19 best gym leggings, tested for squat-proof and sweat-proof claims

Score: 93/100

Drumroll, please, for our (joint) top-rated pair of leggings. Offering the perfect combination of style and comfort, they’re sure to become a mainstay in your workout wardrobe. Easily the softest pair of leggings on test, our seriously impressed panellists couldn’t get enough of their weightless material, with many recommending them to friends and family. “They’re so soft and comfortable, I’d wear them to bed!” raved one enthusiastic tester.

Despite their loungewear credentials, these leggings stayed in place during exercise and there was no gaping or bunching. Better still, our testers found the high-waisted fit flattering on all body types. Though too cosy for avid CrossFitters, they'd be ideal for Pilates, barre, yoga, walking or just everyday wear.

Score: 93/100

From HIIT to hot yoga, these luxe Lululemon leggings will make a super comfortable exercise companion. They were a big hit with our panellists, who couldn’t get enough of the buttery-soft fabric and loved the drawcord around the waist to help you achieve the perfect fit. “They felt so smooth against my skin, it barely felt like I was wearing anything,” said one tester.

Like our joint Vuori winner above, the high-waisted design was extremely flattering and hit just the right level of compression. In fact, many of our panel said they felt more confident when they had these leggings on.

Comfort and good looks aside, they put in a solid performance during even the toughest of workouts. They proved brilliantly squat-proof and scored full marks in our sweat-wicking lab tests. What’s more, they washed well, dried in an instant and there were no signs of shrinkage after numerous goes in the washing machine.

A few panellists found the hidden pocket in the waistband too small but that’s a minor niggle for an otherwise exceptional pair of leggings.

Read our fitness editor's full Lululemon Wunder Train Leggings reveiw.

Score: 92/100

Another Lululemon pair in our winners list, but are you really surprised? Our testers liked the seamless design of these yoga leggings, with one saying it was the comfiest pair of they’d ever worn! Everyone loved their soft, premium feel, too.

Available in a wide range of colours, testers said the lighter shades showed sweat more, but overall they’re a high-quality pair that will see you through plenty of sun salutations.

Score: 86/100

Gymshark’s popular Vital Seamless Leggings claim to keep you cool and comfy throughout your training with the help of moisture-wicking technology and breathable mesh dots, and they didn’t let us down. They scored full marks for sweat wicking in our lab tests, and our panellists said they kept them dry and comfy, without any unwanted sweat patches.

Testers liked the thick, compressive fabric; it doesn’t budge and holds you in in all the right places while still feeling soft and comfortable. They also rated the muscle contouring lines along the legs and bottom, which created a flattering silhouette.

With no pockets, our panel missed having somewhere to store their valuables during workouts; however, this wouldn’t put them off wearing them time and time again. “I’d definitely recommend them. I want to buy them in more colours now!” said one satisfied tester.

Score: 86/100

Sustainable activewear brand Girlfriend Collective uses up to 25 recycled water bottles in every pair of leggings, making these a more eco-choice. Our testers said they fitted well, with no gaping or bunching, while the two discreet pockets proved handy, too.

Although the fabric wasn’t super stretchy, it allowed for full range of movement, including squats, but the waistband wasn’t as secure as others on this list. We found the sizing comes up small too, so go up a size if you’re unsure.

Score: 85/100

Activewear doesn’t get much more fashionable than Adanola, so if you’re looking to splash out on a stylish new pair of leggings, these more than deliver. Testers praised the flattering wrap waist design and appreciated the seam-free panel at the front, which prevents unwanted camel toe.

According to our panel, the ultra-soft, stretchy material is so comfortable, you won’t want to take the leggings off. The best part? You don’t have to – they look good enough to wear all day long, whether you’re at the gym, running errands or having brunch with the girls.

While they don’t claim to wick away moisture, we found they did a decent job of keeping our testers cool, calm and collected as they worked up a sweat. Still, we’d save them for more gentle workouts such as yoga, Pilates, stretching and hiking. Note that they come up small, so size up to ensure maximum comfort.

Score: 85/100

Spanx is renowned for its compressive, sculpting shape wear and its Booty Boost leggings don’t disappoint. They were a firm favourite among our testers, with one describing them as “honestly the best pair of leggings I’ve ever had”. One of the more stylish pairs on our list, they’re chic enough to wear outside the gym, too.

According to our panel, they’re incredibly flattering and you’ll feel constantly supported when wearing them thanks to the compressive, form-fitting material. What’s more, they proved easy to slip on and off and never needed hoicking up mid-workout.

They’re 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 only activity we wouldn’t recommend them for is cycling – we found them a little too restrictive to allow comfortable movement on the bike.

Score: 85/100

Everyone needs a trusty pair of cropped leggings in their activewear arsenal and this classic style from Nike is a strong contender. Made with ‘Dri-Fit’ technology, they’re designed to wick away sweat. Sure enough, they kept our testers pleasantly dry and scored 4/5 in our sweat-wicking lab test.

The stretchy, breathable material and simple yet flattering design were a big hit with our testers, with one saying, “they were the perfect fit” and “I looked forward to wearing them.” The waistband stays in place and they’re squat proof, making them a great all-round choice for everything from yoga through to strength training and cardio.

Oh, and did we mention that at least 50% of the fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles? So they get a thumbs up for their sustainability credentials, too.

Score: 82/100

Planning a high-intensity workout? Then these lightweight leggings from Castore are a great option. They’re made from breathable Aeromesh fabric, with added mesh panels on the back of the lower legs to keep your cool. They also feature AerTek – an enhanced sweat-wicking technology – to keep you fresh during the most gruelling sessions. A couple of our testers said they were great for long-distance running, too.

