From my perspective, there’s no better feeling than finding the perfect pair of gym leggings. A comfortable fit with the ideal material weight and texture, the placing of the seams and the provision of a well-placed pocket – these things make all the difference to me, because I’m rarely out of activewear.
The perfect pair of leggings can also make a difference, not just to your performance, but to your mood too. Feeling comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing can affect how you show up on the gym floor or in a class. Plus, with so many of us working from home these days, it’s helpful having a few pairs of fail-safe leggings that you’re happy to go from the couch to a class to coffee in.
Different workout styles call for different constructions and features, explains personal trainer and former professional gymnast Lucy Miller. “For most workouts, a high-waisted design is the go-to,” she says.
“Not only does a high-waisted style provide a supportive, held-in feel around the waist and tummy, but it also ensures your leggings stay in place during squats, stretches and sprints. If you’re training for high-impact activities such as HIIT or running, look for sweat-wicking fabrics that keep you dry and compression materials that support muscles, improve blood flow and deliver a locked-in feel.”
Miller also explains that materials matter. Personally, I like to mix up my wardrobe and opt for buttery-soft leggings with thicker natural fibres. Both have their benefits and if you suffer from skin irritation, how you sweat in different fabrics can make a huge difference to your workout.
“The best gym leggings wick away sweat and dry quickly to keep you comfortable. Nylon-elastane blends are lightweight and breathable, while polyester-based fabrics tend to be more durable and colourfast – ideal for daily washing. If sustainability matters to you, look for brands using recycled fibres that don’t compromise on stretch or performance,” says Miller.
From seamless and stretchy styles to compression and squat-proof designs, I’ve tested the best women’s gym leggings to invest in for 2025 and beyond. My top pick are the Vuori all the form leggings, but there are equally stylish options from Lovall, Sweaty Betty and more.
How I tested
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I worked up a sweat in every pair of leggings to test the limits of each style. I wore them to run and hike in, to use machines in the gym, lift weights, do yoga and attend reformer Pilates and spin classes. I assessed each pair according to my framework of quality, design and the following checklist:
- Fit and comfort: I judged each pair of leggings on whether they fit true to size, leg length and whether they felt comfortable and easy to move in at rest and during different exercise styles.
- Sizes and colours: I also took into account the diversity of sizes and colourways, judging stylish prints and colours available.
- Wash well: Each pair of leggings also had to wash and dry well, so I put every pair to the test. There’s no point splashing out on expensive leggings if they only last a few washes before bobbling or fading.
- Value for money: I also assessed each pair based on the quality and cost per wear versus the price tag. Some leggings can be expensive so it’s worth knowing if a pair from a well-known brand is worth the investment.
- Versatility: I also checked in on whether I was happy to wear each pair of leggings out for coffee or a dog walk after the gym.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Emilie Lavinia has been testing activewear for more than a decade and knows the difference between a squat-proof pair of leggings and a let-down pair. As The Independent’s Fitness and wellbeing editor, her knowledge of fabrics and features – and the workout styles they perform best – with is unmatched. She’s tried almost every legging brand on the market for yoga, running, weightlifting, hiking and Pilates and can also provide the low-down on whether a hyped-up brand is overpriced or worth the spend.
The best gym leggings for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Vuori all the form leggings: £110, Vuoriclothing.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Lovall seamless sculpt leggings: £45, Lovall.com
- Best for running – Dare2B influential II leggings: £50, Dare2b.com
- Best non synthetic option – BAM enduro crossover leggings: £49, Bambooclothing.co.uk
- Best for stretching – Sweaty Betty ultimate studio leggings: £80, Sweatybetty.com
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Vuori all the form leggings
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Best: Overall women's gym leggings
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Colours: 4 – azure, black, marsh, bright poppy
Materials: Polyamide, elastane
Why we love it
- Comfortable and soft with plenty of stretch
- Flattering shape
- Multiple leg lengths
Take note
- Expensive
Upmarket Californian activewear brand Vuori counts the likes of Harry Styles and Gwyneth Paltrow as fans, so it’s not exactly a huge shock that these leggings don’t come cheap. However, they are supremely comfortable and my all-time favourite style from the brand – especially when worn with the matching sports bra.
