Leggings With Pockets Deserve More Hype—Here’s Why
Time to live your best hands-free life.
As someone who hits the gym every morning before work, I know a thing or two about leggings. Even on my rest days, a solid pair of black leggings and an oversized T-shirt is my go-to uniform. No matter where I'm headed, though, there's one detail I always consider before I add a new pair to my athleisure wardrobe: whether or not my bottoms have pockets.
I tend to prefer high-waisted leggings with sweat-wicking technology and max compression for working out, and cozy, soft, cotton-blend yoga pants for day-off loungewear. No matter which category I'm shopping for, though, pockets are a must, to make my leggings outfits that much more utilitarian.
That's why, ahead, I found the very best pairs of leggings with pockets the market, including picks from our favorite activewear brands like Old Navy, Lululemon, Free People's FP Movement, and Amazon. I even included fleece-lined leggings to stock up on for winter and chilly spring days. The options on this list fit any budget, are top-rated, and have pockets deep enough for you to go hands-free at your next workout or errand run. Plus, Marie Claire editors tested every pair on this list and gave their candid, firsthand reviews. Keep scrolling to see their picks.
The Best Leggings With Pockets, by the Numbers
Leggings Brand Name and Style |
Size Range |
Fabric Type |
Number of Pockets |
Inseam Length |
Colorfulkoala Women's High Waisted 7/8 Length Leggings with Pockets |
Sizes XS through XL |
75 percent polyester, 25 percent spandex |
Two |
25 inches |
Sizes 0 through 20 |
81 percent nylon, 19 percent lycra elastane |
Three |
23, 25, 28, or 31 inches |
|
Sizes XS through 3XL |
75 percent polyester, 25 percent spandex |
Three |
27.1 through 28.1 inches, depending on your preferred size |
|
One Size and One Size Plus (SATINA notes to select "One Size" if you wear S-L, and "Plus Size" if you wear XL-XXL.) |
92 percent polyester, 8 percent spandex |
Two |
27 inches for One Size, 28 inches for One Size Plus |
|
Sizes XXS through 6XL |
79 percent recycled water bottles (RPET) and 21 percent spandex |
Three |
23.75, 28, and 31 inches |
|
Sizes XXS through 4X |
88 percent polyester, 12 percent spandex |
Three |
Short for those 5'3" and under, Regular for those 5’4" to 5’6", and Tall for 5’7" and above |
|
Old Navy Extra-High Waisted Powersoft Boundless 7/8 Pocket Leggings – No Front Seam |
Sizes XS through 4X |
77 percent recycled polyester, 23 percent spandex |
Two |
N/A |
Sizes XXS through 3X |
75 percent nylon, 25 percent Lyrca |
Two |
Regular, tall, and petite |
Marie Claire's Favorite Leggings with Pockets
- Best Overall Leggings with Pockets: Colorfulkoala Women's High Waisted 7/8 Length Leggings with Pockets
- Best Splurge-Worthy Leggings with Pockets: Lululemon Align™ High-Rise Pants with Pockets
- Best Affordable Leggings with Pockets: Ewedoos High-Waisted Leggings With Pockets
- Best Leggings with Pockets for Lounging: SATINA High Waisted Leggings for Women
- Best Size-Inclusive Leggings with Pockets: Girlfriend Collective Compressive Pocket Leggings
- Best Leggings with Pockets for Working Out: Fabletics On-The-Go Powerhold High-Waisted Leggings
- Best Leggings with Deep Pockets: Athleta Salutation Stash High Rise Leggings
Shop the Best Leggings With Pockets
Colorfulkoala 7/8 Length Leggings have a deep enough pocket to hold your phone securely.
You really don't have to spend a lot of money to get a quality pair of leggings these days. Case in point: this Colorfulkoala pair from Amazon, which boasts over 39,000 five-star reviews. The leggings are made from the kind of smooth material that will make you forget you're even wearing pants. They also have just enough compression to make you feel secure, but won't restrict your movement.
