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.
How do you make leggings last longer?
Only wash your leggings when you actually need to (read: when you’ve run a 10k in them; not when you’ve just sat on the sofa) – and don’t wash them at a temperature any higher than 30 degrees. Turn them inside out when you wash them, avoid fabric softner and refrain from putting them in the tumble drier. It’ll only turn them saggy.
How we tested the best gym leggings
We’ve done the part that’s even *harder* than the workout itself: testing 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 bestsellers for you to wishlist, from seamless gym leggings, to plus size gym leggings, Nike gym leggings, Gymshark leggings and black gym leggings that’ll look just as great with your sweatshirts at brunch as they will when you’re pounding the pavements. Each of the leggings here have been physically sweat-tested by a member of the GLAMOUR UK team. We’ve practised our Sun Salutations in them, relentlessly knocked out burpees, press ups and dumbbell snatches wearing them and even donned them during our weekly food shop. Each pair has been scored on style, stretch and sweat-wicking ability, as well as their comfort, ability to stay up and retain their quality when washed.
After more workout content? Shop the best sports bra, best fitness trackers and best running trainers. We’ve also got the best black leggings, if you’re looking for an every day pair.