The best gym leggings 2024: for every type of workout

a photo of a woman stretching at the gym wearing bright gym leggings
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Discovering the perfect pair of gym leggings can often feel like hitting the jackpot. The euphoria of finding leggings that not only make you feel good but also play a practical role in your workouts is unmatched. Bid farewell to the annoyance of hoisting up your leggings every few minutes or worrying about potential mid-squat mishaps – the best gym leggings are designed to improve both your performance and confidence.

When on the hunt for your ideal pair of gym leggings, prioritize the fit. Your leggings should embrace your unique body shape and accommodate your height seamlessly. Take, for example, the Lululemon Align leggings, highlighted below, offering a range of leg lengths from 25 to 31 inches, ensuring a customized fit.

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Additionally, your choice of leggings should align with the type of exercise you engage in. Are you an avid runner? Opt for leggings with convenient pockets or reflective features. Perhaps you're a yoga enthusiast – in that case, a pair with a comfortable waistband ensures seamless transitions from downward dog to pigeon pose. If you're a versatile exerciser who enjoys a bit of everything, fear not; there is something for everyone in this guide.

Understanding that quality activewear comes at a price, we've undertaken the testing process for you. Our detailed roundup features the best gym leggings available today, providing the insights you need to find the right pair. Stay with us as we guide you through the realm of gym leggings…
 

Best high-waisted gym leggings

The best high-waisted gym leggings will sit higher on the waist, to offer extra coverage during a yoga class, and keep everything sucked in and supported when you’re working out. They won’t bunch up, or slip from your waist as you move, but will also be sweat-wicking and comfortable. 

Sweaty Betty Supersoft Leggings

(Image credit: Sweaty Betty)

1. Sweaty Betty Super Soft Yoga Leggings

Best high-waisted leggings for petite women

Specifications

Size range : XXS-XXL
Leg length : 7/8, full length

Reasons to buy

+
Extremely soft 
+
Sweat wicking 
+
Slip-in side pocket for phone 
+
90% squat proof 

Reasons to avoid

-
A tighter fitting style 

These are Sweaty Betty's latest innovations and they are a brilliant buy if your 2022 goal involves yoga or Pilates. They are super high-waisted, and the waistband does a good job of sucking everything in, without rolling or bunching — during testing, we found these didn't budge at all during Pilates classes. 

Unlike other yoga leggings on the market, these leggings have a drop-in pocket on your leg for your phone if you do want to wear them in the gym. While we haven't worn these for a run (they don't have a drawcord waistband), on hikes with the dog, having somewhere to store your phone is handy. 

For their buttery-soft fabric, these leggings wick sweat remarkably well, and are 90% squat-proof, although you are likely to see some sweat patches at the end of a workout. If this doesn't bother you (why should it?) and you're looking for a comfortable pair of leggings to keep up with you, these tick the right boxes. 

A photo of a woman wearing the Lululemon Align leggings

(Image credit: Lululemon)

2. Lululemon Align

Best high-waisted leggings for yoga

Specifications

Size range : 0-14
Leg length: 25, 28, 31 inches

Reasons to buy

+
They come in a wide range of colors and sizes  
+
Available in three different leg lengths 
+
Super soft and comfortable 

Reasons to avoid

-
Not really suitable for higher-impact workouts 

There’s a reason why these Lululemon leggings are famous — they are wonderfully buttery-soft and extremely comfortable. Made from Lululemon’s Nulu fabric, the Align leggings are designed to be supportive and soft for yoga classes, Pilates, hiking, and just wearing day-to-day (trust us, you won’t want to take them off). They also come in three different leg lengths — 25, 28, and 31 inches, which makes them the perfect choice for shorter or taller yogis. 

The Align leggings come in a huge range of colors and patterns, and last year, Lululemon also released an Align with leg pockets, which come in handy when carrying your phone or keys around in the gym. The high-waistband doesn’t budge, and we’ve worn these for hikes and yoga classes and found them wonderfully supportive.

The downside with the Align is that they aren’t the most sweat-wicking or fast-drying. The fabric is thick and plush but doesn’t dry as fast as some of the other leggings on this list, meaning you might finish your workout with some visible sweat patches. While this shouldn’t bother you (sweat is the sign of a good workout, right?) if you are conscious, or heading to a Barry’s Bootcamp class, you might want something that will keep you a little dryer. 

