I put these 'amazing' $25 Amazon leggings to the test — here’s my honest review

While trends have evolved over the years, leggings have been a clothing staple that haven't left my closet since I got my first pair in middle school. While they may not be considered "fashionable," their versatility is unmatched. Whether I'm running errands, going to the gym or puttering around at home, you can bet I have a pair on.

As an avid leggings-wearer, I've definitely accumulated quite a few pairs over time, from high-end to affordable — and let's face it: Not all leggings are made equal. Sometimes, it's true that you get what you pay for. But is it necessary to fork out $100 for a decent pair of stretchy pants?

I put a pair of $25 leggings from Amazon Canada to the test to see if they could land a permanent spot in my closet. Keep scrolling for my honest thoughts.

Amazon Essentials

Womens High Rise Full Length Active Sculpt Legging

Shoppers say these leggings feel "high quality for the price."

Pros

• Thick, stretchy fabric
• Supportive waistband
• Stays in place

Cons

• Lack of pockets
• Runs large

$25 at Amazon

The details

These affordable leggings are made from a thick, stretchy, smooth material (74 per cent polyester, 26 per cent elastane) that would be suitable for working out. They feature a control waistband, designed to help sculpt your body and support your stomach — and let's be real — who doesn't appreciate a little extra support when wearing tight clothing?

The size range is very inclusive, with sizes XS all the way to 6X available. While I opted for black as I find it to be the most flattering and versatile, there are five other colours in stock to choose from.

The inseam is 31 inches, long enough to reach the bottoms of my ankles (I'm roughly 5 foot 7, for reference).

What I like about them

Good quality: I was impressed with the quality of these Amazon Essentials leggings. As soon as I took them out of the package, I noticed the smooth fabric. Upon putting them on, I was pleased with how they felt, with just the right amount of stretch. They even passed the squat test (meaning they weren't see-through, even while squatting). The seams feel strong, the fabric feels sturdy and the construction doesn't have any flaws.

Comfortable: Not only do I like to wear leggings for exercise, but I also like to lounge in them — meaning comfort is an absolute must. These leggings are supportive but not overly restrictive, which makes them quite comfortable. I'm actually wearing them on my couch as I write this, and I can honestly say I feel very comfy. For me, there's nothing more uncomfortable than a pair of leggings you constantly have to pull up because they ride down. I did not have that problem with these.

Flattering: The leggings are pretty flattering as far as form-fitting pants go, thanks to their control waistband.

Stretchy: Although I'm not flexible in the slightest, I need my leggings to be. I felt no restriction going to the gym and doing my stretches in this pair.

Room for improvement

Pockets: The only "pocket" in these Amazon leggings is a tiny opening in the waistband. Does anyone really use those? They would become an even more practical wardrobe staple if they had somewhere to store your phone, keys or earphones.

Runs large: For reference, I usually wear a size large, so that's the size I went with. While they do fit, and I don't feel the need to exchange them, I think sizing down would give me that extra little bit of support and make them that much more flattering.

What other shoppers are saying

These $25 Amazon leggings have more than 2,000 reviews and are currently sitting at a 4.2-star rating. Most shoppers seem to be impressed with their bargain purchase, with one person sharing, "These leggings are awesome," and said they have "slight compression and a nice high waist" that "holds in my mommy tummy."

Another review said that the leggings are "great quality" and "super soft." However, she recommends sizing down as "they run large."

A third shopper explained that they were "not really fond of the fabric" but still stated, "The price is right."

Overall, the review section was filled with pleased shoppers with a recurring opinion that the leggings are "great for the price."

The verdict

I can honestly say that these leggings have earned their spot in my closet — specifically, my drawer dedicated to workout apparel. While my $100 leggings are still my favourite (Lululemon just nails every little detail), I will still get a lot of wear out of this $25 pair, especially at the gym. I would recommend them to anyone who is in the market for a pair of trusty workout leggings on a budget — and to those who appreciate a little extra tummy support. Just remember to size down to get the best fit.

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