Best Capri Workout Leggings

Capris are so back! 

Capris are what I reach for when full-length leggings feel like too much. They’ve got enough coverage for squats and floor work, expose enough for hot workouts, and stop before you’ve got material bunching at your ankles. But they’re not all created equal. A pair of capris built for heavy lifting at CrossFit are not the ones you’d want to wear for a slow-flow yoga session. 

Instead of trying to crown the best capris to workout in, I’m going to deem a capri queen for each type of workout. 

Best Capri Workout Leggings at a Glance

Best For	Pick	Price*	Compression
Strength training	Fabletics On-the-Go PowerHold High-Waisted Capri	$69.95	Max
HIIT + training classes	lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Crop 21”	$88	Supportive
Yoga + low impact	lululemon Align High-Rise Crop 21”	$88	Light
Studio classes + pockets	Athleta Salutation Stash High-Rise Capri	$99	Medium
All-day comfort	Beyond Yoga Spacedye Out of Pocket High-Waisted Capri	$108	Light
Budget buyers	CRZ YOGA Butterluxe Pocket Legging 21”	$28	Gentle

*Prices are current as of October 2026

How to Choose

Unless you’re a loyal brand baddie, there are three things more important than the name on the waistband:

• Compression Level: Just like a supportive sports bra, compression matters when it comes to box-jumps. High compression is going to hold you in and feel locked down when you’re under a barbell. If you’re on a stretch day or joining a yoga class, light compression is going to be your barely-there comfortable option. If you’re only going to have one pair spanning different workouts, go for a medium compression.
• Inseam: Generally, capris run about 20 to 24 inches, so a 21-inch inseam is going to land mid-calf on an average-height person. If you’re on the petite-side, 21 inches could be hiding your ankles, and on the opposite end, if you’re tall, it might only hit your knee. Some brands offer petite and tall versions, so keep that in mind when shopping.
• Squat-Proof Fabric and Pockets: Gym girlies know: Fabric matters, especially when you’re in a crowded gym on squat day. Some fabrics go transparent when stretched, so make sure you do a squat test in good lighting before you rip the tag off. After it passes the test, check for storage in the waistband and side pockets for another plus. 

Best Capri Workout Leggings: The Details

Fabletics On-the-Go PowerHold High-Waisted Capri

Best for strength training

Barbells, kettlebells, squats… whatever your strength-training days look like, the PowerHold capris are going to be your best friend. These are designed specifically for high-output training and won’t shift while you’re dropping it low on the mat. PowerHold fabric is the highest-compression fabric from Fabletics, and once you pull it on, you won’t have to readjust the material during your workout.

The compression level plus the storage in the On-the-Go version of these capris put these at the top of my list. The side pockets hold your phone, so you aren’t leaving it by the weights, the anti-chafe material doesn’t leave you burning up, and the UPF protection covers you during those outside workouts. 

These win over the premium names like lululemon and Athleta because although they make excellent-quality capris, they lean softer and lighter. When you’re throwing weights around, you want the leggings that say it in the name: POWERHOLD. Nothing is budging. 

It’s worth noting that maximum compression feels very firm, so if you are someone who is used to the buttery-soft yoga fabrics, you may find these a little stiff. I’d instead guide you toward Fabletics’s PureLuxe line with medium to light compression if you’re weary.

• Price: $69.95 for non-members; VIP members pay 20%–50% off retail price
  • *Note: Fabletics offers a VIP membership that customers can join for regular discounts, monthly VIP Credits, and Loyalty Points. A membership is not necessary to purchase anything, but it can be a huge perk if you’re a repeat buyer!
• Sizes: XXS–4X
• Fabric: PowerHold (88% polyester/12% elastane)

Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Crop 21”

Best for HIIT and training classes

For the gals grabbing more of a sweat session instead of heavy lifting, the Wunder Train is the capri you’re going to gravitate toward. If HIIT, spin, hot pilates, and bootcamp classes have you drenched within 10 minutes of entering the studio, Everlux fabric is going to keep you cool and dry longer than anything else on the list. lululemon engineered this material specifically for humid and low airflow rooms to keep you comfortable and focused on your workout longer. 

The fabric is super soft and feels cool when it brushes against your skin, and the lycra composition helps hold the leggings’ shape after washing them time and time again. The high-rise waistband has a drawcord that keeps the capris in place while you’re knocking out burpee after burpee on your mat. The waistband also has a small storage pocket to keep a key or card with you, although it’s not big enough for your phone.

Wunder Train leans more supportive rather than sculpting, which makes it a perfect training capri for cardio-heavy classes where breathability takes priority over high compression. The material is forgiving and won’t make you feel sucked in when you’re sliding on the reformer. 

Price: $88

Sizes: 0–20

Fabric: Everlux (77% nylon/23% Lycra elastane)

Lululemon Align High-Rise Crop 21”

Best for yoga and low impact

I’m a yogi, and I can’t recommend these enough for slow-flow classes. Lululemon’s Align legging line is a cult favorite for a reason: They’re buttery-soft and feel absolutely weightless. Pair this with the cropped capri version, and you’re not tugging at your ankles to adjust your leggings while in downward dog. 