Take a look at all of the best Lululemon leggings to shop here. 

A photo of the Peloton leggings

(Image credit: Peloton)

3. Peloton Move Mission leggings

The best Peloton high-waisted leggings

Specifications

Size range : XS-3X
Leg length : 7/8

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable high waist 
+
Inclusive sizing 
+
Matching items 
+
Small pocket on the back 

Reasons to avoid

-
Shows sweat 
-
No tech pockets 

If you're a Peloton fan, you've probably spotted these leggings on the legs of some of your favorite female instructors, and for good reason — they're buttery soft, super high-waisted, and comfortable to wear on the Tread, or Bike. They come in a 7/8 leg length (which is full-length on more petite testers, like myself), and they have one concealed pocket on the waistband which is big enough for your gym card, or key. 

The leggings are buttery-soft against the skin, and during testing, we never had any issue with chafing. There's a drawcord waist, which allows you to pull the leggings tight against your stomach, and the Peloton branding is subtle enough that you can wear these to the gym, without looking like a walking advert. 

The downside here is that while these leggings are 100% squat proof, in the dusky blue colorway, you will see sweat patches. Of course, this shouldn't put you off —it's a sign you've worked hard, but if you're self conscious, it might be best to opt for a darker color. 

Best gym leggings for running

If you’re looking for a pair of gym leggings you can wear on the run, you’ll want to look for leggings that have an adjustable drawcord around the waist that’ll let you pull the leggings tight and minimize all movement when you’re on the run. For running leggings, you might also want to look for features like reflective details that will help you stay seen when running in low light.

a photo of a woman wearing the Sweaty Betty Power leggings

(Image credit: Sweaty Betty)

4. Sweaty Betty Power High Waisted Gym Leggings

Best all-round running leggings

Specifications

Size range : XXS-XXL
Leg length: full, 7/8

Reasons to buy

+
 Sweat-wicking and fast-drying 
+
 A good number of pockets  
+
 Come in a wide range of prints and colors  

Reasons to avoid

-
 Not 100% squat proof  

These are Sweaty Betty’s best-selling leggings and for good reason. They are a brilliant all-rounder — we’ve worn them on the run, for HIIT classes, and just walking the dog and they’ve performed brilliantly. They are sweat-wicking, fast-drying and the high-waistband stays put, no matter what you’re doing. They also come in a wide variety of patterns and sizes to suit every style. 

The Power leggings have Sweaty Betty’s “bum-sculpting” technology and flattened seams for a more streamlined look on the body. They’ve also got three different pockets — two drop-in side pockets on the legs, and a zipped pocket on the back of the leggings which is perfect for your keys when you’re on the run or in the gym. They also come in two different leg lengths — a 7/8, which is perfect for more petite women, as they’ll be pretty much full length on them, and a full leg length. 

One thing to note before buying these — they’re only 80-90% squat proof, so certain patterns and colors might be the tiniest bit see-through when you’re squatting, or wearing them when stretching. 

A photo of a runner wearing the brooks carbonite leggings

(Image credit: Brooks running)

5. Brooks Carbonite Tight

Best reflective running leggings

Specifications

Sizes available : XS-XXL
Leg length: full, 7/8

Reasons to buy

+
The pocket on the back is big enough for most smartphones  
+
A good amount of reflective detailing on the legs 

Reasons to avoid

-
No drawcord waist 
-
No pockets for your phone 

These Brooks leggings are some of the best reflective running leggings around, with 3M Scotchlite Carbon Black Stretch reflectivity panels in critical motion zones to help drivers see you running up to 600 feet away. They are also sweat-wicking and fast-drying and are made from a thicker fabric which provides more insulation when the temperature drops. 

Fit-wise, the Brooks leggings come up full-length and a 7/8 leg length, which is a better choice for petite runners who don’t want to have to fold their leggings up. They don’t have a drawstring waist, so you can’t adjust how tight the waistband sits, however, we didn’t have any problem with slipping or bunching up on the run. 

A great buy for runners who are training in the evenings and are worried about their visibility in low light.

