I've Tried Leggings At Every Budget – The Best Affordable Ones Are Secretly At Amazon

Look: I’ve spent $200 on leggings, and I’ve spent $10 on leggings. Enroll me in a blind test to determine which one is which, and I’d be hard-pressed to tell you. It’s no secret that Amazon is a goldmine for leggings that come at a fraction of the price of their more expensive, designer counterparts. Because more often than not, you’re paying for the logo while the materials remain the same.

From athletic leggings to enhance your performance to those that are soft and stretchy enough for lounging and running errands, here are the best affordable leggings on Amazon that look and feel like a million bucks.

A seam-free pair for a seamless wearing experience

These have got to be some of the most high-quality leggings I own, and they cost about the same as a couple fancy lattes. Thanks to their no-seam front panel, you get a smooth look that doesn’t draw any unwanted attention (or chafing) to your lower region. Their Dreamlux fabric is not to be missed — it’s at once cooling, slick and cozy, meeting my needs whether I’m on the treadmill or the couch.

Deep pockets on each thigh have been a life-saver in a bind when I don’t have a purse to stash my smaller essentials from a phone to lip balm. I opted for the petite version to better suit my short legs, and nothing looks more expensive than a perfectly tailored pair of leggings that actually fits your frame. Get them in petite and standard sizes XS-XXL.

Promising review: “BEST leggings I’ve EVER owned, and I live in leggings. Forget Lululemon, forget Popflex, get these. Great quality, SUPER comfortable, they’re stretchy but sculpting and the fabric feels so luxe.” — Shen

$23+ at Amazon

An opaque pair for extra coverage

The key to looking expensive is to wear fabrics that withstand the test of time and deep squats. These highly opaque tights with the brand’s signature “squat-proof” Interlink fabric do just that, allowing me to feel confident on the yoga mat or in the weight room. Their thick, high-waisted band keeps me feeling contained, adding an element of compression where I need it most. Most importantly, they look brand-new despite having been through the wash at least 20 times. Get them in sizes XS-3X.

Promising review: “There’s no way I’m ever buying any other brand of leggings because these are so perfect it’s almost unbelievable. They’re tight enough that you feel held in, but not so tight that it’s a struggle to pull them on or uncomfortable in any way. The material is soft, not too thick, flexible, keeps you feeling dry and cool even during intense activity, and really so comfortable I’d wear these all day every day with no problems.” — Kojibaby

$30 at Amazon

A warm hug for your legs

Instead of baggy long johns or sweats that have lost their shape, don these sleek fleece-lined leggings in a variety of neutral and playful hues. They come with or without pockets for added convenience.

Promising review: “I can’t put into words how amazing these leggings are. These hug my legs in the most perfect way. I think the waist band is perfect and not loose at all. It’s also not tight and doesn’t have that annoying compression that workout pants typically have. I only wear leggings similar to the Lululemon Aligns, and the material on the outside feels very similar and not that weird slick material that I hate.” — R. Retro

$16+ at Amazon

A carbon copy of name brand leggings

Another trick for looking expensive in your leggings? Opt for a model that features all if not some of the same specs as pricier models. This pair features the same dipped rear hemline as the Lululemon Align leggings that are currently going for upwards of three times the price. Here, you also get that same thick and buttery fabric that helps you look and feel put-together. This style comes in a 25-inch inseam, which is designed to hit just above the ankle on most folks. That semi-cropped length will also give you a lengthened, streamlined look that takes your Pilates or errands aesthetic to a whole new level. Get these in sizes XS-XL and a ton of colors.

Promising review: “I am in love with these leggings. They are soft and smooth with a good structure. I love that the black is true black, not faded. The price is perfect for a high-quality legging. The length is perfect and sits right above the ankle. I love these more than expensive name brand leggings.” — Kelsey Rohl

$32 at Amazon

A velvety pair for an upscale take on loungewear

Whether you opt for jewel-toned red, subdued mocha or an olive shade in these velour leggings, you’re bound to look elevated. These aren’t the right pair for reps at the gym or miles on the track, however. Instead, try them with a knee-high boot and a trench for an autumnal look you’ll fall in love with. Get them in sizes S-3X.

