I’ve told a number of people recently that I found the best workout tights with pockets. Sometimes using words like “best” and “perfect” can be tricky to justify when you’re explaining an opinion, so I thought it would be important to break down what attributes of these tights earn them a favored title. I’ve been a runner, volleyball player, and overall gym rat my entire life, and if there’s one thing I feel strongly about, it’s the pockets.
I recently had an opportunity to test out the Old Navy High-Waisted Elevate Powersoft 7/8-Length Side-Pocket Leggings For Women ($35, originally $40) to see how the pair delivered, and I knew after my first workout this would be a pant I’d be buying time and time again.
They’re incredibly easy to slide on and don’t require additional tugging at the thigh or waistband in order to get them on the way other tights I own do. Even after a dozen washes, they remain the perfect balance of snug and malleable (they’re 23-percent spandex!). The waistband is the perfect height, so if I want to work out in just a sports bra, I still feel somewhat modest and supported. And my absolute favorite aspect of these tights is, of course, the deep pockets. My iPhone, keys, and small zip wallet all fit inside the pockets and don’t budge while running, which is no easy feat. I’ve done burpees and jumping jacks and gone on at least a dozen runs in them, and nothing has ever fallen out.