So they get a thumbs up for their sustainability credentials, too. Our testers particularly liked the compressive fabric; it doesnt budge and holds you in in all the right places while still feeling soft and comfortable. But with so many pairs to pick from, how do you know youre getting value for money? We tested 46 different pairs of leggings to find the best to wear for both high- and low-impact workouts. Key specificationsWear for: Low-impact activitiesSizes: XXS to XXXLFabric: 79% RPET and 21% spandexPocket: Two side pocketsStyle: High waist. CRZ Yogas products are designed to be affordable while rivalling the offerings of other leading yoga brands, and testers described these leggings as velvety soft and luxurious, while one even said they kept them cool throughout a hot yoga practice. Key specifications Wear for: High-impact workoutsSizes: 4 to 26 Fabric: 78-79% polyester, 21-22% elastane Pocket: 2 hidden pockets in waistband Style: Mid-rise waist. Price and other details may vary based on product size and color. Consider length, too; 7/8 leggings will sit just above the ankle and are ideal for petite people, while full length leggings are better suited to taller frames. The sizing did come up small, but the independent brand focuses on creating high quality products that will last, and these leggings are made with fabric thats 100% recycled polyamide, giving them some nice green credentials. The stylish design of these reasonably priced leggings got the thumbs up from our testers. Key specificationsWear for: Low-impact activitiesSizes: XXS to XXLFabric: 74% Polyester and 26% ElastanePocket: Side pocketStyle: High waist, available in 7/8 and full length. Oh, and did we mention that at least 50% of the fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles? The fabric is on the thicker side and there are no pockets, meaning these leggings arent well-suited to running. According to our panel, theyre incredibly flattering and youll feel constantly supported when wearing them thanks to the compressive, form-fitting material. In the gym, testers found them flexible, fast-drying and squat-proof. Some testers found them a touch tight around the hips and ankles, but these great value leggings should be firmly on your radar. Testers also found they fitted true to size and were comfortable to wear. Theyre so soft and comfortable, Id wear them to bed! raved one enthusiastic tester. Theyre designed for yoga but our testers said their snug and comfortable fit made them ideal for a wider range of activities, from Pilates to lifting. The waistband stays in place and theyre squat proof, making them a great all-round choice for everything from yoga through to strength training and cardio. They were a firm favourite among our testers, with one describing them as honestly the best pair of leggings Ive ever had. Petite testers found them a tad too long, although with a bit of adjusting they were able to make them work, and there are no pockets. A great option for yoga or Pilates classes. The only activity we wouldnt recommend them for is cycling we found them a little too restrictive to allow comfortable movement on the bike. Everyone needs a trusty pair of cropped leggings in their activewear arsenal and this classic style from Nike is a strong contender. Easily the softest pair of leggings on test, our impressed panellists couldnt get enough of their weightless material, with many recommending them to friends and family. Most liked the full length and found the high waist offered excellent support and compression. 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For chilly rambles and cosy evenings in, however, theyre hard to beat and they have not one, but two handy pockets which are large enough to hold a phone comfortably. Shorter exercisers may struggle with the length, while the waistband moved around for some. Drumroll, please, for our top-rated pair of leggings. Opt for one of our lighter, clingier picks if youre planning lots of vigorous exercise; these get quite toasty due to the thicker fabric, and the waistband needs readjusting as its so large and high. Theyre softer and have less compression than those designed for high-impact activities, allowing for more free-flowing movement. Our testers felt well supported by their stretchy material and high waistband, and they liked the way the sleek seamless design looked when on. With trusty pockets on the side and in the waistband, these leggings are ideal for keeping your phone and keys tucked away when you head out on a hike or run. The compression style and flex of the buttery material also allowed for a range of movements. Key specificationsWear for: Low-impact activitiesSizes: S to LFabric: 84% bamboo viscose and 12% recycled polyamidePocket: NoStyle: High waist. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Key specificationsWear for: High-impact workoutsSizes: XXS to XXLFabric: Main: 78% Polyester and 22% Elastane Mesh: 85% Nylon and 15% ElastanePocket: WaistbandStyle: High waist. Available in a wide range of colours, testers said the lighter shades showed more sweat, but overall theyre a high-quality pair that will see you through plenty of sun salutations. Key specificationsWear for: High-impact workoutsSizes: S to LFabric: 77% recycled polyester and 23% spandexPocket: NoStyle: High waist with drawstring and 7/8 length. They gathered around the ankles and at the back of the knee for petite testers, due to them being full length, but everyone reported a good range of movement, even for lunges, so you could easily wear them on the yoga mat or on a run. It will stop you from feeling damp as