Despite the silkiness, they’re surprisingly supportive and look very flattering, with their impressive four-way stretch and a cool minimalist branding. I’ve worn them on hikes in the Balearics, to reformer Pilates classes, on runs and to the gym and they haven’t let me down yet. They’re also a go-to for dog walks and coffee runs due to their comfort and how good they look on.
Made from polyamide with plenty of added stretch, they offer a high waistband with a dipped seam at the front and back and a slightly shorter leg to prevent any bunching. They move with the body and allow plenty of flexibility while still being soft.
There are four colours available and if you’re worried about the leg length, they’re available in short, regular or long. I wear the short version and they are perfect for a petite leg. You might assume more well known brands would offer a superior legging but for me, Vuori excels in this department.
Buy now £110.00, Vuoriclothing.co.uk
Sweaty Betty ultimate studio leggings
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Best: Women's gym leggings for stretching
Sizes available: XXS - XXL
Colours: 9 – black, willow green, sable brown, garnet red et al
Materials: Recycled polyamide, elastane
Why we love it
- Generous side pocket for your phone
- Soft yet very supportive
- Two leg lengths available
Coming in at number two for best leggings is a brand that never lets me down. The new Ultimate Studio collection offers great all rounders that suit most exercise style, including the leggings.
The compression is a little more intense than Vuori’s and the thick material is beyond squat proof. If you prefer to feel more supported and locked in to your leggings, you might favour this pair. The high waist offers plenty of stability, which is ideal if you’re working on building your core strength, you want to create a more streamlined silhouette or you’re in recovery after surgery or getting used to your body and its abilities postpartum.
There’s still plenty of stretch and flexibility on offer and the shape is flattering. I’d recommend them for yoga, Pilates and any activity that requires a range of motion and the ability to stretch freely while being adequately supported. They’re ideal for gym sessions in which your body is moving through a variety of positions and feel soft and silky against the skin too.
They’re also available in two leg lengths – 7/8 and full length. I wear the 7/8 and they always fit perfectly. They’re also the star of the show in my guide to the best petite leggings, which offers a full list of the best brands and styles to shop for a shorter leg.
Buy now £80.00, Sweatybetty.com
Lovall sculpt seamless leggings
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Best: Budget women's gym leggings
Sizes available: 6-22
Colours: 3 – black, deep navy, shadow grey
Materials: Polyamide, elastane
Why we love it
- Seamless
- Comfortable
- Affordable
These seamless leggings are among the most comfortable I’ve worn and are a great affordable option. In my opinion, they measure up to the more luxe brands and they’re a great do-it-all pair – ideal for throwing on to head to the gym or for a class.
They offer a good amount of stretch and feel supportive, though perhaps not quite as much as the top two options on this list. They also offer a nice diversity of sizes and leg lengths – available in petite, regular and tall. The lack of seam is great if you worry about feeling uncomfortable or any weird-looking bunching around the crotch.
There are only muted colourways available but this pair is flattering, comfortable and offers a great quality all rounder at a middle-of-the-road price. The matching set is a great investment if you’re looking for chic gym gear that will go the distance but that won’t break the bank like some brands might.
Buy now £45.00, Lovall.com
Over and Above proprio performance full tights
Best: Technical women's gym leggings
Sizes: XS-XXL
Colours : Black
Material: Nylon tactel, elastane mesh, nylon, elastane
Why we love it
- In-built sensory nodes for movement
- Extra compression for blood flow
- Sleek look and feel
- Smart design boosts recovery
Take note
- Higher price point
If you’re looking for something a little more technical and you’re a fitness fanatic, Over and Above is a brand that takes training gear very seriously. In fact, they’re the first brand in the world to offer proprioceptive apparel. Proprioception is the body’s ability to sense its position and movement – essential for great form and maximising your athletic ability.
These leggings fuse style with biomechanics to enhance your natural abilities during a workout. On the surface they look sleek and high quality, however on the inside they’re equipped with sensory nodes that interact with the skin at key anatomical locations.
They’re on the tighter side due to the need for the rubbery nodes and extra support reinforcement (shaped like sports tape) to be close to the skin. However, the extra support really goes the distance and the leggings are very breathable thanks to body-mapped ventilation, despite the snug fit. I really noticed the extra support for quads, hamstrings and calves during an intense road run.
If you’re training for a marathon, into your biohacking or really pushing your body to its limits with endurance training, these leggings are worth the investment.
