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We Tried Amazon’s Highest-Rated Leggings So You Don’t Have To

Satina High Waisted Leggings are the number-one selling leggings on Amazon, with over 6,000 reviews, four stars, and an attractive budget price tag. Are they worth the hype? We ordered them to find out.

See recent posts by Megan Wood

Our Satina High-Waisted Leggings Review

Satina High Waisted Leggings

I had super high hopes for Amazon’s best-selling leggings.* After all, thousands of positive reviews + low price point = a shopping win! As I read through the endless glowing reviews, I was ready to be blown away by my purchase and even hoped to wear the leggings on an upcoming flight from New York to Dubai. But the leggings I received in the mail (a full 21 days after I ordered them—if you order them be sure to use Prime delivery to avoid my major delay) looked completely different than the Amazon stock photos. I double checked to make sure I’d actually ordered the leggings, the ones that everyone on the internet seemed to be raving about. Reader, I had. Right out of the bag, the leggings had an unpleasant chemical odor. Though it did wash out, it wasn’t the most pleasant start to my leggings journey. The Satinas are available in two sizes: one-size fits most, and plus size. Shoppers who wear a size small through large are instructed to order the one-size fits most option, which I did. Alas, they were saggy in the butt, loose at the waist, and too long. I’m 5′ 10″ and I had to cuff the fabric to my ankle so they wouldn’t bunch up and wrinkle. #notcute.

Even if these had arrived before my Dubai flight, there’s no way I could have worn them in public, or to a workout class. I could barely stand wearing them for the photoshoot above! Their thin material was sheer, and though the tag claims a mix of 92-percent polyester and eight-percent spandex, these had little of the supportive and shaping cling that spandex usually offers. I suppose, I should say that these leggings are very soft and I liked that they came in so many color choices. Thankfully, there are far better choices out there. (Read on for our alternatives.)

Satina High-Waisted Leggings Pros

Ultra affordable at $11.99 per pair
Very soft, with a pajama-like feel
Available in one-size fits most, or plus size
21 bold color options from classic black to neon coral
Prime one-day shipping available for members
Free shipping for shoppers without Prime

Satina High-Waisted Leggings Cons

Super sheer, you can see right through them
No support, they sag at the waist, ankles, and butt
Strong chemical odor out of the bag
Slow shipping if you’re not a Prime member
Hand-washing recommended by the manufacturer

Which Leggings to Buy Instead

Megan Standing on a Pier in Manhattan with Coffee in Hand, Wearing Fabletics Leggings.

Fabletics High-Waisted Statement Pure Luxe Leggings

We wouldn’t leave you in the lurch for leggings to love at an affordable price point. Amazon’s Satina leggings are fine for a cheap pair of soft leggings to lounge around the house in, but if you want budget-friendly leggings that will stay in place (and, um, actually cover your butt) through errands, yoga, or a flight, then we have two far better options.

Try on a pair of C9 Everyday High-Waisted Leggings for size. The beloved sportswear brand Champion has teamed up with Target to deliver affordable performance leggings in a stretchy fabric that actually stays put, but lets you move around with ease. These leggings hold up through multiple washes, with no worries whether the yogini next to you can see right through the fabric while you’re in downward dog.

Fabletics also offers a good quality (and trendier) selection of leggings, and regularly offers sign-up incentives that can include two pairs of leggings for $24. I ended up wearing Fabletics High-Waisted Statement Pure Luxe leggings (pictured above) on my Dubai flight, and I was wildly impressed. Their high waist stayed up without digging into my belly, the black fabric was completely opaque, and the external pocket was an excellent place to stash my phone while I roamed through the airports. Plus, they’re moisture-wicking and chafe-resistant, ideal for more athletic activities than sitting in a coach seat. I’d definitely pick the Pure Luxe leggings out in a fun floral pattern for actual workouts.