supply to reduce muscle fatiguegreater muscle support and stabilityimproved performance and reduced recovery timeunrestricted range of motion Below are the available size and color options:Available sizesXS, S, M, L, and XLColor optionsblack/sorbet, black, and red Pros and cons These leggings have the following benefits:extra support around the lower back and abdominal areabreathable, moisture-wicking, stretchy materialUV protectionflat seams to minimize chafingan adjustable drawstring around the waistan internal pocket However, these leggings are more expensive than some of the other options on this list. Price: The CW-X Endurance Generator Compression Tights have a list price of $170.SHOP NOW Best for targeting thigh and calf muscles CEP Compression Run Tights 3 0 CEP states on its website that the Compression Run Tights 3.0 offer the following benefits and features:increased circulationinjury preventionimproved performancecompression panels around the thigh and calf musclesmachine washable The table below shows the available size and color options:Available sizesI, II, III, IV, and VColor optionsblack Pros and cons These leggings contain a nylon and spandex brief that may help prevent chafing and discomfort. Additionally, the company offers a 6-month durability guarantee. However, some reviewers state that the leggings are too tight and ride too low on the hips. Price: CEP Compression Run Tights have a list price of $129.95.SHOP NOW Best for muscle efficiency CompressionZ Compression Leggings According to the CompressionZ website, the company’s Compression Leggings have the following benefits and features:faster recovery after exercise due to increased oxygen supply to remove lactic acidimproved circulation and blood flow, leading to more efficient muscle tissue warm-upsupported muscles and better muscle efficiency for improved performanceflexibility to maximize a range of motionbreathability and moisture-wicking Below are the available size and color options:Available sizesXS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL, 6XLColor optionsblack Pros and cons These leggings have an antibacterial and anti-itch fabric, which may help increase comfort. Additionally, the company claims that the leggings keep their shape after washing. However, some customers report that the leggings are too thin and that the legs are too short. Price: The Women’s Compression Leggings have a list price of $49.99.SHOP NOW Best for a graduated compression 2XU MCS Run Compression Tights The 2XU MCS Run Compression Tights have targeted support for areas around the quad and calf muscles to reduce straining. They have graduated compression, flat seams to prevent chafing, and an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 50+. The company also advises that the compression tights’ fabric is antibacterial, breathable, and moisture-wicking. The table below shows the available size and color options:Available sizesXXS, XS, XST, S, ST, M, MT, L, LT, XL, and XXLColor optionsblack/black reflective, black/gold reflective Pros and cons According to 2XU, its compression tights have benefits that include: reduced impact on the knee jointsreduced muscle soreness and muscle fatiguereduced muscle damageimproved muscle alignmentincreased agility and recoverylower risk of injury from overuse However, some reviewers note that the leggings run small, and people may have to size up. Price: The 2XU MCS Run Compression Tights have a list price of $119.95.SHOP NOW Best for recycled materials Nike Sculpt Training Tights The company claims that these tights contain at least 75% recycled polyester fabric. This may appeal to people who wish to avoid purchasing other potentially less sustainable garments. The table below shows the available size and color options:Available sizesXS, S, M, L, XL, and 2XLColor optionsblack/clear Pros and cons According to the company, these leggings have the following features:compressive fabric for more supportbreathable mesh material for ventilationmachine-washabilitydri-FIT technology to reduce discomfort while training However, some reviewers report that the sizing runs small. Price: The Nike Sculpt Training Tights have a list price of $68.SHOP NOW Best for a base layer Under Armour HeatGear High Waisted Leggings These leggings feature a thin fabric that may be suitable for use as a base layer. The lightweight and dry-wicking fabric may also make them suitable for use in hotter climates or during workouts that make people sweat. The table below shows the available size and color options:Available sizesXS, S, M, L, XL, and XXLColor options:gray, purple, pink, black, charcoal, navy, and white Pros and cons According to the company, these leggings have the following features:four-way stretch constructionflat-lock seams to minimize chafingno-slip waistbandside pocket for small items However, some customers report that the sizing runs small, and people may have to purchase a larger size