I tested the best gym leggings so you don't have to
If I'm honest, I've only recently discovered the benefits of finding the right gym leggings. Before, I'd buy any pair that crossed my path, thinking they were all the same aside from their colour. But little did I know that there are pairs designed specifically to be squat-proof and sweat-wicking, or not to slip during my long training runs. There are even some with thermal qualities to keep me warm during my hot girl evening walks.
Yep, the very best activewear brands have done their research and, as a result, have offered us multiple workout leggings to improve our performance — and our motivation with it. But it can be overwhelming (and expensive) trying to figure out which is the best style to invest in.
Hence why gym-keen Glamour editors have put multiple to the test over the years in a bid to be able to name the very best. That includes wearing them while running, squatting, during HIIT classes via ClassPass, for Pilates classes and even on rest days to ensure they're suitable for both high-impact exercise and low-impact movement.
So, read on for our edit of the best women's gym leggings in 2026, including high-waisted styles and compression leggings. Plus, we've also included answers to common gymwear FAQs and shopping tips from sportswear experts — and don't worry, there are plenty of plus-size options too.
How we test the best gym leggings:
There are so many different ways to keep fit these days — from running 5K to unwinding in a yoga class — so your sports leggings need to be versatile, long-lasting, and comfortable.
Every pair of leggings that made it into this guide is one that we'd be happy to recommend to a friend. We — Glamour's shopping writers and contributors, including Sophie C, Georgia, Karina, Ria, Sophie D and Felicity — scored each pair against the following criteria:
- Design — What material(s) are they made from, are they aethetic, and are they fit for purpose?
- Fit — Are they true to size, do they slip down, and how flattering are they?
- Value for money — Are they priced reasonably? What's the quality like, and how well do they wash? Would we be willing to buy them again?
We also wore them for a variety of activities, including running, walking, spin classes, reformer pilates, barre, and good old-fashioned weight lifting in the gym. You can read more about how we test here.
Why you can trust me: Sophie Cockett
I have been a shopping writer for the best part of eight years – for six years at Glamour and for two years at other publications. During that time, I have tested hundreds of products in the fashion, beauty and wellness spaces – focusing particularly on activewear. I've attended press events, spoken to brand reps and exercised in everything I feature – so you could say I know more than your average gym go-er when it comes to the best kit to buy.
Why you can trust me: Sophie Donovan
As a shopping writer, it's been my job to test a host of wellness products for the last two years — that's 14 months at Glamour and a year elsewhere. From sexual wellness products, including the best vibrators, to running trainers and menstrual products such as period pants, I've tried thousands of products across hundreds of brands, so I can publicly declare the best.
Over the last year, I've attended countless press days, spoken to various women's health experts, sex therapists and activewear designers, plus regularly read up on the latest research across all the above categories. As a result, you could say I am more of an expert on the subject of wellness than your average online shopper.
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Ahead, the best gym leggings of 2026, tried-and-tested by Glamour editors:
- Tested by: Sophie Cockett.
- Best for: Anything and everything.
- Sizes: UK 4 - 16, multiple leg lengths.
- Made from: 80% Nylon, 20% Lycra Elastane.
- Colours: Black, grey, pink, khaki, navy, lilac, brown and more.
- Style: High-waisted.
Pros: Weightless. High-waisted. Comfortable and stretchy.
Cons: Low compression. Might not be ideal for weight-lifting.
Why Sophie loves them: "I've tried my fair share of gym leggings, but I always come back to my Lululemon Align pants. In my mind, they simply can't be beaten. It's the fact that they're so lightweight and buttery-soft which sets them apart for me – they don't feel restrictive, yet they stay up whatever form of exercise I'm doing, and they're always squat-proof – yet so soft against the skin. You can get the Align Pants with pockets, which I find particularly good for running, but when I'm spinning, doing HIIT, circuits or at a boxing class, the High Rise 25" do the job and then some. I don't feel like I have anything on at all, which enables me to actually focus on the workout at hand. So, so good."
