Once you have worn leggings with pockets, it is hard to go back. Your phone stays with you between sets, your keys stop disappearing in your gym bag, and a quick walk or coffee run does not need a bag at all. But not all pocket leggings are made the same. A badly placed pocket can bounce, sag or pull the waistband down.
Here is how to tell whether pocket leggings are right for you, and what to check before you buy a pair.
Why pocket leggings are worth it
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Hands-free workouts: Keep your phone close for music, timers and tracking without leaving it on the floor.
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Everyday convenience: Walks, errands and school runs are easier when your essentials have somewhere to go.
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Safety and peace of mind: Your locker key and cards stay on your body, not in an open bag.
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No extra bulk: Good pocket leggings look almost identical to regular leggings when the pockets are empty.
Types of pockets, and which is best
Side thigh pockets
The most popular style. Pockets sit along the outer thigh and are usually large enough for a full-size smartphone. They are easy to reach, sit flat against your leg and are best for walking, gym training and everyday wear.
Back pockets
Placed on the seat or just below the back waistband, these are great for keys, cards and earbuds. They keep items out of the way during floor work and stretching where side pockets could press into you.
Hidden waistband pockets
A small inner pocket in the waistband, sized for a key or a card. Ideal for running and classes where you want nothing visible at all.
What to check before you buy
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Pocket depth: Your phone should sit fully inside the pocket, with the top of the pocket above the phone. Shallow pockets let phones slip out during squats.
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Fabric strength: Pockets should be made from the same supportive, squat-proof fabric as the leggings, so they hold weight without sagging.
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Waistband support: A high-rise waistband with a firm hold stops the weight of a phone from pulling the leggings down. This is the most common problem with cheaper pocket leggings.
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Flat seams: Pocket seams should lie flat and not dig in when you sit, squat or lie on a mat.
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Opacity: Pockets add an extra layer of fabric at the thigh, but the rest of the leggings still need to pass a squat test. Our guide on how to test squat-proof leggings explains how.
Our pocket picks
Who might not need pockets?
If you mostly do hot yoga, inversions or floor-based pilates, you may never use them, and a simple pair without pockets feels a little sleeker. For gym training, walking and daily wear, pockets are one of the most useful features you can choose.
Frequently asked questions
Will my phone bounce in pocket leggings?
In a well-fitted pair with deep side pockets and a supportive waistband, a phone stays close to your leg during walking and strength training. During running or jumping, some movement is normal.
Do pockets make leggings less comfortable?
Not when the seams lie flat and the pocket is made from the same stretch fabric. You should barely notice them when empty.
How do I wash pocket leggings?
Empty the pockets, turn the leggings inside out and wash cold on a gentle cycle. See our full leggings care guide.
Shop all styles in our Future Flex leggings collection.
Pocket Leggings: Are They Worth It? What to Look For Before You Buy
Once you have worn leggings with pockets, it is hard to go back. Your phone stays with you between sets, your keys stop disappearing in your gym bag, and a quick walk or coffee run does not need a bag at all. But not all pocket leggings are made the same. A badly placed pocket can bounce, sag or pull the waistband down.
Here is how to tell whether pocket leggings are right for you, and what to check before you buy a pair.
Why pocket leggings are worth it
Types of pockets, and which is best
Side thigh pockets
The most popular style. Pockets sit along the outer thigh and are usually large enough for a full-size smartphone. They are easy to reach, sit flat against your leg and are best for walking, gym training and everyday wear.
Back pockets
Placed on the seat or just below the back waistband, these are great for keys, cards and earbuds. They keep items out of the way during floor work and stretching where side pockets could press into you.
Hidden waistband pockets
A small inner pocket in the waistband, sized for a key or a card. Ideal for running and classes where you want nothing visible at all.
What to check before you buy
Our pocket picks
Who might not need pockets?
If you mostly do hot yoga, inversions or floor-based pilates, you may never use them, and a simple pair without pockets feels a little sleeker. For gym training, walking and daily wear, pockets are one of the most useful features you can choose.
Frequently asked questions
Will my phone bounce in pocket leggings?
In a well-fitted pair with deep side pockets and a supportive waistband, a phone stays close to your leg during walking and strength training. During running or jumping, some movement is normal.
Do pockets make leggings less comfortable?
Not when the seams lie flat and the pocket is made from the same stretch fabric. You should barely notice them when empty.
How do I wash pocket leggings?
Empty the pockets, turn the leggings inside out and wash cold on a gentle cycle. See our full leggings care guide.
Shop all styles in our Future Flex leggings collection.