These are the very best gym leggings for every kind of workout, starting from just £19.99
If you're keen to get your body moving a little more this year – whether it's with HIIT or a gentle stroll around the park – it's likely you're after a pair of the best gym leggings to motivate you to get started. After all, nothing can inspire a workout quite like some killer sportswear, and a pair of women's gym leggings that make you feel confident and supported reign supreme as the most versatile addition to your collection.
But search for "gym leggings" in Google and you'll be faced with over 130,000,000 (!) results, making the process to your dream pair of sports leggings a little overwhelming. Workout leggings don't always come cheap, and when you're spending upwards of £50, you want to be sure they'll deliver.
What to look for in a pair of gym leggings
Your gym leggings need to stay up when you're squatting, lunging, running and weight-lifting. High rise leggings with a chunky waistband - perhaps even a waistband with an internal drawcord - will stay put no matter how low you go. The Fast and Free High-Rise Tight 25" from Lululemon have an internal drawcord to tighten them and avoid them falling down mid-run, as do these epic £25 (!) gym leggings from the M&S GoodMove collection.
Secondly, the best gym leggings should be opaque AF so your neighbours don't get a glimpse of your cotton underwear when you squat in front of your window. The Bamboo Clothing High Waist 7/8 Enduro Bamboo Leggings passed the squat test time and time again, serving up coverage that's worth shouting about.
Lastly? Your training leggings need to be sweat wicking, absorbing moisture from your skin and drying quickly. This is particularly important in the winter so that you don't stay damp and catch a chill. Every pair of sculpting gym leggings in this edit are as moisture wicking as they come, but if you want to test the claims, place a drop of water on the fabric and make sure it spreads out sharpish (and doesn’t bead up).
What's the difference between gym leggings and yoga pants?
It's worth noting here that you may have noticed our existing round up the best yoga pants. If so, you're probably left wondering what on earth the difference is. And you'd be forgiven. Granted - the difference between the best yoga leggings and the best gym leggings is minimal - but generally speaking, yoga pants are much softer while gym leggings are compressive and more supportive.
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What are the best gym leggings to buy in 2021?
We've done the part that's even *harder* than the workout itself, and tested a whole bunch of the best gym leggings from brands like Nike, Adidas, Lululemon, Puma, Reebok and Under Armour. Sounds like the dream job, but we did have to work up an almighty sweat in the process.
The result is a carefully curated of high waisted gym leggings, gym leggings with pockets, yoga pants and bestsellers for you to wishlist. We've got seamless gym leggings, plus size gym leggings, Nike gym leggings, Gymshark leggings, black gym leggings and colour block leggings that'll look just as great with your sweatshirts at brunch as they will when you're pounding the pavements.
After more workout content? Head this way for the best sports bra, over here for fitness trackers for women and in this direction for running trainers. We've also got edits of hoodies and joggers to pop on once the whole thing is over, protein powder (and vegan protein powder) for a post-workout energy boost and the best reusable water bottles to keep you hydrated.
For more from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Sophie Cockett, follow her on Instagram @sophiecockettx.
Keep scrolling for our full of the best gym leggings to add to your checkout in 2022.
Best gym leggings for every workout
Wunder Train High-Rise Tight 25", from £64, Lululemon
Why we love them: Our favourite ever gym leggings are the bestselling Wunder Train tights from Lululemon. Designed with training (think: HIIT, circuits or weight training) in mind - but also suitable for yoga and running - they're powered by Everlux™, the brand's fastest-drying fabric ever. Everything in the collection manages heat and sweat so you stay comfortable and focused for the duration of your workout. They sit high on your waist, never budge (with thanks to the continuous drawcord) and have a pocket to hold your key or card.
Best black gym leggings
lululemon Align™ High-Rise Pant 25", £88, Lululemon
Why we love them: If you're after something that feels totally weightless; something that you can work from home or workout in, then the lululemon Align High-Rise gym leggings are about to become your new best friend. Insatiably comfortable, they're powered by Nulu™ fabric which is so weightless and buttery soft, all you have to concentrate on is your workout. Or Netflix binge.
