Best gym leggings with pockets, tried and tested by us

Choosing the best gym leggings with pockets for your workout is essential. Whether you're heading to the squat rack, running machines, or to a yoga class, you'll need a place to keep your belongings safe while you exercise.

Anyone who goes to the gym knows the problem of finding a place to put your phone while working out. If you're listening to music or need to be available on your mobile, then you'll need to have it on you, but leaving it next to your water bottle on the floor has its risks. 

While some of the best water bottles have a way of solving this issue, they're not the only answer. Our selection of the best gym leggings with pockets solves the problem for you in an instant, so you know even during your heaviest strength training session that your personal items are safe and sound. 

How we tested the best gym leggings with pockets 

The testing process of the best gym leggings with pockets is very different from testing other fitness essentials, like the best gym bags. Nailing the basics is more important than any additional details, so to find the best gym leggings with pockets, we looked at several factors including: 

• What you'll need the leggings for - we tested each pair of gym leggings in both high-impact and low-impact workouts, to see how they faired in exercises like HIIT treadmill workouts, resistance training, and running, alongside activities like Pilates.
• Style - we assessed all products based on the colors they had available and their overall style, including whether they had reflective panels for safety walking to and from the gym, and if they looked flattering.
• Materials used - most gym leggings will use polyester or nylon, as these maintain their shape and function even when exposed to sweat, so the majority of those we tested were made of this material. But to offer some sustainable options, we also tried leggings with cotton, which have a softer feel as well.
• Price - we believe that your gym gear should help you get moving, rather than be a barrier to exercise. We tested from across the price spectrum, including budget and luxury items, with prices ranging from £14 to £108.
• The versatility of the pockets - despite there not being many gym leggings with pockets on the market, the ones that are out there have pockets of all different shapes and sizes. Some had deep side pockets while others had smaller, hidden waistband pockets. I tested each pair with items in the pockets, such as a set of keys, gym pass, or smartphone to see which type held up best.
• Fit - while leggings don't need the same fit examination as the best sports bras, for instance, it was important to understand how each pair of leggings suits different body type. Both average size (5'6) and petite size (below 5'3) testers tried each pair of leggings in this guide.

Best gym leggings with pockets

Our testers agreed that these super-soft, buttery-like leggings were the best overall gym leggings with pockets after testing across multiple activities.

With a high-rise fit, Tentree uses recycled post-consumer waste fabric to create a legging that fits like a glove, while also being made from sustainable materials. Our favorite feature of these had to be the pockets though - they're really deep, so your belongings won’t travel down your leg while you’re working out. We also found the waistband to be secure, meaning that regardless of whether they were running, weight lifting, or performing downward dog on a pick of the best thick yoga mats, they didn't feel like the leggings were in danger of slipping down. 

A great high-waisted option for all your fitness activities, these breathable leggings are both stretchy and comfortable and at £14.99, they’re the best budget option. Comfortable and understated in black, grey and olive green color options, these leggings from fitness wear staple Decathlon are a great choice for anyone wanting to spend a little less but still work out in great kit. 

While the leggings only come with one pocket, we found it was large enough to fit both their phone and keys in when needed. 

The length of these leggings might be a little too long if you ‌wear more petite style clothing and our testers also noticed that the waistband is a little tighter than some of the other leggings that were tried and tested. However, this is still a great pair of leggings if you’re on a budget. If you're looking for something with a little more stretch and can spend a bit more, the Marks & Spencer Go Move leggings are a good choice at £25. 

We loved how flattering and supportive these high-waisted leggings were when they tried them on for the gym. With a higher waistband than many of the other best gym leggings on our list, these M&S leggings made activities that included jumping around so much easier as they didn't have to keep pulling them up. 

For the price, they stood up well to both high- and low-impact workouts thanks to the moisture-wicking materials that draw sweat from the body.

While these gym leggings are a great all-rounder, and particularly good for those who want their stomach supported a little more during their workouts, our testers did comment that they felt a little snug on the leg even though the waistband was nice and comfortable. They also sit among the best black gym leggings, for those wanting a more natural colourway.

These leggings come with a side pocket and a zipped back pocket, which testers thought was great for storing a gym card or a pair of keys. They're also available in a fantastic range of colors, including snakeskin as well as camouflage.  

You may have a pair of the best period underwear, but have you heard of period leggings? For women who want to work out on their period, Modibodi offers a great alternative to pads, liners, tampons, and even the best menstrual cups. 

