17 best gym leggings for running, yoga and gym workouts, tested (original) (raw)

We tested over 60 pairs of leggings to find the best to wear for high- and low-impact workouts. We recruited a panel of testers – made up of fitness enthusiasts and experts – to wear one pair of leggings for at least three different workouts before sharing their verdict on design, fit, comfort and overall performance.

They considered a variety of factors, including how easy the leggings were to get on and off, how well the material moved with the body and how comfortable they were to wear while sweating.

Up to eight people tested each pair of leggings. They tailored their workouts to the product's claims, wearing sweat-wicking leggings for high-impact exercise and those designed for yoga for gentler activities.

At the GHI, our experts carried out wash tests to see if the leggings remained the same in terms of colour, fit and size after multiple machine washes. They were also sent off to an external lab to test their sweat-wicking claims.

1

Joint best gym leggings

Vuori Clean Elevation Legging

Score: 93/100

Drumroll, please, for our (joint) top-rated pair of leggings. Offering the perfect combination of style and comfort, they’re sure to become a mainstay in your workout wardrobe. Easily the softest pair of leggings on test, our seriously impressed panellists couldn’t get enough of their weightless material, with many recommending them to friends and family. “They’re so soft and comfortable, I’d wear them to bed!” raved one enthusiastic tester.

Despite their loungewear credentials, these leggings stayed in place during exercise and there was no gaping or bunching. Better still, our testers found the high-waisted fit flattering on all body types. Though too cosy for avid CrossFitters, they'd be ideal for Pilates, barre, yoga, walking or just everyday wear.

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2

Joint best gym leggings

Lululemon Wunder Train High Rise Leggings

Score: 93/100

From HIIT to hot yoga, these luxe Lululemon leggings will make a super comfortable exercise companion. They were a resounding hit with our panellists, who couldn’t get enough of the buttery-soft fabric and loved the drawcord around the waist to help you achieve the perfect fit. “They felt so smooth against my skin, it barely felt like I was wearing anything,” said one tester.

Like our joint Vuori winner above, the high-waisted design was extremely flattering and hit just the right level of compression. In fact, many of our panel said they felt more confident when they had these leggings on.

Comfort and good looks aside, they put in a solid performance during even the toughest of workouts. They proved brilliantly squat-proof and scored full marks in our sweat-wicking lab tests. What’s more, they washed well, dried in an instant and there were no signs of shrinkage after numerous goes in the washing machine.

A few panellists found the hidden pocket in the waistband too small but that’s a minor niggle for an otherwise exceptional pair of leggings.

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3

Best yoga leggings

Lululemon Align HR Pant 25"

![Align HR Pant 25"](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1718275498-lululemon-high-rise-yoga-666acda037b50.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* "Align HR Pant 25"")

Score: 92/100

Another Lululemon pair in our winners list, but are you really surprised? Our testers liked the seamless design of these yoga leggings, with one saying it was the comfiest pair of they’d ever worn! Everyone loved their soft, premium feel, too.

Available in a wide range of colours, testers said the lighter shades showed sweat more, but overall they’re a high-quality pair that will see you through plenty of sun salutations.

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4

Best for high-impact workouts

Pocket Sport Plein Air Legging

Score: 91/100

These leggings ticked all our boxes for high-impact workouts; they fitted our testers in all the right places and didn’t gather, gape or slip mid-workout.

Most liked the full length and found the high waist offered excellent support and compression. In the lab, they aced our sweat-wicking tests, while testers also found them breathable during workouts.

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5

Best gym leggings with pockets

Vuori Studio Pocket Leggings

Score: 89/100

Unlike many gym leggings, which come sans pockets, this gorgeous Vuori pair has three, including two deep side pockets for your phone and card and a hidden pocket at the waist for your keys. Music to our ears!

Our panel liked the flattering, compressive fit and the fact the leggings didn’t ride up mid-activity, yet they were still able to move freely and didn’t feel tight or uncomfortable. The super-soft, four-way stretch fabric was a pleasure to wear from morning to night, with one tester saying, “I’m honestly obsessed with these leggings,” and another commenting: “I couldn’t fault their performance at all.”

Slip them on for strength sessions, yoga, Pilates or any workout that won’t leave you dripping in sweat.

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6

Best flared gym leggings

Vuori AllTheFeels™ Bootcut Pants

Score: 88/100

Been lusting after a pair of yoga pants? Call of the search, we’ve found your perfect match. These Vuori beauties are made from supremely soft, weightless fabric and allow for total freedom of movement, whether you’re stretching through a slow yoga flow or pulsing it out in reformer Pilates.

Our testers raved about the high waistband, which stayed put and didn’t need constant rearranging during their workouts and loved that the material remained cool and breathable throughout. The leggings performed well during vigorous yoga classes as well as slower, more restorative sessions. What’s more, the simple, stylish design means you could easily dress them up and wear them to lunch or the office.