Best gym leggings on the high street
Go Move Printed High Waisted Gym Leggings, £25, M&S
Why we love them: If you're after a pair of gym leggings on a budget, you can't get much better than the GoodMove collection: arguably the best high street sportswear range around. Affordable yet build for even the toughest of workouts, every garment is made from recycled fabrics and adorned in trend-led prints to make you feel great. Case in point: these snake-print high-waisted gym leggings which are cut with a high waistline, made from a quick-drying fabrics, and finished with both a tie inside the waistband for the perfect fit and a secure back pocket to store your valuables.
Save when you shop for the best gym leggings with these Marks and Spencer discount codes.
Nike gym leggings
Nike Yoga Dri-FIT, £59.95, Nike
Why we love them: Available with a matching sports bra and crafted from sustainable fabric, these gym leggings wrap you in supportive, stretchy goodness to help you feel confident and controlled for the duration of your workout.
Save when you shop for the best gym leggings with these Nike discount codes.
Gym leggings Gym Shark
Training Leggings, £25, Gym Shark
Why we love them: Gym Shark's staple and bestselling pair of gym leggings marry style with comfort. They're high-waisted, squat proof, affordable and available in five different colours.
Bum enhancing gym leggings
Power High-Waisted Gym Leggings, £80, Sweaty Betty
Why we love them: Ask any fitness editor and influencer what their favourite pair of gym leggings are, and we can pretty much guarantee that the majority will answer with Sweaty Betty's Power High-Waisted Gym Leggings. The brand's Power leggings have been trending since their release, but this more recent high-waisted iteration has a waistband that's 2cm higher for added support and confidence. They're available in both full length and a flattering 7/8 cut and seven different sizes.
These gym leggings are bum sculpting, 80 to 90% Squat-Proof and have a bonded waistband for extra compression. If that wasn't enough, they have a deep external pocket which easily fits a phone. Go, go, go.
Best gym leggings for low intensity exercise
Super Soft Yoga Leggings, £85, Sweaty Betty
Why we love them: Now available in a really cute “Love 2 Move” print (and two different lengths), Sweaty Betty's Super Soft yoga leggings are a great choice if you plan on doing lower intensity exercise in the gym, like low-impact weight training, barre, Pilates or yoga. They feel extremely soft to the touch, they're 90% squat-proof and they wick away sweat in an instant. What's more, they've been designed with seamlines that purposely sculpt your bum and elongate your legs, so you'll feel like the best version of yourself when you workout.
Gym leggings plus size
Nike Training Plus One Glitter Leopard Print Legging in Black, £54.95, ASOS
Why we love them: Available in sizes XL to 3XL, these plus size gym leggings have a mid-rise silhouette, elasticated waist and internal pockets to house your essentials.
Save when you shop for the best gym leggings with these ASOS discount codes.
Best printed gym leggings
Electra Taped Leggings, £59, Hush
Why we love them: These leopard print leggings have become a mainstay in our workout wardrobes, not least because they boost our January moods endlessly, but because they're so damn comfy. And come with a matching sports bra. Sold. They might not be the most high-waisted gym leggings we've ever worn, but many members of the GLAMOUR office actually preferred the mid-rise cut. They're made from performance-enhanced, sustainably sourced fibres, sculpt the bum and legs and feel really soft against the skin. Plus, the stripes down the sides of the legs are a cute finishing touch.
Save when you shop for the best gym leggings with these Hush discount codes.
Best gym leggings under £20
Super Soft Sports Tights, £19.99, H&M
Why we love them: H&M have excelled themselves here. After all, who wouldn't be partial to a pair of £19.99 gym leggings complete with pockets that feel super soft on the skin? (And wick away sweat in an instant?) Exactly.
Save when you shop for the best gym leggings with these H&M discount codes.