A photo of a woman wearing the Lululemon Fast and Free leggings

(Image credit: Lululemon)

6. Lululemon Fast and Free Leggings

Best gym leggings for running with pockets

Specifications

Sizes available : 0-20
Leg length: 25, 28 inch

Reasons to buy

+
 Lightweight and comfortable on the run
+
 Drop-in leg pockets big enough for a smartphone and pockets on the waistband for your essentials  
+
 Available in two different leg lengths  

Reasons to avoid

-
 No zipped pocket for your keys 

When it comes to the best running leggings on the market, it doesn’t get better than the Lululemon Fast and Free tights. They’re super lightweight, made from Lululemon’s Nulux fabric that offers “weightless coverage”. They also have a great amount of storage, with two drop-in leg pockets big enough for your smartphone, gels, and running gloves, and a number of smaller pockets on the waistband. None of the pockets are zipped, however, we’ve never had a problem with anything falling out on the run. 

Fit-wise, the Fast and Free leggings come in two different leg lengths — a 25 and a 28 inch. The 25 inch leg is designed to sit above the ankle, however on petite runners, it’s more like wearing a full-length tight. The waistband is high, sitting above the belly button, and has a drawcord, so you can customize the fit and prevent the leggings from slipping on the move. 

If you’re planning on wearing these on the run and to the odd HIIT class, they’re squat proof and feel sleek and cool to the touch, even when wet. We’ve had pairs of the Fast and Free for years and they’ve washed well, without bobbling, although it’s important not to tumble dry them, or use fabric softener on your gym leggings. If you can afford them, these are a brilliant buy. 

a photo of the Nike Go Running leggings

(Image credit: Nike)

7. Nike Go Leggings

Best supportive leggings

Specifications

Sizes available : XXS - 2XL
Leg length: 1

Reasons to buy

+
Available in mid-rise or high-waist
+
Plenty of pockets
+
Supportive fit
+
Drawcord waistband

Reasons to avoid

-
Firm support won't be for everyone

These Nike leggings are designed to offer a firm amount of support when you're on the run, hugging the leggings for a comfortable fit. We were impressed by the number of pockets in these leggings — there's six, including a handy zipped pocket on the leg, perfect for your essentials. 

The leggings come in two different waistbands — a mid-rise, and a high-rise, which sits above the belly button for a locked-in fit on the run. Nike has thought of everything — there's a toggle on the drawcord waistband to stop it becoming bunched in the wash, and keep it in place when you're on the run. We had no issue with chafing or slipping when wearing these leggings. 

The downside is that these are a tighter, more compressive fit, which won't be for everyone. You wouldn't want to wear these sat at your desk, for example. That said, they're an excellent pair of running leggings, and we loved how soft and comfortable they kept us on the move. 

Best black gym leggings

You can't go wrong with a pair of black gym leggings — they go with just about everything and won't show sweat as obviously as colored prints. Here's the best black gym leggings around: 

a photo of a woman wearing the Nike Dri-Fit One Leggings

(Image credit: Nike)

8. Nike Dri-Fit One

Best all-round black gym leggings

Specifications

Sizes available : XXS - 2XL

Reasons to buy

+
Versatile leggings you can wear for everything 
+
Great range of sizes  
+
Squat-proof

Reasons to avoid

-
No pockets big enough for your phone 

If you’re someone who wants one pair of leggings you can wear for everything, the Nike Dri-Fit One has been made for you. They are squat-proof enough to wear for your HIIT class, but also comfortable enough to wear on your yoga mat at a retreat. Nike has also made these leggings in a huge range of lengths and sizes so you can find your perfect fit. 

The waistband on the Nike One isn’t as high as some of the others on this list — it sits just below the belly button. Fit-wise, the leggings have a tighter fit for a body-hugging feel and seamless sides to avoid any uncomfortable chafing. 

Pocket-wise, the One leggings have some smaller hidden pockets in the waistband which are big enough for some keys or maybe a hairband. There’s nowhere to stow your phone or your gym pass, but if you can get over that, these are a pair of brilliantly versatile gym leggings. 