They were a tad too long for the shorter testers among our panel, and some would have preferred a higher compression level to suck them in more, but that comes down to personal preference.

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7

Best all-rounder

Gymshark Vital Seamless Leggings 2.0

Score: 86/100

Gymshark’s popular Vital Seamless leggings claim to keep you cool and comfy throughout your training with moisture-wicking technology and breathable mesh dots, and they didn’t let us down. They scored an impressive 5/5 for sweat wicking in our lab tests, and our panellists said they kept them dry and comfy, without any unwanted sweat patches.

Testers liked the thick, compressive fabric; it doesn’t budge and holds you in in all the right places while still feeling soft and comfortable. They also rated the muscle contouring lines along the legs and bottom, which created a flattering silhouette.

With no pockets, our panel missed having somewhere to store their valuables during workouts; however, this wouldn’t put them off wearing them time and time again. “I’d definitely recommend them. I want to buy them in more colours now!” said one satisfied tester.

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8

Best yoga leggings made from recycled material

Girlfriend Collective High Waisted Pocket Legging

Score: 86/100

Sustainable activewear brand Girlfriend Collective uses up to 25 recycled water bottles in every pair of leggings, making these a top eco choice. Our testers said they fitted well, with no gaping or bunching, while the two discreet pockets proved handy, too.

Although the fabric wasn’t super stretchy, it allowed for full range of movement, including squats, but the waistband wasn’t as secure as others on this list. We found the sizing comes up small too, so go up a size if you’re unsure.

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9

Best for style

Adanola Ultimate Wrap Over Leggings

Score: 85/100

Activewear doesn’t get much more fashionable than Adanola, so if you’re looking to splash out on a stylish new pair of leggings, these more than deliver. Testers praised the flattering wrap waist design and appreciated the seam-free panel at the front, which prevents unwanted camel toe.

According to our panel, the ultra-soft, stretchy material is so comfortable, you won’t want to take the leggings off. The best part? You don’t have to – they look good enough to wear all day long, whether you’re at the gym, running errands or having brunch with the girls.

While they don’t claim to wick away moisture, we found they did a decent job of keeping our testers cool, calm and collected as they worked up a sweat. Still, we’d save them for more gentle workouts such as yoga, Pilates, stretching and hiking. Note that they come up small, so size up to ensure maximum comfort.

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10

Best for compression

Spanx Active Booty Boost High-Rise Stretch-Jersey Leggings

Score: 85/100

Spanx is renowned for its compressive, sculpting shapewear and its Booty Boost leggings don’t disappoint. They were a firm favourite among our testers, with one describing them as “honestly the best pair of leggings I’ve ever had”. One of the more stylish pairs on our list, they’re chic enough to wear outside the gym, too.

According to our panel, they’re incredibly flattering and you’ll feel constantly supported when wearing them thanks to the compressive, form-fitting material. What’s more, they proved easy to slip on and off and never needed hoicking up mid-workout.

They’re great for all kinds of vigorous workouts as they passed our squat test and scored an impressive 4.5/5 for sweat wicking in the lab. The only activity we wouldn’t recommend them for is cycling – we found them a little too restrictive to allow comfortable movement on the bike.

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11

Best cropped leggings

Nike One Women's Mid-Rise Crop Leggings

Score: 85/100

Everyone needs a trusty pair of cropped leggings in their activewear arsenal and this classic style from Nike is a strong contender. Made with ‘Dri-Fit’ technology, they’re designed to wick away sweat. Sure enough, they kept our testers pleasantly dry and scored 4/5 in our sweat-wicking lab test.

The stretchy, breathable material and simple yet flattering design were a big hit with our testers, with one saying, “they were the perfect fit” and “I looked forward to wearing them.” The waistband stays in place and they’re squat proof, making them a great all-round choice for everything from yoga through to strength training and cardio.

Oh, and did we mention that at least 50% of the fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles? So they get a thumbs up for their sustainability credentials, too.

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12

Best for outdoors adventures

Arc’Teryx Essent High Rise Leggings

Score: 84/100

Heading out for a hike, climb or trail run? These thick, compressive leggings – complete with high-tech moisture-wicking fabric, two deep thigh pockets and a wide waistband – are a fantastic choice. They kept our testers nice and toasty, without overheating and they didn’t need hoiking up constantly. Result.

The fabric proved stretchy, comfortable and luxuriously soft to wear, with a cosy, snug fit from the waistband to the ankles. They performed well on the moisture-wicking front, both in our lab and in real-world testing, and they earned brownie points for their good-looking design.

Getting them off was a bit of a challenge when sweaty, but that’s the price you pay for a compressive, streamlined fit. For chilly rambles and climbing adventures, these technical tights are hard to beat.

