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Whether you’re stretching or squatting, these styles won’t let you down
Seeking out the best gym leggings is a little like searching for a needle in a haystack. There are so many options and knowing which features and what sort of fit will work best for you can be a challenge. We all have our preferences and we all exercise in slightly different ways, so what one person says works for them might not work for you. There are however, simple factors that you should consider when looking for the perfect leggings.
The ideal pair should be barely noticeable against your skin – comfort is the main factor here. What you wear to work out in shouldn’t hinder you in any way and shouldn’t need adjusting while you work out. If your gym leggings bunch up, fall down or dig in, they’re not the right pair for you.
They should also keep you cool and dry, so breathable or moisture-wicking material is essential, so you don’t end up overheating. While a cheap pair that won’t break the bank might seem more appealing, we’ve had plenty of bad experiences with cheap leggings that look nice but don’t offer any breatheability.
It’s worth considering the way you prefer to exercise before you buy. Runners or those who like high-impact classes may be better off with a lightweight pair, while yoga devotees will love looser or softer styles that don’t interfere with movement. Some prefer leggings with more compression, to hold everything in place, give a more streamlined silhouette and help with muscle recovery, but bear in mind these styles can be a little warmer.
A high waistband offers extra support, while an inner drawstring provides the closest possible fit. A deep pocket may also be essential if you want to carry your phone while working out, although, the pockets on many leggings are far too small for the average smartphone. If you want to track your workout, you may be better off with a wearable fitness tracker than keeping your phone on you at all times.
If you have sensitive skin or you’re prone to irritation, the placement of seams is important too – especially if your workout comprises a lot of running or squatting. And of course, you need to consider stretch – the more elastic your gym gear is the more it will allow you free range of movement – you don’t want to be restricted when you’re trying to lunge or reach.
Finally, it’s important to opt for a premium material that won’t sag or fall down and will stay looking just as good after endless washes – as all the ones we’ve highlighted below will. You’re going to be pushing these garments to the limit so anything that ends up bobbly and threadbare after a few wears and washes just won’t be a wise investment.
We worked up a sweat to judge the best gym leggings by wearing every single pair to work out in. We wore them running outside and on the treadmill, in high-impact classes and even while hiking and horse riding. Most importantly, we squatted in every pair to make sure they were completely opaque, to save any embarrassment.
For each pair, we considered the fit and comfort, the sizes and colours available and if they were flattering. We judged how easy they were to move in and wash, their value for money and if we liked them so much we’d be happy to wear them while out for coffee after the gym.
These seamless leggings are one of Gymshark’s big sellers, instantly recognisable with their unusual ribbed waistband and all-over breathable mesh dots. We feared they may be a little too warm for high-impact workouts but were amazed by just how cool the sweat-wicking material kept us.
It’s also worth noting the leggings are made using dope-dying technology, which uses less water, energy and chemicals than other methods.
The thicker material and subtle pattern mean these leggings look great, and the high-waisted, figure-hugging style really does stay put. Plus, there’s a good range of flattering colours to choose from if you’re swerving boring black or want to buy more than one pair.
These bargain leggings look far more expensive than they are. Though the material is a little thinner than most of the other pairs we tested, we didn’t need to worry about overheating when pounding the treadmill.
The breathable, quick-dry fabric ensured we didn’t feel anywhere near as sweaty as usual. We also liked the fact the leggings are cropped – we’ll definitely be wearing these regularly in the summer.
They look very sleek with a slight gloss and a wide, flattering seam on the outer leg. They’re exceptionally comfy, too. We needed to tighten the waistband with the inner drawstring, but the leggings didn’t budge while we were working out.
There’s also a decent-sized zip pocket on the back, and a really useful larger pocket on the leg, which we found held our phone securely even while running. A fantastic buy all round.
If you live in fear of leggings turning see-through every time you squat, this pair is a game-changer. Made of cotton touch, quick-drying fabric with a hydrophilic finish, they felt far thicker than most other pairs we tested but were not at all restrictive.
They’re extremely soft to the touch and have a great stretch, so we’d happily wear them for lounging as well as to the gym – but do pay close attention to the size guide online, as the leggings run a little smaller than most.
When we wore them during workouts, we found they didn’t budge an inch or roll down at the waist, and they were completely squat-proof, thanks to a double-lined back panel. The sweat-absorbing material makes them comfortable and the contoured seams and high waist mean they look good, too. We did find the thick material a little warm for high-impact classes such as body combat, but they were a winner for hitting the gym – and all for a fantastic price.
A bit of bad weather needn’t derail your workout routine. These brilliantly priced leggings have been tested in temperatures down to -5C to make sure they’ll still keep you cosy, while the breathable material wicks away moisture once you’ve worked up a sweat.
We tested them during a frosty morning run and, for once, we didn’t feel tempted to go straight back indoors when we stepped outside. The inner brushed fleece makes these leggings feel super soft, and they can be adjusted with a drawcord to fit snugly. We liked the reflective strip on the ankle for added safety too.
Our one complaint would be that the zipped back pocket isn’t big enough for a phone. If that’s a deal breaker, try the women’s warm+ running long leggings (£19.99, Decathlon.co.uk) instead, as they are just as snug but have a larger side pocket, in which our phone (just) fitted. Both leggings are ideal for anyone who loves to work out in the fresh air, without breaking the bank.
Originally co-founded by Hollywood star Kate Hudson, Fabletics operates a little differently from other brands. Anyone can buy from its site, but to get the best prices (up to 60 per cent cheaper), you’ll need to sign up to become a member, for £59.99 per month, which can be redeemed against purchases. You can skip or cancel at any time, but it’s worth having a good look at the site before joining, to decide if it’s really worth it for you.
