Best Running Tights For Women (2023 Buyer’s Guide]

I don’t know about y’all, but the right pair of running tights can make me feel like a top Olympic athlete, like I can run forever.

There’s just something about getting a brand-new pair or finding that perfect fit that just kicks your motivation notch up a level!

With a ton of options and opinions out there, finding the perfect match for you can feel intimidating.

Never fear — here’s a quick run-down of the tights aisle (pun intended)!

With no further ado, I introduce you to some of the best and most popular running tights on the market.

Popular Tights on the Market

Determine the Right Pair of Pants

Let’s kick it off with some basics and important criteria to consider. As you glance through these, I encourage you to consider what YOUR individual needs are in the short and long term.

The best running tights are the ones that fit you perfectly in both function and form. Especially as your training and distances increase, there should be less room for error concerning your gear’s fit and performance.

The Battle Between Leggings and Tights 

Could you get by with your usual generic gym leggings? Maybe.

Are running tights and running leggings really all that different?

The simple answer is YES.

If you’re training for longer runs or races, the benefits of specialized, sweat wicking tights are definitely worth the investment.

Running tights differ from leggings primarily because of the materials used, the form, and the function.

Unlike leggings, they’re more breathable, durable, muscle-supporting, and chafe-less. 

Decisions, Decisions… Running Tights vs. Leggings 

Running Tights

• Tight fit to support muscles
• Seamless and sweat-wicking to reduce chafing
• High-quality material to protect against the elements and manage body temperature

Leggings

• Soft and stretchy for everyday comfort

Must-Have Features

Now that we’ve determined running tights are THE best choice for your training, it’s time to move into the unique features that help determine which pair is right for you!

Through my own trials and tribulations with running tights, I present to you a few features that I’ve found most relevant in the selection process. Make sure to consider these when trying to find the best running tights.

Finding the Perfect Fit

Making sure you’re wearing the appropriate size running tights is majorly important.

The best size and fit will ensure that they don’t constrict your stride (or straight up fall down a mile in!).

To select the right size, first and foremost, you’ll need to make sure they feel comfortable when you try them on.

If they’re not tolerable in your dressing room, how might they feel when you’re actually hitting the pavement or trail? 

How Tight is Too Tight

That said, and as the name suggests, they should fit tight — no gaps around your waist or ankles.

Tights are meant to provide some compression and stabilization for your muscles on the run. They need to be a little compressive, which may be an adjustment if you’re making the transition from leggings.

If they’re falling down, that could be the byproduct of either too large or too small of a fit — be judicious and honest with yourself about which issue is coming up for you. 

How Low Can You Go?

The last piece of fit is the rise. There are options for high-waisted or mid-rise running leggings.

What you choose is entirely dependent on your preferences!

Personally, I prefer the high-rise.

The high-waisted tights feel like a snug hug for my hips and glutes — no fear of slippage. Plus, they tend to give you an hourglass shape!

Tights That Wick & Warm 

You will find most running leggings contain a limited amount of cotton in their mix to ensure a good fit, but there are other benefits too.

Usually, they are crafted from Rayon or Spandex blends to promote sweat-wicking and temperature control.

Some tights are even made of fabric blends specific for hot or cold weather.

The less cotton present in the tights, the warmer they’ll be as temperatures drop.

Depending on where you live, this can be an important factor!

The sweat-wicking nature of the materials is part one of a thoughtful plan to minimize chafing. Most tights also boast seamless or flatlock seams to eliminate chafing altogether! 

PRO TIP

When trying on options, do a few squats and lunges in the leggings. Are they high enough on your waist? Are they quality material to avoid transparency with movement? Find a pair that won’t show off too much of your assets! 

Dress for Your Comfort

As mentioned about the fit, your running tights should be tight but comfortable.

The last thing you want to be thinking about during your run is how uncomfortable your tights are or how self-conscious you feel.

What you wear with your tights and making sure you feel confident in them is the most important part of owning tights.

Don’t Let Layers Slow You Down

If you are competitive at all, or maybe just looking to create more ease on your run, I guarantee you won’t want to wear too many layers over your tights.