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13

Best for running

Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity Leggings

Score: 83/100

Clock up the miles in comfort and style with these “faultless” Sweaty Betty leggings. Our testers thought they were a dream to run in thanks to the secure waistband and nifty drawcord – they didn’t budge once when they were on the move. The compressive fabric, complete with built-in UV40+ protection, felt extremely supportive and looked great, yet it still ticked the box in terms of comfort. What’s more, the lightweight, breathable material kept everyone cool and the leggings scored highly in our sweat-wicking lab test, too.

What about those all-important pockets for storing your valuables? They boast two secure side pockets along with a zipped one at the back that’s large enough to fit your keys. They’re stretchy enough to peel off easily after a sweat-soaked run and they have reflective detailing to keep you safe when exercising in low light.

In short, this is an all-round reliable pair that packs substance and style in spades. “They’re hands down the best running leggings out there,” said one happy tester. What more could you want?

Key specifications

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14

Best capri gym leggings

Montane Women's Ineo Lite Capri Pants

Score: 82/100

With trusty pockets on the side and in the waistband, these leggings are ideal for keeping your phone and keys tucked away when you head out on a hike or run. Testers also said they fitted true to size and were comfortable to wear.

The soft, flexible material coped well with a range of workouts – from CrossFit to cycling – but the design doesn't have as much compression as others featured and the grey colourway shows sweat patches easily.

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15

Best affordable option for sweat-wicking

M&S Goodmove Go Move High Waisted Gym Leggings

Score : 80/100

The best gym leggings can be pricey, but this wallet-friendly pair from M&S proves you needn’t pay over the odds for performance.

Not only did they score top marks in our sweat-wicking tests, but our panel also raved about the lightweight, breathable fabric for heavier gym sessions and running. They appreciated the secure back pocket for storing valuables and the internal drawstring at the waistband for adjusting the fit.

These leggings earned a thumbs-up for support, compression and sizing; both our petite and tall testers liked the length. Some testers found them a touch tight around the hips and ankles, but these great value leggings should be firmly on your radar.

Key specifications

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16

Best for soft fabric

CRZ Yoga Women's Yoga Pants

Score: 79/100

CRZ Yoga’s products are designed to be affordable while rivalling the offerings of other leading yoga brands. Our testers described these leggings as velvety soft and luxurious, while one telling us they kept them cool throughout a hot yoga practice.

The compression style and flex of the silky material also allowed for a range of movement. Those of a shorter stature may struggle with the length, while the waistband moved around for some. However, these are a great option for yoga or Pilates classes.

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17

Best for everyday

Gym + Coffee Aurora Leggings

Score: 78/100

“Velvety soft” is a term that gets thrown around a lot when it comes to leggings, but that really is the case with this pair from up-and-coming Irish brand Gym+Coffee. They got an instant thumbs up from our panel thanks to their “luxurious feel” and ‘soft, cashmere-like fabric”.

They’re ideal for gentle activities including walking, yoga and Pilates (or for just lounging around the house), with a compressive fabric that sculpts and supports, without restricting movement. They stayed in place as testers flowed from pose to pose and though they don’t claim to wick away sweat, they were surprisingly breathable during more intense workouts.

We would have preferred a larger pocket for stashing our essentials, but on the plus side, the leggings washed extremely well, with no shrinkage noted, and they were quick to dry, too.

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The verdict on sports leggings

Our Lululemon joint winner is an excellent all-rounder, whether you're into running, Pilates or gym classes, while the brand's Align HR Pant is perfect for yoga sessions and low intensity workouts.

For dedicated runners, we love Sweaty Betty's Zero Gravity leggings and for under £35, the M&S Go Move offering is a top choice for those on a budget.

Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?

At the GHI, we test thousands of products every year to find the very best on the market. We put each and every product through rigorous testing, both in real-world and lab conditions, to provide unbiased reviews you can trust.

Kim Hawley is the health and wellness tester for the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees testing for a range of health and wellness products, including sports leggings. She has over 30 years of experience in the fitness industry, with a level 4 personal training qualification, a nutrition qualification and years of experience working in leading health clubs across the UK.

For this test, we also sent each pair of leggings with sweat-wicking claims to a specialist lab to see how they performed.

Priyankaa is our senior health and wellness writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges.

She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more.

Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.

Kim Hawley is our health and fitness product tester. Her career in fitness has spanned over 30 years. Prior to joining the Good Housekeeping Institute, she worked as a personal trainer, writer and fitness instructor for some of London’s most prestigious health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Passionate about women’s health and fitness, especially in pre/post menopause, she is also a Level 4 PT and holds a professional nutritional qualification. Kim is responsible for rigorously testing everything from cross trainers to smart watches.