Gymshark Adapt Animal Seamless Leggingsbest value awards badge

(Image credit: Gymshark)

9. Gymshark Adapt Animal Seamless Leggings

Best printed black gym leggings

Specifications

Size range : XS-XXL

Reasons to buy

+
High waisted  
+
Seamless design to avoid any uncomfortable chafing

Reasons to avoid

-
No pockets
-
One leg length 

The chances are you’ll have seen a girl with these leggings in the gym or on your Instagram feed. They’re super popular thanks to the high-waisted, seamless design, which is comfortable for just about everything (although we wouldn’t wear these running due to the lack of waistband). They’ve also got ruched detailing on the bum for a flattering fit that makes the glutes look more sculpted. 

In the gym, these leggings are fully squat-proof and come in a number of different shades and patterns. There aren’t any pockets, so you’ll need to find somewhere else to put your keys and phone, however, the fabric and fit are comfortable during most gym sessions. 

The drawback with these leggings is that they only come in one leg length, so shorter women might find they have to fold the leggings or get them taken up, for them to sit neatly on the anklebone. 

a photo of a woman wearing Lululemon Groove Flared pants

(Image credit: Lululemon)

10. Groove Super-High-Rise Flared Pant Nulu

The best flared lululemon legging

Specifications

Size range : 0-20
Leg lengths : 32.5"
Fabric: Nulu
Colors: 13

Reasons to buy

+
Soft against the skin
+
High waistband
+
Flared design

Reasons to avoid

-
Only one, very long, leg length

One of the biggest trends in workout gear in 2023? Flared leggings. Best suited for hikes, yoga and Pilates, the slight flare elongates the legs, and helps upgrade your post-workout look. Our flared leggings of choice are the Groove Super-High-Rise flares from Lululemon, which fit like normal leggings to the knee, then flare outwards for a flattering fit. 

The leggings are available in sizes 0-20, and come in 14 different sizes. The super high waistband sits above the belly button, and hugs the stomach for a comfortable fit. The Nulu fabric is the same as that used in the Align leggings, so it's extremely soft and comfortable. That said, it's not the most sweat-wicking, so if you're wearing these in a light color for a warm hike, you might get some visible sweat patches. 

The only downside with these leggings is they only come in one, very long, leg length of 32.5 inches. Our tester is 5"2 and had about a foot of material to take off the bottom. The good news is, Lululemon offers free alterations in store, but if you're looking to buy these online, be aware you're probably going to need to get them turned up. 

How to choose the best gym leggings for you

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The best gym leggings for you will be the ones that fit and feel best when you're in the gym, or on the run. Before choosing a pair of gym leggings, it's worth looking at:

The fabric: and how sweat-wicking it promises to be — if you're hoping to wear the leggings for intense gym sessions, you'll want them to dry quickly, so you don't feel too cold from your sweat in the cooldown. 

The fit: There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to gym leggings, so it's also important to find a pair that fits you, and your body, best. Some women love the support a high waistband offers, others prefer a 7/8 fit that doesn't bunch up around the ankles when they run. If in doubt, use the brand guidelines to work out which size fits your body. 

The design: If you're a runner, you are probably going to want to buy a pair of gym leggings with pockets to stash your essentials. If you're a yogi, you might want a soft, high waistband for upside-down poses. Think about what you want from your leggings before shopping. 

How we tested the best gym leggings 

We tested the best gym leggings on the market by sweating in them! We put each pair of leggings through their paces by sweating and squatting in them for a range of different workouts. We also looked for stand out features in the leggings, such as pockets that allowed us to leave our running belts at home, or drawcord waistbands, that allowed us to really pull the leggings tight against the tummy during a particularly gruelling HIIT class. 

What makes leggings 'squat proof'?

Squat-proof leggings are ones that provide enough coverage to let you comfortably squat, without the fabric being pulled tight or going see-through. 

Should you size up or down in gym leggings?

Most of the time, you'll be able to buy your normal size. Remember, gym leggings are designed to fit tight against the body, allowing you to move freely during your workout. If they are slipping at the waist, or you have excess fabric around your knees, the chances are your leggings are too big and you need to size down. 

Are lululemon leggings squat-proof?

Jane McGuire
Fitness editor

Jane McGuire is Tom's Guide's Fitness editor, which means she looks after everything fitness related - from running gear to yoga mats. An avid runner, Jane has tested and reviewed fitness products for the past five years, so knows what to look for when finding a good running watch or a pair of shorts with pockets big enough for your smartphone. When she's not pounding the pavements, you'll find Jane striding round the Surrey Hills, taking far too many photos of her puppy. 

With contributions from