We were certainly smitten with this pair of leggings. Available in a huge range of sizes and colours, from cheetah print to glitter hologram, they’re blissfully light to wear with a super comfy waistband that never restricts movement, making them particularly well suited to yoga and pilates.
They even have built-in sun protection, so would be great for exercising outdoors during the summer. We also loved the deep pockets on each leg, which didn’t add bulk but still housed our phone with ease.
If you’d rather have a little more support, we also rated the define powerhold high-waisted leggings (member’s price £27.60, non-members £69, Fabletics.co.uk). Though they’re a little tricky to get on, their figure-flattering compression holds in everything, for seriously high-impact workouts – we even wore them while horse-riding, for ultimate streamlined sleekness.
Best known for its wildly popular exercise bike, Peleton sells a full range of gym gear and accessories too. The good news is these leggings don’t just feel great but also look better on than most others we tried.
The material has a fantastic, four-way stretch but is still thick enough to suck in everything. The wide waistband and flatlock seams keep everything streamlined, which gave us a boost when we caught sight of ourselves working out in the gym mirror. Plus, we loved the subtle laser cutouts at the bottom of each leg, adding a bit of interest to a plain-black look. Though, be aware, that the brand name is also stamped on one ankle, which may not be to everyone’s taste.
Looking for something brighter than black? Try the Peloton high-rise pocket legging (from £63, Apparel.onepeloton.co.uk). These are made from the same medium compression, breathable material but come in a range of zingy shades, including electric blue, tomato red and the shocking pink we tested. That’s one way to make an entrance at the gym.
Upmarket Californian athleisure brand Vuori counts the likes of Harry Styles and Gwyneth Paltrow as fans, so it’s no huge shock these leggings don’t come cheap. However, we forgot about the price tag as soon as we slipped into the leggings, as they’re so sleek yet buttery soft.
Despite the silkiness, they’re surprisingly supportive and look very flattering, with their impressive four-way stretch, a hint of shine and a cool minimalist design. There are no seams on the outer leg, so we found them comfortable to work out in, even in a high-impact body combat class.
Best of all, the high waistband and free-cut hem around the ankle give the leggings a more fashion-forward look, so we’d happily wear these while out for coffee after the gym... and possibly never take them off again.
If you don’t mind the price tag, leggings don’t get much better than those from Lululemon. Surprisingly flattering, thanks to a brushed matte finish, this pair have a supportive wide waistband and enough compression to hold in everything, without feeling restrictive.
We loved the silky cool material on the inside, while the miraculous sweat-wicking fabric ensured we genuinely felt less hot and bothered while on the treadmill. There’s a waistband drawcord to get the perfect fit, a hidden pocket (albeit not big enough for a phone) and a fantastic four-way Lycra stretch that makes these leggings suitable for almost any exercise you can think of. We can confirm they’re completely squat-proof, too.
However, if yoga is your exercise of choice, opt for the Lululemon align high-rise, wide-leg pant (£118, Lululemon.co.uk) instead. This option has all the same stretch and sweat-wicking properties but with a looser fit on the legs. In fact, they’re so soft and weightless, we’ve worn them out of the gym and on a long-haul flight.
For some, sustainability may not be the number one priority when searching for gym leggings but, happily, this pair from Nike ticks the eco-friendly box while meeting all your other workout needs.
The leggings are made from recycled nylon, which began life as other materials, including recycled carpet and used fishing nets. This is cleaned and converted into flakes before being recycled into new nylon yarns, reducing carbon emissions by up to 50 per cent, compared with virgin nylon.
The leggings are great to wear too. Super soft and stretchy, they slide on like a dream and are easily comfortable enough to wear all day long. We particularly loved the high, wide waistband, which didn’t slide down at all during our vigorous HIIT class and the pocket is big enough for a phone – bonus.
They don’t feel hot at all, thanks to the breezy lightweight support and Nike dri-fit technology, which moves sweat away from the skin, for quicker evaporation.
Over and Above take training gear very seriously, in fact, they’re the first brand in the world to offer proprioceptive apparel. Proprioception is the body’s ability to sense its position and movement – essential for great form and maximising your athletic ability.
These leggings fuse style with biomechanics to enhance your natural abilities during a workout. On the surface they look sleek and high quality, however on the inside they’re equipped with sensory nodes that interact with the skin at key anatomical locations.
They’re on the tighter side due to the need for the rubbery nodes and extra support reinforcement (shaped like sports tape) to be close to the skin. However, the extra support really goes the distance and the leggings are very breathable thanks to body-mapped ventilation, despite the snug fit. We really noticed the extra support for our quads, hamstrings and calves during an intense road run.
If you’re training for a marathon or really pushing your body to its limits with endurance training, these leggings will become your new best friend.
None of these gym leggings will let you down, whether you’re about to smash your personal best on the treadmill or finally perfect your downward dog. For style and affordability, it’s hard to beat the Gymshark vital seamless 2.0 leggings, which impressed us with sleek design and suck-everything-in hold. However, if money is no object, we’d take a pair of the Lululemon wunder train high-rise tights in every colour, because their breathability, stretch and flattering look are almost unbeatable. For peerless athetic support and recovery, consider investing in the Over and Above leggings. They ring in at a higher price point but if your training goals are serious, they’re guaranteed to see you through.
Born to run? Check out our round-up of the best running leggings