I'm a plus-size fashion expert — these are the 7 best leggings that fit comfortably and aren't see-through

I did an opacity test on every pair by trying them on over a pair of underwear with a vivid print in sharply contrasting colors — aka, exactly the type of underwear that would show through if there was even a teeny bit of sheerness in the fabric. I looked out for thoughtful details like hidden pockets, seam placements, and smart waistband designs.

Every legging on this list passed the opacity test — unlike the pair on the left, which failed.

I also wash-tested every pair after wearing each one for a full day and included how they all held up after a standard machine wash and dry cycle, including whether there was any pilling, fading, or loss of shape after washing.

For my best overall pick, I was looking for a comfortable high-rise fit, a supportive waistband, and fabric soft enough to wear all day. I also needed it to be versatile enough to transition seamlessly from errands to lounging to workouts. After testing several strong contenders, the pair that stood out came from Anthropologie's Daily Practice athleisure line.

The soft black fabric is completely opaque, feels great to the touch, and retains its shape through multiple days of wear. This pair even looked good after an unintended nap on the couch, despite all the tossing and twisting to do in my sleep. It also passed the wash test with flying colors: zero pilling and looked just like new after a machine wash and dry.

Style-wise, I appreciate this pair's slightly wider leg opening. It gives a more modern, straight-leg look that feels closer to a pant while keeping the stretch and comfort of true leggings. That small detail also makes them easier to style — they look equally good with sneakers or my Birkenstock Arizonas, which can look awkward with skintight leggings.

Sizing advice: One thing to note about this pair is that it is sized generously. I am almost always a 2x in Anthropologie's dresses and pants, so I got my usual size here. While they fit comfortably, they were a little loose through the leg, so I feel like I could have sized down for a closer fit.

Still, they stayed perfectly in place at the waist — even during a long, hilly walk for our dog's 13th birthday — without sagging or slipping once. That type of unmovable waistband security is truly key for a great pair of leggings. Together with the excellent comfort and wardrobe versatility, these secured the spot of best leggings.

If you are looking for an affordable pair of leggings that will hold up, Old Navy's PowerSoft leggings are a great bet. The fabric is that perfect combination of super stretchy, soft, and fully opaque. They also passed the wash test beautifully: There was no pilling, and they remained just as vibrant after a machine wash and dry.

I highly recommend checking out the whole PowerSoft line. The leggings come in cropped, 7/8, and full-length styles, plus flared, jogger, bike short, and maternity versions. You can also get matching tops and longline sports bras in coordinating prints and colors.

The best part is that all the PowerSoft leggings go for VERY reasonable prices — I'm talking retail generally $40 and under, and regular sales with deep discounts.

Sizing advice: The leggings go up to size 4X, and many Old Navy stores stock plus sizes in person, which makes it easy to try them on before buying. The brand's sizing runs generous, so there's some wiggle room when finding your fit. I bought my usual 2X in the cropped leggings, but the XL, XXL, and 1X all fit comfortably too — proof that the size range is genuinely inclusive in practice.

As someone with a deep knowledge of the plus-size market, one thing that I have consistently found to be true is that brands that are plus-specific are almost always the ones that have the best fit for plus-size bodies. Lane Bryant, the longest-running plus-size brand, is a great example of this, and that extends to its activewear label LIVI. I've tried many, many pairs of workout leggings over the years, but I always end up coming back to LIVI — and this pair of high-rise leggings made from recycled materials perfectly exemplifies why.

The wide 4-inch waistband stays in place without pinching, even through workouts and long walks. Plus, the recycled fabric is soft without pilling, and the sweat-wicking component kept me cool even on an unseasonably hot fall day. These also passed the wash test with zero pilling or fading after a machine wash and dry.

I appreciate that this style comes in new patterns and colorways every season, but the fit and performance never waver. If you love activewear sets, LIVI often has matching tops and sports bras, too. In fact, the high-impact sports bra from LIVI is one of my all-time favorite styles. These leggings also passed the opacity bend test easily, and are substantial enough to wear year-round.

Sizing advice: The fit on these leggings is spot on and true to size, comfortably hugging my body from waist to ankle without squishing or squeezing anywhere.

I've been wear-testing plus-size clothing for over a decade, and Beyond Yoga's ultra-soft Spacedye leggings have consistently been one of my favorites ever since the brand launched extended sizes in 2017. This lush, brushed fabric is really a cut above any other I've tried when it comes to handfeel, living up to its "buttery soft" description even after many washes. And I'm particularly fond of this specific style, the Spacedye Out Of Pocket High Waisted Midi Legging.

