IUGA FlexTight High Waist Tummy Control Leggings Review

Bottom Line

The IUGA FlexTight™ High Waist Tummy Control Leggings are perfect for casual hikes, yoga, or gym sessions—think comfort without the technical frills. These leggings suit beginners or those sticking to easy trails and need something comfy for everyday wear.

With incredible stretch, they fit all body types, hugging curves in all the right places. For a more relaxed fit, sizing up works well, as they stay in place without a drawstring. These leggings shine with a wide range of colors—if you’re looking for something bold or unique, IUGA has you covered (depending on size availability).

Though we expected pilling, even after multiple hikes and gym sessions, they’ve held up surprisingly well with no noticeable wear, especially between the thighs. The deep, wide pockets comfortably fit most phones, making them practical for any outing.

For more options, check out our guide to the best hiking leggings.

How We Tested

These leggings were tested on several mellow trails, ranging from 6,200 to 4,800 feet in elevation. Due to their high comfort and versatility, along with a more traditional style, we tried them out in everyday situations (work, running errands) as well as at the gym and during yoga classes.

Comfort

These leggings are incredibly comfortable and soft—we could easily wear them every day. They have a cotton-like feel, so we’re curious how they will hold up after multiple wears regarding cleanliness.

We sized up to make them extra comfy, and they turned out to be much stretchier than expected. The reviews made them sound like compression leggings, so we thought they would be more restrictive, but they are actually quite flexible.

After trying the size up, we’re confident that these are true to size and do not feel like compression leggings in the style we expected (like triathlon compression shorts).

Fit

We wore them to the gym for a workout, and they were perfect for mountain climbers, foot slides, and stair stepper exercises without any discomfort. The waistband is definitely higher, although not as high as other leggings on the market. Since we sized up, the inseam area does fall a little, but not excessively.

While out walking and hiking, we were surprised that the waist didn’t drop much, even with a phone in our pocket. With the stretchy material, we believe going true to size would provide a better fit for the waist, sitting comfortably just above or over the belly button, especially since there’s no drawstring.

Features

The leggings come with two open pockets, perfectly sized for a phone. Although we thought we couldn’t manage having our phone in a pocket while hiking (since we sized up), we were proven wrong. The leggings remained securely in place throughout all the testing periods.

Breathability & Warmth

In colder conditions, these leggings performed slightly better than most other thinner options, providing an unexpected level of warmth without feeling overly bulky. The fabric offers some insulation that keeps us comfortably warm during cooler hikes or outdoor activities, although we definitely felt cold on those near 30-degree days.

However, they may feel too thick or bulky for warmer instances, particularly during high-intensity activities or if temperatures rise significantly. We avoided wearing them for more vigorous or challenging hikes.

We did wear these to the gym several times and didn’t feel uncomfortable while sweating and generating heat, but during the peak of summer or prolonged strenuous exercise, they might not be as breathable as lightweight, moisture-wicking leggings specifically designed for hotter days.

Based on our testing, these leggings are likely best suited for mid-range temperatures or for more casual or shorter hikes during warmer months.

Durability

After wearing these for many days and miles in various environments, they seem more durable than we expected. We anticipated pilling, like we experienced with another product from the same brand, but during the testing process, we didn’t notice any. However, we didn’t take them into harsher environments and felt hesitant to sit on rocks and logs.

Thus, we didn’t really test them in more rugged terrain, but this indicates our confidence in the material and also our preferences for where these would perform best. We wouldn’t rely on them in severe conditions. Even though they haven’t shown any signs of wear yet, we don’t expect them to last for multiple years.

Should You Buy the Women’s IUGA FlexTight High Waist Tummy Control Leggings With Pockets?

People who prefer a traditional legging style without all the bells and whistles will appreciate these leggings. Those who love very soft fabric for maximum comfort, even if it may be more susceptible to the elements, will also value this product.

Anyone on a tight budget can find a high-performing pair of hiking leggings with these. And when it comes to activity types and preferences, hikers who enjoy mellow, less intense, and possibly shorter hikes will be pleased with what these leggings offer.

They are an excellent choice for adventurers seeking multi-use leggings for everyday wear, yoga class, and the gym, while remaining comfortable during long travels to and from the trailhead. Lastly, these leggings are a fantastic option for anyone looking for bright-colored hiking leggings or a specific color.

What Other Hiking Leggings Should You Consider?

If the IUGA FlexTight™ High Waist Tummy Control Leggings With Pockets sound great, but you are looking for slightly different features, we have numerous other favorite hiking leggings for you to learn about. Here are a few similar products from our list.

IUGA HeatLab Fleece Lined Leggings with Pockets Review: As you can see, these leggings come from the same company. There are only two differences between the two models: 1) The IUGA Heatlab leggings are insulated, making them the better choice if you need hiking leggings for very cold weather, and 2) We noticed significantly more pilling from the IUGA Heatlab than we did with the IUGA FlexTight. All the other features, comfort, and fit aspects performed pretty much exactly the same same.

Constantly Varied Gear Leggings Review: These leggings are a similar style to traditional leggings, featuring no extra elements besides two drop-in pockets, and they are more affordable. Additionally, this brand offers a wider variety of colors and patterns compared to IUGA. This product is also suitable for warmer temperatures and is actually lighter and more breathable than the IUGA FlexTight. However, the fit and comfort of the CVG score significantly lower than those of IUGA. Eddie Bauer Trail

Tight High-Rise Leggings Review: These leggings fit similarly to the IUGA FlexTight and perform well in comparable temperatures, both offering mid-weight breathability and thickness. However, the Eddie Bauer leggings feel more breathable and durable, which, at a higher price point, indicates that you are investing in a high-quality product. Sizing for both can be a challenge; with the IUGA FlexTight, one might consider sizing up, while for the Eddie Bauer Trail Tight, one may opt to size down, as the waist and inseam tend to slip down more frequently with these.