I’m sure you’ll find that you wish you’d never worn anything else but running tights your whole life, because the aerodynamic benefits should be immediately clear.

Wear What Makes You Confident

The rest of your running gear is all about how you like your clothes to move with you on your run and how you feel comfortable when out and about.

Wear a tunic top or longer jacket for more coverage. Go commando or don’t! If you prefer undergarments, I recommend finding seamless athletic hipsters like these from Under Armour: Womens Hipster.

Compression: Cool Breeze, Tight Squeeze (But Not the Shivers) 

Don’t know about compression? Well, buckle up — compression tights are the king of running tights. 

Running is perhaps the first fitness activity to really embrace the compression technology — and for good reason.

Compression Tights?

Compression tights offer a very snug fit that supports muscles in motion.

Generally, the fabric is sewn into the pant in a way that follows the muscle fibers and their actions.

Intended to hold you tight in all the right places (quads, glutes, hamstrings, and calves — ooh la la!), compression supports the muscles around your joints and bones which aids in injury prevention and quicker recovery time. 

Effects of Compression Tights

Think of leggings compression like an Ace Wrap for your entire lower half.

On that note, additional special attributes are that compression helps blood circulate more efficiently, pulls lactic acid out of the area, and keeps muscles warm so your legs continue to swing with ease the entire run.

Say “sayonara” to any excess soreness post-run and “hello” to more days of running!

In addition, the aerodynamic nature of compression tights can boost your running speed because they reduce wind resistance.

PRO TIP

While all this sounds amazing, compression should only be worn for set amounts of time. Not day in and out.

Compression tights are best for running training and brief stints on recovery days.

Nice-to-Haves 

A few other fun features to consider are: at least one pocket and enough visibility features. Obviously, depending on the time of day you run, some reflective details could be a good safety feature.

You might also consider a colorful style to add into the rotation!

And of course, pockets. What girl doesn’t love a well placed pocket?

They’re the best! A packet is very handy to toss your spare house key, ID and phone into.

Faves for My Babes 

Based on the tights I’ve tried on myself, my research findings, and opinions from other runners, here are the tights I’d suggest most: 

Editor’s Choice: Lululemon Fast and Free Tights

The thoughtfulness that Lululemon has given to these running leggings make them extra special for runners who want to find a compression that suits performance, and a fit that makes them feel confident in appearance.

While the price can be a bit daunting, the special tailoring for runners’ needs and women’s bodies is worth it in my opinion.

Best material, technology, and cut for runs as well as day-to-day comfort.

Runner-Up: Nike Epic Lux Tights

Nike crushes it with these, like they usually do.

These running leggings are a good all-around, day-to-day tight that is unobtrusive and gets the job done.

Best Value: CompressionZ High Waisted Women’s Legging

With the CompressionZ quality, expertise in compression, and style options, you simply cannot beat this price for what you get!

Have room for more in your closet?

To Cross the Finish Line

Fit, comfort, material, and compression amongst other features are all important factors that could affect your run and enjoyment on the path or pavement.

For me, I’m always going to stick to the Nike Tights.

Without a doubt, best running experience.

I run year-long and often, I find myself squeezing a run in when I can. I am ready to go all day in these.

The fit, feel, and style with the lightweight, sweat wick, mid-grade compression make this set the most well-rounded choice. 

Find The Best For You

Nonetheless, the information I’ve provided definitely considers the control element – specs of the tights.

I can recommend tights all day but in the end YOU are unique.

The best running leggings are the ones that are best for YOU — one that supports your run and makes you feel like a rockstar!

Look Back on the Review

As you go to find YOUR best running leggings, I’d consider the factors we’ve run through (pun intended, again!).

But I’d also make sure to think through the frequency and duration of your runs to determine how much compression you actually need, all the activities you’d like to wear the tights for, personal style and fit preferences, and your budget.

In the end, you’ll want your attire to suit your needs and comfort so you can crush it like Nike!

I also have reviews for other workout wear, such as running pants and plus size yoga pants.

Aside from proper workout gear, I also have articles like marathon training and weightlifting that might help with your fitness journey.

We also have workout equipment reviews for: non-motorized treadmills, elliptical machines, exercise bikes.

Happy running!