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20 Best Non See-Through Cotton Leggings That Are Perfect For Working Out, Per Reviews

I want all of these in every color.

By Jacqueline Tempera and Jasmine Gomez
cotton leggings
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If you don’t already have a pair of cotton leggings in your closet, prepare to invest. Promise you'll love them as much as your spandex ones, since they're a wardrobe staple that personal trainers swear by when it comes to staying cool and saving money. Need I say more?

Instead of compressing, shaping, and squeezing all of your guts in like some pairs of workout tights can, cotton leggings feel like you're wearing a pair of pajamas while still making you look great, says Caroline Grainger, a certified personal trainer at FitnessTrainer. You can also find ones that pack many of the features you love, like pockets or a high waist.

See some of the best cotton leggings below:

  • 1
    Cotton Legging

    Best Sustainable Legging

    No Nonsense Cotton Legging

    $15 at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    High-Waisted Cotton Legging

    Best High-Waisted Legging

    Juicy Couture High-Waisted Cotton Legging

    Read more
  • 3
    Cotton Ultra Legging

    Best Legging With A Thick Waistband

    HUE Cotton Ultra Legging

    Read more
  • 4
    Full-Length Cotton Leggings

    Most Stretchy Leggings

    ToBeInStyle Full-Length Cotton Leggings

    Read more
  • 5
    Go-To Stretch Cotton Leggings

    Most Lightweight Leggings

    Nordstrom Go-To Stretch Cotton Leggings

    Read more

"Cotton is an excellent choice for activewear because it's light, durable, breathable, inexpensive, and great at wicking sweat,” Grainger shares. She loves using them for working out indoors or anytime she's back home in west Texas since the weather there tends to be warm.

Are you sold yet? Good. It's time to add a quality pair to your closet. Here are the 20 best cotton leggings to keep you cozy and cool all year-round, per reviews.

1
Best Sustainable Legging

No Nonsense Cotton Legging

Cotton Legging
1
Best Sustainable Legging

No Nonsense Cotton Legging

Now 11% Off
$15 at Amazon

These mid-rise leggings are perfect for a night out with the girls or chilling on the couch. They have RANGE. They are 57 percent cotton, so you know they're soft. Plus, th1ey're mid-rise for a little extra belly coverage.

The brand also keeps sustainability in mind by using recycled materials in its products, which is a wonderful bonus.

Rave Review: “These leggings are great for daily wear. [I like the] jersey material that doesn’t overheat, and they're thin, but not sheer. The mid-rise is perfect—not too high to be annoying. These fit great and stay put.”

SizesS - 3X
Colors9
Length29 inches
2
Best High-Waisted Legging

Juicy Couture High-Waisted Cotton Legging

High-Waisted Cotton Legging
2
Best High-Waisted Legging

Juicy Couture High-Waisted Cotton Legging

Now 23% Off

These leggings from Juicy Couture promise a buttery soft finish. Customers love them for their stretchy, comfy fit and thick—but not too thick—feel.

Rave Review: “I can’t believe I found such good quality Juicy leggings for so cheap!! They look small when you first open them, but they have so much stretch to them, and they’re not sheer at all. Super comfy and cute—I'm glad I found these.”

SizesS - XL
Colors2
Length26 inches
3
Best Legging With A Thick Waistband

HUE Cotton Ultra Legging

Cotton Ultra Legging
3
Best Legging With A Thick Waistband

HUE Cotton Ultra Legging

Now 25% Off

These leggings made with 54 percent cotton will have you feeling super cozy no matter where you are. Enjoy non-see-through fabric and a thick waistband, so you won’t be yanking them up all day.

Rave Review: “They are more expensive, but worth it—the most comfortable out of any others. They have a soft, cottony feel, and the wide waistband keeps them in place, so they don't ride down."

SizesXS - 3X
Colors9
LengthAnkle-length
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4
Most Stretchy Leggings

ToBeInStyle Full-Length Cotton Leggings

Full-Length Cotton Leggings
4
Most Stretchy Leggings

ToBeInStyle Full-Length Cotton Leggings

These 95 percent cotton leggings are the perfect addition to any wardrobe. They come in 24 different colors, from the usual black to a bold wasabi green, and are super stretchy.

Rave Review: “These look good with a tunic. When I took them out of the package, I thought I'd have to send them back because they looked VERY small. But they stretch a lot, ended up being easy to put on, and are quite comfortable. I'm really happy with this purchase.”

SizesS - 3X
Colors27
Length27 inches
5
Most Lightweight Leggings

Nordstrom Go-To Stretch Cotton Leggings

Go-To Stretch Cotton Leggings
5
Most Lightweight Leggings

Nordstrom Go-To Stretch Cotton Leggings

Now 50% Off

These are Nordstrom’s most recommended leggings and for good reason. They're full-length, match any style, and can be worn anywhere. The leggings are also lightweight and made from a breathable cotton blend.

Rave Review: “These are exactly what I was looking for—desired thickness, length, and tummy coverage.”