What's the Size Range?: Sizes XS through XL.
What's the Fabric Type?: 75 percent polyester, 25 percent spandex.
How Many Pockets?: Two.
What's the Inseam?: 25 inches.
What We Love: Available in 24 different colors and prints; soft fabric; seamless high waistband for comfort; has four-way stretch.
What We Don't: Only offers light compression.
Marie Claire's Review: "At this point, I exclusively buy leggings with pockets—but not all pockets are treated equally! These leggings are buttery soft, and the tightness, while evenly distributed, isn’t so tight that you feel suffocated. The pocket is big, sturdy, and stretchy, so my phone can be completely tucked into it; I don’t have to worry about it slipping out while running or doing any other sort of active movement. The length cuts off perfectly at the ankle bone, and the fabric doesn’t bunch up—even when styled with higher socks. I love this deep blue colorway, which reads more like athleisure than strict workout attire." —Lucia Tonelli, former Associate Social Media Director
Fashion E-Commerce editor Julia Marzovilla said nothing budged in her pockets while wearing Lululemon's Align leggings.
Lululemon is known for its range of buttery fabrics. If you haven't tried the line, it may be time to invest in a pair of celebrity-beloved Aligns. They're lightweight, comfy, and non-restricting. (Though, these might not be the leggings for you if you prefer more compression.) They also come in four inseam lengths, for you to find your best fit.
What's the Size Range?: Sizes 0 through 20.
What's the Fabric Type?: 81 percent nylon, 19 percent lycra elastane.
How Many Pockets?: Three.
What's the Inseam?: 23, 25, 28, or 31 inches.
What We Love: Available in four inseam lengths; soft fabric; lightweight; has four-way stretch.
What We Don't: Offers light compression.
Marie Claire's Review: "These Lululemon leggings are simply the best pair I own. Not only are they made from a buttery smoothing material that makes me look like I hit the gym every single day, but the super high rise means I can wear them with crop tops and sports bras without showing too much skin. They're also unbelievably lightweight—perfect for summer!—and don't bunch at my ankles like similar leggings do. The pockets are also perfect. They're super deep and hold my phone and wallet without looking too bulky. Plus, they're very secure! I tested them at the gym multiple times using the pockets to carry my headphones and phone, and nothing budged." — Julia Marzovilla, Fashion E-Commerce Editor
Marie Claire's Fashion Features Editor Emma Childs went without a purse to her yoga class thanks to Ewedoos' comfortable (and spacious) pockets.
Further proof that great leggings with pockets can come with an affordable price tag? Meet these Ewedoos leggings. Over 38,000 Amazon shoppers have left reviews praising them for their comfort, stretch, and flattering shape. They feature a second-skin fabric that's lightweight, breathable and moves with your body, which means they're a great pick for your next yoga or spin class.
What's the Size Range?: Sizes XS-3XL.
What's the Fabric Type?: 75 percent polyester, 25 percent spandex.
How Many Pockets?: Three.
What's the Inseam?: 27 inches for X-Small (additional 0.2 inches for each size up).
What We Love: Has four-way stretch; lightweight; breathable; sweat-wicking; opaque fabrication.
What We Don't: The waistband may fall down when the pockets are full.
Marie Claire's Review: "Ewedoos's black leggings with pockets are the latest addition to my workout wear collection, and I'm thrilled with how they withstood a recent heated vinyasa flow class. The high-rise waistline remained snug, even during upside-down inversion poses, and the four-way fabric did an excellent job of wicking away sweat. The pockets were much appreciated, too; since they comfortably carried my phone, keys, wired headphones, and sunglasses, I left my purse at home." — Emma Childs, Fashion Features Editor
Satina's High Waisted Leggings offer next-level comfort for lounging.
