Best gym leggings, roadtested and reviewed by the Cosmo team

Gym leggings are a workout wardrobe must, plus they're equally useful for those easy days lounging in the house too. Whether you're looking for a bright patterned pair to stand out on your outdoor run or a sturdy material that definitely won't budge, even after your most gruelling gym session, there is still so much choice out there it's hard to narrow it down. Plus, it's tricky to know which leggings are the best for your exercise routine, especially when prices seem to range from £10 to above the £100 mark.

So, to help make sure your next pair of leggings you have for the long run, literally, the Cosmo team have road tested and reviewed the best gym leggings on the market right now including brands like adidas, Nike, Spanx, Lululemon, Sweaty Betty, Fabletics and more. From squats, HIIT classes and yoga, we've put them all to the test.

Scroll through to read their thoughts on the styles you've likely heard everyone rave about at the gym.

1. Best gym leggings

"Knicker lines and muffin tops be gone! These super high waisted leggings are superbly fitted and give you support in all the right areas. Made from soft but sturdy fabric they are the perfect pair for a gruelling ass and abs workout class, and are totally squat proof. Super impressed at that bargain price too!" 

2. Best gym leggings

"I ADORED these leggings – my pet peeve is leggings that roll or slip down at the waist and these stayed put throughout many squats and an entire spin class – seriously, they didn’t budge (the fact they’re quite high waisted helped). The fabric was clearly high quality but breathable and didn’t wrinkle (another peeve!)."

3. Best gym leggings

"I really liked the cool waistband detail but I think it actually compromised the fit. After three warrior poses I had to pull them back up – tragic. I will say there were no embarrassing pant exposing moments in yoga and I, for one, call that a win."

4. Best gym leggings

"These leggings made me look forward to the gym and that isn’t easily done. They look tiny at first but the added stretch in the Lycra fibre makes them a perfect fit, so I’d recommend staying true to your size. I’m used to spending more time yanking my leggings up than actually working out, so the high waist band keeping these from falling midway down my booty is what sealed the deal. With not a sweat mark in sight and the best tummy tuck a girl could ask for what more could you want?"

5. Best gym leggings

"Super stretchy and comfortable, the thick waistband flatters you in all the right places. I loved the camo pattern - and not just because it hid any (rogue) sweat patches. You also couldn’t see my bright colourful underwear underneath the fabric which I was extremely grateful during my yoga poses."

6. Best gym leggings

"The material is really thick so I'd say they're more suited to winter workouts - outdoor running would be ideal in these. Getting them on and off is like a workout in itself but the fabric is extra stretchy and my squats felt super smooth! Plus, the high waist stayed in position, meaning I wasn’t worried about the usual gaping at the back that you get with some leggings."

7. Best gym leggings

“I love the super-comfy high waist that doesn’t dig in or leave you with uncomfortable ‘spill-over’. The material is very soft but also made from quite a thick fabric so its perfect for those ultra-sweaty workouts. The fabric gives you great coverage and support for squats and HIIT workouts, and they would also be great for yoga as they don't leave you with a sheer bottom whilst in downward dog. Ideal!”

8. Best gym leggings

"I didn’t have to yank these leggings up once, which is a mean feat. Plus they held in all my lumps and bumps, and all without making my internal organs feel like they were being crushed in a vice. Very impressed."

9. Best gym leggings

"I love these leggings. They fit so well; really shapely around your hips and they gave my bum a perky lift. They are made from quite a thick material and do fit very snug so I wouldn't choose them on a hot summer run, but perfect for yoga all year round. Plus - there's no see-through-to-your-knickers situation, which is always an issue! I also love that they have a little phone pocket at the back, which felt like a bonus addition."