Finding the right gym leggings can be surprisingly difficult with inconsistent sizing, see-through fabrics, and waistbands that roll down during a workout, it often takes time to find a pair that actually works for you. That is why The Sports Edit team made up of personal trainers, gym enthusiasts, and activewear buyers have put together this guide to the best gym leggings
Whether you're looking for sculpting support, squat-proof coverage, practical pockets, or all-day comfort, these are the pairs our team would genuinely recommend. You can also explore the full collection of women’s gym leggings at The Sports Edit.
Testing for this edit was led by our Senior Buyer Nancy, who trains regularly across strength and lifting. Her current favourite is the Nike One Seamless Front High‑Waisted, in her words it “stays put, fits well with non mid-session fussing”.
What makes a great pair of workout leggings?
When reviewing the leggings for this guide, we also wanted to highlight what makes a great pair so you know what to look out for yourself when shopping. Here's what our team looks for:
- Fit – You want enough compression to support your muscles without restricting movement. Look for four-way stretch and flat seams as they reduce rubbing and let you move freely.
- Waistband design – A wide, well-structured waistband makes such a difference during lifting and high-impact workouts. It's why many women prefer high waisted leggings for the extra core support and coverage they offer.
- Fabrics – You want something soft, durable, and quick-drying. Look for sweat-wicking blends that stretch with you and stay opaque when stretched — especially important in lighter colours.
- Squat-proof coverage – Good leggings should remain fully opaque when you bend, lunge, or stretch. Always worth checking before your first wear, particularly in lighter colourways.
- Pockets — More practical than they sound. Leggings with pockets make workouts and everyday wear far more convenient.
Our expert picks: the 8 best gym leggings for womens
Every pair in this edit has been tested in real sessions: strength training, HIIT so you can trust each recommendation has genuinely earned its place.
Our top all-round pick is the Sweaty Betty Power Gym Leggings this collection passed every test from heavy lifts to high-intensity circuits we felt we couldn’t not include. For a buttery-soft feel with serious sculpting support, the Nike Zenvy High Waisted Full-Length Leggings, blew us away. Our Junior Buyer said she'd "never go back to any other legging”.
Scroll down for our picks by category.
Best high waisted gym leggings
adidas Optime Essentials Stash Pocket Full Length Leggings
Pros
- Sleek, stretchy fabric with a smooth feel
- High-rise waistband that stays put during movement
- Moisture-wicking AEROREADY technology
- Handy thigh stash pocket
- Minimal seams for a distraction-free fit
Cons
- Less luxurious feel than premium alternatives
- Tight fit may not suit those who prefer a looser style
The adidas Optime Essentials are a solid pick if you want a high-waisted legging that actually delivers on its promises and at £35, the price makes it even easier to love. They work just as well for strength training, Pilates, yoga, and everyday gym use.
The high-rise waistband is the real standout here; it sits securely at the waist and doesn't roll down or dig in, even through squats, lunges, or a full studio session. The fabric is sleek and stretchy with just enough compression to feel supportive without being restrictive, and the AEROREADY technology does a good job of keeping you dry when things get intense. The thigh stash pocket is a practical bonus, and the minimal seam construction means nothing rubs or distracts mid-workout.
Best gym leggings with pockets
Sweaty Betty Power Gym Leggings
Pros
- Secure side pocket and back zip pocket for phone and keys
- Supportive high-rise waistband
- Sweat-wicking performance fabric
- Sculpting, stay-put fit
- Comfortable stretch for training sessions
Cons
- Firmer compression feel
If you’re the kind of person who refuses to carry a locker key around the gym in your sports bra, these leggings make a very convincing case for proper pockets. The Sweaty Betty Power Gym Leggings are designed specifically for training, meaning everything feels secure, streamlined, and built to stay in place no matter what workout you throw at them.
The side pocket is the standout feature here, with its sleek design it sits flat against the legging leg rather than bulging out awkwardly. It’s deep pockets means it does actually hold your phone securely without bouncing around during workout sessions. Even that didn’t sell the legging the fabric too is very supportive giving that sculpting feel with enough stretch to make it comfortable when working out. Combined with the high-rise waistband these really are the ultimate high-intensity workout leggings as one of our buyers put it “I don’t think about them once I’m in the session which is exactly what you want.”
Leggings: Sweaty Betty, Power Gym Leggings - Black
Best bum sculpting gym leggings
Nike Zenvy High Waisted Full-Length Leggings
Pros
- Soft, flattering sculpting effect
- High waistband smooths and supports
- Lightweight, flexible fabric
- Smooth second-skin feel
- Comfortable enough for all-day wear
Cons
- Not ideal for high impact workouts
If you’ve ever tried sculpting leggings that felt more restrictive than flattering, these are the opposite experience. They shape and smooth in a way that looks subtle and natural, without relying on aggressive compression or obvious contour detailing.
The fabric is the best, lightly hugging the body rather than squeezing it, which creates a soft sculpting effect around the hips and glutes while still feeling flexible and easy to wear. These really are the leggings that will give you that second-skin look.
Best squat-proof gym leggings
Sweaty Betty Power 7/8 Gym Leggings
These are the most reliable squat-proof gym leggings in our testing thanks to their dense, performance-led fabric and secure fit that holds up under pressure.
Pros
- Fully squat-proof
- Supportive, stay-put waistband
- Sweat-wicking performance fabric
- Durable, training-focused construction
- Ideal for high-intensity workouts
Cons
- More compressive feel
- Premium price point
If you’ve ever had to do the mirror squat test before leaving the house, these remove that concern completely. The Sweaty Betty Power leggings are some of the most consistently reliable squat-proof leggings we’ve tried, whether you go for the 7/8 length or the full-length version.
