Get in loser, we’re going shopping…for leggings with pockets. As much as I’d love to, I can’t actually pick you up in a convertible and zip to the nearest boutique.
But I can do the next best thing: provide a meticulously curated, expert-tested and approved array of the best leggings with pockets for you. Why me? Well, I’ve been wearing and working out in leggings almost my whole life as well as testing them for most of my career, including two years as WH fitness editor and overseeing the annual Fitness Awards. TLDR: I gotchu.
Best Leggings With Pockets
Yes, even if you’re trying to talk yourself out of buying another pair of leggings, you do need one of the holy grail stretchy pants with storage galore. While testing and re-wearing all the pocketed pairs the last few weeks, I even added new leggings to my most-loved pile.
I can make a solid argument that leggings with pockets can be life-changing. Picture any scenario where you wear leggings (workouts, chill time, and day-to-day activities) and give it a boost. I wear my favorites a few times a week because the real-deal, carry all my necessities pockets are a must while chasing after my toddler. Snacks, phone, keys, and anything else are within reach without needing a belt bag or a running belt.
What’s more, leggings with pockets are always a good idea, but right now as the temps are dropping and gift-giving is top of mind they are even more relevant. Those handy pockets are problem solvers. I don’t have to worry about leaving my Airpods in the gym, where to stow my keys, or how to carry snacks on my run.
Comparing a few key features can help you decide what type of leggings are made for you. Here’s what you really need to look for and think about when you’re out shopping for yourself:
What To Consider
Material
What your leggings are made of influences how they feel, look, and perform. While one blend may be spot on for a sweaty run, it is the last thing you want to wear for a lounge-y afternoon.
With that in mind, breathable cotton and nylon materials tend to be light and smooth on the skin. These feel like pajamas and you won’t want to take them off. Higher elastane, spandex, or Lycra content lends that stretchy, muscle-hugging feel.
You’ll also want to opt for fabrics like polyester and elastane to keep you cooler on the move. Next, zero in on descriptors like “sweat-wicking” and “odor-resistant” if you tend to heat up quickly or do more high-intensity sessions to avoid feeling soggy and getting smelly.
Pocket design
Leggings normally have pockets on the thigh or hip. But, there are variations in placement, size, material, and closure. Just looking at photos of the leggings, you can get a good idea of the pocket size and location. Some hip pockets are higher, making it easy to reach to the very bottom. They also tend to be a rectangle or triangle shape with a wider opening on the top and varying taper at the bottom. I find that phones fit deeper in the rectangle shape, while snacks and keys stash better in the tapered point.
Most styles also have a hidden waistband pocket as well. Some include a bonus zipper at the waist or thigh for a super secure stash spot.
Sizing
Super lightweight fabrics allow you to go down a size or even two for a true second-skin feel. Or you can go up a size for a relaxed fit. On the flip side, compression fabrics may require a larger size to avoid the dreaded sausage casing feeling or a wrestling match to pull on and off. I switch what size I take in the same brands and styles based on what activity I plan to wear it for. Finally, you have varying inseams for shorter or longer legs and how much ankle you’d like to bare.
How We Chose
Our team tests a wide range of products to provide our readers with reliable, honest, and trustworthy information. It’s our belief that our readers deserve the best, which is why our recommendations have been thoroughly tested and vetted by our very own editors.
Coming up with this elite group was an extensive and personal process. To select only the cream of the crop for this specific lineup of leggings with pockets, I went through my deep closet of activewear and pulled out my tried-and-true styles that I’ve worn and loved for years. (At last count, I own 75 leggings and have wear-tested many more that didn’t make the cut.) Next, I consulted my fitness fan friends and did my own research on new and notable styles to compare.
Then, I thought through the various places and activities where leggings with pockets are most useful to create categories and sweat-tested the top contenders. My routine includes a mix of running, metabolic conditioning, strength training, hiking, Pilates, and lots of chasing after my toddler at the playground, so I could easily compare performance across a wide variety of activities. (Worth noting, I have an athletic body type and rocked the glute gains challenge.)
Best Overall Leggings With Pockets
lululemon Align High-Rise Pant with Pockets
| Sizes | There are numbered sizes from 0-20 and four lengths for the perfect fit. |
|---|---|
| Material | The brand’s proprietary Nulu fabric has a lightweight, stretchy feel thanks to 81% nylon and 19% Lycra elastane combo. |
| Pockets | Deep and secure pockets in matching fabric expand and hold tight. |
It’s hard to find something the beloved Align pants in the classic Nulu fabric can’t do, especially with a set of hold-everything hip pockets. I have the full-length pants as well as the shorts version, and I have put them through their paces over the years.
