--- source_url: "https://www.prevention.com/fitness/workout-clothes-gear/g62894967/best-squat-proof-leggings/" title: "10 Best Squat-Proof Leggings of 2024, Tested by Editors and Reviewers" mirrored_at: 2026-08-15T03:33:49.374Z host: www.prevention.com cited_in_42a: true mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/www.prevention.com/fitness/workout-clothes-gear/g62894967/best-squat-proof-leggings/index" --- > **Original source:** https://www.prevention.com/fitness/workout-clothes-gear/g62894967/best-squat-proof-leggings/ ### Pros - Rave reviews - High-waisted - Good size range ### Cons - No pockets Over 54,000 reviews and a near-perfect rating is hard to ignore, especially when it comes to fitness attire—perhaps the finicky-est genre of clothing. Fabletics has been around for a while and continues to perform well with customers. And quality is, perhaps, what they’re best known for. The sturdy-but-stretchy material makes the wearer feel safe, secure, and free to squat. One reviewer said they are “super comfortable but thick quality so that there \[are\] no see-through incidents.” Personally, I have, perhaps embarrassingly, owned the same two pairs of Fabletics leggings for six-plus years, and they haven’t thinned out or worn down one bit. They also have great compression, and hover at a reasonable, average price. Material Polyester, spandex Sizes XXS-4X Credit: Core 10 ### Pros - Under $30 - Rave reviews - Available in many shades ### Cons - Some reviewers say they pill These days, it’s difficult to find a quality pair of leggings that are ideal for working out and under $30. These quite literally fit the bill, and they’re _Prevention_ editor-approved. “I usually gatekeep Core 10 leggings because they are getting harder to find, but these butter-soft picks are both affordable and squat-proof!” raves _Prevention’s_ Digital Director Allie Early. “I’ve had several pairs for years, and as a certified gym rat, I can say with confidence they’ve never let me down on leg day, and they’re the first ones I reach for out of the dryer.” These also feature a concealed mini waistband pocket for keys or an ID, and the wide waistband stays put whether you’re squatting or doing cardio. Sizes XS-1X Material Polyester, elastane Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Credit: Athleta ### Pros - Moisture-wicking - UPF 40+ protection - Breathable ### Cons - Pricey when not on sale With more than 7,000 mostly positive ratings, a super fun color range, and inclusive sizing that offers regular, tall, and petite lengths, Athleta already has us sold on these leggings. _P__revention_’s Senior Commerce Editor Charlotte Lewis’ expert shopper stamp of approval is simply the cherry on top. “I am a loyalist to my Athleta Salutation leggings specifically because of their squat-proof capabilities,” she says. “The material is like a second skin—they call it buttery soft and that’s honestly an understatement. The fabric is light and airy enough to stretch with you instead of falling down, but they compress enough to feel supportive. The high waist helps a lot, obviously. But I cannot fathom wearing anything else in the gym.” And pockets are not understated here, like they are in many leggings. No. There are two wide, deep thigh pockets that Lewis says are great for securely stashing her phone during a workout. Material Nylon, Lycra Sizes XXS-3X Credit: Terez ### Pros - Available in 15+ colors - Pill-resistant fabric - Great for working out and lounging ### Cons - Air dry recommended You can shop the rainbow with this chic, quality range of leggings. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg. They are our best high-waisted pick because the extra-thick waistband intentionally offers more coverage and it’s elastic free, so it will never dig into your skin or feel restricting. That’s why _Prevention_’s Deputy Editor Emily Goldman loves them. “Though a bit pricey, I swear by the TLC leggings from Terez. I have them in brown, and they definitely pass the squat test (goblet squats, split squats, hip thrusters—you name it, these have passed with flying colors),” she raves. “The fabric is buttery soft and the wide waistband helps prevent rolling. They come in XXS-3X and have coordinating bras and tops should you want to splurge for a full fit.” Material Polyester, spandex Sizes XXS-3X Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Now 17% Off Credit: ododos ### Pros - No-dig compression - 15+ colors and patterns - Moisture-wicking ### Cons - Some say seams easily split