We've tested hundreds of gym leggings — these 19 are the absolute best
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Over the years the WH team have tested hundreds (no, really) pairs of gym leggings, sampling everything from the reassuringly squat-proof to rip-when-you-squat numbers (night. mare).
Which is why we’re pretty well-placed to declare exactly what makes up a pair of the best gym leggings. It’s a given that they should be durable and well-built enough to withstand every movement you throw at them (tearing seams are not cute, people), won't fall down mid-sweat, will hold you in without digging in and won’t give your fellow gym-goers a flash of your underwear in the middle of a perfect-form deadlift.
It's these features — along with flattering details and functional pockets — that separate the fine from the 'I live in these now' leggings. But with the bulk of our shopping done online and not being able to truly road test a pair of gym leggings without putting them in an un-returnable state, it can be really tricky to know where to put your money. One of life's great disappointments (for us, at least), is investing a in a new pair of leggings only to find they fall short when put to the test.
Whether you love strength training, adore a HIIT workout at home, or would rather sell a kidney than miss your Saturday morning circuits class, finding leggings that work as hard as you do, without breaking the bank, is crucial.
Fortunately, our Women's Health Lab experts and editors have done the hard work and put a range of styles from the buzziest brands to the test to bring you the ultimate gym leggings guide.
Best gym leggings to buy now
How we test the best gym leggings
Our expert testers at the WH Lab put over 60 pairs of gym leggings from a range of leading brands through their paces.
They tested any sweat-wicking claims by measuring moisture absorption and timing how long they took to dry in the lab. They also checked that size, shape and colour remained unchanged after several spins in the washing machine.
The leggings were also sent to our panel of 200 testers, with each pair trialled by up to eight people during at least three workouts. Our testers reported back on how they found their design, fit, comfort and performance.
They also shared their honest thoughts on a range of key factors, including how easy the leggings were to slip on and off, how the fabric and fit affected movement and how comfortable they felt after a session.
Our Women’s Health editors have also chipped in and shared their favourite styles – marked with the Editor's Choice logo – giving you plenty of choice.
19 best gym leggings to shop in 2024
lululemon Wunder Train High Rise Leggings
It was hard to find fault with lulu’s staple training tights, which blew us away in every department. One panellist said they’re ‘the best pair of gym leggings I’ve ever owned,’ and another told us they would recommend them to anyone and everyone.
They have the amazing comfort and cut you expect from lululemon, and thanks to the breathable, sweat-wicking material (they scored full marks in our lab tests), they saw testers through the toughest, most burpee-filled workouts in comfort. They also passed the squat test with flying colours, offering plenty of coverage during heavy lifts, hinges and snatches.
The sculpting fabric and high-rise waistband combine to provide a supportive fit, and there’s also a handy drawcord at the waist to keep everything in place as you work up a sweat. They feel gorgeous to wear, with complete freedom of movement but with added support for higher intensity workouts — we love them for HIIT, circuits, running, spinning and strength training.
Want to wear them outside the gym? The soft, weightless fabric is ideal for Sunday morning coffee runs and WFH days too. We would have liked a larger pocket for our essentials but we’re willing to let that slide given the otherwise impressive list of features.
Also available in a ribbed style or with side pockets, and you can choose from 23 inch, 25 inch and 28 inch lengths.
Gymshark Vital Seamless Leggings 2.0
Gymshark leggings are probably all over your Insta feed, but do they live up to the hype?
Well, if this Vital Seamless style is anything to go by, that’s a resounding yes. The high waistband and compression-like material offer constant support without restricting movement, while breathable mesh dots and advanced moisture-wicking tech promise to keep you cool and dry even during the most intense sessions. ‘I never sweated through them,’ confirmed one tester, and another said they didn’t reveal any sweat patches. Excellent stuff.
According to our panel, the seamless design also prevented any dreaded camel toe, and everyone loved their sculpting credentials. Despite the compression, they were comfy enough to wear for extended periods and didn’t need constant readjusting.
The lack of pockets makes them less appealing for running, but they’re the dream for strength sessions, spin, HIIT and hot yoga. You can drop into squats unimpeded and with the knowledge you won’t be flashing your underwear — the dream. We want them in every single colourway now.
