Leggings With Pockets Deserve More Hype—Here’s Why

Time to live your best hands-free life.

Fashion Features Editor Emma Childs and Fashion Editor Lauren Tappan tests the best leggings with pockets on the market for 2024.
(Image credit: Emma Childs; Getty Images; Lauren Tappan)

As someone who hits the gym every morning before work, I know a thing or two about leggings. Even on my rest days, I frequently wear a solid pair of black leggings and an oversized T-shirt as 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 leggings have pockets.

While I tend to prefer high-waisted leggings with sweat-wicking technology and max compression for working out, I typically look for cozy, soft, cotton-blend yoga pants if I'm shopping for day-off loungewear. Pockets—ideally ones that blend seamlessly into my leggings outfits and hold my essentials—are a must.

That's why I found the very best pairs on the market, from fleece-lined leggings to stock up this winter on to affordable ones sold on Amazon. 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. A few Marie Claire editors also tested the top pairs and gave their first-hand, candid reviews. Keep scrolling to see their picks alongside the best options to buy right now.

Marie Claire's Favorite Leggings with Pockets

Shop the Best Leggings With Pockets

Marie Claire's Associate Director of Social Media Lucia Tonelli tests the Colorfulkoala 7/8 Length Leggings.

Colorfulkoala 7/8 Length Leggings have a deep enough pocket to hold your phone securely.

(Image credit: Lucia Tonelli)

Marie Claire's Associate Commerce Editor Brooke Knappenberger tests the

SATINA's High Waisted Leggings offers next-level comfort, perfect for lounging in.

(Image credit: Brooke Knappnenberger)

Marie Claire's Fashion Features Editor Emma Childs tests the Ewedoos High-Waisted Leggings With Pockets

Marie Claire's Fashion Features Editor Emma Childs went without a purse to her yoga class thanks to Ewedoos' comfortable (and spacious) pockets.

(Image credit: Emma Childs)

Marie Claire's Fashion Editor Lauren Tappan tests the Fabletics On-The-Go PowerHold High-Waisted Leggings.

Fabletics On-The-Go PowerHold High-Waisted Leggings earned top points with Fashion Editor Lauren Tappan.

(Image credit: Lauren Tappan)

Fashion E-Commerce Editor Julia Marzovilla tests the lululemon's Align Lululemon Align™ High-Rise Pant with Pockets 28"

Fashion E-Commerce editor Julia Marzovilla said nothing budged in her pockets while wearing Lululemon's Align leggings.

(Image credit: Julia Marzovilla)

Senior Beauty Editor Samantha Holender tests the Girlfriend Collective Black Compressive Pocket Legging

Marie Claire's Senior Beauty Editor Samantha Holender says Girlfriend Collective's leggings are thicker than any other pair she owns.

(Image credit: Samantha Holender)

Shop Other Leggings With Pockets We Love

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, find 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, you'll want to consider polyester, as it's excellent at wicking moisture. Nylon is also a good choice for its durable, water-resistant coating. If you're looking for leggings to lounge in, try a cotton blend for a soft touch that will keep you extra cozy.
  • Number of Pockets: Pick a design based on your needs. Are you someone who likes to go bag-free during your workout but still has all of your essentials in tow? Finding a pair of leggings with several deep-set pockets might be the best bet. If you want to carry your phone or keys while running, consider a pair with a smaller hidden pocket—like one tucked into the side or sewn at the back.
  • Length: Pay attention to the inseam length to avoid leggings that are too short or pool at the ankles.

How We Tested

For this story, we sourced editor-approved and top-rated leggings with pockets and ultimately selected six pairs to test. Our team of testers (comprised of Marie Claire staffers) 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, with hundreds of five-star reviews.

Brooke Knappenberger
Associate Commerce Editor

Brooke Knappenberger is the Associate Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she specializes in crafting shopping stories—from sales content to buying guides that span every vertical on the site. She also oversees holiday coverage with an emphasis on gifting guides as well as Power Pick, our monthly column on the items that power the lives of MC’s editors. She also tackled shopping content as Marie Claire's Editorial Fellow prior to her role as Associate Commerce Editor.

She has over three years of experience writing on fashion, beauty, and entertainment and her work has appeared on Looper, NickiSwift, The Sun US, and Vox Magazine of Columbia, Missouri. Brooke obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism with an emphasis on Magazine Editing and has a minor in Textile and Apparel Management.