Promising review: “I really like these leggings! They fit great. They are very versatile; you can wear them with a sweatshirt or dress them up with a cute shirt and dress shoes or boots. They are so soft and feel great on. I ordered the black and the gray, and both look great! I would like them in every color! They also wash up well, I do wash them inside out and hang to dry. Highly recommend!” — R

$26 at Amazon

A vegan leather pair with edge and class

The key to mastering the leather legging look in a way that looks expensive is finding a material that boasts a subtle sheen as opposed to an overly slick gloss. That’s just what these sophisticated Spanx leggings achieve. While they’re a bit pricier than other options on this list, you’re also getting the reliable and contouring shapewear benefits shoppers know, love and expect from Spanx. Get these in petite, standard and tall sizes XS-3X.

Promising review: “Praying they never get rid of these! They are without a doubt the best, classiest pair of leggings I have ever owned. I have at least three pairs, and four if you’re counting a pair of maternity leggings. The quality is absolutely fantastic and they really keep you held in. I will probably be wearing these for the rest of my life.” — Aimee Kerry

$49 at Amazon

A pair of leggings with contrast piping

If you told me these leggings were made by Alo Yoga, I’d believe you (and I consider myself an Alo wizard). Their contrast piping highlights the silhouette in a way that’s so chic and understated, and it adds something interesting to look at without being overly flashy or hard to style. They come in several cool colorways with contrasting piping at the waistband and all down the thigh. They’re available in sizes XS-XL.

Promising review: “These look a lot like the Alo leggings for a fraction of the price. The quality of these leggings is great. They are extremely soft and fit well.” — Katie Burke

$37 at Amazon

A pair of leggings chic enough for the office

Save for about a half an inch of extra room at the ankle, these office-friendly rayon-blend pants are as close as it gets to leggings while still feeling appropriate. At only $25, they look like something you’d find for quadruple the price at retailers like J.Crew or Banana Republic. From houndstooth to gingham, their classy prints add visual interest to your outfit in ways than traditional athletic leggings rarely do. Get these in sizes S-3X.

Promising review: “I loved the comfy fit of these spandex olive slacks that fit like leggings. They do not bind. I got tired of wearing the same black pants (the only pair that fit) now that I’m back at the office one day a week. The olive color is a good neutral for me. Surprisingly, these pants pair with a lot of tops I have.” — ChampagneTaste-On Budget

$25 at Amazon

A striped pair of leggings on track to be your favorites

Rocking a brand name is a cheat code to looking like you spent more than you actually did on a given garment, but if you source it from Amazon, you’re bound to find a great deal. These classic three-stripe cotton Adidas leggings make a fantastic alternative to track pants, should you be looking for something a little extra form-fitting for high-impact activities. Get these in sizes XXS-4X with some long/tall sizes available.

Promising review: “These leggings are a staple in my wardrobe. The stripes on the side make them more interesting than plain leggings but not garish like some patterned leggings are. They are lightweight, which is perfect for the moderate to warm weather where I live. I have had a black pair for three years so they are durable. They fit great. They are stretchy and never sag or require me to pull them up.” — ShoppinMama

$30+ at Amazon

10.

A mini flare for a mini style moment

Fun fact: leggings are a loose term to encompass all sorts of pants that hug your body. If you’re not looking to shell out an arm and a leg for the viral Lululemon Align mini flares, these sweat-wicking leggings are your best bet. Their flare fares well in everything from Pilates with a matching crop top to dinner with a mock neck sweater, providing limitless styling options. If you’re not into a dramatic wide flare, these guys begin their flare lower down the calf for a more subtle look and enhanced wind-blocking properties in cooler temps.

Promising review: “I will recommend CRZ Yoga until the day I die. I have these in three colors with the matching long line bras. I wore them every day throughout my whole pregnancy. I literally wore these to Disneyland two days before the baby arrived, 10 miles over 10 hours. It’s the most comfortable I’ve been in an outfit. Light compression, smooths all the right places, high waist and fabric is so soft. Great price for the quality.” — Demi Rose Howe

$38 at Amazon

The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date.