SizesXS - XL
Colors1
LengthFull-length
6
Best Budget Buy

Old Navy High-Waisted Jersey Ankle Leggings

High-Waisted Jersey Ankle Leggings
6
Best Budget Buy

Old Navy High-Waisted Jersey Ankle Leggings

There’s nothing like a classic, and it doesn’t get more classic than Old Navy. These leggings are only $15 and come in five different colors. The high waist is flattering without being restrictive. They also have a thicker fabric that is great for chilly winter days.

Rave Review: “I love these!!...They're true to size, keep your legs warm—but not too hot—and you don't freeze when you go outside!!"

SizesXS - 4X
Colors5
Length 27 inches
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7
Best Compression Leggings

90 Degree By Reflex Compression Leggings

Compression Leggings
7
Best Compression Leggings

90 Degree By Reflex Compression Leggings

Thanks to the CloudLux tech they're made with, these leggings are stretchy, but designed to have a high-compression fit, so you're tucked in without feeling like you can't move. They also feature a convenient pocket for your smartphone or valuables.

Rave Review: "I think the cotton content [of these leggings] is better for my skin. I don’t sweat as much and they are more comfortable to work out in!! So happy to have found them!!"

SizesXS - XL
Colors22
Length25 inches
8
Best Legging For Workouts

Core 10 Cotton Blend Training Legging

Cotton Blend Training Legging
8
Best Legging For Workouts

Core 10 Cotton Blend Training Legging

Now 30% Off

These cotton leggings are lightweight and stretchy enough to bend with all your movement, whether you're tackling new yoga poses or improving your running stride. They're made with a lightweight cotton-blend fabric that's soft and breathable.

Rave Review: "Great product—not see-through. I don’t sweat too much in them, so they’re great in the summer, but not overly warm for winter. I have multiple pairs of Core 10 leggings for a reason!"

SizesXS - XL
Colors6
Length27 inches
9
Most Size-Inclusive Leggings

Leggings Depot Premium Leggings

Premium Leggings
9
Most Size-Inclusive Leggings

Leggings Depot Premium Leggings

Now 20% Off

If a soft fabric against your skin is the goal, these leggings are your answer. They are 95 percent cotton, mid-rise, and fit true to size, say customers in the reviews. The leggings also run from an XS to a 5X. Love to see size inclusivity!

Rave Review: “I love the turquoise leggings I purchased. They are soft and long enough to cover my whole leg. I will be ordering more colors.”

SizesXS - 5X
Colors42
Length26.5 inches
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10
Best Cold Weather Leggings

Jockey Basic Ankle Leggings

Basic Ankle Leggings
10
Best Cold Weather Leggings

Jockey Basic Ankle Leggings

These classic black leggings are a must-have, and if you're lucky enough to score them on sale (they tend to be on sale on Amazon), they're a great option to stock up on for cold weather. They easily fit under a pair of PJs or looser jeans as a second layer.

These leggings have a wide waistband and are 92 percent cotton. AKA, they're guaranteed to be super soft.

Rave Review: “Loved these. They fit perfectly and are very soft. I bought a couple more after purchasing the first ones.”

SizesS - XL
Colors1
Length27 inches
11
Best Crossover Leggings

Hollister Ultra High-Rise Crossover Leggings

Ultra High-Rise Crossover Leggings
11
Best Crossover Leggings

Hollister Ultra High-Rise Crossover Leggings

Want to skip the basic styles? The crossover waist on these leggings gives them a subtle hint of style that takes them from regular to real cute when paired with a crop top or hoodie.

Rave Review: "My search for the best leggings stops here! They are thick and fit like a glove. They don't get saggy and aren't see-through."

Sizes2XS - 2X
Colors2
Length26.75 inches
12
Most Stylish Cotton Legging

Adidas Adicolor Classics 3-Stripes Leggings

Adicolor Classics 3-Stripes Leggings
12
Most Stylish Cotton Legging

Adidas Adicolor Classics 3-Stripes Leggings

These machine-washable 93 percent cotton leggings are a favorite amongst athletes or people who just love a stylish pair of leggings. They're designed with Adidas' signature three stripes, feel like a second-skin so they don't restrict movement, and pair perfectly with oversized sweaters or crop tops. Yep, it checks all the boxes.

Rave Review: “I already have a pair of these leggings in black, so when I saw this pretty green color, I had to get it, too. They're so comfortable. I like that the fabric isn't too thin. In fact, it's perfect for any season."

SizesXXS - XL
Colors5
LengthAnkle-length
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13
Best High-Rise Leggings

Parade Lightweight Leggings

Lightweight Leggings
13
Best High-Rise Leggings

Parade Lightweight Leggings

Now 70% Off

You’ve probably seen Parade’s ads for their truly adorable undies, but did you know they bring comfort to all sorts of loungewear? Now you do. These leggings are made with 96 percent cotton and feature a high-rise that sits on your waist. Plus, the band won’t dig into your waist, which is just good business.

Rave Review: “I was already a fan of their lingerie, but once I tried their leggings, I was even more excited! They are [made from] a very flexible material, but still thick enough that I know they're durable!”