Save when you shop for the best gym leggings with these lululemon discount codes.
- Tested by: Sophie Cockett.
- Best for: Athletes and regular gym-goers.
- Sizes: XS - XXL.
- Made from: 73% Recycled Polyester, 27% Elastane.
- Colours: Black.
- Style: High-waisted.
Pros: Reflective stripes. Supremely comfortable.
Cons: Quite expensive for beginners.
Why Sophie loves them: “It's difficult to find a pair of winter gym leggings which actually make going out during the cold, dark nights bearable. But On – the brand behind the sell-out collab with Loewe – has done it. This pair of leggings may be expensive, but you always know you're getting quality when you shop with On. Inside, the fabric is brushed for added winter warmth – the leggings feel so soft against your skin – while the reflective details to the legs make you feel safer when you're walking to the gym at night. There are pockets on each side of the leggings for gels, gym cards and other essentials – and the waistband has an adjustable drawcord to personalise the fit.”
4505 Icon Thermal High Waist Running Leggings
- Best for: Running or working out in winter.
- Sizes: UK 4 - 18.
- Made from: 85% Polyester, 15% Elastane.
- Colours: Black.
- Style: High-waisted.
Pros: High rise, elasticated waistband. Flatlock seams help to reduce friction. Budget-friendly.
Cons: Only one colour.
Why we love them: It's all well and good grabbing a head torch and light-up arm bands for a quick 5k in the dark (these are an absolute must, BTW), but they're not going to keep you warm. Thankfully, these high-rise leggings from ASOS are designed to keep you warm, with their 85% polyester make-up.
Save when you shop for the best gym leggings with these ASOS discount codes.
UltraSculpt High Waisted Tummy Control Pocket Shaping Training Leggings
- Tested by: Felicity Hayward.
- Best for: Dog walking, wellness and light activities.
- Sizes: XXS - 4X.
- Made from: 68% Viscose, 32% Elastane.
- Colours: 26 colours, including black, brown, pink, purple, green plus multiple lengths and warmths.
- Style: Choose from 7/8, full length, capri or pedal pushers.
Pros: Affordable. Super comfortable. Can be styled and be worn for daily activities too.
Cons: Can be a little loose around the waist, so size down one.
Why Felicity loves them : These leggings are made from a super soft jersey breathable material — I love to wear them whilst on my daily dog walks, especially as they aren't as tight as regular gym leggings. Because sometimes we all just need that casual pair for light exercise.
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- Tested by: Sophie Donovan.
- Best for: Dog walking, wellness and light activities.
- Sizes: 2XS - 2XL.
- Made from: 93% Cotton, 7% Elastane.
- Colours: 3 colours, including Mineral Green, Dark Blue, Trace Brown.
- Style: Body-skimming.
Pros: Cotton-blend fabric that moves with you. Sporty style with a hint of retro charm, inspired by athletic archives.
Cons: Come up small, so size up one.
Why Sophie loves them: “My adidas track pants have become a wardrobe staple, regularly replacing my jeans. If I'm honest, I get annoyed when I have to wear anything else — including tight gym leggings. I love the fact that these are body-skimming, rather than sculpting, plus the cotton material means I never get too hot (or throw off my vaginal pH). Personally, I'd love a couple more colour option, and a slighter tighter waistband to prevent any slippage, but apart from that, I'm a fan."
Save when you shop for the best gym leggings with these adidas discount codes.
- Tested by: Georgia Trodd.
- Best for: Weight or strength training.
- Sizes: XXS - 4XL.
- Made from: 62% Polyamide, 38% Elastane.
- Colours: 20 colours, including Black, Nori Green and Midnight Cherry Purple.
- Style: High-waisted, high compression.
Pros: Ultra-supportive fit, plus internal adjustable drawcord. Sweat-wicking and quick-drying. Side slip pocket and back zip pocket for your phone.
Cons: Not super soft. Heavier feeling.
