On is known for its sleek, minimalist gear and premium price tags. While the Swiss brand first made its name with its signature cloud inspired running shoes, its growing apparel range is becoming just as popular. The On Performance Tights promise to be 'performance ready'. It’s a broad claim, but as a fitness writer who spends a lot of time working out and testing gear, I take that to mean these leggings should do more than just look good — they need to hold up through tough training sessions.
To see if they lived up to that, I ripped off the tags and got moving. I wore the tights on a long run, a speed session, an at-home workout with one of the best kettlebells, and even a game of tennis, though calling it that might be a stretch given my skills. Here's how they held up across a mix of activities.
First impressions
Straight out of the packaging, I was impressed by how soft, light and flexible the On Performance Tights felt. I always look for this kind of comfort in leggings that I’ll be wearing for long workouts or lots of movement. After nearly five years of testing activewear, I’ve developed a good feel for quality, and these didn’t have that cheap, synthetic texture you sometimes get with lower-end leggings. They felt premium, which is exactly what you’d hope for at $120.
One small gripe I had before even pulling them on was with the design. When I first unfolded the tights, I noticed small patches on the thigh area and actually tried to brush them off, thinking they were bits of fluff or dust. It turns out that’s just part of the design that includes reflective sections on the tights. I wasn’t the only one confused. A few honest friends also commented that the reflective dots looked a little out of place. The positioning is questionable, but not a total miss. I do like having some reflective details for runs at dusk, so I was curious to see how they’d look and feel once on.
Fit, feel and durability
The tights are a ⅞ length, designed to sit just above the ankle. If you’re on the taller side like me (I’m 5’9”), you might usually prefer full-length leggings. Personally, I tend to go for a longer fit so it doesn’t look like the leggings are too short, and so I can layer longer socks over the top in winter to keep my ankles warm.
That said, I was pleasantly surprised by how this pair looked once I tried them on. They didn’t sit too high on my legs, and I actually received a few compliments on both the length and shape.
The tights fit like a glove around the legs without feeling stiff or restrictive. Some more budget-friendly or fashion-focused leggings can feel tight in the wrong places, but these had a comfortable stretch that moved well with me. I liked how the waistband looked and felt at the front, although I did notice it gaped a little at the back. It wasn’t enough to affect the overall fit or stop me from wearing them.
It’s still early to properly judge the durability, but so far the tights have held up well. I’ve followed the care instructions and washed them a few times already. They’ve come out in good condition with no signs of wear or bobbling. I’ll be keeping an eye on how they hold up with more use and will update if anything changes.
Performance
When it comes to high-intensity training, running, heavy lifting or anything that’s going to make you sweat, you need a pair of leggings that can handle it. And by that, I don’t mean holding onto the sweat so they feel heavy and sticky, I mean leggings that are built to wick moisture and dry quickly. The On Performance Tights are made from moisture-wicking materials, and I really noticed the quality and benefit of that during testing.
They stayed in place throughout every workout, which is always a big win. There’s nothing more annoying than having to constantly hoist your leggings back up, only for them to slip again moments later. The secure fit and sweat-wicking fabric are exactly the kinds of features you expect from a pair of leggings that claim to be built for performance.
Now, let’s talk about pockets. It’s a well-known fact that men’s activewear, and even casual clothing, often comes better equipped with pockets. I’ve gotten so used to women’s leggings having little to no storage that I rarely leave the house for a run without one of the best running belts strapped around my waist, carrying my phone and keys. But while testing the On Performance Tights, I was able to ditch the belt. There’s a secure zip pocket at the back of the waistband that fits keys, and a larger side pocket on the leg that holds a phone comfortably. You could even squeeze a gel in there, too, if needed.
Who should (and shouldn’t) buy the On Performance Tights?
Buy if you:
- Like a 7/8 legging length
- Value performance features like sweat-wicking fabric and a secure fit
- Are a runner who needs decent pockets and wants to avoid wearing a running belt
- Don’t mind paying more for something that feels well-made
Skip if you:
- Always go for full-length leggings
- Don't want to spend over $100 on a pair of tights
- Not a fan of design details like reflective dots
Verdict
After testing the On Performance Tights across runs, strength sessions, and even a casual tennis game, I’ve come away impressed by the comfort, fit and sweat-wicking performance. They feel soft yet supportive, stayed put throughout every workout, and the pockets are genuinely useful. I didn’t need my usual running belt, which says a lot.
That said, they’re expensive, and at $120, they won’t be within everyone’s budget. The reflective design details might be to everyone’s taste, and if you prefer full-length leggings or need a waistband that fits flush all the way around, you might find some compromises here.
I can’t speak to long-term durability just yet, but after several washes, they’ve held up well with no signs of wear so far. If you’re happy to invest in a premium pair of workout leggings and want something functional and flattering for a mix of activities, the On Performance Tights are worth considering.
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