Buy now £140.00, Oaperformance.com
Nike zenvy gentle-support leggings
Best: Women's gym leggings for sweat wicking
Sizes: XS-XXL
Colours: 6 – earth, midnight navy, adobe, red stardust, black, fireberry
Materials: Recycled nylon, elastane
Why we love it
- Very stretchy
- Wide waistband
- Deep phone pocket
Take note
- Light support only
- Expensive
Super soft and stretchy, these leggings slide on like a dream. With dri-fit technology they’re especially reliable in hot weather or in classes that cause you to sweat a lot – think spinning, boxing, hot yoga or hot Pilates. I wore them in several of these classes and they did a great job of wicking sweat away and keeping me dry.
The waistband is wide and high but is flexible enough that it doesn’t encumber movement and offers a light level of core support. There’s also a generous phone-sized pocket at the back of the waist – ideal for long walks or gentle runs.
They only come in one leg length so be mindful of this if you usually wear a petite legging as there may be some bunching around the ankle. Nonetheless, they’re a great all rounder in a range of flattering colours and they feel comfortable and breezy for a range of activities.
Buy now £89.99, Nike.com
Myprotein MP women’s power leggings
Best: Women's gym leggings for squats
Sizes: XXS -XXL
Colours: 7 – Black, black space dye, blue lagoon, ice green, orchid, pebble blue and purple
Materials: Nylon, elastane
Why we love it
- Not at all see-through
- Quick-drying fabric to absorb sweat
- Affordable
Take note
- May be too thick for high-impact workouts
If you live in fear of leggings turning see-through every time you squat but you’re disappointed by affordable styles, this pair will see you right. You can’t fault Myprotein for its gym wear, especially at such low prices.
Made of quick-drying fabric with a hydrophilic finish, the power leggings feel far thicker than most other pairs at this price point but aren’t restrictive. They also feature a double-lined back panel so they’re perfect for deep squats and power lifting.
They don’t feel as luxe as some of the others on this list but they’re soft enough with great stretch. It’s also worth paying close attention to the size guide online, as the leggings run a little small.
The thick material is a little warm for high-impact classes, but they are a winner for hitting the gym and for cold weather sports like running, football practice and netball.
Buy now £34.00, Myprotein.com
Adanola ultimate wrap over leggings
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Best: Stylish women's gym leggings
Sizes available : XXS-XXXL
Colours: 9 – coffee bean, navy blue, black, dark grey, dark olive, midnight blue, olive green, classic red, dark cherry
Material: Recycled polyamide, elastane
Why we love it
- Flattering crossover waist
- Seamless
- Plenty of stretch
Adanola has quickly become a cult favourite, especially after Kendall Jenner’s collection launched earlier this year. As you might expect, form meets function with these leggings. They’re soft, lightweight and ideal for your reformer Pilates classes and lunch afterwards.
There’s no front seam and a cross-over waist with a slightly higher side and back which results in a very flattering finish. The compressive fit is smoothing and sculpting but not uncomfortable – there’s more stretch to the fabric than you might imagine.
They’re slightly more affordable than the top pick on this list but just as good, in my opinion and also come in a decent variety of sizes with a regular or tall leg length. They’re true to size so opt for your usual size and don’t worry about squats or deep lunges – they stand up to the squat test and stay totally opaque.
Buy now £42.00, Adanola.com
Lululemon wunder train high-rise tight
Best: Women's gym leggings for high-impact exercise
Sizes: 4-24
Colours: 19 – black, espresso, purple, red, navy, grey, olive, light blue, teal, greenmulti-coloured,
Materials: Nylon, lycra, elastane
Why we love it
- Excellent for sweat-wicking
- Supportive high waist
- Lots of colours to choose from
- Four leg lengths available
Take note
- Expensive
Lululemon’s wunder train leggings are arguably one of the most coveted pieces of activewear and you’ve no doubt seen them on every fitness influencer. They’re a strong pair, with plenty of support and stretch, although not my favourite, it must be said.
The waistband is wide and provides a cinched-in feeling which offers support for the core and the soft matte fabric wicks sweat very effectively. If you’re running, lifting, boxing or doing yoga, they’ll see you through.
There’s a hidden pocket – though it isn’t big enough for a phone and is best for holding keys or your bank card –and a waistband drawcord to get the perfect fit. They’re suitable for almost any exercise and they’re completely squat-proof too.