Why Georgia loves them: “Sweaty Betty leggings are perhaps equally as popular as lululemon's Align Pants, and both are genuinely incredible. Sweaty Betty's Power Gym Leggings are probably a tad more high-waisted, and they never fall down. They also have pockets on every pair, which I find to be a total blessing when I'm rushing around. They're not quite as soft and weightless as the Align Pants – lululemon's pants feel like you're naked, while Sweaty Betty's are a bit more compressive – so it totally depends on your preference.”
Save when you shop for the best gym leggings with these Sweaty Betty discount codes.
Sculpt Seamless Scrunch Legging
- Tested by: Karina Marriott and Ria Wolstenholme.
- Best for: Hot girl walks and pilates.
- Sizes: XS - XL.
- Made from: 51% Recycled Polyamide, 38% Recycled Polyester, and 11% Elastane.
- Colours: Black marl, light grey marl, coffee marl, chai marl, olive marl, navy marl, oyster black marl, and pebble marl.
- Style: Scrunch bum and high-waisted.
Pros: Super soft. Smoothing and flattering. Bum-enhancing.
Cons: Not great for lifting weights.
Why Ria loves them: “I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve been sceptical of the TALA hype. I’ve followed the company’s founder, Grace, for years, using her apps and workouts religiously to the point they’re now simply ingrained in my brain. However, these bum scrunch leggings had a lot to live up to — the model looked like she’d religiously done her Bulgarian split squats, so the peach was peaching!
"I was thrilled when they arrived to see that these do in fact give you the best bum sculpt. I wear them for hot girl walks and pilates mostly, as while the material is soft and skimming, it’s not as thick as I prefer it to be for weight lifting. However, I’ve spotted many a PT wearing them to train in, so believe the hype with these being the best.”
Lifting Dipped Waistband Leggings
- Tested by: Felicity Hayward
- Best for: Sculpting your silhouette making your glutes pop.
- Sizes: XXS - XXL
- Made from: 78% Nylon, 22% Elastane
- Colours: Black.
- Style: Lifting dipped waistband.
Pros: Super soft stretchy fabric, elevates your shape on the bum, seamless finish.
Cons: Depending on what activity, could be too low on the back.
Why Felicity loves them: “I love the way these fit, especially on my curvy body. They really accentuate my figure and moulds to my shape, whilst also being a functional piece of activewear.”
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- Best for: Weight lifting and cardio.
- Sizes: XXS - XXL
- Made from: 70% Polyamide, 30% Elastane.
- Colours: Black.
- Style: High rise with wrap around waistband.
Pros: Flattering wrap-over waist band detail. No front seam to prevent camel toe. True to size. Squat-proof.
Cons: Hand wash cold only.
Why Sophie loves them: “As someone who's always been a little self-conscious of her mid-section, I was sceptical that a wrap over waist would provide the coverage and support I crave. But let me say this: these are the most flattering pair of leggings I've ever owned. In fact, I have two black pairs — one for working out, and another for casual wear to pair with knee-high boots and oversized knits. True to size but with ample stretch, and not at all see-through, they're perfect for running, HIIT classes and hot yoga.”
Save when you shop for the best gym leggings with these Adanola discount codes.
Crossover Regular Flared Leggings
- Tested by: Georgia Trodd and Ria Wolstenholme.
- Best for: Walks, yoga and cardio.
- Sizes: XXS - XXL.
- Made from: 78% Nylon, 22% Elastane.
- Colours: Black.
- Style: Cross-over high waistband, and flared leg.
Pros: Super smooth. Super sculpting. Available in longer length.
Cons: Style not suited to HIIT and weight-lifting.
Why Ria loves them: “For years I have dabbled in yoga and pilates, and always envied the cute minimal effort but maximum impact outfits I saw so many girls wearing. Flares have in recent years made a comeback in my mind, and these are just the best for when you’ve a busy Saturday full of pilates, brunch and running errands. The fabric is buttery soft with the right amount of stretch, they wash like a dream and if I could wear them to the office I would.”