Made from planet-friendly, moisture-wicking recycled fabric, these leggings come with two handy pockets that are deep enough to hold your keys and phone. Testers loved the stretchy material of these leggings and were pleasantly surprised at how lightweight they felt considering the extra padding.

However, while doing a high-intensity workout, our testers did notice that the material around the waistband often rolled down, despite the leggings fitting well everywhere else.

It wouldn't be a list of the best gym leggings with pockets without including a picking from Lululemon. As one of the most well-known activewear brands across the world, their leggings are some of the most popular - and for good reason. 

We decided to test their Fast and Free HR Tight, which has two side drop-in pockets for your phone and other items, along with five waistband pockets. One thing we loved the most about these gym leggings was the material. It's soft and light, but feels so secure, meaning that they allow you complete freedom of movement without making you feel too exposed. 

Available in plus-size options too, these leggings are a great all-rounder. The only downside, our testers discovered, was that the seams running down both legs are a little uncomfortable at first - but they got used to it as time went on. The waistband pockets are also a little small, they thought, as it wasn't possible to fit anything more than a pair of keys in there.

Just because they're the cheapest pair on our list doesn't mean they're not still one of the best workout leggings to buy. Our testers put these leggings through their paces in high- and low-intensity gym workouts, including weight training and boxing. 

While the material doesn't feel quite as good quality as some of the more expensive activewear on our list, we found that the leggings were roomy and they rated the elasticated back on the waist as a top feature.

These Higher State leggings also have reflective details, so whether you're walking to the gym early in the morning or just stepping out to your car, you'll have increased visibility. This also makes them a great choice for anyone wanting to start running outside, or take up walking for weight loss.

The sleek rear zipped pocket on these was another bonus, we thought. It can securely hold a phone or pair of keys, even during vigorous exercise. 

Our testers thought that these soft leggings from Sweaty Betty were super flattering and well-worth the price tag. 

Both high-waisted, with snug compression and an internal adjustable drawcord to help you pull the leggings in at the waist if you need to, our two testers agreed that these were the most flattering leggings they’d tried out of all the ones on the list.

Sweaty Betty also does an amazing range of colors for these leggings, so if you want to boost your workout motivation by feeling stylish during your workout, then this is the right pair of leggings for you. However, we tested these ones during a HIIT treadmill workout, and while they didn’t fall down, testers didn’t think they were quite as stretchy and comfortable as some of the other leggings that were tested. If comfort is key for you, try the Domyos Fitness Leggings With Phone Pocket. 

These breathable gym leggings with pockets from Gymshark are part of their 'This is Sport' collection and are made from lightweight fabrics to help maximize airflow. 

Our testers thought these leggings were super comfy and that the fabric was nice and stretchy, with plenty of room around the middle so they didn't feel too tight during intense workouts. The loops on the waistband were also a brilliant touch and handy for clipping keys on. 

However, they did note that the material meant ‌they were prone to slipping down while doing high-intensity workouts, especially around the waist. So if you are looking for a pair of leggings to do movement-intensive sports in, such as running or cycling, then ‌opt for one of the other leggings in this guide. 

If treadmill running is your favorite activity, we've found the pick of the best gym leggings for you to pair with your choice of the best running shoes. Our testers loved the secure feel and rated them really highly for fit, support, and style. 

These leggings have a mid-rise waistband, featuring a bungee cord that lets you adjust the fit for you, so they definitely won't wriggle down while you run. This mechanism isn't for everyone though, as some people find it digs in as they move. In this case, the Tentree W Inmotion 7/8 Pocket Leggings may be a better choice. 

The Nike Dri-Fit Run Division Women’s Running Tights also have four pockets, more than many of the others in our guide. There's two at the side, one drop-in pocket, and one at the center-back to help keep all of your belongings secure. 

Our petite tester did have to roll up the bottom of these leggings to make them fit perfectly, so perhaps bear this in mind if you're under 5'4. But on the whole, the tight silhouette was a real winner and there's no denying the quality of these leggings.

If you’re searching for sustainable workout leggings with pockets, then BAM offers a great option for those who want to buy planet-friendly activewear. 

Our testers loved ‌that these leggings were anti-chafe and squat proof. They also thought they were particularly good for low-impact workouts such as yoga for beginners or Pilates thanks to their super soft fabric, which made it easy to shift into different positions. However, definitely consider sizing up if you’re interested in these leggings; our two testers felt they ran a little smaller than other brands that they tried.