With over 102,000 reviews, this pair may be one of the top-rated leggings on Amazon, thanks to the fact they're both ultra-comfortable and soft. One thing to note: These are one size fits all, meaning that they may be extra stretchy, but have little to no compression. They're definitely best for casual wear. They also come in a trendy capri-pant length if you want to try the celebrity-loved trend.
What's the Size Range?: One Size and One Size Plus. (Satina notes to select "One Size" if you wear S-L, and "Plus Size" if you wear XL-XXL.)
What's the Fabric Type?: 92 percent polyester, eight percent spandex.
How Many Pockets?: Two.
What's the Inseam?: 27 inches for One Size, 28 inches for One Size Plus.
What We Love: High-waisted; ultra-stretchy; soft fabric; opaque fabrication.
What We Don't: Only offers low compression.
Marie Claire's Review: "At size 10, I don't have the easiest time finding well-fitting clothes, so anything claiming to be 'one size' immediately sets off alarm bells in my head. Lo and behold, these leggings fit, were crazy comfortable, and stayed in place during my walk. In all honestly, they may have the softest, coziest fabric I've felt in a pair of leggings, and I've tried my fair share. That said, these did prove to be a little too hot for my afternoon walk, and the low compression didn't offer much support. Still, I may have found my new favorite leggings for lounging around the house, because these are next-level comfy." — Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Commerce Editor
Marie Claire's Senior Beauty Editor Samantha Holender says Girlfriend Collective's leggings are thicker than any other pair she owns.
Girlfriend Collective is known for its size-inclusive activewear. The brand's Compressive Pocket Leggings are a top seller, and have over 9,300 rave reviews on its site. They have high compression and are sweat-wicking, which means they're best for high-impact workouts. All the colorways have several matching top options, so you can create a set with no sweat (pun intended).
What's the Size Range?: Sizes XXS through 6XL.
What's the Fabric Type?: 79 percent recycled water bottles (RPET) and 11 percent spandex.
How Many Pockets?: Three.
What's the Inseam?: 23.75, 28.5, or 31 inches.
What We Love: Made from recycled materials; offers high compression; sweat-wicking fabric; opaque fabrication; available in three inseam lengths; ultra high-waisted.
What We Don't: Some reviewers note the waist slides down during exercise.
Marie Claire's Review: “I have more black leggings than I care to admit. But after this Girlfriend pair entered my collection, they became my go-to. The fabric is thicker than any other leggings I own—the panel at the top sucks in my stomach, and the lining down the sides offers great compression. The pockets lie incredibly flat against my leg but are deep enough to hold my phone when working out or going on a walk without issue. I will say they're a little long if you're on the shorter side (I'm 5'3" for context), so you might want to get them hemmed." — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
Fabletics's On-The-Go PowerHold High-Waisted Leggings earned top points with Fashion Editor Lauren Tappan.
Yes, you can buy these flattering leggings (and all Fabletics leggings, for that matter) without being a program member. This top-rated pair offers enough compression to make you feel supported, but they're stretchy enough to move with you through your most challenging workouts. You can shop them in three inseam lengths, which is great if you're on the petite side.
What's the Size Range?: Sizes XXS through 4X.
What's the Fabric Type?: 88 percent polyester, 12 percent spandex.
How Many Pockets?: Three.
What's the Inseam?: Short for those 5'3" and under, Regular for those 5’4" to 5’6", and Tall for 5’7" and above.
What We Love: Available in three inseam lengths; offers high compression; has four-way stretch.
What We Don't: Limited color options.
Marie Claire's Review: "I’ve been searching for a new pair of leggings to add to my collection of workout outfits, and I think I just found my match. I recently wore Fabletics’s On-The-Go PowerHold leggings to the gym, and I was beyond impressed by the way they fit. The high-rise silhouette created a snug fit around my waist, so the waistband remained in place (no slipping at all). Also, the stretchy construction enabled ample mobility and the smooth fabric felt so soft. My absolute favorite feature, though? These leggings are equipped with two deep pockets that are large enough to hold various small essentials. I carried my phone in one pocket, and my keys in the other, and my belongings stayed put during my entire workout." — Lauren Tappen, Fashion Editor
Marzovilla is an Old Navy activewear convert after trying the brand's Extra-High Waisted PowerSoft Boundless 7/8 Pocket Leggings.