Sweaty Betty Power Gym Leggings
Are you really a gym girlie if you don't have at least one pair of Sweaty Betty's iconic Power Leggings? These babies are well known for their tip-top gym-creds and fashionably functional details. We're talking bum-sculpting tech, four-way stretch and quick-drying and sweat-wicking fabric for your most sweaty cardio workouts.
What makes them even better? The adjustable drawcord, handy pockets (yes, they fit a smartphone) and the fact that the stylish prints look just as good when it comes to squats as it does when it comes to snapping selfies on the sly.
Sweaty Betty's Power Leggings are available in an ever-rotating plethora of block colours and designs, as well as both full length and 7/8 length. For reference, at 5’4”, we find the 7/8 length perfect, hitting right on the ankle.
Also available with a super high-rise sculpting waistband.
Nike Universa High-Waisted Leggings with Pockets
These Nike leggings mean business. They feel durable, like they can handle absolutely anything, and after multiple washes, strength sessions and spin classes we can confirm that's the case. The fabric is by no means thick, but has a reassuring weight to it so you know it will hold its own whether you’re dropping into weighted squats or thrusting a barbell from your hips.
There are drop-in pockets on each side and while they're not the largest — an iPhone 13 Mini fitted in fine, but larger models might struggle a bit — they have reinforced stitching so can probably endure a bit of stress with no worries.
On the performance front they feel great to move in, offering support as well as a cooling sensation as you put them on — dreamy — and they wick sweat effectively for a comfortable workout. The bottom hems are laser cut so there's no digging into your ankles for a smoother look, while the super wide waistband does not budge. We use these for running, spinning and general gym wear and they've yet to let us down.
Also available in 7/8 length.
Adanola Ultimate Wrap Over Leggings
We’re huge fans of cult-favourite athleisure brand Adanola here at WH so we had high expectations when these gorj leggings arrived at the lab. Thankfully, they didn’t disappoint. Our panel was instantly impressed with the flattering wrap-over design, with many saying they complemented their curves and made them feel more confident. The seam-free panel at the front for preventing camel toe earned them extra brownie points.
With exceptionally soft fabric and just the right amount of stretch, our testers were able to bend, stretch and flow through yoga and Pilates classes in total comfort. The stylish design meant they enjoyed wearing them for post-workout coffee and brunching, too.
They don’t claim to wick away sweat, however, so we’d save them for low-impact workouts such as Pilates, barre and #HotGirlWalks. We found they come up small, so go for a size up if you’re umming and ahing. Available in two lengths; regular and tall.
Puma Shapeluxe Seamless Tights
We were not prepared to love these as much as we did. On the face of it, they're a simple pair of black gym leggings. Nice, but nothing special — how wrong we were.
Thanks to a clever new Lycra fibre these Puma leggings — aptly named Shapeluxe — deliver a stretchy, supportive, snap-to-your-skin feel while offering brilliant (but not cut-off-your-circulation) compression. The result is a smooth, sculpted silhouette and bags of confidence.
They're super stretchy, easy to pull on and have a very high waist — on my short torso, it sat basically right under my bust. Speaking of that waistband, it's very wide and ribbed, making it comfortable while giving a sucked-in look, and helping the leggings stay in place throughout any workout. Seriously, they do not budge.
There's also a sculpting design that wraps around both thighs, comfortable ribbed cuffs and a slight sheen to the material, which may not be for everyone, but is subtle. We tried the black pair and while they weren't fully squat-proof they’re almost there — we could just see the white tag through the leggings when first trying them on.
We're not sure you'll find a more flattering pair of leggings that suit a range of workouts (although we favour them for strength training) and are also great for your post workout-stretch. A new WH fave.
Alo Yoga Airlift High-Waist Line Up Leggings
There’s a reason we see fashion-forward celebs decked out in Alo Yoga on the reg. The brand straddles the athleisure/performance gap perfectly, creating flattering silhouettes that take you from high-sweat HIIT to running errands — and we think these leggings are their best yet.
