We all love a good belt bag, but sometimes we want to be even more unburdened while working out. Enter: the right pair of leggings. Not just any leggings...leggings with pockets. We simply won't wear a pair without them—even when we're lounging at home—because going hands-free? A game changer. A non-negotiable. Pockets make any outfit better...period.
Gone are the days of juggling your phone, earbuds, water bottle, and keys in your hands while switching machines at the gym. Nope nope nope. From athleisure favorites like Lululemon and Vuori to Amazon, our editors found the best leggings with pockets—whether you're looking for a supportive, high-waisted legging, the comfiest pair to wear around the house, or enough pocket storage for a tennis (or pickleball) ball or two.
Best Leggings With Pockets
Finding the right pair of leggings is a personal adventure. Here are top factors to keep in mind while shopping for your next favorite pair.
What to Consider
Material
Whether you need extra support for HIIT workouts, or you just want something extra stretchy and comfy to wear on work-from-home days, the right material makes all the difference.
If you tend to sweat a lot, odds are you'll want a pair of leggings made with a moisture-wicking material—because leggings that don't keep you dry can result in skin irritation, or even bacteria growth. Look for fabrics like polyester and elastane to keep you cool throughout movement.
For softer, more lounge-like options, breathable cottons and nylon materials will be light and smooth on skin, while still offering a sculpted feel.
Function of Pockets
Depending on your activity, you'll want to make sure the pockets are actually going to be useful. Leggings with a back pocket that holds your phone and keys are, well, key, for hands-free miles on your daily run. Playing tennis or pickleball? Side pockets that can hold a ball or two will be, pun intended, a game changer.
Opting for back or side pockets can determine how quickly you can access your belongings. Side pockets give you fast, easy access to your phone, while tucking it away in a back pocket can make it a little less accessible. The good news is we found leggings that offer both!
How We Chose
For the past few years, our editors—including Lily Wohlner (Associate E-Commerce Editor), Kristen Saladino (Executive Fashion Director), Rose Lauture (Assistant Fashion Editor), Talene Appleton (NASM and Fitness Editor), and Ellen McAlpine (Commerce Editor)—have been researching the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated leggings with pockets.
We took into consideration the functionality of the pockets, the fabrication of each leggings, and how they performed during various workouts. Noting fabrication, fit, size range, and overall pocket usefulness, we compiled a list of the eight best leggings with pockets that are on the market right now.
Pros
- Extremely soft
- Lightweight
Cons
- Can pill more easily than other options on this list
| Sizes | 0-14 |
|---|---|
| Material | Nulu fabric |
We're willing to bet you're familiar with Lululemon as a brand—and, well, it's worth the hype. These cult-favorite leggings are made with the brand's signature Nulu fabric that feels weightless on the body, and the added pockets make them perfect (literal chef's kiss) for all-day wear. Plus, the Nulu fabric holds its shape, so you won't have to worry about the pockets stretching out.
"The Aligns are so buttery soft—I can wear them to yoga or the gym, but also find myself lounging in them with a big sweatshirt. Whenever I wear them, it truly feels like I have nothing on. And, when you're on the go, the addition of the pockets are a huge help," says Wohlner.
Our editors are also fans of the Align lineup because of the waistband that doesn't roll down, the second-skin feel, and the overall versatility for wear. "I still have a pair that I bought in 2019 and wear and wash at least once a week, and they're still in good condition, minus some pilling of the fabric around the crotch area," says Appleton of her Aligns. You can also shop four inseam lengths (tall girls and short girls, unite!), giving these workout pants a *just right* fit.
Read more: Best Summer Leggings
Pros
- High-waisted
- Thick, supportive waistband
Cons
- Run long
| Sizes | XS-2X |
|---|---|
| Material | 77% Polyester, 23% Elastane |
Looking for a basic, affordable pair of leggings with a higher rise? These are for you. The wider waistband and thick fabric won't roll down whether you're doing downward dog or kickboxing—the pockets are just a bonus. And, at such an affordable price point, you can scoop up a couple of pairs in different colors without overspending.
Appleton was caught off guard by this Amazon pair. "The material feels surprisingly premium. It's smoothing, washes well, and offers a good level of compression. I like that the waistband is nice and thick and stays put."
Pros
- Flat lay pockets
- Seamless ankle construction
Cons
- Minimal size range
| Sizes | XS-XL |
|---|---|
| Material | Nylon, spandex |
Rhone recently expanded into the women's workout sphere, and this high-waisted pair has a 7/8 length (a good cropped option for taller girls) and a good ankle length option (if you're on the shorter side). Appleton wore these for a Hyrox competition, and says the pockets "saved the day" when it came to carrying her phone throughout the day.
Wohlner also tested out this pair and was caught off guard by the high-quality construction and fit. "I appreciate that the pockets don't add any unnecessary bulkiness to my hips, which is super hard to find in a legging. The brand is super popular for its menswear, but its new women's athletic line has really wowed me—give it a shot if you're on the fence!"