The fabric has a denser, more supportive feel which is exactly why they work so well for training. They stay fully opaque through squats, deadlifts, lunges, and pretty much any movement that tends to expose weaker fabrics. The high-rise waistband is another reason they’ve become such a gym staple as it stays in place without rolling down or needing adjusting through a workout, even during higher-intensity sessions.
For more great options, explore our guide to squat-proof leggings.
Leggings:
Best seamless gym leggings
Nike One Seamless Front High Waisted Leggings
Pros
- Seamless front design for extra comfort
- Lightweight, breathable fabric
- Smooth, streamlined fit
- High-rise waistband stays comfortable
- Flexible feel for studio workouts
Cons
- Light compression feel
- Better suited to lower-impact training
The Nike One Seamless Front Leggings are designed to feel as smooth and distraction-free as possible, which makes a noticeable difference during yoga, Pilates, and other slower-paced workouts where comfort is everything.
The seamless front construction gives them a much cleaner fit overall, while the fabric feels light, flexible, and easy to move in without turning see-through or losing shape. They don’t have that ultra-compressive gym-legging feel, which honestly works in their favour for studio sessions and everyday wear. As our Junior buyer says “they’re the kind of leggings you stop thinking about entirely” which is probably the best compliment workout leggings can get.
Best petite gym leggings
Varley FreeSoft High Waisted Leggings 25
Pros
- 25-inch inseam works well for petite frames
- Soft, lightweight fabric
- High waistband stays comfortably in place
- Smooth, flattering fit
- Easy to wear for workouts and everyday
Cons
- Better suited to low–mid impact workouts
- Light compression feel
If you’re petite, you’ll know how hard it is to find leggings that fit, whereby they’ll often end up bunching at the ankle or feeling slightly off in proportion. The Varley FreeSoft 25 avoids that completely by being cut with shorter frames in mind.
The 25-inch inseam creates a clean, flattering fit that sits neatly at the ankle without excess fabric bunching or gathering, making them an especially good option for petites. On top of this the soft and smooth fabric makes them a comfortable option for Pilates, walking, and everyday wear.
It’s worth noting we also have a strong range of 7-8 leggings across different styles and support levels, so whether you’re into Pilates, studio sessions, or higher-intensity gym training, there are options designed to suit different workouts and preferences.
Leggings:
Best plus size gym leggings
Girlfriend Collective Compressive High Waisted Leggings
Pros
- Inclusive size range
- Firm, supportive compression
- Excellent squat-proof coverage
- High waistband stays secure
Cons
- Compression can feel firm initially
- Thicker fabric than lightweight styles
If you’re looking for leggings that feel properly supportive without cutting corners on fit or sizing, these are an easy standout. The Girlfriend Collective Compressive High Waisted Leggings are designed with inclusivity at the core, offering a genuinely wide size range from XXS-XXXL alongside a fit that feels secure, lifted, and consistent across different body types.
The fabric is dense and structured, which gives them that held-in feel people tend to want from compression leggings, especially for strength training and higher-intensity workouts. They’re fully squat-proof and stay in place well once on, with a high waistband that adds extra stability through movement. The trade-off is that they do feel more compressive than lightweight everyday styles, but that’s also what makes them so dependable for training.
For more options, explore our guide to plus-size gym leggings.
Best budget gym leggings
Pros
- Strong value for money
- Supportive sculpting fit
- Functional side pockets
- Sweat-wicking fabric
- Durable for regular training
Cons
- Firmer feel than softer premium styles
- Limited colour range
If you’re after a solid pair of gym leggings without spending premium prices, these are an easy win. The Lilybod Becca Leggings deliver that supportive, sculpting feel you’d normally expect from higher-end styles, but at a more accessible price point.
They’ve got all the necessities too: sweat-wicking fabric, a supportive fit, and handy pockets for your phone and keys. The only thing to note is that the compression isn’t overly soft, but it does give enough structure to feel supported without limiting movement. Despite that they are a stong value for money, as one of our buyers puts it, “they punch well above their price point in both feel and durability.”
Leggings:
FAQs on the best gym leggings
What underwear is best to wear under gym leggings?
Seamless underwear is usually the best option as it’s way more comfortable during workouts and helps avoid visible lines, especially with tighter-fitting legging styles.
A lot of people go for seamless thongs or laser-cut pants made from lightweight, sweat-wicking fabrics. Materials like nylon or polyester tend to work better for training because they dry quickly and don’t hold onto sweat in the same way cotton does.
What material is best for gym leggings?
Most good gym leggings are made from technical fabrics designed to stretch, wick sweat, and stay opaque while you move. Again you’ll usually see materials like nylon or polyester being used, which are durable and breathable, along with elastane to add stretch and help the leggings keep their shape over time.
If you’re worried about squat-proof coverage, thicker double-knit fabrics are usually a safer choice.
It’s worth noting that cotton leggings can feel soft at first, they tend to absorb sweat quickly and often lose their shape faster after repeated workouts.
Can you wear normal leggings to the gym
You can, but you’ll notice the difference pretty quickly.
Everyday leggings usually aren’t designed for training, so they often lack the support, sweat-wicking fabric, and secure fit that gym leggings have. They’re also more likely to become see-through during squats, slide down during workouts, or feel uncomfortable once you start sweating.
Gym leggings are designed for working out, so they offer better comfort, support and confidence during your training.