Made from Alo's signature sleek Airlift fabric, the Line Up Leggings combine performance with body-contouring, employing sculpting seam placement with absolute aplomb. Sweetheart detailing on the back gives the illusion of some serious squat sets (if you're not quite there yet), while the ribbed, flocked waistband and subtle sheen elevates them above traditional activewear.
But it's not just looks we're concerned with here. Four-way stretch allow total freedom of movement, the leggings are comfortable and supportive, with medium compression, and they perform well on the moisture-wicking front — but bear in mind sweat may show up on lighter colourways.
Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity Leggings
Serious runners need serious running leggings, and this ‘faultless’ Sweaty Betty pair fits the bill nicely. The clever design features handy slip pockets on the sides and a zipped pocket at the back for stashing valuables, a drawcord for adjusting the fit and keeping everything in place, plus reflective detailing to keep you visible when running in low light.
The material proved super lightweight – it scored top marks in our sweat-wicking lab test – and unlike some leggings, which can be itchy and unpleasant when wet, these felt gloriously soft against the skin when running. They hit the perfect balance between compressive and comfortable, and they looked great on all body types. One keen runner on our panel told us they, ‘really could not find fault,’ with them, while another panel member declared they’re ‘hands down the best running leggings out there.’ We’re sold.
MyProtein Women’s Tempo Ultra Leggings
You’ve probably tried MP’s legendary protein bars and powders, but the brand’s activewear should also be on your radar. This super-sweat-wicking pair will keep you cool, calm and collected as you put in the work, whether it’s a spicy HIIT sesh or a 5k PB attempt. They even have an antimicrobial finish to keep them feeling (and smelling) as good as new.
There’s nothing worse than peeling off a wet, sticky pair of leggings post-workout, but these were a cinch to slip off after exercise. Despite the snug, secure fit, our testers found the fabric exceptionally comfy, with one saying it felt ‘buttery soft’ and ‘luxurious’. They also appreciated the roomy pockets for storing their bits and bobs when running or walking around the gym.
The fit was on point for the tall gals on our panel, so if you’re on the petite side, look to one of our other options, such as the New Balance 7/8s. All in all, an excellent all-rounder that can handle any type of workout.
Also available in a seamless geometric design.
TALA SkinLuxe High Waisted Leggings
A lot of brands simply make larger versions of their leggings for plus sizes without altering the cut or design, but TALA makes clever adjustments to its waistbands to better suit those with fuller figures and offer a more flattering fit. Can I get an amen?
One such product with these thoughtful amendments is the brands best-selling Skinluxe leggings. Super soft and lightweight, we use these for high sweat sessions on the reg and they've never let us down — the sweat doesn't even show up too badly on lighter colourways.
They're nice and flexible, snapping to the skin without being tight or uncomfortable and we rarely have to hike them up. The wide waistband is flattering (as is the sweetheart cut over the bum) and they wash well — we've had ours a few years now and they still look good as new.
There's a secure pocket at the back of the waistband to store your phone and the on-trend colours are easy to mix and match across your fitness wardrobe.
Vuori Evolve Leggings
Another offering from the long line of effortlessly cool California activewear brands, Vuori understands the beauty of simple styles done well. These silky smooth leggings are up there with the most comfortable leggings around thanks to their laser cut hems, thin material and quadruple-panelled waistband which allows for a sculpting of your natural shape, rather than a flattening effect that can result from the traditional two-panelled approach.
They're breathable, don't dig in and are very stretchy, performing well in Yin yoga as well as higher impact work, and never need pulling up or readjusting. The brand say these are 7/8 length but we think that would only be true for taller gals — they were full length on us at 5'4".
Yes, they're an investment, but they feel truly premium, plus some colours are on sale here in limited sizes. We're also big fans of the matching square-neck bra.
Fancy some storage? The brand also makes a version with a handy zipped phone pocket.
New Balance Shape Shield 7/8 High Rise Pocket Tight
Petite girls, wave goodbye to floor-trailing tights and roll-up jobs – these 7/8s from the legends at New Balance are the perfect all-rounders if you’re on the shorter side.
Made with the brand’s high-tech DRYx fabric, they scored full marks in our lab sweat-wicking tests and will do the job nicely for all your cardio days. The high-waisted design holds everything in and serves up extra coverage when you’re moving around. Testers rated the figure-hugging fit and loved that they didn’t need constant readjusting mid-activity.
