Don’t let the (incredibly) stupid name fool you:
For the modern man, meggings have a lot to recommend them.
For one, meggings – the portmanteau assigned to men’s leggings – are incredibly comfortable.
They give you a lot of the same freedom of movement as sweatpants or joggers, but without the bagginess and excess fabric.
But they’re also significantly better for athletic activities and performance, since most mens leggings are made from the same sweat-wicking and stretchy materials commonly found in athleisure and activewear.
Plus, they’re particularly flattering for guys who hit the gym, because they allow you to show off the muscle tone you’ve been building in your quads, glutes and calves.
To help you find the perfect pair of leggings to suit your size, style and budget, in this post we’ve rounded up more than two dozen of the best meggings and men’s compression tights on the market.
The best full length male leggings are immediately below, with the best meggings shorts and compression shorts right beneath those.
The (Absolute) Best Meggings for Men
Breaking Down the Best Mens Meggings on the Market
Best Full-Length Meggings ↓
Overall Best Men’s Meggings
Matador Meggings
Rating:
- 5 Stars
- 327 Reviews
Advantages:
The founder of Matador Meggings, Valentine Aseyo, is a former yoga teacher who recognized that most leggings weren’t appropriate for guys to wear because they – how should I put this? – revealed too much of the male anatomy, let’s say.
He created Matador leggings to solve what he (rather bluntly) calls the problem of the Visible Penis Line, or VPL.
Matador’s leggings feature what they call no-VPL technology, which is essentially a soft crotch cup that cradles your bits and keeps the tights from displaying too much unwanted VPL.
In addition to the soft molded crotch cup, Matador’s meggings have a ton of other handy features that solve some common leggings problems:
They’ve got an open pocket on the outer thigh where you can easily slide your phone, a concealed zipper pocket that can store keys and other valuables, an inner drawstring that keeps them snug around the waist, and a towel loop at the back where you can stash your tank top or sweat towel.
Plus, they’re available in a huge range of bold colors and wild prints, including unique styles like their mens Galaxy meggings and Arrow meggings, and they offer free shipping within the U.S.
But the best part might be the price tag:
At less than 90 bucks, these are not only some of the best meggings on the market, but arguably the best priced.
Promising Review:
Absolutely in love with my Sky meggings. They are sleek, sexy and incredibly confidence building.
The pockets are a great plus and use them all the time. So comfortable and not restrictive on movements in any direction.
Very supportive and definitely do not need to wear anything with them for support.
– Walter S.
Lululemon Mens Leggings
Rating:
- 4 Stars
- 38 Reviews
Advantages:
Lululemon pretty much invented the category of high-performance athleisure wear when they came out with women’s leggings back in the late ‘90s, so it’s no surprise to find them leading the meggings trend today.
They carry multiple types of men’s athletic tights and meggings, but their License to Train Tights are among the best men’s tights on the market.
They’re probably your best bet if you’re looking for a good pair of high-performance leggings for just about any activity.
They come in three colors – white, black and a pretty bad-ass looking black/grey camo version – and are made from Lululemon’s “luxtreme” fabric, a stretchy, quick-drying material that’s low in friction and abrasion resistant.
Promising Review:
My all time favourite workout tights…. Incredibly moisture wicking, they dry super fast. Just compressive enough.
And they just feel so darn good on — and look great too.
– thenandnow07, reviewing the License to Train 27” Tights
Outdoor Voices Seamless Tight
Rating:
- 5 Stars
- 4 Reviews
Advantages:
Designed with a second skin feel and just a hint of stretch, Outdoor Voices’ Seamless mens compression pants are designed more for every day wear than high-performance sweat sessions.
They’re not quite as versatile as the Lululemon men’s leggings above, but they’re perfect for activities like yoga class, walking your dog, grabbing a casual sunday brunch with friends, or any other low-impact activities where you might wear tights.
Promising Review:
These tights are exactly what I have been looking for!
I’ve been wanting a mens tight that doesn’t have a center seam in the crotch and these tights are super comfortable and make my legs look amazing!!!!
