The best women’s gym leggings can help you feel supported, stylish and comfortable during your workouts. But the world of gym leggings is a minefield – there’s an endless selection available. It’s important that your leggings stay put during exercise, while also looking good, keeping you cool as you sweat and allowing you to move freely. Oh, and no-one wants to face the dreaded see-through leggings situation mid-squat, so good-quality fabric is key.
Struggling to find a pair that’s perfect for you? Here are some of our favourite picks to suit all budgets and styles. And if you want to widen the net further, take a look at our selection of the best running leggings and best yoga leggings.
If you’re going to be spending some time wearing your kit before or after your workout, get a pair of these versatile leggings. They’re strong enough for strength sessions, but comfy enough to keep on while you’re working from home or grabbing a post-workout coffee. Not only is the fabric a see-through-free zone, it’s also made from at least 50% recycled polyester for those who want a more eco-friendly option.
The ultimate fusion of style and function, Sweaty Betty’s iconic Power leggings offer a compressive and quick-drying fabric, bum-sculpting seams, plenty of pockets, and no fewer than 24 colour and print options. They’re designed for every type of workout and come in two leg lengths. We can see why they’ve become an SB fan-club cult buy.
You can’t go wrong with a pair of Lulus – if you can afford them the quality is appreciably better – and these tights tick all the boxes. Although they’re specifically created for yoga, we found them suitable for all exercise thanks to a seriously comfy fit, no annoying slippy waistbands, and the no-see-through fabric. They’re also incredibly soft, and continue to be so even after washing (which is often not the case with other leggings), plus they’re quick-drying, so you can hop to brunch after the gym without feeling damp.
These camo print leggings made with recycled polyester and spandex are ideal for gym workouts: they don’t budge, the super-stretchy fabric is thick enough to be squat-proof, and they wick sweat away so you aren’t left damp from your session.
We tend to prefer higher waistbands than the mid rise fit of these New Balance leggings, but they’re still flattering and there’s an internal drawcord that means you can adjust the fit – ideal if you’re feeling a little bloated. The capri length of these (hitting between the knee and mid calf) might also be a little short during the colder months, but if you tend to get quite warm during workouts then these could be a winner for you.
These leggings are made with recycled fabric that’s treated with Polygiene, an eco-friendly anti-odour technology that reduces the need to wash your leggings after every workout. We gave them a sniff after our workout and found them surprisingly fresh.
The tonal patterns on these seamless leggings have a contouring effect, creating a slimmer appearance. Seamless leggings have more stretch, giving you greater freedom of movement during workouts, and less potential for chafing. If you’re a yoga fan, add these leggings to your yoga-wear selection – the four-way stretch makes downward dog a doddle. The fabric feels strong and supportive and yes, they are 100% squat-proof.
Although Tala calls these running leggings, they’re suited for any high-intensity exercise, such as HIIT workouts. Being made from recycled polyester sourced from post-consumer waste gives these leggings serious sustainability credentials. Lightweight yet squat-proof, they’re easy to get on and off. We wore the ⅞ length which is flattering on the leg, though a longer length is also available.
While there was not a camel-toe in sight, the leggings did slip down a little during exercise – we’d prefer the waistband to be a little thicker and tuck everything in, but of course this might not be a problem for others. The side pocket on the leg is perfect for your phone or any other essentials.
These MP leggings slide on easily, the high waistband is flattering without feeling too restrictive, and the generous length is perfect for long-legged women. There’s no bunching or skin irritation with this seamless pair. The soft, thick fabric is ideal for the colder months and completely squat-proof. Despite being thick, the fabric is highly breathable thanks to the open mesh structure which allows for ventilation. So whether you’re lifting weights or working through a sweaty HIIT session, you won’t overheat. Just be aware that sweat can show through in the grey colour.
It’s the hottest athleisure label on Instagram (5.2 million followers and counting), and nothing gets fitness fans more excited than a new Gymshark launch. Boasting all of Gymshark’s signature details – high-waist fit, seamless design, made-for-Insta ombre dip-dye finish – the Adapt leggings are the brand’s latest smash. If you’re worried about style over substance, don’t be – these leggings deliver on both fronts.
Lorna Jane leggings always impress us both in and out of the gym, and this new style from the Aussie brand is no different. The ribbed design is something you don’t often see on leggings, and we’re huge fans. They are fashionable and comfy, the length is flattering and the high waistband keeps everything tucked in. It’s that waistband that makes these stand out – super-wide and stretchy, without being overly tight, it stays up during workouts but doesn’t feel restrictive when you’re gasping for breath between sets. The fabric offers coverage without being too warm. There’s just one downside to these leggings: they are a little camel-toe-y, so you might want to pair them with a long tee or vest.