Recycled gym leggings
GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE + NET SUSTAIN Compressive Recycled Stretch Leggings, £65, Net-A-Porter
Why we love them: From their inclusive sizing (these gym leggings are available from XXS to XXXL) to the fact that each pair of their leggings is made from 25 recycled plastic water bottles, there's so much to shout about when it comes to Girlfriend Collective. Stretchy, squat-proof and super compressive, these leggings are built to last, offering support for everything from barre to the most sweat-inducing workouts.
Save when you shop for the best gym leggings with these Net-A-Porter discount codes.
Best gym leggings for weight training
Nike Pro Dri-FIT, £49.95, Nike
Why we love them: Designed with training and competing in mind, these high-performance gym leggings feel super supportive. They're made from a sweat-wicking fabric that's at least 75% sustainable, and the logo waistband wraps your core for comfort.
Save when you shop for the best gym leggings with these Nike discount codes.
Under Amour gym leggings
Women's UA RUSH™ HeatGear® No-Slip Waistband Custom Length Leggings, £85, Under Armour
Why we love them: These custom-length leggings are very impressive, able to fit every height from petite girls to tall girls and everything in between. At a cropped length or full length. They stay put with thanks to the grippy No-Slip waistband, and can be cut to your perfect length with thanks to the printed guidelines. Oh, and did we mention the mineral-infused fabric that helps you maintain energy for longer? Incredible.
Leopard print gym leggings
THE UPSIDE Leopard-Print Stretch Leggings, £129, Net-A-Porter
Why we love them: The Upside is the brainchild of Australian fashion designer Jodhi Meares, a brand which aims to help you look chic inside and outside of the gym. These leopard print gym leggings are the perfect companion for low-intensity workouts - and they'll look great paired with white trainers and a sweatshirt on that morning coffee run.
Save when you shop for the best gym leggings with these Net-A-Porter discount codes.
Best bright gym leggings
P.E NATION Clubhouse Striped Recycled Stretch and Mesh Leggings, £99, Net-A-Porter
Why we love them: These stripe leggings from activewear favourite P.E Nation have been crafted with low intensity workouts like yoga, barre and Pilates in mind. Our favourite feature? The sky-high waistband which feels supportive comfortable.
Save when you shop for the best gym leggings with these Net-A-Porter discount codes.
Best luxe gym leggings
ADIDAS BY STELLA MCCARTNEY TruePurpose Perforated Recycled Stretch Leggings, £90, Net-A-Porter
Why we love them: Made from Adidas' Primegreen stretch fabric that's sourced from a minimum of 40% recycled materials - in this case 64% recycled polyester - these black gym leggings have a supportive and high-rise waistband, plus perforation along the legs to keep you cool in the heat. A great choice for warm-weather workouts.
Save when you shop for the best gym leggings with these Net-A-Porter discount codes.
Best gym leggings for a pop of colour
Claude Legging - Teal, £55, Pocket Sport
Why we love them: Not only do these gym leggings have an external pocket which fits your phone, as well as an internal pocket big enough for a bank card (handy), but they're made from a breathable fabric and have a grippy strip on the inside of the waistband to ensure they never fall down. A Pocket Sport signature feature. Oh, and they're available in 11 beautiful colours, from lilac to neon yellow and this chic teal hue, so you can boost your mood as well as your cardiovascular health this January.
Best maternity gym leggings sale
Designed To Move 7/8 Sport Tights (MATERNITY), WAS £33 NOW £19.80, Adidas
Why we love them: Pregnant but still want to keep up with occasional low-impact workouts? Hats off to you. Make a beeline for Adidas' maternity gym leggings which have a super high waistband that can be worn over the bump for support, or underneath when you're overheating.
Save when you shop for the best gym leggings with these Adidas discount codes.
Best cropped gym leggings
VarleyLet's Go Pocket Legging 25, £88, The Sports Edit
Why we love them: From influencer-favourite activewear brand Varley comes a pair of gym leggings with pockets, adorned in a stylish camo snake print and cut with seams that flatter every figure.