Old Navy recently revamped its popular PowerSoft activewear range, and has tons of high-quality, high-waisted picks that come without a pesky central seam. Available in five colors, the new selection is one of my favorite investments of the last few months. The extra-high rise offers support and doesn't budge, while the thick, sweat-wicking fabric is stretchy, soft, and prevents sweat stains from showing through.
What's the Size Range?: Sizes XS through 4X.
What's the Fabric Type?: 77 percent recycled polyester, 23 percent spandex.
How Many Pockets?: Two.
What's the Inseam?: N/A.
What We Love: Available in five colors; has four-way stretch; has a high-rise that doesn't roll down.
What We Don't: Only comes in one inseam.
Marie Claire's Review: "These leggings stand up to even the most luxurious options in my closet. I wore mine (in the shade Lunar Path) to Pilates and a 10,000-step walk around New York, and saw no sweat stains. The waistband is secure and didn't roll down, either. They feel soft to the touch and are breathable—plus, you can shop for several matching bra styles to complete the look for less than $100. It's a win-win if you love cute activewear that holds up in the gym." —Marzovilla
Who needs a gym bag when you have Athleta's Salutation Stash High Rise Leggings?
If you like to take your whole life to the gym but hate carrying a bag, consider these Athleta leggings. Both pockets are deep enough to hold all of your essentials (more on that later, according to a Marie Claire editor's review), and last for years.
What's the Size Range?: Sizes XXS through 3X.
What's the Fabric Type?: 75 percent nylon, 25 percent Lycra.
How Many Pockets?: Two.
What's the Inseam?: Regular, Tall, and Petite.
What We Love: Available in five colors; has four-way stretch; has a high-rise that doesn't roll down.
What We Don't: Run a little large.
Marie Claire's Review: "I’ve been ride-or-die for Athleta for years, and its Salutation Stash 7/8 Leggings are easily my favorite pair. The fabric is buttery-soft, and the waistband is supportive enough not slip during workouts. And the pockets? Deep enough for my phone and keys, but somehow still sleek and flattering. I love being able to stash my phone and run hands-free. One thing to note: They definitely run large, so if you’re looking for a snatched fit, I’d recommend sizing down!" — Christina DAmbrosio, Deputy Director, Social
What to Look For in the Best Leggings With Pockets
When searching for the best leggings with pockets, you'll quickly discover many different styles and fits on the market. Ahead, a few key factors to look out for.
- Fabrication: The number one factor to consider while shopping is the fabric. Searching for leggings to hit the gym in? Opt for a pair made from at least 10 percent or higher elastane, spandex, or lycra fabric—the materials that make your leggings stretchy and allow for more effortless movement. For super sweaty workouts, nylon is a good choice for its durable, water-resistant coating. If you're looking for leggings to lounge in, try a cotton blend for an extra-soft touch.
- Number of Pockets: Pick a design based on your needs. Are you someone who likes to go bag-free during your workout but still needs to bring all of the essentials? Finding a pair of leggings with several deep-set pockets. If you want to carry your phone or keys while running, seeking one out with a smaller hidden pocket—like one tucked into the side or sewn at the back—might be the move.
- Length: Pay attention to the inseam length to avoid leggings that are too short or pool at the ankles.
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
For this story, we asked editors to share and test top-rated leggings with pockets, and ultimately selected six pairs. Our team evaluated each pair based on its fabric, fit, size range, performance, style, versatility, and quality of pockets. The rest of the leggings with pockets on this list come top-rated, too, with hundreds of five-star reviews.