Affordable, durable and comfortable, these knit leggings are also surprisingly warm, which makes them ideal for the winter months. While testing during a gym workout we found they didn’t slip at all, thanks in large part to the impressively secure waistband. They’re also nice and long so you won’t be left with chilly ankles. Don’t expect any frills or fancy bits with these but, for the price, you won’t be disappointed.
These soft cotton blend leggings are comfortable enough to wear all day, in and out of the gym. They’re flattering thanks to a high waistband and offer great support around the bum and thighs. Although they’re made by a yoga brand they are brilliant for all sorts of exercise, and they’ll stay put too.
When we tried these during a lower-body workout they remained squat-proof throughout with no awkward see-through moments. Despite the cotton-based fabric they do a decent job of wicking away sweat. The only downside is that there are no colours other than the matt charcoal, but most of us probably prefer to wear darker leggings anyway.
The price tag might be a turn-off, but there’s a reason to part with more than £100 for a pair of gym leggings. These ones are made using a textured fabric featuring three-dimensional “nubs” that massage the legs. The compression factor also helps to relieve muscle strain. They’re nicely high-waisted and the compression fit does mean that they’re tight, so you might not want to wear these for anything other than your workout.
We wore these during a treadmill run and a weights session and they didn’t slip down or budge at all, plus they’re squat-proof and the fabric is quick-drying and breathable. There are three different lengths available: short, 3/4 and full length. We opted for the full length, for total leg compression as well as extra warmth.
Double up on endorphins by exercising in mood-boosting leopard print. Designed and made sustainably in the UK from recycled materials, these leggings boast cooling mesh panels, a supportive, high-waisted fit and that all-important pocket. If you need a little extra workout motivation, look no further.
US brand Girlfriend Collective’s compressive leggings are made with recycled water bottles, while the trademark bold colours – everything from zingy lime to chic navy and deep purple – are achieved using eco-friendly dyes. Along with being easy on the eye, they’re functional, with two pockets to stash your phone, keys and bank card – making this pair extra covetable.
Another bargain option, these M&S Goodmove leggings look way more expensive than £27.50. They feel it too, with opaque coverage, second-skin fit, drawcord waist and breathable, quick-drying fabric. Throw in a phone pocket, statement print and inclusive sizing and it’s not hard to see why they’re swimming in five-star reviews.
If you want a more eco-friendly purchase, then opt for these super-soft leggings, made from recycled materials. They’re ideal for any workout from running to yoga. The high waist is flattering over the tummy without being overly tight and the waistband lining also has a tiny little pocket – just right for keeping a key safe as you exercise or pop out to the shops. We love this blue shade. Plus we can confirm that they wash well.
The very high yet comfortable waist on these leggings is flattering and doesn’t dig in at all. These squat-proof leggings stay put no matter what movement you’re doing, including treadmill or outdoor running. They also wash well, maintain their shape and stretch and continually stay up – there’s none of the annoying slippage that can often occur in other leggings. They also have an antibacterial finish and genuinely don’t seem to smell post-workout. All-round winners in our book – these won’t let you down.
These flattering Under Armour leggings won’t slip down or crease at the crotch while always remaining comfortable. No matter how you move, these leggings stay put, even after several washes. Super-stretchy fabric makes every movement easy and the snug waistband is high enough to be flattering without restricting your breathing. They’re available in black or a light green pattern design. We tested their sweat-wicking efficiency, wearing them for a sprint session, and they stayed pretty dry throughout. The phone pocket at the top of the leg held our phone securely and didn’t pull the leggings down.
Designed to be worn during pregnancy, these leggings enable mums-to-be to exercise comfortably as their baby bump grows. The seamless high waistband fits comfortably around a bump without being too constrictive. Pockets are abundant in these leggings: there are side pockets on the thighs as well as a zip pocket at the back for small valuables. The fabric is lightweight and breathable so you won’t overheat, and it’s had an antibacterial treatment to keep smells at bay so there’s no need to wash these leggings after every single wear. The reflective detail helps you to remain visible when out and about – useful during the dark winter months.
These keep you cool and dry thanks to sweat-wicking VapoDri treatment, and you can chuck them in the washing machine after your gym sesh and they’ll be dry for tomorrow’s workout. It can be hard to find leggings that are comfortable yet stay put, but this pair is a winner, with a waistband that’s just snug enough to be highly supportive and a triangular gusset that allows for ease of movement.
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