The magic is in the soft, wide waistband, which never digs in. In fact, the Lycra is so stretchy I wore my usual size for all three trimesters of pregnancy plus postpartum recovery. I’ve met many other moms who’ve done the same. Still, the fabric doesn’t budge, even throughout a full marathon or extra-sweaty yoga class.
Read more: Best High-Waisted Leggings
After multiple friends raved about how amazing these Amazon leggings were, I simply had to see for myself. I was instantly impressed with the budget-friendly style that looks and feels super luxe. The price tag is a major selling point, but the quality and performance are comparable to $100 styles.
They also come in more than 20 different colors. Whether you’re a bold and bright fan like me or prefer neutrals, there are multiple shades to express your personality. I’d say Amazon has nailed it with this style.
Rhone is a newbie in the women’s activewear arena and arrived in Spring 20024 with a bang—functional and stylish pieces. One of the standouts and a new personal fave is the 7/8 Pocket Legging that comes in 10 colors (including a few prints).
The double-layer waistband and fabric strike the perfect balance of support and comfort, so I feel ready for any workout. These are soft enough for a stretching or yoga class, but really shine in any exercise that gets your heart rate pumping and the sweat flowing. I never had to adjust them in the middle of a workout. They were always just right.
Most Durable Leggings With Pockets
Arc’teryx Essent High Rise Utility Legging
Pros
- Durable fabric doesn’t show wear and tear.
- Dirt rolls off and wet spots dry quickly.
Cons
- Pockets can be extra snug and phone cases with texture may be harder to slide in and retrieve than other pairs.
| Materials | Chira fabric made of durable nylon and elastane is scratch resistant and antimicrobial. |
|---|---|
| Pockets | Compact hip pockets and 360-degree waistband storage are tight and secure. |
| Sizing | The 00-16 numbered range and 26-inch inseam provides above average options. |
These leggings are a must for anyone who loves outdoor adventure. They looked brand-new after a full-day beginner rock climbing class on granite. My fingers showed all the wear and tear of the rocks, but not the leggings. Take it from me, these leggings can handle whatever your adventurous self wants to throw at them and carry along. In addition to tight, secure hip pockets, there is storage lining the waistband 360 degrees.
There are so many features I love about these leggings, and that’s why I’ve owned a version of them for years.
The Spacedye fabric is truly one of a kind with a baby-soft feel. The midweight material is a bit thicker, so smoothes better than many other styles. Still, it feels more like pajamas than activewear, and I honestly find myself wearing them to sleep more often than move. But don’t get me wrong, they can keep up with a workout just as well. Of course, they have soft pockets, too. They’re minimal and don’t add any bulk to the hips.
There’s something everyone will love about this pocketed pair and a size to match. I felt just as comfortable wearing these for errands, Pilates, and a strength sesh. I didn’t want to take them off after I finished my workouts either.
From the hips down, these leggings feel and perform much like the other beloved second-skin fabrics on this list. What makes them unique is the medium compression waist panel that hugs and smooths the midsection for a super flattering fit.
The fabric works as hard as you do, allowing ample airflow and wicking sweat away fast.
Confession: I have run a lot of miles wearing meh leggings that had me fidgeting and thinking about all the things going wrong: Would the leggings slide or fold down as I logged miles? Would the waist dig into me? That all changed when I finally tried these Nike leggings. They take some work to pull on and take off, but they are worth the effort. Whether I’m doing sprint intervals or a long endurance run, the waistband stays put without touching the drawstring. The multiple pockets easily hold all my necessities without any bouncing, too.
These leggings are big on options, making them feel custom. I personally prefer the high rise, but there is also a mid-rise option available. While most running tights come in basic black and navy, there is a rainbow of more than 15 colors to choose from. Sizing also brings more options with two inseam lengths in select hues and XXS to 3XL in all.
Shop More Leggings
Best Seamless Leggings | Best Cotton Leggings | Best Flared Leggings | Best High-Waisted Compression Leggings | Best Lululemon Leggings | Best Amazon Leggings | Best Fleece-Lined Leggings | Best Black Leggings | Best Yoga Pants And Leggings For Women
Jennifer Nied is the fitness editor at Women’s Health and has more than 10 years of experience in health and wellness journalism. She’s always out exploring—sweat-testing workouts and gear, hiking, snowboarding, running, and more—with her husband, daughter, and dog.
