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The best fits whether you're squatting, stretching or running 85polyester 15cotton T Shirt
Gym leggings are a workout wardrobe 'must' and 2024 is a fresh new start, meaning it's a great time to invest in some brand spanking new leggings for your training sessions, squat sets or early-morning outdoor runs (if you're that way inclined).
Better still, the most flattering of gym leggings will also likely put a spring in your step and boost your confidence – and your bum – whilst working out, which can only be a bonus.
Whether you're looking for particular design features – the ultimate high-waisted gym leggings, plus-size styles, leggings with pockets to carry your phone or headphones as you move, the best seamless pair, or you want a sturdy material to ensure the waistband doesn't budge (even during your most gruelling session), there is still so much choice out there it's hard to narrow down your search.
It can also be tricky to determine which leggings are the best for your exercise routine, especially when prices seem to range from £20 to over the £100 mark. Plus, it's a minefield trying to determine the most sustainable gym leggings there are out there...
So, to help make sure that the next pair of leggings you invest in will be in it for the long run, literally, the Cosmopolitan team has road-tested and reviewed the best gym leggings on the market including brands like Adidas, Nike, Spanx, lululemon, Sweaty Betty, Gymshark and more. Our staff trialled different styles through many, many workouts (phew) from squats, runs, HIIT classes and yoga, we've put them all to the test.
Scroll through to read their thoughts on the styles you've likely heard everyone rave about (and if they're really worth the hype) and the underrated picks recommended by experts...
"Running sans tampon and knickers on the first day of my period felt about as nuts as it sounds, but don't knock it until you've tried it – period activewear is a gamechanger.
These genius Modibodi leggings leave you feeling clean and dry whether you're menstruating, sweating buckets or dealing with postpartum leakage. They're an incredibly sustainable choice already but once you throw the 78% recycled fibres into the mix, you're officially an eco queen. And if you don't like the whole free flowing thing, you can always wear these babies as a back-up that will NEVER fail."
Wear for: When on your period Sizes: XS - 3XL Fabric: 79% pre-consumer recycled nylon, 21% elastane Pocket: Side pockets Style: High waisted
"These are tight, form-fitting leggings, and while they may be a little difficult to get on, they’re incredibly comfortable to wear. They’re great for either quick sprints or long distance runs, with plenty of pockets to hold your keys, purse and phone while you're on the go, but I wasn’t particularly won over by their alleged 'bum sculpting' seams – for the price point, I expected Kardashian levels of bottom-envy, but if anything, my arse just looked the same. Maybe it was the houndstooth print I opted for that did me no favours?" - Kimberley, Features Writer
Wear for: When you need *all* the pockets Sizes: XXS - XXL Fabric: 62% Polyamide, 38% Elastane Pockets: Side pocket and back zip pocket Style: High waisted
"When it comes to gym leggings, Gymshark are a cult fave of mine. The brand are known for their squat proof, sculpting styles and I’ve long been a huge fan of their Vital Seamless range. This high-waisted pair is no exception, holding me in in all the right places, and with a waistband that didn’t roll down during my HIIT workouts.
"The fabric gives you great coverage and support for squats and there’s also a matching sports bra available to shop. I’m buzzing to get back in the gym to show them off, now I just need to find the motivation to actually train…"
Wear for: HIIT classes Sizes: XS - XXL Fabric: 93% Nylon, 7% Elastane Pocket: No Style: High waisted
"I absolutely love these leggings, which are a game-changer for my workouts. The strategically placed pockets are incredibly convenient, allowing me to carry my phone, keys, or even a small snack without any discomfort. The high-quality material provides excellent support and flexibility, making them perfect for any type of exercise. Whether I'm visiting the gym or doing a spinning class, these leggings keep me comfortable and stylish.
"I also adore the vibrant raspberry hue of the leggings, which adds a playful touch to my fitness wardrobe. An aspect that I'd like to highlight is that, being slightly on the taller side at 5 foot 8, I often myself readjusting these leggings to ensure a better fit around the crotch area. It may be good to bear this in mind if you're also on the taller side."
- Jaime, Digital Design Editor Wear for: When you need a splash of colour Sizes: XS-XXL Fabric: 78% Recycled Polyester, 22% Elastane Pocket: Yes Style: High-waisted
"Super soft, super comfortable and super flattering, these leggings have been added to my weekly rotation. I love the seamless look and the sweat-wicking material gets a big plus from me.
"They're versatile, too. 'Flex is the look for lifters’, says Gymshark, but they’re also great for running, as I found out. If you’re in between sizes, I'd recommend sizing down to ensure a good fit around the waist. They're also slightly on the shorter side for tall women (I'm 5 foot 11) but the length didn't bother me during my workout.
"Other than that, there’s not much you need to know. Just slip 'em on and you're good to go. There's also a matching long sleeve crop and sports bra if you want to complete the look."
Wear for: When you fancy a seamless style Sizes: XS-XXL Fabric: 93% Nylon, 7% Elastane Pocket: No Style: High-waisted
"Whether it's Kat Slater or Shania Twain, my style icons all have one thing in common: leopard print. So when I spied this set from Pour Moi, I was instantly in love. A zip pocket too?! Pour Moi, you are spoiling us.