Everyone was a fan of the side pockets for stashing their phone without worrying about it weighing them down during class. “These were so wearable, comfy and flattering, I love them!” said one gloating gym-goer.

Score: 80/100

Spanx reimagined shapewear with its smoothing pants and bodies, and now it’s brought the same sculpting tech and comfortable feel to its gym wear. The idea of wearing Spanx leggings did make some of our testers apprehensive, as they thought they’d be extremely tight and restrictive, but, as one told us, “I couldn't have been more wrong.” They didn’t dig in around the waistband; instead, they held our panellists in.

The stretchy material caters to a range of body types – one tall tester loved how well they fitted without riding up. One of our shorter testers with skinny ankles said they didn’t experience any gaping, which “rarely happens.” With no centre seams the dreaded camel toe is avoided too.

They maintained their quality through multiple washes and a “ridiculous” amount of wear in the case of one tester, so consider them a long-term investment.

Score: 80/100

The best gym leggings can be pricey, but this wallet-friendly pair from M&S proves you needn’t pay over the odds for performance.

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. They appreciated the secure back pocket for storing valuables and the internal drawstring at the waistband for adjusting the fit.

These leggings earned a thumbs-up for support, compression and sizing; both our petite and tall testers liked the length. Some testers found them a touch tight around the hips and ankles, but these great value leggings should be firmly on your radar.

Score: 79/100

CRZ Yoga’s products are designed to be affordable while rivalling the designs of other leading yoga brands. Our testers described these leggings as velvety soft and luxurious, while one telling us they kept them cool throughout a hot yoga practice.

The compression style and flex of the silky material also allowed for a range of movement. Those of a shorter stature may struggle with the length, while the waistband moved around for some. However, these are a great option for yoga or Pilates classes.

Score: 78/100

These leggings art part of H&M’s new SoftMove collection, a range of flattering, functional and extremely soft gym wear. They’re made with the brand’s SoftMove Lycra and DryMove technology, so as well as offering a good stretch, they promise to keep you dry by drawing moisture away from your body. This proved the case in our sweat-wicking test, so they’ll keep keep you fresh during your next yoga class.

They have a premium feel, which belies their affordable price tag – in fact, one tester said they felt as good as their Lululemon and Spanx leggings. High quality at a high-street price is something we can always get behind.

Score: 73/100

Gymshark’s combination of fashion and function is what makes it a first choice for many fitness lovers. The Whitney leggings are another great example of the brand’s commitment to creating flattering and comfortable workout gear that looks good in and out of the gym.

The stretchy material pulls you in nicely at the waist, without being too tight. They’re also cuffed at the bottom of the leg to make sure there’s no bagginess. Plus, there's a seam sewn into the bum area to give the derrière a little lift. “These are so flattering on my bottom!” agreed one peachy keen tester.

Score: 76/100

The subtle sheen on these leggings means they look just as good in the studio as they do for a post-session brunch date. They’re made with the brand’s high compression Airlift material, which sculpts and feels silky on the skin. The double-layered waistband also pulls you in comfortably. “They made me feel supported and snatched,” said one tester.

While the Alo Yoga brand generally designs leggings for studio-based exercises such as yoga and Pilates, one tester said they were also great for weight training in the gym, as they’re very squat proof. Versatile and stylish, exactly what you’d want in leggings.

Score: 76/100

The butter-soft feel of these Vuori leggings made them enjoyable to wear for our testers. They’re created with the brand’s BlissBlend material, which has enhanced compression to hold you in. While they’re supportive, they aren’t too tight, so you can wear them in comfort all day. There are three different lengths to choose from too, so they suit long-legged and petite wearers alike.

They didn’t score as well for their sweat-wicking capabilities though, as one tester said they showed sweat patches after a spin class. This, combined with a lack of pockets, meant that many testers agreed they were better suited to low-impact exercises such as yoga and walking, rather than anything too intense.

Score: 74/100

The sweat-wicking capabilities were a standout feature of these leggings. They’re the perfect pair for facing intense HIIT sessions, with one tester telling us they still felt extremely comfortable, even after a sweaty workout. The four-way stretch means that they’re squat-proof too, so you don’t need to worry about potentially baring all to the gym.

In true Lululemon fashion, there are nine bright colours to choose from, including a summery Lavender Lux, or Crater Blue. But there’s also a more subtle shades like navy and black if that’s more your style. The snug-fit means that the brand recommends sizing up, which was true for a few of our testers who had to give them an extra wiggle to pull them up. All a part of the warm-up, we suppose?

Score: 74/100

These leggings are made from a bamboo viscose material, which the brand claims is naturally sourced, renewable and biodegradable, making them a more eco-friendly choice. They feel great against the skin too, with many testers praising the soft finish. They were “very comfortable with no digging or chafing,” said one pleased panellist.

They were slightly see-through on test, making them more suited to lower-impact exercises such as Pilates, or just for lounging in. They have a practical back pocket, though, which is great for storing keys and a phone if you’re out for longer hikes, or don’t fancy taking a bag to the gym.

Score: 73/100

Any leggings that come with a pocket win automatic brownie points in our book, and our testers agreed. Everyone liked the convenient side pockets, which are perfect for slotting in your phone or headphones, or even a post-gym refuel snack.

Testers wore them for a range of exercises, from high-impact classes to 5k runs. Despite the drawstring waist, however, some testers did find they needed to pull them up multiple times, so it may be wise to size down. With that in mind, try not to put too much in the pockets, as tempting as it may be.