Given the top-notch support, our panellists were surprised with how velvety soft and comfortable they felt. ‘They were so comfortable, I forgot I was wearing them!’ one tester told us. They have a decent-sized pocket for storing your phone on runs, they dried in a flash when wet and maintained their quality after several goes in the washing machine. What more could you want?
BAM Enduro 7/8 Cross Waist Legging
A pet peeve with wrap waists is that they often sit too low to look flattering on most body types. That is not the case with these beauties from bamboo clothing brand BAM. The cute V-waist comes up very high which we loved, so the leggings look great with just a sports bra or crop top.
The studio-esque wrapped waist paired with the super soft material (we've Bamboo viscose to thank for that) gives more yoga/Pilates vibes than HIIT and going hardcore, and while that's true to an extent, they're also brilliant for weight training as they have that supportive, slightly compressive fit that helps you feel held in as you move. Because bamboo is a hollow fibre it's naturally moisture-wicking, so while we wouldn't recommend them for high-sweat workouts they can handle medium intensities well.
They feel cool to the touch as you put them on, are very stretchy with impressive freedom of movement and while the waistband does ruche a bit, the leggings themselves don’t shift at all and you feel very secure as you move.
Bear in mind that they don't have pockets and might ruche a bit at the back of the knees if you’re on the shorter side. But if you're in the market for a super flattering pair of leggings with a more natural feel, these are an absolute winner.
Castore Apex High-Stretch Elastic Waistband Leggings
Women have been asking for more pockets since the dawn of time, and performance brand Castore has come through with these super stretchy gym leggings. They use 'Aeromesh' (basically a thin, super lightweight and stretchy fabric that retains its shape) on the deep pockets on each thigh, which give oodles of no-bounce, low-bulk storage. The dream.
Clever sweat-wicking tech ensures moisture is pulled to the outside of the fabric, where it can evaporate away, rather than be held inside (RIP swamp crotch), while reflective detailing keeps you visible in low light, and four-way stretch material means mobility is never impeded.
While we're used to wide waistbands on our gym leggings, these — similarly to the Alo Yoga leggings above — employ a narrow, stretchy waistband (it's almost akin to those on boxer shorts), which helps the leggings stay in place through high-impact work.
Spanx Active Booty Boost High-Rise Stretch-Jersey Leggings
If you’re a Spanx fan, you’ll love the brand’s Booty Boost leggings, which offer the same compressive fit as its much-loved shapewear. Our testers raved about the stretchy, supportive material that sculpts the glutes and waist in all the right places.
These luxe leggings don’t just look the part, though; they stayed firmly in place as we got our burpees and tuck jumps in, and they performed brilliantly in the moisture-wicking stakes, so heavy HIIT sessions will prove no problem. What’s more, there’s a nifty back pocket big enough to fit keys or a credit card.
The compressive material does make them slightly restrictive and not as cosy as other leggings on our list, but if you’re after figure-hugging activewear, these will be your new best friend. Size up to ensure comfort.
Myprotein MP Power Ultra Leggings
Yes, it's Myprotein again. Jump, squat and burpee your way through your workout with these reliable, snug-fitting leggings that didn’t become see-through or chafe during testers’ workouts. They’re stretchy too, and thanks to the high waistband, everyone felt supported.
However, while the mesh pockets look nice, most testers couldn’t fit their phones in. The design performed well in our lab tests though, so you shouldn’t feel too sweaty as the intensity rises.
Nike Pro 365 Women's Mid-Rise 7/8 Leggings
If you've had your beloved black Nike Pros for as long as you can remember and can't bear to part ways with them or brave the big bad world of gym leggings and branch out, check out this pair – they're just as reliable but come in a on-trend burnt orange hue. They'll give you extra motivation to get moving and put that statement shade on display.
The elasticated waistband is super comfy and ensures you can move to your heart's content, while Nike's excellent Dri-FIT tech moves sweat away from the skin, keeping you comfortable as you bring the heat.
Fancy more trad colours? Pick up black, grey and black with a cute lilac waistband direct from Nike.
