Moisture-wicking fabrics pull sweat away from the skin and spread it across the surface of the fabric so it can evaporate quickly. This helps keep you dry, cool, and comfortable during activities like running, lifting, or low-impact workouts like yoga and Pilates. Keep reading to discover the options that never let me down.
What To Consider
Materials
- Nylon: Nylon is touted for its durability, and it’s often used in leggings because it has high elasticity and is super moisture-wicking.
- Spandex or elastane: Spandex and elastane are lightweight, stretchy fabrics that are added to workout tops to get that elastic, stretchy feel.
- Polyester: Polyester is great in moisture-wicking leggings because it pulls sweat away from the skin and dries quickly, keeping you cool and comfortable during workouts.
How We Chose
For the past few years, I have tested tons of leggings, but not all of them were moisture-wicking. Throughout my trials and tribulations, I took notes on the options that wicked away sweat the most. While most leggings will show some sweat (It’s impossible to not build any up in hot yoga!), the real test was to see if said sweat dried within 15 minutes of my workout. Not only did I pay attention to that, but I also took note of stretch, fit, materials, color options, and other essential add-ons. I jotted down all of my testing notes throughout this process and narrowed down a list of the absolute best 10 pairs of moisture-wicking leggings I’ve ever tried.
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Pros
- Zero sweat stains
- Compressive and supportive for high-intensity workouts
- Feel light and breathable
Cons
- Can feel a bit tight
One of my biggest non-negotiables with leggings? No sweat stains ever. And this pair totally delivers. They’re made with sweat-wicking nylon that’s not only super durable, but actually keeps you dry. I’ve put them through some intense gym sessions, and while sweat definitely builds up during a tough workout, it dries way faster than with most other leggings I’ve tried. I even wore them for a HIIT class, and by the time I packed up and left the gym, the sweat stains had already disappeared. The fabric also feels light, breathable, and cool against the skin, which helps prevent that overheating feeling I get with some of my other pairs.
I also really like the compression level—it’s somewhere between medium and high, with a good amount of elastane for stretch. The fit feels snug around the legs and gradually eases up toward the waist, so it doesn’t dig into your stomach. That said, I was still surprised by how much they snatched my waist, even with the slightly lighter compression in the midsection.
Between the quick-drying fabric and solid compression, these have become a staple in my workout rotation. They give me the support I need during tough sessions and save me from the embarrassment of sweat stains during high-intensity workouts. Yes, they’re nearly $100—but Lululemon’s quality is hard to beat. This pair has officially earned a permanent spot in my top drawer for everything from hot girl walks to strength training to sweaty cardio days.
Read More: Best Compression Leggings
| Materials | 77% nylon, 23% lycra elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 0–20 |
| Colors | 13 |
Pros
- Compression is gentle yet supportive
- Stays in place
- Ultra soft and non see-through
Cons
- Not as durable as others
These yoga pants are Amazon bestsellers, and it’s easy to see why. They’re ultra-soft, non-see-through, and made to move with you, whether you’re doing yoga, strength training, or just running errands. One of the standout features is how moisture-wicking they are, thanks to the high polyester content. They also have a good amount of spandex, which gives them a nice balance of compression and stretch.
The high, wide waistband is another major win as it contours your curves, stays in place, and doesn’t roll down, even during moves that involve a lot of bending like crunches or downward dog. The slightly curved seam in the back also gives your butt a subtle lift, which is a nice bonus. The compression is gentle but supportive, so you get that smooth, tucked-in feel without feeling restricted.
And just when you think they’ve thought of everything, they also come with three drop-in pockets, which are perfect for storing your phone, keys, or cards while you’re at the gym or out on a walk. They’re available in tons of colors too. While my Lululemons definitely last longer, for under $20, I really don’t mind that these aren’t as durable.
| Materials | 75% polyester, 25% spandex |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS–3X |
| Colors | 18 |
Pros
- Squat-proof
- Flat seam at the waistband
- Quick-drying
Cons
- Lighter colors show sweat more than other darker options
The Athleta Interval High-Rise Leggings are hands-down my favorite compression leggings for the gym, mainly because of how insanely moisture-wicking they are. They manage to keep me dry through even the sweatiest workouts, all while offering a snug, supportive fit that never feels too tight. They’re completely squat-proof and stay in place no matter how much I move, thanks to the hidden drawstring inside the waistband that keeps everything secure.