"I loved the high-waisted fit and sculpting design of these leggings, plus they're not too long on my petite frame, which is often an issue. They fit nicely around my stomach but didn't bag around my legs, and didn't feel too sweaty during my weekly classes. They're not super thick, but I definitely run on the warmer side so in the summer I might switch to the shorts version with matching sports bra."
Wear for: When you want to feel yourself Sizes: 8-18 Fabric: 78% polyamide, 22% elastane Pocket: Zip back pocket Style: High waisted
These leggings are great value for money. Sure, they're not the flashiest pair in the world, but they're soft to the touch and get the job done.
"The only thing to keep in mind is they are not entirely squat-proof, but they're great for everything except leg day. They also double-up as athleisure, meaning they're perfect for travelling home from the gym or lounging around the house (which is where I often wear mine. They're too comfy to take off!)"
PS. Prices vary depending on colour, with some options currently on sale.
Wear for: Workout or post-workout Sizes: XXS-XXL Fabric: 93% Cotton, 7% Elastane Pocket: No Style: High waisted
Wearing super-soft material during work-outs is not always a given, but BAM's activewear made from – you guessed it – bamboo promises a silky feel while you're making your body sweat. The material is also squat proof, so no worries about see-through faux pas at the gym while you work on your quads and glutes.
PS. Use code BAM25 for a 25% discount and you'll pay £41.25, not £55...
Wear for: Yoga classes Sizes: 8 - 18 Fabric: 64% Bamboo Viscose, 24% Organic Cotton, 12% Elastane Pocket: Back pocket Style: High waisted
"These leggings made me look forward to the gym and that isn’t easily done. They look tiny at first but the added stretch in the Lycra fibre makes them a perfect fit, so I’d recommend staying true to your size.
"I’m used to spending more time yanking my leggings up than actually working out, so the high waist band keeping these from falling midway down my booty is what sealed the deal. With not a sweat mark in sight and the best tummy tuck a girl could ask for, what more could you want?"
- Tilly, Fashion Intern PS. Several colours are on sale RN!
Wear for: Gym and training sessions Sizes: 0 - 20 US sizing Fabric: 77% Nylon, 23% Lycra Elastane Pocket: Hidden Pocket in Waistband Style: High waist
If you’re up for splashing the cash on a seriously stylish gym staple, take a look at Varley’s collection. You could mistake these lightweight gym leggings for sofa lounge pants – but in actuality, they’re as perfect for the treadmill as they are for lying around. Wear for: Gym sessions or lounging Sizes: XXS - XXL Fabric: 75% nylon, 25% elastane Pocket: No Style: High rise
"It turns out compression clothing goes beyond flight socks and post-surgery stockings, with some experts claiming compression leggings can actually help increase blood flow during and after exercise, preventing muscle strain and fatigue. I was nervous about squeezing into these ones but, to my relief, the stretchy, lightweight material pulled on effortlessly.
"They boast a wide, flat waistband that doesn’t dig in (even when you get distracted by emails and end up hunched over your desk for an hour before your run!). My leg muscles definitely felt more supported while I huffed and puffed around my local park, which goes a long way psychologically for a new runner prone to calf pulls. It’s a shame the waistband pocket isn’t big enough for an iPhone, but you can’t have it all."
- Cassie, former Beauty Editor Wear for: Gym trips Sizes: 2XS - XL Fabric: 87% Polyester/13% Elastane Pocket: Waistband pocket Style: High rise
We all know Nike make top tier gym wear, but these leggings particularly appealed to us as they're made from (at least) 50% recycled materials. The logo waistband up for the cool factor, and as for functionality? They have side pockets too – meaning you can store your key or a small phone and go hands free on your next run, or trip to the gym.
Wear for: A hands-free workout Sizes: 4 - 26 Fabric: At least 50% recycled nylon fibres Pocket: Side pockets Style: High waisted
"A brand that is criminally overlooked; The Leotard Company doesn’t just stock leotards for slender ballerinas - they also cater to curvy people, like myself, too (up to a UK 22). As a lover of black leggings when working out (purely because they can easily be worn from day to night, or from the office to the gym), I was enamoured when I saw the vast selection TLC stocked.
"Upon receiving the leggings you might think they appear a little on the small side, but fear not because these leggings are true-to-size. Once pulled over my broad hips and big bum, the Extra Compression Curve Bootleg leggings sat comfortably around my waist, didn’t fall down and didn’t feel restrictive – all while smoothing out my figure. Perfect for yoga classes or running errands – these stylish yet smart leggings will be a staple in your wardrobe from first wear."
- Mollie, freelance writer and plus-size fashion blogger
Wear for: Yoga classes Sizes: XS - 4XL Fabric: 85% Viscose 15% Elastane Pocket: No Style: High waisted and bootleg
"If you're a fan of a high-waisted legging for working out, SEFI (the brainchild of fitness influencer Stef Williams) is a truly solid option. As somebody who is self-conscious about their stomach, I loved how thick the waistband of these SEFI leggings stayed in place whilst running, squatting and beyond. The leggings felt really secure and sculpted in all the right places. They earned a big tick from moi."- Jenni, Features Editor Wear for: Regular training Sizes: XXS - XL Fabric: 95% Polyamide, 5% Elastane Pocket: No Style: High waisted
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