– jakob
Fabletics Baseline Tight
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 555 Reviews
Advantages:
Fabletics is the athleisure brand founded by Kate Hudson, which Kevin Hart joined in 2020 to help them launch their menswear line.
No matter which way you exercise – running, rocking yoga poses, lifting heavy on leg days, etc. – the brand prides itself on offering high-performance pieces that can be worn during even the most intense workout.
Their man leggings are made from a sweat-wicking blend of 74% nylon and 26% polyester, which also offers plenty of stretch in the groin department, so you don’t have to worry about too much compression in the crotch area.
Promising Review:
I feel free to move about my home with just these on. My partner enjoys the look and I enjoy the feel.
I tend to get hot very easily when I wear fitting clothes… but I feel cool and comfortable when I wear these!
– Jayce
Alo Yoga Warrior Compression Pant
Rating:
- 4 Stars
- 39 Reviews
Advantages:
Meggings are kind of doing what skinny jeans did to denim about a decade ago:
Slowly taking over the exercise world to become the go-to modern workout pants for just about every type of physical activity.
Case in point, you definitely don’t have to be a yoga instructor to appreciate these cool leggings from Alo Yoga.
Crafted from flexible fabric and boasting a drawcord that runs through the elastic waistband, they hug tight in all the right places, but won’t restrict blood flow.
(Or worse, make your next workout look like a health-class lesson in men’s anatomy.)
In addition to the high-performance fabric, they boast a full gusset and double inseam panel, which helps them move well and not get in the way of your exercise.
Promising Review:
I love my cool tights. Alo has allowed good room up front for the guys so that things are not compressed too much, and has figured out that the back needs to be form fitting and not saggy.
The rear seam on back is cut perfectly. Fits well!
– George S.
Best Meggings for Cold Weather ↓
On Running Tights – Long
Rating:
- 4 Stars
- 6 Reviews
Advantages:
If you’re the kind of guy who insists on running no matter the weather, these are a game changer.
Whereas the pair from Outdoor Voices above is more akin to mens fashion leggings, this pair of workout tights from On Running is specifically designed for the nuances of cold conditions.
They’re made from a combination of recycled polyamide – the same natural substance found in wool – and elastane, so they’ll keep you warm during cold winter runs, but still be breathable enough for running in extreme heat.
In addition, they’ve got ankle zippers that make them easy to put on and take off, and functional pockets to store valuables while you’re on the move.
Promising Review:
Great for winter running, keep my legs warm while moving in sub 4C
– Matt D.
Tracksmith Turnover Tights
Rating:
Advantages:
Another great pair of outdoor running tights, Runner’s World chose these as one of their favorite pair of meggings a few years back.
They’re made from Tracksmith’s Inverno blend, a silky smooth fabric designed to stretch and move with every change in both tempo and temperature.
Other features include a zippered back pocket for storing valuables and an elastic waistband that helps them stay snug around your waist.
Promising Review:
“Tracksmith’s Turnover Tights Will Convert Anti-Tight Runners.”
– Runner’s World
Vuori Limitless Compression Tight
Rating:
- 4.3 Stars
- 3 Reviews
Advantages:
Vuori is an innovative men’s athleisure brand inspired by the active lifestyle of coastal California that makes some of the coolest and overall best products in this space.
Their Limitless Compression tight is made from a stretch knit fabric blend of 72% polyester and 28% elastane, and boasts ankle zippers, flatlock seams and a reflective logo that will be easy for cars to spot if you’re running outdoors.
Reigning Champ Compression Tight
Advantages:
Designed to promote blood flow during your workouts and muscle recovery afterwards, Reigning Champ’s compression tight is a no-nonsense pair of meggings that focuses more on performance than fashion.
They forego the unique prints and bold designs of other brands in favor of one basic black color that’s sleek, versatile and unimpeachable.
Ten Thousand Full Length Tight
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 146 Reviews
Advantages:
Ten Thousand offers two different styles of men’s tights, but their Full Length version is arguably the company’s hero product.
