$23.8 AIM Leggings from Target: Shockingly Good? A 48-Hour Wear Test Review

Are the $23.8 All In Motion leggings from Target really as good as everyone says? The Frugal Glow dives into a full 48-hour wear test—covering comfort, buttery-soft feel, workout performance, moisture control, seam irritation, and how they hold up after washing. Get the full verdict before you buy.

Overview

These Women’s Everyday Soft High-Rise Piped 7/8 Leggings from All In Motion at Target were purchased by my close friend’s daughter, who tested them for 48 hours through daily wear, workouts, and a full wash cycle. As part of The Frugal Glow‘s ongoing product evaluations, here’s her complete experience.

Initial Impression

Right away, the leggings delivered on the “buttery soft” claim—there’s an immediate tactile luxury when you brush your hand across the fabric. On first touch the material is noticeably smoother than average athletic wear: it has a fine, almost velvet-like surface that still stretches easily. This isn’t the coarse, compression-only kind of fabric; instead it combines a soft hand-feel with enough body to feel substantial, not flimsy.

When she slipped them on, three things stood out:

• Texture & Comfort: The interior feels gentle against bare skin, so wearing them for long stretches doesn’t irritate. The outer face of the fabric has a slight sheen that reads as polished rather than cheap—helpful if you plan to wear them for errands or casual outings as well as workouts.
• Stretch & Recovery: The material stretches smoothly and snaps back into place without bagging. Movement—squats, lunges, or bending—felt natural; there was no sense of fabric resistance or pulling at stress points. This quick recovery helps the leggings keep a sleek silhouette throughout the day.
• Seam & Construction: Seams lie flat and the piped trim looks deliberate, not bulky. Because the stitching is relatively low-profile, she didn’t feel any pressure points or seam lines when seated or during movement. The construction reads as tidy and intentional, which is impressive given the price point.

Fit notes specific to the high-rise design:

• Waistband Feel: The high-rise band has enough compression to offer a secure, smoothing fit without digging in. It creates a clean waistline that’s flattering under cropped tops or long tees. The band’s width helps distribute pressure so there’s minimal pinching.
• Length & Cut: The 7/8 cut hit right around the lower calf on her height, which visually elongates the leg and pairs well with both trainers and casual slip-ons. The piped seams add a subtle contour that flatters the leg shape rather than interrupting it.
• True-to-Size Impression: On first wear the pair felt true to size—snug but not restrictive. If you prefer a slightly firmer compression for high-impact workouts, sizing down could be an option; for everyday comfort, her usual size delivered the intended look and feel.

Styling and practical first-use thoughts (useful for readers scanning the intro):

• These work as both activewear and athleisure—soft enough for lounging, structured enough for low- to mid-intensity workouts.
• The finish hides minor texture differences (like under-layer lines) better than thinner, more transparent leggings.
• For shoppers on a budget, the immediate impression suggests you’re getting a premium sensory experience without the premium price tag—exactly the kind of find The Frugal Glow highlights.

Overall, the initial impression was strongly positive: the tactile softness, solid construction, and flattering high-rise fit set the expectations high for how they would perform during workouts and after laundering.

The Workout Grind

To truly understand how these All In Motion leggings perform, she tested them through a complete workout routine designed to expose weak spots—stretching, cardio, strength training, and floor work. The goal was simple: can a $23.8 pair hold up like the more expensive brands people usually rely on?

Waistband Stability

One of the first things she noticed was how reliable the high-rise waistband felt during movement.

• During stretching, the band stayed anchored without sliding down, even in deep forward folds or side bends.
• Through cardio, especially jogging and jump-based exercises, the waistband stayed locked in place. There was zero rolling at the top edge—something many budget leggings struggle with.
• In squat and lunge sets, the band didn’t gape, move, or require mid-set adjustments. It offered steady core support without feeling tight or restrictive.

This secure fit allowed her to focus on the workout itself, not on fixing her leggings every few minutes—a win for any activewear tested by The Frugal Glow.

Moisture Management

Sweat is often where cheaper leggings reveal their limits, but this pair performed surprisingly well.

• As she broke a sweat, the fabric stayed light and breathable, not trapping heat like thicker synthetic blends.
• The material wicked moisture efficiently, pulling sweat away from the skin to the surface of the fabric, preventing that sticky, uncomfortable feeling.
• Even after an intense, sweat-heavy section of her workout, the leggings didn’t feel waterlogged or clingy. Instead, they remained flexible and moved easily as she transitioned to cooldown exercises.

This moisture control is especially impressive for the price point and makes the leggings suitable for both low- and mid-intensity sweat sessions.

Seam Comfort

Budget leggings often fall short in seam quality, especially around the inner thighs where friction is highest.

• Despite having piped detailing, which can sometimes rub during high movement, she reported zero chafing.
• The seams stayed flat and smooth, with no raised stitching that might irritate the skin.
• During cardio and leg exercises, she didn’t feel any hotspots, no rubbing, and no discomfort—even after 45+ minutes of continuous movement.

This level of seam comfort is a standout feature, especially since comfort during motion is one of the main criteria The Frugal Glow evaluates when reviewing affordable activewear.

Overall Workout Performance

Across the full routine, the leggings stayed supportive, breathable, and comfortable. The fabric’s stretch allowed for wide ranges of motion, the waistband stayed secure, and the seams didn’t interfere with her workout. For a pair under $25, their performance aligned unexpectedly well with mid-range leggings twice the price.

The Wash Test

To see if these All In Motion leggings could truly hold up over time, she ran them through a standard home wash cycle—the ultimate test for any budget-friendly activewear. Surprisingly, the leggings maintained their quality in every key area.

Shape Retention

One of the most common issues with affordable leggings is losing their structure after washing. Not with this pair.

• The high-rise waistband retained its snug fit without stretching out or sagging.
• The 7/8 length remained true, with no bagging at the knees or ankles.
• Overall, the leggings bounced back to their original shape, demonstrating strong elasticity and recovery in the fabric.

Color Quality

Color retention can make or break the value of budget leggings.

• Even after the wash, the black shade stayed deep and vibrant, with no fading.
• There were no uneven spots or washed-out areas, which keeps them looking new and polished after multiple wears.
• This makes them suitable for mixing with various tops and sneakers without worrying about color inconsistencies.

Texture

Softness is where these leggings shine, even post-laundry.

• The buttery-soft feel remained intact, with no rough patches or pilling.
• The fabric continued to feel gentle against the skin, making them comfortable for both workouts and casual wear.
• Durability plus comfort makes them a standout value for readers of The Frugal Glow who want leggings that last without breaking the bank.

Overall Wash Performance

After a complete wash cycle, the leggings came out almost indistinguishable from their first wear. Shape, color, and texture all held strong, proving that for $23.8, you get a pair that not only performs during workouts but also stands up to regular home laundering—exactly what The Frugal Glow looks for in affordable, long-lasting activewear.

Final Call

For $23.8, the All In Motion leggings from Target offer excellent value. They feel premium, perform well during workouts, and maintain their shape and softness after washing. Based on her 48-hour test, they are absolutely worth the price and a smart addition for anyone shopping with comfort, durability, and affordability in mind—just the kind of find The Frugal Glow loves to recommend.