One thing I do love is the choice of four leg lengths, suitable for petite and tall, along with a cropped and a regular style. There’s also a huge range of 19 colourways to choose from so whether you want to go loud and patterned or muted and block-toned, the choice is yours.
Buy now £88.00, Lululemon.co.uk
BAM enduro high-waisted crossover leggings
Best: Natural fabric women's gym leggings
Sizes available: XS-XL
Colours: 5 – dark taupe, agate blue, black, new khaki, storm navy
Materials: Bamboo viscose, organic cotton, elastane
Why we love it
- Made from natural fibres
- Super soft and comfortable
- Flattering crossover waist
If nylon or polyamide isn’t something you want to sweat into and you prefer natural fibres, there are plenty of great non-synthetic options to choose from. I am a big fan of BAM’s leggings and the Enduro style is a great example of being able to have it all in one garment.
These leggings are made from bamboo, organic cotton and elastane and also feature that super-flattering crossover waist. They’re available in two leg lengths, offer some support, though not as much as some of the synthetic styles and they feel supremely soft and comfortable.
They work well for classes, running and home workouts and they’re squat proof. They’re also one of the more reasonably priced options on this list.
Buy now £49.00, Bambooclothing.co.uk
Dare2B influential II leggings
Best: Women's gym leggings for running
Sizes available: 8-20
Colours: 7 – black, snake print, energetic, marble swirl, dash, fig, moonlight denim
Material: Recycled polyester, elastane
Why we love it
- Soft inner waistband
- Offer sun protection and sweat wicking
- Flexible and comfortable
Soft, stretchy and great at wicking sweat thanks to the brand’s “quick-dry and fresh” fabric, these leggings are my pick for running in all weathers. The fabric repels odour-causing bacteria and it’s also UV shielding with a UPF of 50+ so as good for sunny days as for rainy ones.
They’re squat proof and maintain opacity so they’re suitable for the gym floor and classes too, but I especially like the flexibility they offer on a run. The waistband is softer inside at the front to avoid chafing and the seams are flat locked to avoid this too.
There are muted and patterned designs available but only one leg length so bear this in mind. They do also come in a 3/4 style but this comes up higher on the leg in more of a capri style than a 7/8 so is better suited to warmer weather or treadmill runs.
Buy now £50.00, Dare2b.com
Your questions about women’s gym leggings answered
What are the best women’s gym leggings?
If you want gym leggings that feel great, wash well, look fabulous and work for every exercise style, you can’t go wrong with the silky all the form leggings from Vuori. However, if the price tag is offputting, you can find as reliable a pair in Lovall’s seamless sculpt leggings. If you’re after something more specific for running Dare2B’s influential II leggings are reliable and comfortable and won’t chafe, rain or shine. For a little more support, Sweaty Betty never lets me down and the new ultimate studio leggings are an excellent choice for core support and flexibility for yoga, Pilates and stretching. And if you favour a flattering fit made from a non-synthetic fabric, BAM will be your go to in the form of the enduro crossover leggings.
How do I choose the right leggings for my workouts?
Personal trainer and former professional gymnast Lucy Miller says that the right leggings can make a big difference depending on the type of workout. “For strength training and HIIT, go for supportive, mid-to-high compression fabrics that won’t slide down when you move dynamically – or bunch up in all the wrong places,” she explains. “Go for a thick material that won’t go see-through when you squat – always go for squat and deadlift-proof. They also need to wash well, especially when you have a favourite pair and workout most days.”
Little details also make a difference to how comfortable, useful and long-lasting a pair of leggings can be. For example, if you’re a runner, you might favour a drawstring and pockets, along with reflective detailing to help you be seen. If you’re into yoga, you might prefer a looser waistband with a streamlined seamless design that doesn’t dig in as you hold poses.
“Don’t overlook the little things when shopping for your ideal pair,” advises Miller. “A wide waistband prevents rolling and keeps your tummy and core supported, especially if you’re postpartum. Flatlock seams reduce irritation, especially during long-distance runs and around the inner thighs, and squat-proof fabrics (non-see-through even when stretched) are essential.”
“Some leggings also feature side or hidden waistband pockets so you can workout with all the essentials at your fingertips (and no bag). I also love leggings that come with matching tops and jackets. Co-ords are definitely cool and very motivating – a new matching kit makes me feel happy and has me walking into the gym like I belong.”
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