It’s made from high-quality Italian fabric that’s odor-fighting and quick-drying, has a bonded bottom hem to reduce weight and bulk, and has a three-layer front pouch that provides as much coverage for your boys as Matador’s prized soft cup.
Promising Review:
These are awesome. I use them for all different forms of exercise and they withstand the punishment.
Perfect fit yet doesn’t feel like it’s choking your legs.
– Mike P.
Ten Thousand Lifting Tight
Rating:
- 5 Stars
- 14 Reviews
Advantages:
The Lifting Tight is also a full length tight, so the names are a bit confusing here.
But with more targeted compression on the hamstrings, glutes and quads, this one has a new design that’s specifically calibrated to the rigors of heavy lifting.
In addition, it uses a medium compression fabric on the back of the knees and hips, which better supports the full range of motion while lifting.
Under Armour SmartForm Leggings Men
Rating:
- 5 Stars
- 10 Reviews
Advantages:
These leggings from Under Armour are made with the company’s popular SmartForm technology, which is designed to form to your body shape and move seamlessly with you when you’re in motion.
They also boast mesh panels placed strategically throughout to increase breathability, and an outer side pocket where you can store your phone or wallet.
Promising Review:
Just tried these new leggings and they are excellent gear for the gym and outdoor running/walking. Ordering another pair asap!
– JLB
Wolaco Fulton Pant
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 179 Reviews
Advantages:
Wolaco’s fulton compression pants offer all the fit, performance and compression you need for high performance, but the star of the show here is really the pockets.
These meggings boast not one but two pockets on either side of the pant that are designed to fit all phone sizes, centered on the hip for maximum security and easy access, fully waterproof, meaning your phone is probably safer here than in your standard pair of jeans.
Promising Review:
Really comfortable pair of pants. Very trendy look. I like the subtle accent marks in coloring.
Good stretch for all strength movements in the gym. Also score nice compliments from the look.
– Sanjeet D.
Myles Momentum Compression 3/4 Pant
Rating:
- 4.7 Stars
- 30 Reviews
Advantages:
Breathable, moisture-wicking and extra soft, these compression pants from Myles Apparel are made with flatlock seams designed not to chafe during heavy activity and come with a hip pocket where you can easily stash your phone.
Promising Review:
These are high quality compression pants. Keeps you relatively warm, fits and feels great.
The phone pocket can actually fit a large phone!
– JC
Kapow Meggings
Rating:
- 4.7 Stars
- 25 Reviews
Advantages:
Kapow is one of Matador Meggings’ biggest competitors, and their offerings come with a lot of the same high-performance advantages:
They’ve got technical fabrics, a mid-rise waist that won’t pull down while squatting and a bounce-proof phone pocket that serves as a shock absorber for your device.
They don’t have the t-shirt loop at the back, but otherwise they’re a pretty good alternative to Matador that’s definitely worth considering.
Promising Review:
Excellent leggings. The quality is out of this world.
They are expensive compared to other leggings out there, but you can really tell with the quality of the fabrics and the strength of the cover-stitching.
– Vintageviolet74
Nike Mens Leggings
Advantages:
Like its top competitors, Nike is one of the world’s leading athletic brands, so it’s no surprise that they’ve leaned into the men’s leggings space in a big way.
They offer a wide range of styles, colors and types of tights, including a particularly striking pair of blue meggings in ¾ length, all of which provide the same kind of high-performance you’d expect from Nike.
Promising Review:
Very comfortable tights. I’m 5’11” 185 lbs size L. Comfortable fit at waist, very snug fit through the legs. Great for exercise or wearing around the house.
– Flyer67
Target Meggings
Advantages:
Not to be left out, Target’s in-house activewear, All in Motion, has its own pair of meggings.
These definitely fall into the “cheap and cheerful” category:
They’re not as high quality as some of the other more performance-based brands listed above, but they’re a solid option if you’re on a tight budget.