The four-stretch material of these leggings is manufactured to provide comfort and protection during all stages of your workout, including squats. Uniquely, they also feature a criss-cross or V-waist, which some people love for the shape it creates at the waistline. But that doesn’t mean they’re any less supportive than those with a regular waistband—the thick band doesn’t roll or slide down. Flatlock seams also prevent chafing on the inner thighs, and there is a small hidden pocket inside the waistband. “These are squat-proof and they don’t roll down,” an Amazon reviewer wrote. “I’ve done cycling, HIIT and glute/legs in these and I have no complaints. I currently have a few more in my cart and can’t wait to get more colors! I dress the black ones up with cute tops and shoes in addition to working out, so they’re just super functional for me.” Material Nylon, spandex Sizes XS-XXL ### Pros - Great structure and hold - Ultra high waist - Matte finish ### Cons - Hand wash recommended Amazon customers have sung the praises of these affordable leggings for some time—and the hype is still going strong. They have over 19,000 ratings and 4.6 stars. They come in 20-plus colors and patterns (including leopard print!), and, of course, the reason we are here: They are squat-proof. “I’m absolutely obsessed with these leggings!” raved one reviewer, who called them their “holy grail” pair. “They feel like second skin and are so soft and comfortable to work out in,” they continued. “They are squat-proof and hold up well on leg day.” Plenty of others say they easily stand up to the quality of more expensive leggings. “I prefer these leggings over Lululemon and Athleta which we all know can be super expensive,” one shopper wrote. “They hold you in all the right places \[and\] are so soft.” Material Nylon, spandex Sizes XXS-XL Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Now 55% Off Credit: Quince ### Pros - Breathable, low compression - 13 colors available - Average price ### Cons - Limited size range Not everyone loves to feel suffocated by compression, even if it is supportive and lifting. For the days when you don’t feel like peeling yourself in and out of your pants during every bathroom visit, but still would rather them not be see-through (which is safe to say is the case for all of us), these are a good go-to. They’re “soft and breathable,” a reviewer wrote, and as thin as you can get without going into transparent territory. They’re also available in a few different in-seam lengths so you can find your ideal fit. The lightweight material is also moisture-wicking and antimicrobial, so if you do work out in them, you don’t have to worry about them hanging on to sweaty gym funk. “They are amazing—even better than Lululemon and at such a better price!” another shopper added. Material Nylon, spandex Sizes XS-XL ### Pros - Good compression - Hidden inside pocket - Perfect cropped length ### Cons - Pricey Spanx is known for its quality material, and the brand’s leggings are no exception. These in particular are designed to shape and lift your butt, so if they were see-through, that would be pretty bad marketing. Even so, we double checked with reviewers to ensure that yes, these pants are both sculpting and squat-proof. “I’ve been buying the Booty Boost leggings for a couple of years now and I love them for the gym. Super comfortable and flattering,” one shopper wrote. There is targeted shaping and a contoured waist band, both of which provide the booty boost. The material is also sweat-wicking and quick dry and there is no visible front seam, which helps to avoid the dreaded legging camel toe. Material Nylon, elastane Sizes XS-3X Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Now 70% Off ### Pros - Available in 20+ colors - Sustainably made - Best-seller ### Cons - Some say the design has changed over the years These high-waisted compression leggings are made from 79% recycled plastic bottles. (Plus, when you’re done wearing them, you can recycle every pair using the brand’s [ReGirlfriend program](https://www.prevention.com/_p/afflink/VeZA/girlfriend-regirlfriend?articleId=2141.g.20631943&src=www.google.com&source=www.google.com&contentId=786d56ab-468e-40af-b9d4-6c3d1c485a0c&contentProductId=e6b78884-a35e-45cb-b4e8-4a22aff4c67d&productRetailerId=d3513a91-9e36-49fe-b8de-47a4058e8b8f%3C=%28not+set%29+%7C+%28not+set%29&axid=c7669342-a906-4d44-bbb0-e7d09acd6bad&ofsTagsRaw=ofsxid%7Cpushly_notifications_prv%5Bofsvid%7Cactive&abTestingFullStack=pushly_notifications_prv%3Aactive&mediaRole=1&productBrand=Reuse&productPrice=%2420.00&sem3Brand=Reuse&clientTimestamp=2024-11-14T17%3A22%3A53.104Z&pageTitle=15+Best+Leggings+and+Yoga+Pants+With+Pockets+2024&cta=ReGirlfriend+program).) Designed