Bandier Center Stage Pocket Legging
Pros
- Versatile for different workouts
- No front seam
Cons
- Only two color options
| Sizes | XXS-2XL |
|---|---|
| Material | 50% nylon, 50% spandex |
Lauture says these leggings carry her through all of her workouts. "They're incredibly comfortable and supportive during all my workouts, whether it's Pilates or a HIIT workout." The nylon and spandex blend gives the leggings a sculpting feel and keeps them moisture-wicking no matter how you're training.
"I also really appreciate the no seam in the front, which adds to the comfort and gives a smoothing look. The pockets on the side are a great added bonus, since they're big enough for my phone and keep it securely in place."
We wish these came in more color options, but the classic black colorway makes them even more versatile to keep in your rotation.
Girlfriend Collective Compressive Pocket Legging
Pros
- Extended sizing
- 16 color options
Cons
- Bright colors will show sweat
| Sizes | XXS-6XL |
|---|---|
| Material | 79& recycled water bottles (RPET), 11% spandex |
We can always rely on Girlfriend Collective to offer not only loads of color choices, but also a wide range of both sizes and inseam lengths so every girly can find the perfect fit. And it just makes sense that the brand would add pockets to its classic leggings, since it makes them that much better to wear.
"I reach for my Girlfriend pair when I'm heading to low-impact workouts, since I know the bright colors will show sweat quickly," McAlpine says. "That said, the material is sculpting and squat-proof enough that wearing a darker-toned pair to more intensive workouts would be comfortable. The side pockets are decently sized for phones or thin wallets, while the small back pocket works great for keys or earbuds cases."
Pros
- Soft, sculpting fabric
- Four side pockets
Cons
- Limited sizing
| Sizes | XXS-L |
|---|---|
| Material | 87% nylon, 13% elastane |
"I love these Alo leggings because they offer lots of pocket storage, with side pockets where your hands sit to lower-leg, cargo-style pockets for other items," McAlpine says. "It gives me lots of options when I'm headed out for a walk or barre class."
The Airbrush fabric from Alo is comparable to the other buttery soft picks on our list. It sculpts your legs without feeling overly compressive and is a versatile material for a wide range of workouts. "The only complaint I have is that the side cargo pockets look a bit bulky, especially once you've loaded them up with items," McAlpine adds.
Pros
- Designed with drawstring
- Sweat-wicking
Cons
- Stretches over time
| Sizes | XXS-2X |
|---|---|
| Material | 72% Polyester, 28% Elastane |
These Daily Pocket leggings by Vuori offer a comfortable and relaxed fit. The irresistibly soft fabric is sweat-wicking, so you won't suffer through your next workout class or long run in damp clothing. The tie at the waistband means you can get them to fit perfectly and trust they won't slide down.
The quick-reach side pockets are good for phones or card wallets, but you'll want to skip larger belongings. "I love the high-waisted band because it doesn't pinch or roll. Throughout wear, it lays flat and is super comfortable and hugs just the right places. I wear them to Pilates or even just walking outside," says Saladino. And she frequently uses the side pockets to stash her phone while she's on the go.
Ewedoos High-Waisted Leggings
Pros
- 9 color options
- Features both external and hidden pockets
Cons
- Sizing isn't always accurate
| Sizes | XS-2X |
|---|---|
| Material | 75% Polyester, 25% Spandex |
This is your pick if you want to diversify your stash of plain black leggings. The material feels soft on the skin, phone pockets, and a hidden key pocket, don't be surprised if you eventually end up with one in every color. (Ewedoos's leggings even come in unique colors like pine green and an indigo blue.)
These come in full and capri lengths, so you can find the right option for the season you're in. Heads up: Ewedoos leggings often go on sale on Amazon, so keep your eyes peeled for deals!
Shop More Leggings
Best Seamless Leggings | Best Cotton Leggings | Best Leggings On Amazon | Best Flared Leggings | Best High-Waisted Compression Leggings | Best Lululemon Leggings | Best Amazon Leggings
Lily Wohlner is the Associate E-Commerce Editor of Women’s Health. An expert in recommending the best products to add-to-cart, she knows what it takes for a product to receive a solid five stars (especially when it comes to beauty!). Starting her career as a freelance makeup artist, Lily has since moved to the editorial world, where she has generated content for brands including Oribe, NewBeauty, Dermstore, SkinStore, and LOOKFANTASTIC. When she’s not zenning out with a pore-clearing mask, the Lower East Side dweller is cheffing up a new recipe with her roommate or thrifting for the perfect pair of blue jeans. Follow her on Instagram.
Ellen McAlpine is a commerce editor and writer at Hearst Magazines, covering tech, fitness, lifestyle, and beyond. In her time as a writer, she’s covered everything from top tech items like running watches and ring lights to phone cases and beauty tools.