Asos Meggings
Advantages:
And speaking of cheap and cheerful, Asos is a brand whose whole identity rests on offering affordable versions of the most of-the-moment styles.
The base layer leggings from their in-house Asos 4505 brand fall squarely into that category, and offer another solid alternative for budget-conscious shoppers.
Best Meggings Shorts ↓
Some of the brands listed above offer short versions of their meggings and compression pants, but unfortunately not all.
We’ve rounded up the best meggings shorts we could find below, which provide a lot of the same comfort and compression as full-length meggings, while allowing your shins and calves to remain uncovered.
Overall Best Short Meggings
Fabletics Baseline Short
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 258 Reviews
Promising Review:
I love these! I almost don’t even use underwear anymore just the baseline shorts for a good phone pocket if you like to be active.
– Jeremy
Lululemon Vital Drive Training Half Tight
On Running Trail Tights
Tracksmith Allston Half Tights
Ten Thousand Distance Half Tight
UnderArmour Men’s HeatGear® Pocket Long Shorts
Nike Dri-FIT Fast Racing Tights
FAQ
How To Wear Meggings and/or Mens Leggings
There are dozens of ways to wear meggings and men’s leggings, but in each case the key is to wear them with confidence.
If you’re a little hesitant about meggings, then ease into them by starting with a performance-focused pair you wear strictly while working out (you can even throw shorts on over top if you’re really not sure), which will help you get used to seeing your legs in them.
From there you can start venturing into more casual situations, until you get comfortable enough to wear them strictly for fashion, not for function.
Where To Buy Mens Leggings
This one should be pretty straightforward if you’ve read the post above. Any of the models listed here will make a good option, it’s just a matter of choosing the one that you think best suits your style and needs.
What Color Mens Sports Leggings Make Your Legs Look The Biggest?
The idea that any color can make your legs look bigger is, unfortunately, a myth. The only way to make your legs look bigger is to actually get bigger legs by squatting, deadlifting and maintaining proper form as you train.
How To Wear Mens Running Leggings
According to popular running brand Asics, “Your running tights should fit close and feel almost like a second skin. You do not want them to be loose otherwise you will not get any of the benefits from muscle compression. However, they should not be so tight that they restrict movement.”
What Do Women Think Of Mens Compression Leggings?
As far as I can tell, women are more or less indifferent. One woman on Quora, Katie Gertz, summed up what seems to be the consensus when another member asked about guys wearing tights: “Go for it.”
Meggings vs Leggings:
Whats the difference between leggings and meggings?
As mentioned above, meggings are a type of men’s leggings, typically made of a stretchy, lightweight fabric.
They’re designed to fit snugly and extend to just above the ankles.
Leggings, on the other hand, are a type of women’s clothing, typically made of a thicker, stretchy fabric and extend to the ankles or below.
Leggins are designed to be worn as a base layer under other clothing.
More Resources ↓
More Advice on Men’s Athelisure & Style from Irreverent Gent:
- The 37 Best Skateboard Brands in the World
- The Best (Affordable!) Workout Clothes for Guys
- The Absolute Best Beard Oil for Men
- The 21 Best IRL and Online Stores Like Zumiez
- The Overall Best Athelisure Brands for Men
- The Most Essential Pieces of At-Home Workout Equipment
- 11 Awesome At-Home Workouts (with Video)
- The Best Athleisure Brands like Lululemon
- The 35 Best Men’s Joggers & Sweatpants
- The 17 Best Beard Straighteners
- The Best Shapewear for Men
- The Best Pouch Underwear for Ball Support
- The (Absolute) Best Men’s T-Shirt Brands
- The 17 Coolest, Sharpest and Best Shorts for Men
- The 15 Best Mens Bamboo Underwear Brands
- The Top 25 Competitors and Alternatives to Nike
- The Best Brands Like Gymshark
More Insight into All Things Meggings from Around the Web:
The Recap ↓
Summary
At less than 90 bucks, these are not only the overall best meggings on the market, but arguably the best priced.
📷 Banner image: Matador Meggings; Illustration: Irreverent Gent