than usual. Price: The Under Armour HeatGear High Waisted Leggings have a list price starting around $36.SHOP NOW Comparison chart The following table compares the leggings in this article.SizesProConList priceCW-XXS–XLprovides multi-targeted supportmore expensive$170CEPI–Vtargets thighs and calvesmay be too tight$129.95CompressionZXS–6XLmore efficient muscle usemay be too thin$49.992XUXXS–XXLprovides graduated compressionsizing may run small$119.95NikeXS–2XLuses recycled materialssizing may run small$68Under ArmourXS–XXLlightweight base layersizing may run smallaround $36 How to choose compression leggings Key features to consider when choosing compression leggings include:Size: Compression leggings can have a tighter fit than regular leggings, so people may find that the leggings seem smaller than other clothes of the same size.Comfort: Although compression leggings can feel tighter than other leggings, they should still feel comfortable to wear. People may want to start by wearing leggings with a lower compression level.Moisture-wicking: Moisture-wicking fabrics can help draw sweat away from the body and dry quickly to help people stay as comfortable as possible when exercising.Breathability: Breathable fabrics may help the body better regulate temperature during exercise. Antibacterial fabrics may help control odor.Washability: Some leggings may be easier than others to wash and more likely to keep their appearance and shape after washing. Alternatives to compression leggings People who are looking for compression clothing but want an alternative to leggings could consider compression shorts, socks, or both. Compression shorts apply pressure to the upper legs and may be a better option than compression leggings for people who get hot while exercising. People can wear compression socks with shorts or looser-fitting trousers to apply pressure to the lower legs. Frequently asked questions about compression leggings Here we answer some common questions about these leggings. What is the difference between compression leggings and tights Compression leggings are tighter than regular leggings or tights. They contain dense fabric that promotes blood circulation and muscle recovery. Regular tights and leggings are not as tightly fitting and do not increase blood circulation. Is it OK to wear compression leggings all day People should consult a healthcare professional before wearing compression leggings all day. While compression leggings may be comfortable to wear, they can cause discomfort, numbness, and breathing difficulty. Do compression leggings help with cellulite There is currently no scientific evidence that compression leggings can reduce the appearance of cellulite. Summary People with an existing health condition, particularly a skin or circulatory condition, should speak with a healthcare professional about whether it is safe for them to wear compression leggings. Last medically reviewed on September 7, 2022VascularObesity / Weight Loss / FitnessSports Medicine / Fitness 4 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Hettchen, M., et al. (2019). Effects of compression tights on recovery parameters after exercise induced muscle damage: A randomized controlled crossover study.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6341249/Hill, J., et al. (2013). Compression garments and recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage: A meta-analysis [Abstract].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23757486/Robertson, B. F., et al. (2014). Side effects of compression stockings: A case report.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4032012/Xiong, Y., et al. (2018). Compression garments for medical therapy and sports.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6404358/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Gregory Minnis, DPT, Physical Therapy — By Beth Sissons and Anne deLeeuw — Updated on September 7, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWho are some of the best online personal trainers? What are the best online personal training courses and programs? Read on to learn more about online personal trainers and a list of some to try.READ MOREWhat are some of the top running shoes for women?Medically reviewed by Daniel Bubnis, M.S., NASM-CPT, NASE Level II-CSS What are some of the best running shoes for women? Learn what to look for in a woman's running shoe and find out about some specific products to try.READ MOREBest running shoes for flat feet: 6 optionsMedically reviewed by Angela M. Bell, MD, FACP People with flat feet need proper support in a running shoe to help distribute their weight and support the arches of the feet. Read about six of the…READ MOREButt sweat: Why it happens and how to get rid of itMedically reviewed by Owen Kramer, MD Butt sweat can happen in various situations, such as while exercising. Keeping the area clean and wearing different clothes can help resolve and…READ MORE