What really sets them apart is the brand’s PowerMove fabric, a blend of polyester and elastane that’s both stretchy and sculpting. The high polyester content is what gives these leggings their quick-drying superpower. I wore them to a strength class last week, and even though my emerald green pair did show some sweat during the workout (as non-black leggings tend to do), the stains dried almost instantly. That said, if you want to avoid any signs of sweat altogether, black is your safest bet.
Bonus points for the waistband design—it’s thinner and features a flat seam that goes straight across the hips, so it doesn’t add any extra bulk at the waist. It also gives the leggings a really flattering shape. Compression leggings are best for HIIT activities like running, burpees, and squats. No matter which activity you’re getting into, they never go sheer, so there’s no need to worry about panty lines or transparency.
| Materials | 77% recycled polyester, 23% elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XXS–XL |
| Colors | 5 |
Pros
- Lifts the booty
- Super moisture-wicking
- Comfortable enough for workouts and lounging
Cons
- Curved seams make the hips look wider
I’ve worn these leggings through some seriously sweaty lower-body workouts, and while a few sweat stains popped up (mine aren’t black), they dried almost instantly—by the time I left the gym, they were gone. That’s all thanks to the high nylon content, which makes them super moisture-wicking.
They also have spandex for a nice level of compression without feeling overly tight. What really sets them apart is the contoured waistband and butt-sculpting design—it lifts your booty, smooths your hips, and gives that held-in, flattering look without any digging or muffin top. Bonus: no center seam means no camel toe ever (yay!).
The fabric feels stretchy yet supportive, so you’re secure during intense workouts but comfy enough to lounge in, too. I went with a medium for a snug but breathable fit, though you could size up or down based on your preference. My only small negative: from the front, the curved seams made my hips look a little wider than I’d like, but the fit and function still make them a top pick.
| Materials | 64% nylon, 36% elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS–3X |
| Colors | 9 |
Pros
- Waistband sculpts and contours
- Moisture-wicking
- Snappy, performance-driven fabric
Cons
- Waistband can roll down during workouts
If you’re into Vuori’s BlissBlend fabric—the one that makes its classic leggings feel buttery-soft—you’ll probably love this pair even more. They’ve kept that same soft feel but added more compression, which makes them better for high-intensity workouts. And most importantly, they’re way more moisture-wicking. The snappier, performance-driven fabric doesn’t trap sweat like softer styles often do. Instead, it pulls moisture away from your skin so you stay dry and comfortable no matter how hard you’re training. The blend of 74 percent polyamide and 26 percent elastane gives you that ideal combo of stretch, support, and sweat-fighting power.
Another plus: the V-shaped waistband is super flattering and helps sculpt your waist. That said, these do run tight, and we noticed the waistband can roll down a bit during workouts. Sizing up might help, but just know you’ll lose a bit of that firm compression.
| Materials | 74% polyamide 26% elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XXS–XXL |
| Colors | 5 |
Pros
- Designed with performance in mind
- Fabric is cool and lightweight
- Sleek silhouette
Cons
- Pricey, but high-quality performance fabric makes them worth the price
What really sets these Nike leggings apart is the InfinaSoft fabric made with 63 percent nylon and 37 percent spandex—it’s designed with performance in mind, and it shows. These are some of the most moisture-wicking leggings I own. No matter how sweaty your workout gets, the fabric stays cool, lightweight, and dry. I first wore them during a month-long Nike-led running program, and they’ve been on heavy rotation ever since. They genuinely feel made for runners: breathable, smooth, supportive, and never clingy with sweat. The proceeding features mean these leggings moved like a second skin and did a better job at keeping me dry for long runs versus other leggings on this list.
Beyond just being functional, they’re also incredibly flattering. My legs look more sculpted the second I pull them on and hit the streets (and even my mom commented on how good they look!). The lack of side pockets helps keep the silhouette sleek, though there is a hidden pocket in the back big enough for your phone. They also don’t ride down mid-run, they never feel restrictive, and they come in both high-rise and mid-rise options, so you can pick what feels best.
| Materials | 63% nylon, 37% spandex |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XXS–XXL |
| Colors | 7 |
Pros
- Come in a longer length
- High waistband stays put
- Super moisture-wicking and breathable
Cons
- Lighter colors can be see-through
These leggings feel like nothing on, but they seriously do it all. They’re ultra-lightweight, so you can move freely whether you’re running, lifting, or flowing through Pilates. The fabric (a blend of recycled polyamide and elastane) is super moisture-wicking and breathable, so even your sweatiest workouts don’t leave you feeling drenched. Since they’re super lightweight, they’re great for hot weather workouts.