H&M High Waist Sports Tights
You may think of H&M as the brand you can always rely on to provide you with attractive yet cheap sportswear and while you wouldn’t be wrong, its many highly-rated pieces prove there is substance behind the savings.
This pair, which is made from fast-drying functional fabric, will ensure you stay cool, dry and committed to the task at hand. High-waisted, long-legged and available in two muted shades, they'll go with all your other gym wear. Plus they wash well, retaining their shape without going bobbly. A brilliant pair of all-rounder leggings — but we prefer them for low-impact work.
Girlfriend Collective High-Rise Pocket Leggings
We’re always quick to recommend Girlfriend Collective when it comes to leggings, whether it be for yoga, to meet all your pocket requirements, or for performing at your best in the gym. Understandable when they have so much going for them.
Firstly, their leggings are made of recycled water bottles; secondly, they are extra-high rise; and thirdly, they are more than attractive in their many colourways (though this particular Moss Green shade is our fave). As aesthetically pleasing as they are technical, when it comes to all things gym, the GC compressive high-rise leggings are the perfect stretchy companion to your next lower or upper body day.
Find more colours and styles here, or the pocket-less version here.
How do I find the perfect pair of gym leggings?
1. Check that they're squat proof
Nobody needs see-through kit in their life. You want to feel totally confident that your leggings aren't exposing anything they shouldn't be.
To save you yourself the anxiety of a bum display, our panel of testers did the squat test in all the leggings we tested.
2. Check that they stay up
Another key factor when considering what gym leggings to invest in is whether or not they’re going to support you through 50 minutes of strength training or your very sweaty HIIT session.
Low-waisted leggings may work for some but, for many, the added worry of baring your midriff is an unwelcome distraction when you’re trying to focus on remembering how to deadlift properly. Choosing the best high-waisted gym leggings may be a better option for you if you'd rather focus on your session than your midsection.
3. Check what they're designed for
It may seem like you’re killing two birds with one stone by buying running leggings for the gym but you’ll seriously regret it when your zipper is digging into your back as you’re trying desperately to maintain focus (and form) on flutter kicks. As a general rule of thumb, running leggings need reflective panels and zips for energy gels, whereas gym leggings don’t need any fancy add-ons.
4. Make sure they're tight enough but not too tight
And finally, invest in gym leggings that actually fit you. In other words, make sure they’re not going to rip come lunge twelve or fall down on burpee four. It’s a fine balance, but one thing to bear in mind is that they will stretch with wear, so sometimes choosing a more snug fit pays off.
What underwear should I wear with gym leggings?
Whether you actually wear underwear under your gym leggings is really down to personal preference. As you'll be washing them after every workout anyway (we hope), so long as you don't stay in your leggings long post-exercise (sweat-induced bacteria is not your vagina's friend), wearing nothing underneath should be fine — just make sure your leggings are definitely squat-proof.
Otherwise, if you do prefer an extra layer, opt for functional, seamless or gym-specific styles over lacy numbers. We're talking moisture-wicking G-strings or thongs to help avoid both the dreaded VPL and mid-lunge wedgies (ouch). We're big fans of the Lounge Bamboo Triangle Thong, which is comfortable, breathable and has an invisible fit.
If you do want a little more coverage, just make sure your chosen undies are seamless — this three-pack of hipster briefs from Under Armour is a solid option. And if you're working out on your period, Puma have teamed up with period underwear specialists Modibodi to create a brilliant range of workout period pants — the High-Cut Active Briefs are our personal faves.
What are the best gym leggings?
Women's Health UK found the lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight the best gym leggings overall. They're out-of-this-world comfy, super sweat-wicking and breathable, flatter every body type and thanks to the soft, weightless feel perform well for any and every type of workout. A true workhorse pair of leggings you can't go wrong with.
For a cheaper option, the Gymshark Vital Seamless Leggings 2.0 offer great value alongside superior comfort, support and durability. While brilliant for strength training they also wick sweat very effectively and because they stay put, suit high-impact work too.
If pockets are a must, we recommend the Sweaty Betty Power Gym leggings. Versatile, comfortable and with brilliant support, we reach for these for everything from running to resistance work, and they're particularly brilliant for outdoor workouts when you don't want to take a bum bag or running belt.
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