SizesXS - 3X
Colors8
LengthFull-length
14
Best Bootcut Leggings

Victoria's Secret High Waist Flare Legging

High Waist Flare Legging
14
Best Bootcut Leggings

Victoria's Secret High Waist Flare Legging

Now 12% Off

If you want the comfort of leggings blended into the style of traditional pants, these bootcut leggings are for you. Pair these with your favorite white sneaks or boots and a crew neck sweater for a casual, but stylish brunch look.

Be sure to pay special attention to sizing measurements, as customers say that the sizing may feel a little off.

Rave Review: "Absolutely love!!!! These leggings are so cute and comfortable! They run big in my opinion, so I did order another pair. I sized down and they are absolutely perfect."

SizesXS - 2X
Colors3
Length31. 5 inches
15
Best Sculpting Leggings

Everlane The Seamless Legging

The Seamless Legging
15
Best Sculpting Leggings

Everlane The Seamless Legging

If you want to look and feel as smooth as butter, prepare to obsess over these Everlane leggings. They're made with minimal seams to be as comfy as possible, and are designed with an ultra-high waistband that's stretchy.

Rave Review: "These fit great and do not sag throughout the day. I ended up getting these in two colors because I loved them so much."

SizesXS - 2X
Colors3
Length25.5 inches
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16
Best Thick Leggings

Lands' End Starfish Leggings

Starfish Leggings
16
Best Thick Leggings

Lands' End Starfish Leggings

These leggings are designed with a snug waistband that lies flat against your waist for a tight, yet comfy feel. Made from 89 percent cotton, these leggings are also super breathable, even though customers say they run on the thicker side.

Rave Review: "These fit really well! The fabric is thick, but not too thick. The waist fits well and is comfortable. I am five feet and 110 pounds and got an x-small. The design is cute, too, and the fabric feels like it's good quality."

Sizes2XS - 3X
Colors20
Length29 inches
17
Best Long Leggings

Hanes Long Legging Pants

Long Legging Pants
17
Best Long Leggings

Hanes Long Legging Pants

These stretchy 90 percent cotton leggings are perfect for plus-sized people. They have a full-length fit, and come in sizes 1X-3X. Hanes promises a flattering fit for all wearers.

Rave Review: “Ok, these are the most comfortable leggings I've ever tried on or have ever owned. They come in black and a dark grey, and TBH, I'm thinking of getting the other ones.”

Sizes1X- 3X
Colors2
Length26 inches
18
Best Cloud-Like Soft Legging

Skims Cotton Rib Leggings

Cotton Rib Leggings
18
Best Cloud-Like Soft Legging

Skims Cotton Rib Leggings

If there’s one thing Kim Kardashian’s Skims is known for, it's comfort. Their underwear literally makes you feel like you’re not wearing any, and the pajamas are cloud-like soft. These leggings are 95 percent cotton and have cuffs around the ankles for a little extra pizazz.

Rave Review: “Fits just perfect. High-waisted. Super comfortable and form-fitting.”

SizesXXS - 4X
Colors11
LengthFull-length
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19
Best Legging For Travel

Lunya Cotton Silk Ribbed Legging

Cotton Silk Ribbed Legging
19
Best Legging For Travel

Lunya Cotton Silk Ribbed Legging

You know those days when you don't really want to dress up, but still want to look presentable—like when you're heading off to a catch a flight somewhere you have plans as soon as you land? These ribbed leggings from Lunya were made just for those occasions. They look like real pants, but they're secretly leggings. Their fabric blend also includes silk, so you know they're extra soft.

Rave Review: "These pants are so comfortable! They’re cool, but warm, retain their shape, and they’re soft. Highly recommend."

SizesXS - XL
Colors7
LengthFull-length
20
Best Maternity Leggings

Hue Maternity Cotton Legging

Maternity Cotton Legging
20
Best Maternity Leggings

Hue Maternity Cotton Legging

If you're looking for maternity leggings to accommodate your changing body, these cotton leggings are it. They're designed with opaque fabric that retains its shape and a panel that will make your belly feel tucked in.

Rave Review: "I highly recommend these cotton maternity leggings. I first purchased them in my regular size (small) and then repurchased them in a medium later in my pregnancy. It's hard to find good maternity leggings with a high percentage of cotton. The coverage provided is very good. These leggings have a belly panel made out of the same material as the legs. The belly panel stays up, but isn't too tight."

SizesS - XL
Colors1
Length28 inches
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Jacqueline Tempera

Jacqueline Tempera is an award-winning writer and reporter living in New Jersey with her many pets. She is a business owner and a double Scorpio who loves all things astrology and reality television. She is passionate about body diversity and representation, mental health, and the fight to end sexual assault and harassment. To learn more about Jackie, follow her on Instagram @jacktemp or visit her website at jackietempera.com

Headshot of Jasmine Gomez
Commerce Editor

Jasmine Gomez is the Commerce Editor at Women’s Health, where she cover the best product recommendations across beauty, health, lifestyle, fitness, and more. When she's not shopping for a living, she enjoys karaoke and dining out more than she cares to admit. Follow her @JazzeGomez.  

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