They have four-way stretch, no front seam (so, no camel toe), a compressive yet smoothing fit, and they’re totally squat-proof. Basically, they’re made for everything at the gym. During testing, I found that they do run tight, so keep that in mind. I found that sizing up still gives you that snug, supportive feel without being overly constricting. And even though they’re compressive, the high waistband stays put, so you won’t be tugging them up mid-workout or worrying about any wardrobe malfunctions. If you’re on the taller side, you’ll appreciate that they come in a longer length—I know I do. As a tall girl, finding leggings that actually hit at the right spot is a win. Of course, they also offer regular sizing, so there’s something for everyone.
I didn’t have this issue with the brown pair I picked, but a friend I recommended them to mentioned that the lighter colors can be a bit see-through. So if you’re planning to squat or stretch in them, I’d stick to the darker shades for full coverage. There are a lot of color options though, which I like.
| Materials | 70% recycled polyamide, 30% elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XXS–3XL |
| Colors | 18 |
Pros
- Comfortable and flexible
- Hidden front pocket for stashing belongings
- Great for low-impact exercise
Cons
- Wish they were longer
A good hot yoga class definitely calls for moisture-wicking leggings, and this pair from FP Movement delivers every time. They’re one of the few on this list that aren’t super compressive, which makes them perfect for low-impact workouts like yoga, Pilates, or walking. The blend of polyamide and elastane keeps them breathable and stretchy, while still wicking away sweat when things start to heat up. I have the darker colors in these leggings, but I’ve never noticed sweat stains after a workout.
Even though they’re designed for low to medium-impact activities, I’ve found they hold up surprisingly well during light strength training too. The four-way stretch, stay-put waistband, and thicker fabric give them just enough structure to hold you in. I’ve been reaching for these anytime I want leggings that feel comfy and flexible, but still gym-appropriate. Bonus: there’s a hidden front pocket that’s perfect for stashing a key or card while you’re out and about. Because they have the least compression, they’re the most comfortable pick on this list.
My only con? They hit just above my ankle (I’m 5’7”), and I wish they were a bit longer so I could tuck them into my socks without them popping out during walks.
| Materials | 79% polyamide, 21% elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS–XL |
| Colors | 11 |
Pros
- Keep you fully covered during squats
- Built for high-intensity workouts
- Offer three different inseam lengths
Cons
- Roomy in the crotch area
When it comes to workout gear, Girlfriend Collective nails both style and inclusivity. Not only are its leggings super cute, but they also come in a truly impressive size range—from XXS to 6XL—so they have the widest sizing range on this list. Plus, they offer three different inseam lengths, which makes it easy to find a pair that works for your height.
Now let’s talk about performance. These leggings are built for high-intensity workouts. They’re made from a sweat-wicking, sheer-proof fabric (they’re made with recycled water bottles and elastane), which gives them that perfect combo of softness, structure, and four-way stretch.
Another win: they’re ultra high-rise, so they keep you fully covered during squats, deadlifts, or anything that requires bending and moving. I never have to worry about them sliding down or exposing anything. The only thing I noticed is that they’re a little roomy in the crotch area. Not ideal, but the extra space does make it easier to move, so it’s not a dealbreaker.
| Materials | 79% recycled water bottles, 21% spandex |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XXS–6XL |
| Colors | 17 |
Lily Wohlner is the associate style & commerce editor at Women’s Health. A sneakerhead, shopping enthusiast, and beauty expert, she’s mastered the art of testing, reviewing, and recommending standout products across every style category. Lily started her career as a freelance makeup artist before diving into the editorial and copywriting world, creating content for brands like Oribe, NewBeauty, and Dermstore. When she’s not training for her next half marathon, you’ll find her in the Lower East Side whipping up high-protein recipes with her roommate or thrifting for the ultimate pair of low-rise jeans.
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