Whether you're a health-kick newbie or a fully-fledged gym bunny, everyone who's ever tried to run a mile or do a single squat knows the importance of having a pair of leggings that won't let you down.
See-through, baggy and flimsy simply won't do - you need workout leggings that are well-made, squat-proof, with a heavy-duty waistband and that don't lose their edge when they're washed. Your everyday black leggings, while much-loved, won't cut it, it's all about getting the right 'fit for the job.
Closer's best gym leggings at a glance
In a rush? Here are our favourite gym leggings at a glance, or keep reading for our full reviews.
Best gym leggings overall: lululemon Align™ High-Rise Pant, £88, lululemon
Best gym leggings for support: MP Women's Tempo Rib Seamless Leggings, £24.99 WAS £44.99
Best budget gym leggings: CRZ YOGA Workout Leggings, £23, Amazon
Luckily for you, we've pulled together the best gym leggings from some of the top brands around, all of which we've tested ourselves. Ready to meet your match? Let's do this.
SHOP: The best women's gym leggings
Best gym leggings overall
lululemonwww.lululemon.co.uk
Although they're pricey, Lululemon's Align pants have cult status in the legging world. With a hidden waistband pocket for your gym card or key and buttery soft fabric so delightful that you'll want to live in them if you can afford to splash out, they're worth it.
Sizing: True to size
Material: Nulu™ Fabric and Lycra®
Comfort rating: 10/10
Our review: "These are so comfy, like a second skin. They're intended to be worn for low-impact activity, like yoga, but if you wear them for more intense exercise, like running or indeed boxing, they are still a dream."
Best leggings for support
MPwww.mp.com
These seamless leggings are thick but breathable, which is great for helping you feel supported in the gym. Totally squat-proof, they're made from recycled polyamide and are available in seven colours.
Sizing: True to size
Material: 92% Polyamide, 8% elastane
Comfort rating: 9/10
Our review: "You can immediately feel the high quality of these leggings - they're built to last. The waistband literally doesn't move, even through the most vigorous of workouts. They've got a good stretch to them and really hold everything in, although, on first wear, they feel a bit stiff. They do loosen up, though, after washing a couple of times and are now lovely and comfortable. They're true to size but a little long (our tester is 5"7 and folded up the bottoms a little), so check the measurements before ordering if you're petite. The colourways are also lovely, so we might have to order in every shade!"
Best budget gym leggings
AmazonIdeal for yoga, running, or just lounging, these leggings feel like a second skin. The material is more like a bathing suit than traditional leggings. While these aren't fully squat-proof, the elastic high waist means they don't budge at all.
Sizing: True to size
Material: 71% polyamide / 29% elastane
Comfort rating: 10/10
Our review: "These are, hands down, the most comfortable leggings I've ever owned. I got them in grey leopard print and they're SO flattering. I tend to wear black underwear with them but I think if you wore white you might see them through when you squat. Nevertheless, I am obsessed, and want them in every colour."
Best all-rounder
Adanolaadanola.com
If you're looking for a legging that can do it all, this is the one. From pilates to running errands, these comfortable, sculpting leggings will be your best friend for everyday wear. Designed without a front seam, there isn't a camel toe in sight.
Sizing: True to size
Material: 70% Nylon, 30% elastane
Comfort rating: 10/10
Our review: "These leggings feel like a second skin, they never roll down when you're working out and are the perfect high-waisted length (our tester is 5"7). I basically live in them! They're true to size, buttery soft and squat-proof, but we'd recommend wearing black pants just in case. There are loads of colours available, so you can get a pair for every occasion."
Best seamless gym leggings
Gymsharkuk.gymshark.com
Gymshark's Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings have loads of features that make it a top winner for people who want to take their exercise seriously. High waist, seamless fit and sweat-wicking fabric make these suitable for intense workouts - and there are 18 colours to choose from.
Sizing: True to size
Material: 93% Nylon, 7% Elastane
Comfort rating: 10/10
Our review: "I love the supportive ribbed waistband, which doesn't dig in at all, they're brilliant for heavy workouts, comfortable and keep you feeling dry and fresh. Love. I just wish they had a pocket or two."