The Nulu fabric composition has a four-way stretch that moves with your curves with every twist or fold you find yourself in. The lycra helps hold its shape while the nylon keeps them soft and breathable. At 21 inches, they are designed to fall mid-calf on an average-height person. It also has a small hidden pocket in the waistband that fits a key or card that won’t disturb you while rising into a headstand. 

Workouts aside, I reach for my Align leggings for daycare pickup, lazy Sundays, or when my jeans won’t button. They’re extraordinarily comfortable, making them perfect for a low-impact workout or a Netflix binge on the couch. 

Price: $88

Sizes: 0–14

Fabric: Nulu (81% nylon/19% Lycra elastane)

Athleta Salutation Stash High-Rise Capri

Best for studio classes and pockets

Looking for something that’s softer than the PowerHold but more structured than Align? The Salutation Stash sits right in between for a medium-compression hold. But don’t take it just from me—these have more than 4,000 rave reviews on Athleta’s website.

Athleta’s Powervita fabric is soft and described as a “gentle hug,” which is exactly what you want for a medium-compression legging. The fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking, and rated UPF 40+, so they can also be great for outdoor activities. 

Regardless of if you’re outside for work or pleasure, you’ll find plenty of storage in the side pockets that fit your phone, key, or card, so they’re a great pair of leggings for when you don’t want to carry a bag. The price leans slightly high at $99, but the price earns its keep with the flexibility these leggings bring. 

Price: $99

Sizes: XXS–3X

Fabric: Powervita (75% nylon/25% Lycra elastane)

Beyond Yoga Spacedye Out of Pocket High-Waisted Capris

Best for all-day comfort

Who says leggings are just for workouts? If you’re looking for the best capri legging to literally do anything (or nothing) in, look no further than these sleek and chic pants. Once you slide your legs into these ultra-soft leggings, you’re not going to want to take them off. Run all of your errands in them, and then pop into the studio if you haven’t already melted from how buttery they are. 

These are your go-to “hot girl walk” leggings that have a smooth compression without digging in. You can keep your phone and essentials in the two side pockets while pushing the stroller in the park, pushing your cart at the store, or pushing yourself in a low-impact workout. The Out of Pocket High-Waisted Capris make it seamless to go from one activity to the next in the same pants.

They’re a tad pricey at $108, but they often go on sale, with the popular colors selling out fast. Their 20.5-inch length does leave them a half-inch shorter than most of the others on this list, so keep that in mind if you’re on the taller side.

Price: $108

Sizes: XXS–XXL

Fabric: Spacedye (87% polyester/13% elastane) 

CRZ YOGA Butterluxe Pocket Legging 21”

Best for budget buyers

$100+ for a pair of capri leggings in this economy?! As much as I would love to fill my drawers with the premium brands, it’s not realistic for most of us. The CRZ YOGA Butterluxe Capri is an excellent option if you love the lululemon Align material but still need to pay your rent or mortgage this month. 

Just like the Align material, the Butterluxe fabric is ultra-stretchy with a gentle compression, so it feels more like a low-impact capri than a training tight. It has comparable specs to the others on the list: 21” inseam (more options online) and side pockets to keep your valuables close. 

It earns the budget or entry level spot at $28 per pair. You could buy three pairs of these for the price of one of some of the others above. It’s exactly what most people are looking for in a capri legging—comfort—and if you’re just starting to explore the gym and don’t know exactly what you’re looking for yet, these get you a bang for your buck. 

It’s worth noting that the cost of these also comes with reviews mentioning quality. In comparison to some of the patented fabrics mentioned above, these may not hold up in the wash as well, or they may not pass the squat test. 

Price: $28

Sizes: XXS–XL
Fabric: Butterluxe (81% polyamide/19% Lycra elastane)

Which One Will Work Out for My Workout?

First, let’s answer some FAQs.

What length is a capri legging? 

Capri inseams typically fall between 20 and 24 inches and end around mid-calf. Inseams shorter than 19 inches are more knee-length and start to evolve into biker shorts. Anything longer than 23 inches is usually sold as a 7/8 length just shy of the ankle. Your height is the determining factor when selecting inseam length, unless the brand also offers specific petite and tall options.

Are capris or full-length leggings better for lifting? 

Most people will find that capris are more practical when working out with weights. They stay away from the shoe collars and lifting straps while also steering clear of the ankle for visibility during squats.

What compression level is best for the gym? 

It all depends on the workout. High-impact deserves high or max compression, while medium works for mixed classes, and light is perfect for slow-flow and recovery/off days. 

Now that we answered those, let’s recap.

For strength training, the Fabletics On-the-Go PowerHold Capri is the move: max compression, pockets to store your accessories, ample size selection up to 4X, and it has a mid-range price tag. Hot and sweaty classes deserve breathability and sweat-wicking from the material composition, so head to lululemon for the Wunder Train Capri. For stretch and comfort at yoga (or not), grab a pair of lululemon Align capris or the CRZ Yoga Butterluxe Capri if you’re on a budget. Your middle ground for compression is going to be Athleta’s Salutation Stash, and it also has the best height options. And for days that go from school drop off to the grocery store, Beyond Yoga’s Spacedye Out of Pocket Capri keeps you comfortable all day. 

Whatever your workout, pick the pair of capri leggings built for it, and the only thing you’ll be adjusting is the weight—not your waistband.