We all know the struggle of finding the best leggings, but finding the best gym leggings is even trickier. Although there is an abundance of options out there, they were not all created equally.
We need a pair of gym leggings that are sculpting yet supportive. High-rise, yet won't fall down. We'd like to wear them day-to-day, and they definitely cannot do any weird bunching around the knees. IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK?
They must definitely be squat-proof, too. We don't want the material to go see-through when we bend over. Accidentally flashing someone whilst doing a barbell squat? Not really our thing, hun. Not to mention, the best gym leggings need to be thick enough to hide any period pad business happening in the downstairs department - unless you go the full hog and invest in some period leggings.
heat's best gym leggings at a glance:
Best gym leggings overall (Editor's Choice): Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant (£88) - View offer on Lululemon
Best value gym leggings: MP Textured Training Women's Leggings (£52) - View offer on MyProtein
Best skin-toned gym leggings: Gymshark Vital Neutral Seamless Leggings (£45) - View offer on GymShark
With that in mind, we've tried and tested the best gym leggings, including an affordable Amazon pair recommended by Zara Mcdermott, and here are our very worthy finalists. Say hello to the very best leggings for working out...
Best gym leggings overall (Editor's Choice)
www.lululemon.co.uk
Very deservedly, the top spot belongs to the Lululemon Align High-rise Pant. They are buttery-soft, and they feel like you're naked whilst supporting you through your workout. They are flattering and sculpting and make your booty look incredible. Reader, yes, they are expensive, but yes, they are worth every penny.
Lululemon review: "So soft and feel good. Really free moving and keep your legs warm against the wind. Walked 50+ miles and cycled 20+ miles in them recently around Copenhagen and was so comfortable. As much as I was sceptical about the price tag and I hated to say it, they really are worth the money!"
Best value gym leggings
MyProteinwww.myprotein.com
If you like your leggings to be bold 'n' bright, you'll love this pair from MyProtein. The material is thick and supportive, ensuring they fit really well and are surprisingly flattering. An underdog in the Best Gym Leggings race but definitely a worthy finalist.
MyProtein review: "Love the leggings. Very comfortable. A bit hard to put on but once they are on - brill. squat proof and also good for weight training."
Best skin-toned gym leggings
uk.shop.gymshark.com
Gymshark Vital leggings fit incredibly well, giving you that really snug around-the-waist sucks-you-in feel. Even better, we love the new Vital Neutral collection because they are leggings made for your shade, with colours specifically designed to complement a whole range of skin tones. Excuse us while we pick one in every shade from espresso, fawn, cherry brown and vanilla brown.
Gymshark review: 4.1 stars based on 3,013 reviews (no specific reviews on site).
Best camo gym leggings
We can't get enough of these camo leggings, which are stylish and affordable which is perfect if you've already spent most of your paycheck on a gym membership. The material of the FITTOO leggings feels high-quality and stretchy. You will live in them, inside and outside the gym.
Amazon review: "My friend and I got them, they're my new favourite leggings! Completely squat proof (CrossFit and barbell tested). Nice thick material, which is great but might get a bit warm once the temperature rises in summer! I will be getting another colour for sure! It has a really high waist and the waistband is super wide and comfy."
Best bum sculpting gym leggings
Selfridgeswww.selfridges.com
If you're looking for a pair of leggings that'll make you feel super sucked in and ah-may-zing, then this is the pair for you. They're a fab pair of basic black leggings with a super flattering high waist and bum-sculpting technology. The suck-in effect of these SPANX leggings makes you feel really secure and ready to smash your stuff in the gym too. You can also get a gorgeous matching sports bra that, honestly, I've been wearing outside of the gym too.
John Lewis review: "I can't recommend these enough! They are so comfortable and STAY UP! I have been complimented on them by so many women who have all made an order after seeing mine. Worth every penny!"
Best scrunch bum gym leggings
Loved by Zara McDermott, these SLIMBELLE scrunch bum leggings are perfect for those trying to build a peachy bottom. The material is flattering, and the booty contours are next level. Absolutely obsessed. Another Love Islander Molly-Mae, loves similarly designed honeycomb leggings, so it's fair to say it's all about the snatched bums these days.
Amazon review: "These are extremely underrated!!! I'm obsessed they're so thick yet so lightweight and a dream to work out in. They are ruched at the bum (I didn't notice) but it makes them look that much better!!! The waistband is thick probably a good 15cm which I'm in love with because it leaves no room for spilling. My friend put me onto these and I'll never buy an expensive pair again! They are a tad long by like two cm but that doesn't bother me."
Best squat-proof gym leggings
www.sweatybetty.com
The Sweaty Betty power 7/8 gym leggings are super high-waisted and WILL NOT BUDGE as you attempt your squat challenge. They feel super soft and have your back during any and every workout. They even have a large pocket, making them ideal for running. We are huge fans.
Sweaty Betty review: "I absolutely LOVE the Power 7/8 leggings!! They never ride down or roll down at the waist, totally squat-proof, and the compression is just the perfect amount. My favourite leggings EVER!! I probably own about 60 pairs but as a personal trainer, I wear them every day. I'm totally obsessed!"
Best high-waisted gym leggings
www.wearetala.com
We absolutely adore the Skinluxe leggings from TALA. The material is seriously flattering and helps you look #snatched whilst being completely squat-proof and functional. As well as being ultra eco-friendly, its high-waisted waist stays up, making them the perfect running leggings.
How to achieve a perky bum, inside and outside the gym:
Want to grow your bum through exercise and nutrition? Here are three must-haves to see results...
1) Focus on staple leg exercises: once you've got yourself a solid pair of gym leggings, work on your hip thrusts, deadlifts and squats. They should be a staple to your leg day routine. Concentrate on good form, consistency and progressive overload rather than complicated moves.
2) Make sure you're eating enough: to gain muscle, you need to be fuelling your body with enough calories and macronutrients to aid that process.
3) Fill up on protein: an essential macronutrient that helps repair and builds muscle tissue. All needed to help grow your booty. Think lean meats, eggs and protein shakes, whilst peas, tofu, and chickpeas are great vegan options.
4) Get pregnant: if you want to fully commit to getting a bigger bum and bigger boobs, you might as well go the full hog and get pregnant. Step too far? Anyway, you'll want to opt for some maternity leggings in that case, anyway.
Aimee Jakes is the shopping editor across heat and Closer. As well as mainly writing about skincare launches, high-street fashion and gym bag essentials, she also regularly chats to celebs about their wellness routines for heat's Self-Care Sunday.