Best gym leggings for yoga
AmazonThese high-waisted leggings are highly rated - and for good reason. The combination of the high waist and durable fabric means you feel secure and flattered. They're made of moisture-wicking material and are totally squat-proof. There are three pockets for your phone and keys.
Sizing: We'd recommend sizing down for the perfect fit.
Material: 75% polyester / 25% polyurethane
Comfort rating: 9/10
Our review: "If like me, you’re always on the hunt for a good pair of yoga leggings that double up as a loungewear item, these leggings should be on your radar. I always look for a pair of leggings that sculpt without feeling tight and uncomfortable and this pair definitely delivers. The high-waisted style is flattering yet allows you to feel extra support when working out. However, I’d recommend sizing down to get a true-to-fit pair."
Best period gym leggings
WUKAwuka.co.uk
Made from eco-friendly recycled polyester, WUKA's period leggings have a lightweight, seamless fabric with a super absorbent hi-tech moisture barrier, making them period-proof and VPL-free. They're gorgeously soft, have a sturdy waistband that won't ride down, and have a neat pocket on the leg for your phone or cards. They'll hold 15ml of period flow or light leaks - around 2-3 tampons' worth.
Sizing: True to size
Material: Recycled polyester
Comfort rating: 8/10
Our review: "Perfectly sized and with a pair of period pants built in, they're ideal for those days when you want to go to the gym or for a run but need extra leak protection. They hold their shape even after washing, and I particularly like the pocket on the leg. They're a bit short, so might not be great for taller women."
What are the types of gym leggings?
An ever-growing market means that there are SO many choices to wrap your head around these days. Here are some of the most popular on offer:
• High-waisted
• Seamless
• Maternity leggings
• Petite
• Cropped
• 7/8 length
• Plus-sized
Benefits of wearing sports leggings
Improved performance
While joggers or sweatpants might feel as though they're designed for sports and running, in reality, leggings are truly made for the job. Giving you less resistance when you run, offering more comfort and generally looking great should help you to get that new PB or smash your current goal.
Compression
Gym leggings can also help with muscle recovery, circulation and metabolic waste. According to ACE Fitness, "The pressure from the tight clothing can improve circulation; specifically, the venous return of blood back to the heart, which helps remove metabolic waste from muscle and promotes the flow of oxygenated blood to help the tissue repair and rebuild".
Temperature
Sweatpants will make you do just that: sweat. Moisture-wicking leggings help to keep you at the right temperature as you work out, stopping you from overheating or getting too cold in the winter months.
Protection
Leggings and running tights will protect your skin from both the sun's harmful rays in summer, as well as cold winds in winter.
How do I choose gym leggings?
Size
It's important to check each brand's size guide before selecting your leggings, as they can all differ slightly. What's more, have a look at the reviews to see what previous customers think about the fit.
In our best gym leggings list above, we've tested them ourselves or checked this for you, but your experience may differ depending on your body shape.
Material
Most workout leggings are made from synthetic fibres like polyester and nylon, due to their sweat-wicking properties and ability to stretch. They dry out quickly, aren't susceptible to over-stretching and are lightweight. You may also see the addition of Spandex, Lycra or elastane, which puts the stretch into your workout gear.
If your chosen activity is light, like yoga, you can probably get away with cotton leggings, which are breathable and comfortable. Bear in mind, these do absorb moisture, so aren't really suited to heavy workouts.
What should you wear under gym leggings?
If you're one of those people who hates a garish underwear line under your leggings, you're not alone. Sorry, granny pants - we love ya, but we don't always want everyone to know we forgot to do our washing that week.
If you wear a busier print, you shouldn't see the lines too obviously, or you could always opt for seam-free underwear, boy shorts or a breathable thong so that no lines will show.
Whatever you wear, make sure you feel comfortable - there's nothing more annoying than getting a wedgie halfway through your kick-ass run.