Go Move High Waisted Gym Leggings
- Tested by: Sophie Cockett.
- Best for: Hybrid training.
- Sizes: UK 6 - 24.
- Made from: 73% Polyester, 27% Elastane.
- Colours: Black.
- Style: High-waisted and adjustable.
Pros: Soft fabric. Squat-proof and adjustable. Affordable.
Cons: Not super high compression. Some reviewers unsure about fit.
Why Sophie loves them: "Affordable gym leggings that actually stay up – and don't feel like they're going to cut you in half – can be hard to find. But I think I've done it. Marks & Spencer's entire GoodMove collection is genuinely epic for the price, but their High Waisted Gym Leggings shine. The star of the show, if you will.
"They're really soft and squat-proof, first and foremost, and I love that they have an internal drawcord to customise the waistband dependent on the type of workout you're doing. If I'm going to be crouched over on a spin bike, for example, I'll have it loose – but on a run, I'll pull it a bit tighter. They have a phone pocket for ease, and the brand's Cool Comfort technology means they don't leave you feeling too sweaty. A big win from Marks & Spencer, once again."
Save when you shop for the best gym leggings with these Marks & Spencer discount codes.
Gym leggings FAQs, answered:
What to look for in a pair of gym leggings:
While we, too, enjoy a matching set, there's a lot of science that goes into activewear, as confirmed by sportswear designer Lily Rice, who has dressed some of the world’s best athletes. She firmly believes that fit trumps everything when it comes to choosing your ultimate leggings: “You definitely want to try before you buy, and don't be afraid to pop a few squats and lunges before you purchase.
"Leggings should feel comfortable around the waist, too loose and you'll be pulling at them after the first mile, too snug and you won't be able to stomach wearing them again! An adjuster in the waist is a great asset as it helps personalise the fit.
She continues: "Check that the fabric is thick enough that you feel supported and covered. A good test is to hold the leggings in your hands and stretch the fabric. If white starts to show or if you can see through it when given a gentle stretch, then that fabric is way too thin.
"Make sure the front crotch fits comfortably, too. A gusset — the small panel of fabric you get in the crotch of some leggings — can benefit the fit, but it's not vital in seamless leggings.”
For Catie Marshall, Head of Design at TALA, her first focus is always fabric. "When you’re choosing gym leggings, start with how the fabric feels. You want a hand feel that’s soft and comfortable enough that you actually want to wear them on repeat.
“Next, check for stretch and shape retention. Good leggings should stretch with you but still recover properly and hold their shape over time.”
She adds, “Finally, pay attention to the seams. Soft, high-stretch, low-profile seams with strong stitching make a huge difference for comfort and preventing rubbing, particularly in high-movement workouts.”
What's the difference between gym leggings and yoga pants?
You might have noticed that we've rounded up the best yoga pants, too. But you're probably wondering what the difference between the two is. Granted, it's minimal, but generally speaking, yoga pants are softer, while gym leggings tend to be compressive and more supportive.
What makes gym leggings different from regular leggings?
“Gym leggings are made to move with you and hold up during workouts, whereas regular leggings aren’t always designed with the same performance features in mind,” details Catie. "They’re designed to cope with sweat, stretching and repeated movement, so the fabric and construction tend to be much more technical.
“You’ll usually see stronger stretch and recovery, more considered seam placement, and a waistband that stays put without rolling down. Overall, it’s the combination of technical fabric, supportive fit and flexibility details that sets them apart.”
How do you make leggings last longer?
Only wash your leggings when you actually need to — when you've run a 10k in them, not when you've just sat on the sofa – and don't wash them at a temperature any higher than 30 degrees. Turn them inside out, avoid fabric softener and refrain from putting them in the tumble dryer. It'll only cause them to sag.
Meet the experts:
| Lily Rice | Sportswear designer. |
| Catie Marshall | Head of Design at TALA. |