your heart rate rises. Theyll come in handy for storing keys if you tend to head outdoors for runs or walks. Key specifications: Wear for: High-intensity workouts Sizes: XS to XXXL Fabric: 60% nylon, 40% elastane Pocket: Yes, at the back Style: High rise. Not only did they score top marks in our sweat-wicking tests, but our panel also raved about the lightweight, breathable fabric for heavier gym sessions and running. Maximise the support you get around your middle with these high-waisted leggings, which our testers found offered great coverage and stretch. Made with Dri-Fit technology, theyre designed to wick away sweat. They were comfortable enough to wear all day and offered just the right stretch for sun salutations, but the fabric was fairly thick making them better suited to winter workouts. Yogis may want to splurge on these low-impact leggings. They didnt chafe or become see-through when squatting either, while mesh pockets provide a space for storing valuables although most testers said their phones didnt fit in. Its not just the pattern on these leggings thats green, the fabric is too using 77% recycled polyester. Up to eight people tested each pair of leggings. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. Whether youre walking the dog or sweating it out in the gym. We found the sizing comes up small too, so go up a size if youre unsure. Lululemon specialises in creating activewear for the mat, and these leggings didnt disappoint. The best gym leggings can cost an arm and a leg, but this wallet-friendly pair from M&S proves you neednt pay over the odds for performance. Offering the perfect combination of style and comfort, theyre sure to become a mainstay in your workout wardrobe. These leggings ticked all our boxes for high-impact workouts; they fitted our testers in all the right places and didnt gather, gape or slip mid-workout. Key specifications: Wear for: Hiking and low-impact workouts Sizes: XS to XXL Fabric: 86% polyester, 14% elastane Pocket: No Style: High waist. The stretchy, breathable material and simple yet flattering design were big hits with our testers, with one saying, they were the perfect fit and I looked forward to wearing them. Key specificationsWear for: Low-impact activitiesSizes: XS to XLFabric: 74% Polyester, 22% Polyamide and 4% ElastanePocket: NoStyle: High waist and 7/8 length. Although the fabric wasnt super stretchy, it allowed for full range of movement, including squats, but the waistband wasnt as secure as others on this list. We asked a panel of over 200 people made up of fitness enthusiasts and experts to wear one pair of leggings for at least three different workouts before sharing their verdict on design, fit, comfort and overall performance. Fancy material-tech aside, the fabric proved stretchy, comfortable and luxuriously soft to wear, with a cosy, snug fit from the waistband to the ankles. For ultimate comfort, however whether that be for wearing around the home or for low-impact activities try yoga leggings. Despite these niggles, it scored highly from both petite and plus size testers for low-impact exercise. If youre a runner or do high-impact workouts in the gym, look out for sweat-wicking fabric. 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The soft, flexible material coped well with a range of workouts from CrossFit to cycling but the design doesn't have as much compression as others featured and the grey colourway shows sweat patches easily. And which will actually wick your sweat away? These leggings made with high-tech fabric that combines the comfort of stretch and moisture-wicking, sun protection and antimicrobial properties are a fantastic choice, according to our testers. Whats more, they proved easy to slip on and off and never needed hoicking up mid-workout. Key specifications: Wear for: Low impact workouts or as loungewear Sizes: XXS to XXL Fabric: 87% recycled polyester, 13% elastane Pocket: Hidden zip pocket Style: Ultra high rise. In the lab, they aced our sweat-wicking tests, while testers also found them breathable during workouts. Made with more sustainable bamboo fabric theyre 84% bamboo viscose and 12% recycled polyamide the brand claims each pair saves 276.1 litres of water and avoids the equivalent of 3.1km of driving emissions. Shorter testers said the high-waisted design came up too high on their frame, and pockets would have been a useful addition. Lastly, think about pockets. These leggings earned a thumbs up for support, compression and sizing; both our petite and tall testers liked the length. Note also that some testers found the fit a little snug, so size up if in doubt. They considered a variety of factors, including how easy the leggings were to get on and off, how well the material moved with the body, how consistent the fit was across the body and how comfortable they were to wear after sweating. Despite their loungewear credentials, these leggings stayed in place during exercise and there was no gaping or bunching. The soft fabric and secure waistband means you can comfortably wear them all day, while they also effectively wicked away sweat in our lab tests. They also assessed sweat-wicking claims by measuring moisture absorption and drying time. Sustainable and ethical activewear brand Girlfriend Collective uses up to 25 recycled water bottles in every pair of leggings, making these a top eco choice. A versatile bit of kit. High-waisted styles will offer more support around your waist and can help leggings stay in place, whatever you throw their way. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2022, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. They also found them breathable and secure during workouts, requiring no adjustment mid-way through. Better still, our testers found the high-waisted fit flattering on all body types. One of the more stylish pairs on our list, theyre chic enough to wear outside of the gym, too. They tend to be positioned on the side of your thigh or at the back of your waistband. Sure enough, they kept our testers pleasantly dry and scored 4/5 in our sweat-wicking lab test. Key specifications: Wear for: High-intensity workouts Sizes: XS to XXL Fabric: 67% polyester, 21% nylon, 12% elastane Pocket: No Style: High waist. Seamless and soft, these leggings look chic on the yoga mat and were well-received by our panel, who said they were flexible and breathable and remained opaque and in place even when in downward dog. For maximum quality on a budget, try these low-impact leggings. High Times Pant Full On Luon 7/8 Yoga Pants, Lululemon Pace Rival Stretchy Cropped Running Leggings - High Rise, Breathable, Sculpted Fit, Lululemon Wunder Under High Rise Crop 23" Yoga Pants, Leggings for Woemn, Womens High Waisted Tummy Control Butt Lift Bubble Workout Leggings Athletic Running Yoga Pants, Lululemon Align Full Length Yoga Pants - High-Waisted Design, 28 Inch Inseam, Lululemon Speed Up Crop Pants Full On Luxtreme - Black, Lululemon Pace Rival Crop 22 Comfort and Convenient Design, Strategic Pocket Position, Gives You Plenty of Storage Options! The muscle contouring lines and bold green colourway divided our panel, but if you like to stand out, youll love it. Though too cosy for avid CrossFitters, they'd be ideal for Pilates, barre, yoga, walking or just everyday wear. Heading out for a hike? The waistband also became tight after extended wear for some, while others said it fell down slightly. Leggings are a true wardrobe staple, whether youre running around after little ones, working from home, or hitting the gym. Here are our winners: The right sort of leggings for your gym kit largely depends on the activities youre taking on. The Good Housekeeping Institute decided to find out, putting a variety of pairs to the test to find the very best gym leggings on the market. Spanx is renowned for its compressive, sculpting shapewear and its Booty Boost leggings dont disappoint. Key specificationsWear for: High-impact workoutsSizes: 4 to 28Fabric: 80% Polyester and 20% Elastane Pocket: NoStyle: High waist and full-length. Back at the Good Housekeeping Institute, our lab testers carried out wash tests to see if the leggings remained the same in terms of colour, fit and size after multiple machine washes. Key specificationsWear for: Low-impact workoutsSizes: 0 to 20 (US sizes)Fabric: 40% nylon, 39% polyester, 21% Lycra elastanePocket: WaistbandStyle: High waist. Well, they scored a respectable 4/5 for sweat-wicking in our lab tests, and our panellists said they kept them cool and dry without causing any sweat patches. Key specificationsWear for: Low-impact activitiesSizes: 6 to 18Fabric: 71% Polyamide and 29% ElastanePocket: WaistbandStyle: High waist, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in, Colorfulkoala Women's Summer Tank Tops Body Contour Sleeveless Crop Double Lined Yoga Shirts, Colorfulkoala Women's High Waisted Biker Shorts with Pockets 6" Inseam Workout & Yoga Tights, Colorfulkoala Women's High Waisted Capri Leggings with Pockets 21" Inseam Workout Yoga Pants. Gymsharks popular Apex leggings claim to keep you cool and dry throughout your training with strategically placed heat-mapping zones, but how did they perform on test? Key specificationsWear for: High-impact workoutsSizes: 8 to 16Fabric: Nylon with Polygiene permanent odour controlPocket: Waistband and side pocketsStyle: High waist. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. Sweaty Bettys leggings were praised for their flattering design even testers who had previously avoided wearing yoga leggings said they felt happy wearing them to the shops or running errands. Everyone loved their soft, premium feel, too. Key specifications: Wear for: Sweaty HIIT sessions Sizes: 6 to 24 Fabric: 73% polyester, 27% elastane Pocket: Yes Style: High waist. In fact, they were so comfy that our testers reckoned they could lounge around in them all day. In fact, they proved to be pretty reliable all-rounders; testers said they were easy to slip into, fitted snugly but not tightly, and were well ventilated. They appreciated the secure back pocket for storing valuables and the internal drawstring at the waistband for adjusting the fit. Key specificationsWear for: Low impact activitiesSizes: XS - S to L - XLFabric: 100% recycled polyamidePocket: NoStyle: High waist and 7/8 length. Key specificationsWear for: High-impact workoutsSizes: XXS to XXLFabric: 73% polyester, 27% SpandexPocket: YesStyle: High waist. Theyre great for all kinds of vigorous workouts as they passed our squat test and scored an impressive 4.5/5 for sweat wicking in the lab. The waistband offered good compression too, but there was a little bit of bunching at the front. The waistband was also comfortable and supportive and stayed in place even during burpees. Our testers liked their seamless design, with one saying it was the comfiest pair of leggings theyd ever worn! However, overall, the high-waisted design proved to be popular, with some finding they paired well with a crop top. Our testers said they fitted well, with no gaping or bunching, while the two discreet pockets proved handy, too. They tailored their workouts to its claims, wearing sweat-wicking leggings for high-impact exercise and those designed for yoga for gentler activities.