for high-impact workouts, they’re sweat-wicking and sheer-proof with four-way stretch**—**and they come with a small hidden back pocket. Customers especially love their high, supportive compression that doesn’t sacrifice stretch. “Me and these leggings are best pals. I have them in so many colors and will always choose these over other popular athletic wear brands,” one shopper wrote. “I love how they are high rise with a long enough gusset to ensure I never end up with a camel toe. They are compressive so I feel held in during workouts. The thickness is great and they are super squat-proof.” Material RPET, spandex Sizes XXS-6XL Now 29% Off Credit: American Eagle ### Pros - Ultra high-rise - Crotch gusset for camel toe prevention - Extra wide waistband ### Cons - Only available in black Wear these pants from the coffee shop to the gym without question—know that you’re secure while deadlifting or bending over to pick up dropped keys. These are high-waisted, offer great four-way stretch and support with a wide waistband, and they have side pockets to store your essentials. They’re also a personal favorite of _Prevention_ Deputy Editor Emily Goldman. “I live in these leggings. They’re great for a long outdoor walk (they have pockets that hold my keys and phone!), are incredibly soft, and are stretchy yet supportive in the tummy area,” she says. _“_I love that they’re high-rise without feeling constricting. And they’re machine washable—a must for my activewear section of my wardrobe!” Material Polyester, elastane Sizes XXS-XXL Advertisement - Continue Reading Below ## How to choose the best squat-proof leggings ![prevention line break](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/prevention-line-break-1648844191-crop-6626ce3d51acc.png?crop=1.00xw:0.769xh;0,0.0923xh "Prevention line break") **Material matters:** The thinner the fabric, the more unlikely a pair of leggings will be squat-proof. So, material and the weave of the material are going to be the top contenders in your search. Unfortunately, that’s difficult to grade from photos alone, which is why reading reviews and gathering intel from testing (as done by our editors) is essential. **Check the compression:** Compression, or how snugly a pair of leggings hug your body and support it during a workout, is worth looking into on the squat-proof legging hunt. Good compression means the material won’t give way and get loosey goosey half-way through you’re workout, which, in general, is best for avoiding gym wardrobe malfunctions of all kinds. **Be aware of return policies:** If, even after following these instructions, you find that a pair of leggings don’t pass the squat test on your body, you want to make sure you can return or exchange them. So it’s best to shop brands that have reasonable return policies. ## How to tell if leggings are squat-proof ![prevention line break](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/prevention-line-break-1648844191-crop-6626ce3d51acc.png?crop=1.00xw:0.781xh;0,0.0938xh "Prevention line break") It may sound obvious or silly, but the easiest way to tell if leggings are squat-proof is to perform a squat test of your own. While wearing them, either stand in front of a full-length mirror and squat, looking back to check for opacity, or, if you have a close friend or partner whom you’re comfortable with, have them be the judge for you. A pair of leggings is more likely to pass the squat test when the material is thick, dark, and compressive. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below ## How we chose the best squat-proof leggings ![prevention line break](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/prevention-line-break-1648844191-crop-6626ce3d51acc.png?crop=1.00xw:0.769xh;0,0.0769xh "Prevention line break") We gathered personal experiences and testing insight from _Prevention_ staff and consulted hundreds of customer reviews to narrow down the best squat-proof leggings. ## Why trust us ![prevention line break](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/prevention-line-break-1648844191-crop-6626ce3d51acc.png?crop=1.00xw:0.781xh;0,0.109xh "Prevention line break") For more than 70 years, _Prevention_ has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, _Prevention_ also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.