Lusting Leggings

I’m lusting new leggings for the gym in the most major way. I’ve been going more frequently (inner gym bro-ette UNLEASHED), and also watching an obscene amount of Nikki Blackketter on YouTube – so inspiration abounds! I have a couple of good pairs, but I really need 1-2 additional pairs that are *super* thick, not see-through when squatting, and provide nice compression on the muscles. Here’s a list of brands I’m perusing, with some pros/cons:

1. Lululemon [Wunder Under Crops]

Pros: thick material, provide compression, durable, thick waistband, fun prints, know my size
Cons: less-than-ideal business ethics, tendency to pill, $$

2. Beyond Yoga [Walk and Talk Capri Legging, Salt and Pepper Take Me Higher Legging]

Pros: super high-waisted, durable, mesh detailing, made in the US
Cons: $$$, small selection, unsure of my size and potentially between sizes

3. Carbon 38 [I want like EVERYTHING but the B Fit Color Blocked Leggings immediately caught my eye]

Pros: multitude of styles and options, fun prints (many scream soul cycle…)
Cons: some pairs are like EXORBITANTLY expensive (for leggings) (WHY AM I IMMEDIATELY DRAWN TO THE PAIR THAT IS $420???)

4. Fabletics [Salar Leggings, Fjord Legging]

Pros: extremely affordable, fun prints, high waistbands
Cons: unsure of quality/durability at price point, dislike celebrity brands/marketing

5. Gymshark [Form Compression Leggings, Flex Leggings]

Pros: affordable, leggings specifically for compression
Cons: small waistband (tends to be less flattering), unsure of quality/durability at price point

6. Nike [Legendary Jacquard Training Tights, Epic Lux Running Crops]

Pros: variety in style and price point, high + thick waistbands
Cons: can be see-through, have heard negative reviews…so not the best word-of-mouth

What are your favorite leggings? Any brands I absolutely must put on my radar, given my needs and aesthetic preferences?