Best Women’s Leggings with Pockets in 2026: 7 Pairs for Workouts and Everyday Wear

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Ali Warlitner

Alison Warlitner is a writer with a lifelong love of dance and a growing appreciation for style that looks good and feels good, too. From childhood tap recitals to hip hop, Zumba, and choreo classes, she knows how much the right shoes can change the way you move. She loves helping readers find fashion and footwear that fit their real lives, whether they’re heading to class, running errands, or just looking for a little more confidence in their step.

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• Best Women’s Leggings with Pockets in 2026: 7 Pairs for Workouts and Everyday Wear - October 15, 2026
• Fuego vs Taygra: From Someone Who Just Likes to Dance - October 25, 2025

I’ve never met a woman who wasn’t excited to discover that something has pockets. You know the moment: Someone compliments your dress, and your immediate response is, “Thanks, it has pockets!” Leggings should be no different, although I’ve never understood the point of putting pockets on them if they can’t actually hold anything. Between spending time around horses, doing chores, and running errands, I want somewhere to put my phone without worrying about it falling out every time I bend over or squat down.

Of course, pockets aren’t the only consideration. Leggings that feel great for yoga might not offer enough support for running, and the compression you appreciate during a workout can become uncomfortable after a few hours. These seven pairs cover different activities, fits, and budgets.

The Best Women’s Leggings with Pockets at a Glance

1. Best for Workouts and Compression: Fabletics On-the-Go PowerHold High-Waisted Legging

Fabletics’ On-the-Go PowerHold leggings have external pockets for your phone and smaller essentials. The pockets are made for keeping your phone close while you’re moving, although Fabletics doesn’t specify a zipper or locking closure, so I’d check how securely my phone sits before trusting it through a whole workout. The brand also lists hidden pockets on certain versions of the style, so check the particular pair you’re ordering.

The PowerHold fabric is 88% polyester and 12% spandex, with maximum compression, four-way stretch, and moisture-wicking properties. Maximum compression means the material hugs your legs and waist more firmly than a soft yoga legging, giving you that held-in feeling during squats or weightlifting. But I wouldn’t assume tighter automatically means better. If the waistband digs into your stomach every time you bend over, it doesn’t matter how supportive the leggings feel when you’re standing still.

The high waistband provides coverage during squats and lunges, and the leggings come in short, regular, and tall inseams. 

Fabletics’s pricing commands a little more attention than the other brands here. The On-the-Go PowerHold leggings are listed at $94.95 for nonmembers, but the advertised new VIP offer brings them down to $18.98. That’s a pretty tempting discount, although there’s a membership condition to understand. If you don’t skip between the 1st and 5th of the month, Fabletics charges $69.95 for a Member Credit, which can be used toward eligible merchandise and expires after 12 months. You can skip a month without being charged or cancel the membership online. But I’d make sure I understood those terms before signing up just for a pair of leggings.

2. Best for Budget: Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft 7/8 Pocket Leggings

I don’t particularly want to wear expensive leggings while hauling feed or working around the farm. Sometimes I need something comfortable with functional pockets that I can throw in the wash without thinking too much about it.

Old Navy’s PowerSoft leggings use 77% polyester and 23% spandex, with four-way stretch and sweat-wicking fabric. They’re made for medium-intensity exercise, including walking, cycling, and general gym workouts. There are two side pockets, one on each thigh, so you can keep your phone on one side and your keys or other small essentials on the other.

The waistband is described as supportive without excessive pinching. I’d be more concerned about it digging in after a few hours than how flattering it looks when I’m standing in front of a mirror. The 7/8 style comes in petite, regular, and tall options, so you have a better chance of getting the intended ankle length.

These won’t give you the same maximum compression as the Fabletics PowerHold, and I wouldn’t choose them specifically for long-distance running. But for walking, errands, and the occasional workout, spending more than twice as much isn’t necessarily going to get you anything you need.

3. Best for Running: Lululemon Fast and Free 6-Pocket High-Rise Tight

Running with a phone bouncing against your thigh gets old quickly. The Lululemon Fast and Free tights have six pockets, including side drop-in pockets, waistband compartments, and a zippered back pocket for smaller valuables.

I especially like the idea of having somewhere secure for keys. Losing my keys during a run would be a pretty miserable way to finish a workout, and I’d rather not have everything rattling around in the same pocket.

The tights use lightweight Nulux fabric, made from 84% nylon and 16% lycra spandex. It’s designed to wick sweat and dry quickly, without the heavier feel of maximum-compression leggings. For longer runs or warmer weather, I’d lean toward something lighter instead of fabric that feels thick and restrictive.

There’s also a continuous waistband drawcord, so you can tighten the waist if your pockets are loaded. Keep in mind, though, that six pockets doesn’t mean six phone-sized compartments. The smaller waistband pockets are better for cards, keys, or other compact items.

At $128, I’d want to be getting plenty of use out of these. If you’re running several times a week, having your phone, keys, and other essentials tucked away without needing a running belt could be worth the money.

