Best gym leggings: 5 top picks for effective workouts

Because the best gym leggings are an essential for a good workout – even if you're doing it at home, right?

Best gym leggings
(Image credit: Getty)

On the hunt for the best gym leggings? Gone are the days when your gym clothes could be made up of worn out sweatpants and oversized t-shirts. Now it's all about matching sets, outfits that you can wear from yoga to brunch to the school run (when we are out of lockdown that all starts up again obviously). Getting dressed for a workout has become as daunting as the sit ups themselves, until now...

We've rounded up the best gym legging that are for sure going to get you motivated and make sure you are looking swish for your living room workout or your government approved daily outdoor exercise. So keep scrolling to get shopping and head over to our home gym hub page for more workout ideas. 

(Image credit: H&M)

1. H&M seamless leggings

The best leggings you can buy – comfy, stylish and affordable

Specifications

Material : Polyamide 45%, Polyester 42%, Elastane 13%
Shape: High waisted, long
Colours: Grey, pink or dark grey

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable
+
Seamless design for comfort
+
Flattering pattern 

Reasons to avoid

-
Empty List

H&M make amazing sportswear, it's stylish, long lasting and really affordable. Our favourite of their leggings (and it was a toughy) is the Seamless bum sculpting tights. The lack of seams make them really comfortable, they are high waisted and the STAY UP, the most important feature of the best gym leggings in our opinion. They are quick drying so you won't feel overly sweaty even during the hardest of at home workouts plus the jacquard-patterned details are really flattering. 

(Image credit: Sweaty Betty)

2. Sweaty Betty Power Gym Leggings

The best Sweaty Betty leggings that are super flattering and HAVE POCKETS!

Specifications

Material : 62% Polyamide, 38% Elastane
Shape: High waisted, long or 3/4 length
Colour: 13 colours and patterns

Reasons to buy

+
Long lasting 
+
Body sculpting 
+
Loads of colours and patterns
+
POCKETS

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive

Sweaty Betty are known for their amazing leggings, and while they aren't the cheapest option they are well worth the investment. The Power Workout Leggings are a classic, there are loads of colours and patterns to choose from and the high-waisted shape is comfortable as well as flattering. The polyamide elastane fabric is super supportive, soft and moisture wicking (no sweaty feeling, yay). The best part? These gym leggings have pockets! There is a side pocket for your phone and a back zip pocket to keep your keys. 

(Image credit: Nike)

3. Nike Pro Training Leggings

The best Nike gym leggings for price and performance

Specifications

Material : 83% Polyester, 17% Spandex, Panels: 81% Polyester, 19% Elastane, Guesset Lining: 100% Polyester
Shape: High waisted, long
Colour: Black

Reasons to buy

+
Breathable fabric to keep you cool
+
Perfect high-waisted fit 

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the thickest 

Another classic, these are the best Nike leggings you can buy. The Nike Pro Training Leggings are a great price for really fab quality piece of kit that's stylish, comfortable and breathable. They are made using Nike's Dri-FIT tech which means they wick away sweat so you never feel overheated or sticky (yum) while you work out.  They have a really thick waistband which is something we always look for because they will stay put, so you don't have to stop running every two seconds to pull up your leggings. 

(Image credit: Next)

4. Next Technical Leggings

A great pair of gym leggings that come in loads of patterns and are a great price

Specifications

Material : 89% Polyester, 11% Elastane
Shape: Mid-rise, long
Colour: 8 colours and patterns

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable
+
Lots of stylish patterns 
+
Nice, comfortable fit 

Reasons to avoid

-
A bit see through if you go for a paler colour

If you like pattern in your workout wardrobe these Next leggings are a great choice. Unlike the above picks, they aren't super high-waisted either, so if you prefer a mid-rise fit check out these. One thing to watch for is if you go for a lighter colour or pattern they are slightly see-through, fine for a jog but maybe avoid if you like to do lots of squats. 

(Image credit: Under Armour)

5. Under Armour HeatGear Training Leggings

Super light and super tight these leggings mean business

Specifications

Material : 87% polyester, 13% elastane
Shape: Mid-rise, long
Colour: Black

Reasons to buy

+
Ultra tight fit
+
Super light fabric 
+
Great for running 

Reasons to avoid

-
No pockets

If you are into running, we think these Under Armour HeatGear Training Leggings would be the best leggings. They are super tight, we mean like second skin tight and once they are on they stay put. No stopping to pull them up and the elastic waistband has a super-soft brushed interior so although they are a tight fit they are still comfy. The material is really light, wicks sweat and dries quickly plus has a 4-way stretch construction so you aren't at all restricted. 

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Hebe Hatton

Hebe joined the Real Homes team in early 2018 as Staff Writer before moving to the Livingetc team in 2021 where she took on a role as Digital Editor. She loves boho and 70's style and is a big fan of Instagram as a source of interiors inspiration. When she isn't writing about interiors, she is renovating her own spaces – be it wallpapering a hallway, painting kitchen cupboards or converting a van.