Best gym leggings: I've tried and tested top brands to help you find the perfect pair to kickstart your 2026 workout regime
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Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or have your workout routine nailed after years of training, nothing motivates you more than your favourite gym set.
Flattering and figure hugging, a good pair of gym leggings will have you squatting lower and running faster.
They won’t roll down or bunch at your ankles, but feel like a second-skin so you can exercise without the stress of what you look like. They’ll be moisture-wicking and sweat-proof to help you reach your workout potential.
There are many activewear brands on the market, from well established fitness apparel brands such as Lululemon and Gymshark to high street clothing brands own collections like H&M Move and Primark’s viral workout wear - which makes finding a pair of gym leggings that do all of the above harder than the exercise itself.
I’ve been testing dozens of gym leggings so you don’t have to - just scroll and select the best pair based on your body type, preferred workout and style preference.
I’ve tried them in everyday settings, washed them and worn them again to make sure they'll last.
The best 6 gym leggings to buy now
- The best gym leggings overall: Sweaty Betty Ultimate Studio 7/8 Leggings
- Best high waisted gym leggings: Lululemon Glow Up™ Super-High-Rise Tight 25"
- Most flattering gym leggings: Sisterly Tribe Softsculpt leggings
- Best everyday gym leggings: H&M Sport leggings with Soft Move
- Best gym leggings for strength training: Gymshark Flex High Waisted leggings
- Best gym leggings for yoga and Pilates: Better Me Contour Stitch Leggings
- Best value gym leggings: Primark buttery soft gym leggings
- Best luxury leggings: Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Tight 25" Light Special Edition
How we test gym leggings
Louise testing out Primark's buttery soft gym leggings
Louise testing out the Lululemon high rise legging with Better Me gym top
From yoga and Pilates to running and weightlifting, spin classes and even getting in your 10,000 steps, there are so many ways to keep fit these days. So I put the best gym leggings through their paces and tested them out in all exercise environments.
I’ve evaluated each pair based on three key factors: comfort, performance and price. By comparing brands and styles I’ve been able to find the best gym leggings based on what you’re looking for.
Want a pair that’s perfect for walking the dog and running errands? Then a versatile and durable legging that washes well is ideal. If you’re needing a pair that won’t go see-through when you squat, you’ll want leggings with added compression and support. You can read more about how we test products for Buyline best guides.
Why trust us
Our team of product reviewers have more than 20 years of experience between them. We’re focused on only promoting products we genuinely believe are worth your spend - and gym leggings are the perfect example of a product that can be oversold.
By testing products against their claims we’ve learnt that not every brand is what it is advertised as. That’s why we’ve chosen the best person from our team to do the testing.
Louise has been testing lifestyle products for the majority of her journalism career. She’s tested sleep products, fragrance and skincare to ensure you’re not sucked by sales techniques and aesthetics. Wellness products must provide you with real, genuine benefits.
The best gym leggings 2025
1. The best gym leggings overall: Sweaty Betty Ultimate Studio 7/8 Leggings
Sweaty Betty Ultimate Studio 7/8 Leggings
High quality and rich in colour these gym leggings will look as good as new after every wash. They have pockets and countering design for a flattering fit that won't go out of style.
Product Specs
- Material74% Recycled Polyamide, 26% Elastane
- CareGentle Machine Wash. Do Not Tumble Dry. Cool Iron.
- SizeTrue to size
What we love
- FitExtremely flattering and true to size
- StylePractical and chic with pockets and plenty of colour choices
- PriceGreat value for money, would pay more
- FabricHigh quality, stretchy, thick but not warm
Review
By far my the best gym leggings I've tried all around, this Sweaty Betty Ultimate Studio pair is made of thick, stretchy material that doesn't go see through. It's soft to the touch but moisture wicking so you don't overheat during a workout.
They're a mid waist rise, which in my opinion is the most flattering style. Whatever you're wearing underneath doesn't show through and the seams perfectly curve around your thighs.
I've washed and worn these a fair few times and they feel as good as new. The rich brown colour is really chic and very on trend in line with fashion trends you'll see all over the high street.
They are more expensive than high street sports collections, but not as pricey as your viral lululemon set. I think these leggings are the right price for quality, fit and design. In fact, I'd probably pay more considering how much I love them.
2. Best high waisted gym leggings: Lululemon Glow Up™ Super-High-Rise Tight 25"
3. Most flattering gym leggings: Sisterly Tribe Softsculpt leggings
Louise Oliphant wearing Sisterly Tribe softsculpt set in Navy.
4. Best everyday gym leggings: H&M Sport leggings with Soft Move
5. Best gym leggings for strength training: Gymshark Flex High Waisted leggings
6. Best gym leggings for yoga and Pilates: Better Me Contour Stitch Leggings
7. Best value gym leggings: Primark buttery soft gym leggings
8. Best luxury gym leggings: Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Tight 25" Light Special Edition
Sometimes, you can't beat the hype. Lululemon may be one of the biggest women's athleisure brand on the market right now and they know how to capitalise on a trend. You'll see them all over TikTok, Instagram and other platforms and pages where girls are offering their verdicts on why the Lululemon gym leggings are unbeatable (I've heard the Align leggings are amazing too). But, they are expensive.
So if you have the cash and are willing to invest in your latest gym look, then yes Lululemon's wide range of leggings are worth it. But if you're still settling in to the gym or maybe don't want to dip into your savings for something you're going to sweat in day after day, then I'd suggest heading to Gymshark for leggings with equally premium properties for around half the price.
FAQs
What’s the best brand for gym leggings?
There is no one best brand for gym leggings, as each brand offers different styles, materials and price points that make them the best for you. Rob Willson, director of clothing manufacturer Hawthorn, agrees. He states ‘you should focus on what makes a brand successful for their audience, rather than trying to find one ‘best’ brand. For example ‘UK brand Adanola have built a loyal following base.’ They’ve grown by focusing on quality, fit and style. Adanola review coming soon.
What material is best for gym leggings?
When looking for gym leggings you’ll find a difference in materials in relation to price point. Primark’s gym leggings for example are made from Nylon and elastane. While soft, stretchy and comfortable, the material isn't the most sustainable or long-lasting.
The majority of gym leggings on the market are likely to be made of a combination of nylon and elastane. As Rob Willson explains, ‘Nylon makes the fabric strong and smooth while elastane adds stretch. A typical blend is around 75% nylon and 20-25% elastane. This offers good shape retention, breathability and freedom of movement.’
Eco-friendly brands tend to offer recycled nylon or recycled polyester blends which are great option that mimic the quality and feel as others, but are kinder on the environment.
Louise's best gym leggings including the Lululemon Fast and Free high rise legging and a blue Better Me pair.
Are light or dark leggings best for the gym?
Whether you opt for a light or dark coloured pair of leggings is generally based on personal preference. ‘Lighter fabrics tend to feel cooler in the summer months, but they can go see through when they stretch. Darker fabrics, like black, navy or dark grey tend to be a popular choice as they hide sweat, dirt and sheerness.’ says Rob.
How often should I wash gym leggings?
Washing leggings after every workout is best recommended, since sweat oils and bacteria can build up quickly in activewear fabrics. Most gym leggings will have care labels with clear instructions on how best to wash.
Rob recommends ‘most leggings are best washed in cold water on a gentle cycle, then left to dry naturally.’ Since you’re washing them often, high temperatures, strong detergents and fabric softeners can weaken the stretch and ruin moisture-wicking treatments.