4. Best for Yoga: Athleta Salutation Stash High Rise Legging

For yoga, I’d be more concerned about a waistband digging in during forward folds than having six different places to stash my phone. Athleta’s Salutation Stash leggings use Powervita fabric, made of 75% nylon and 25% lycra spandex, which has a soft feel and gentle compression.

They have two bonded side pockets, one on each thigh. Bonded means the pocket edges are joined to lie flatter against the fabric, so you don’t have bulky stitching sticking out around your hips. I like that they’re made to sit close to the leg, although I’d still take my phone out before getting on the mat. Having it pressed against my hip during floor exercises isn’t my idea of comfortable.

The Salutation Stash leggings come in petite, regular, and tall lengths, with inseams of 25, 27, and 30 inches, respectively. That’s helpful if you usually struggle with leggings bunching around your ankles or coming up too short. At $109, the price is a bit high for the occasional yoga class, but if you spend a lot of time on the mat, I’d prioritize comfortable fabric over heavy compression.

5. Best for Everyday Comfort: OFFLINE by Aerie Real Me XTRA High Waisted Pocket Legging

OFFLINE by Aerie Real Me XTRA leggings are the kind I’d consider for days when I’m going from errands to walking the dog and probably spending some time sitting in the car. I don’t necessarily want the same compression I’d wear to the gym for all of that.

They have two side pockets, one on each thigh, where you can slip your phone or other small essentials. There’s no zipper or separate compartment for keys, but for everyday errands, I mostly just want my phone somewhere I can reach it without carrying a bag.

The fabric, made of 87% nylon and 13% spandex, is lightweight and lightly brushed, with four-way stretch, medium support, and a high waistband. Aerie also offers short, regular, and long inseams of 23, 25, and 27 inches, so you can choose where the 7/8 length falls on your leg.

For walking, errands, or a day when I’m in and out of the car, I don’t need anything more complicated.

6. Best for Size Inclusivity: Girlfriend Collective Compressive Pocket Legging

Girlfriend Collective is worth a look if you’ve had trouble finding compressive leggings with pockets in your size. Its Compressive Pocket Legging comes in sizes XXS through 6XL, with three inseam options: 23.75, 28, and 31 inches. You’ll still need to check what’s available in the particular color and length you want.

The Compressive Pocket Legging has an ultra-high-rise waistband, firm compression, and two deep side pockets, one on each thigh, designed to fit most smartphones. The brand describes its recycled fabric as squat-proof, but I’ve developed some trust issues with that claim. Leggings can look perfectly opaque standing in front of a mirror, then tell a completely different story the second you squat down.

I’d pay close attention to the waist and hip measurements before ordering. A pair that fits well through the hips can still pinch at the waist, and an ultra-high rise isn’t necessarily comfortable on every torso.

7. Best for Lounging and Travel: Quince Ultra-Soft High-Rise Pocket Legging

Long travel days are when I really appreciate a comfortable waistband. Sitting in a car or on a plane for hours isn’t particularly pleasant when your leggings feel too tight around your stomach.

Quince’s Ultra-Soft High-Rise Pocket Leggings have two side pockets, one on each thigh, plus a smaller hidden pocket in the waistband. I’d keep my phone in one side pocket, earbuds in the other, and a card or key in the hidden waistband pocket. It’s nice having a few places to put things instead of fishing around in one overstuffed pocket.

The fabric, made of 86% polyester and 14% spandex, is lightweight and stretchy with moisture-wicking properties. These are more the kind of leggings I’d wear on a long flight or road trip than for a demanding workout. Quince also offers short and regular lengths, which is worth checking if leggings tend to bunch around or not even reach your ankles. I just wouldn’t wear a soft, lightweight pair like this for rough outdoor chores where the fabric could snag.

What to Look for in Leggings with Pockets

• Pocket Size and Security: A pocket isn’t particularly helpful if your phone sticks halfway out. Look for enough depth to hold your device, especially if you have a larger phone or bulky case. Side pockets generally work best for phones, while waistband compartments are better for cards and keys. For running, look for a snug opening or zipper. Before removing the tags, try walking, squatting, and sitting with your phone in the pocket.
• Compression and Waistband Fit: Firm compression can feel supportive during a workout, but you don’t necessarily need it for walking, yoga, or travel. If you’re wearing leggings all day, make sure the waistband stays up without rolling or digging in when you sit and that your phone doesn’t pull one side down.
• Fabric and Opacity: Sweat-wicking, quick-drying fabrics are helpful for running and intense workouts, while softer materials may be more comfortable for everyday wear. Don’t assume thicker fabric is automatically squat-proof. Opacity depends on the material, color, and fit, so check coverage while bending under good lighting.
• Inseam: A 7/8 legging can look full length on someone petite, so check the actual inseam rather than relying on the product name. Short and tall options can make a noticeable difference.
• Price: I’d compare regular prices instead of promotional discounts, especially when a brand requires membership enrollment to get the lower price.

Which Leggings with Pockets Should You Buy?

I’ve had enough experience chasing things that have fallen out of my pockets to appreciate a pair that can actually hold my phone. Whether I’m heading to the gym, running errands, or spending the afternoon around the horses, I want pockets that are deep enough to be useful and leggings that stay where they’re supposed to. And if I can avoid carrying a purse, even better