This pair looked the same before and after the wash test, and that is no fluke: I have a pair of Beyond Yoga Spacedye bike shorts that I've had for over 6 years that still look good as new, with zero pilling and still just as touchably plush. Basically, this fabric is fantastic.

I wore this pair for a day that started with an extended time writing at my coworking space and ended with a cardio workout on the way home — and this same pair of leggings comfortably took me through it all. The Spacedye fabric isn't just soft, either: It is also sweat-wicking and fully opaque, passing the bend test with ease.

Sizing advice: This pair fits true to size.

This pair was a strong contender in several categories — including best for everyday wear — but the sheer size and depth of the pockets on these truly size-inclusive Universal Standard leggings made them the clear winner for the pocket superlative.

The pockets are even more spacious than the already-sizable ones on the Beyond Yoga pair I tested above, but done in a sleek, unobtrusive way. The "Next to Naked" fabric on this pair is thinner and more lightweight than other pairs, but still completely opaque, passing the bend test with ease.

I wore these on a humid day for a mix of errands and an outdoor workout, and the comfortable, wide waistband stayed in place throughout. My only critique of this pair is that the thinner fabric means the moisture-wicking aspect has a limit: I didn't see any sweat marks visible during my errands in the sticky, humid weather, but when I did a cardio workout, there were some visible sweat lines by the time I was done.

This style is described as more athleisure-like, though, so that makes sense. I recommend these for lower-impact days when comfort (and pocket storage) are key.

Sizing advice: This pair fits true to size.

If you prefer to be snugly held in by your leggings, you'll want compression. Done right, compression leggings aren't simply tight; they are firmly supportive throughout, perfect for muscle support while training. This pair from Knix hits all the checkmarks of a good pair of compression leggings, and also comes with an added bonus: A thin, totally unnoticeable leakproof panel built in (perfect for period workouts).

I've also tested this style during my cycle, and I can confirm that it works as advertised — it is basically a supportive period panty in legging form. This pair is completely opaque through the seat of the leggings and passes the bend test, but there is a panel of slightly less opaque fabric on the sides at the hip, so keep that in mind for underwear purposes!

This style also has thoughtful details like a perforated accent at the calves that combines form (it looks cool) and function (it keeps your calves cool).

Sizing advice: I recommend sizing up in Knix leggings. I tried this pair in my usual size (2XL), and also tried a pair of training shorts with a similar compression base in a 3XL. While both sizes work and are wearable, the 3XL was more comfortable and easier to put on. (The 2XL took an approach that was more like putting tights on than anything else).

Knix does go up to a size 4XL, so I'd say its compression leggings will definitely comfortably fit up to a size 3X. This pair also passed the wash test, with zero pilling or loss of shape after a machine wash and dry — and the leakproof insert didn't shift or distort either.

This was the only category in which I didn't do a full active day with the contenders because this one is all about comfort for lounging. So, I subjected these Fabletics PureLuxe High-Waisted TLC Leggings to the true loungewear test: a day on the couch.

For this category, I wanted leggings that could deliver all-day comfort while still feeling supportive — the kind that fits like a gentle hug, not a compression squeeze. I looked for a waistband that stays put, fabric that feels luxuriously soft to the touch, and a design that looks polished enough to wear beyond the couch. The goal was something equally perfect for lounging at home or running a few errands without feeling like you're in pajamas.

The super-wide waistband on this pair stays in place without digging, to the point where I simply did not think about the leggings after the first few minutes of wear. That is the ultimate endorsement in my opinion — so comfortable you aren't even really aware of them. The overall effect of this style is polished and cute while keeping comfort at the forefront. Paired with a boxy tee or a soft sweatshirt, these would be just as good for a long flight or drive as they are chilling at home.

Sizing advice: This pair fits true to size.

How do I know if leggings are squat-proof?

If you are testing out a pair yourself, I recommend the same methodology I used here: Wear a full coverage, garishly-patterned pair of panties underneath when trying the leggings on, and then bend all the way over in front of a mirror. If the high-contrast pattern doesn't show through in that pose, pretty much nothing will!

Should I size up or down?

If you are ordering from a new brand you are unfamiliar with, I always recommend checking the size chart first and foremost, as sizes vary widely from brand to brand. If you are between sizes, order based on your largest measurement, and check out reviews if you are still unsure.