Comfort is key - 10 best workout leggings for support in the gym and beyond, tried and tested by our health editor

You need very few things for a good workout, but a pair of the best workout leggings is one of them - especially in the cooler months. They should be comfortable, supportive, lightweight, and never fall down when you're on the move.

When shopping, I always look for a high-waisted fit, thick waistband, stretchy materials, and a sweat-wicking finish. Pockets are also a consideration if you're like me and prefer your phone to never (ever) touch the gym floor.

A huge part of my role as the digital health editor at woman&home is trialling activewear. I'm also a qualified fitness instructor, so I've spent a fair few (read: hundreds) of hours in workout leggings, running shorts, and trainers over the years. I've been running on trails and pavements in all seasons, and working out in the gym and in Pilates studios, for a thorough investigation into the best workout leggings.

The best workout leggings, tested by a fitness instructor

The best workout leggings, tried and tested by us

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The best workout leggings without pockets

Before you choose your best workout leggings, decide how important pockets are to you. If you can live without them, then the Gymshark Vital Regular Leggings are my top recommendation. They have a thick waistband that sits comfortably and prevents the leggings from falling, even while running. This feature also helps define your shape, making them flattering to wear as well.

Tiny, visible vents across the material keep these breathable, but they retain heat well in the colder months. I've worn mine through the seasons without any issue, and they are so versatile. You can wear them for pretty much any medium- to higher-intensity workout.

I love the medium-compression feeling these have, too, from the high waistband to the cuffed hems. However, I find they are somehow still comfortable enough to wear for hours on end, making them suitable for walking workouts and hiking, as much as the gym.

The only downside is the lack of pockets, since they’re designed to be sleek and streamlined. If Gymshark added a new pair with storage options, I’d be the first to buy.

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The best workout leggings with pockets

If you can't live without pockets in your workout leggings (like me), the Sweaty Betty Power Leggings are the favourite on this list. They tick all the boxes: comfortably made with soft materials, supportive, and complete with plenty of useful storage options.

I've worn these leggings on a 10km and 21km run, through an hour-long yoga session, and a few gym sessions in recent weeks, and found that they had me covered on all bases. They have a light compressive feel and sit nicely around the waist thanks to the drawcord in the mid-rise waistband, offering a custom fit.

The unique blend of polyamide and elastane means they only get more comfortable as you sweat (a big plus for runners), making them feel durable and high-quality. I can attest that this helps them stand the test of time, too. The Power leggings I bought five years ago and wear at least twice a week are still going strong.

For more, read my full Sweaty Betty Power Leggings review

Best workout leggings for the gym

The New Balance Pocket Leggings became my go-to for the gym when I instantly reached for them in a rush. These tick all the boxes for support, comfort, and durability on higher-intensity gym days, whether that's treadmill workouts, resistance training, or a mixture of both.

I've worn these at least two days a week for the last two months, and in the best way possible, I haven't noticed. They feel streamlined against the body with a high waistband, lightweight and premium materials in the design, and discreet pockets. For me, these were also a winner as they naturally sit longer in the leg, but there is a 25" option, too.

You might have noticed these look and act similarly to the Sweaty Betty Power Leggings. The key difference is that the New Balance leggings are softer, more flexible, and slightly lighter. The Sweaty Betty leggings are thicker and more structurally supportive, with materials and features designed to be practical, rather than discreet and sleek. This makes them both great for the gym, but if I wanted the best performance in the squat rack and on the treadmill, I'd opt for the New Balance RC Pocket Leggings.

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The best workout leggings for cardio

Lightweight, secure, and an abundance of pockets are the words that come to mind when I recommend the Lululemon Fast & Free High-Rise Tight, which I often do to anyone who'll listen, whether they are new to running or want to run a marathon. These have been my go-to for about a year, and I love them so much that I bought the running shorts version for summer last year.

The lightweight, supportive material keeps me well covered and prevents chafing, but I feel like I'm not wearing anything at all. These leggings are also supremely comfortable for hours on the pavement, trails, or treadmill, thanks to the material's nylon and Lycra combination. The thin, double-layer waistband and drawcord improve comfort and support, allowing you to adjust the leggings to your preferred size.

We also reached out to our woman&home Tester Network to review these leggings. Even if you're not a runner, they stand out on this list. "These leggings are the most supportive I have - better than my Sweaty Betty ones," says Facey Williams, 59. "I completely understand why they are a higher price. Yes, they are an investment but they are comfortable, durable, and never budged when I was bending or stretching."

Read Facey's full review of the Lululemon Fast & Free High-Rise Leggings here

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The best workout leggings for winter

If you love exercising outside year-round, you need a pair of thermal leggings on hand. When the temperature drops, I switch out my Sweaty Betty Power leggings, and I live in the Sweaty Betty Therma Boost leggings. They have a thicker inside material that provides serious warmth without trapping any heat, so you don’t become uncomfortable during your session.

One of my favourite features is the drawcord that keeps them from slipping down, and they have reflective stripes down the sides to keep you visible in the dark. Best of all, they have pockets on the legs and waistband to keep your essentials safe. If you're looking for what to wear hiking or running in the cold weather, these get my vote every time.

While these are the most expensive leggings on my list at full price, they are easily the best investment for cost-per-wear. Plus, they’re perhaps the leggings you'll have for the longest, too, since you only wear them in winter, so they'll last for years to come.

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The best compressive workout leggings

ONER kit is easily some of the best on the market, balancing high performance with an accessible price point. The ONER Unified High Waisted Pocket Leggings are a new addition to this guide for 2026, after earning a permanent place in my rotation this year. They’re some of the most compressive leggings I own, but they remain comfortable and easy to wear too.

All good leggings should have a lightly compressive feel, but these are definitely a step up. The material is slightly thicker and more rigid around the waist, so they probably won’t suit lower-impact workouts where movement and comfort are key. However, I love wearing them due to the pressure they apply to the muscles, improving blood flow and reducing muscle vibration, speeding up recovery. They also have two pockets on the sides for storage, and they feature a mid-waist band that I'd normally say wasn't high enough, but the thicker, tighter material ensures they never slip down.

Aside from the impressive function, this material sculpts the body in a way that other workout leggings can't. I've definitely noticed my glutes look lifted and my legs more defined in these leggings compared to others on this list.

You wouldn't want to wear these for hours on end, unlike the Lululemon Align Leggings, but they are unbeaten when it comes to support, feel, and a confidence boost.

The best sustainable workout leggings

Any leggings from BAM would be a unique contribution to my list, given they are made from 90% bamboo, but I had to choose the Ultimate Balm High-Waisted Leggings purely for comfort. Suitable for yoga workouts, Pilates, and other low-impact workouts, these feel so soft against the skin while still being stretchy enough to exercise in.

They have no centre seams and a higher waist, adding to the comfort and confidence I feel wearing these leggings compared to some others designed for yoga.

Woman&home health channel contributor Lauren Scott is also a big fan of this brand. She said: "I swapped to BAM leggings from another well-known (and more expensive brand) this year, and would never go back. They're super versatile, and the waistband stays put for running, HIIT, and yoga, but they're smart enough for everyday wear, too. The blend of bamboo viscose and cotton material doesn’t make my skin itch or sweat in the same way as polyester, and I feel better knowing I’m supporting a more sustainable workout wear."

They also come in a good selection of sizes, two leg lengths, and a variety of chic colours, including this damson, which is my favourite alternative. This style doesn't have pockets, so if you'd prefer some storage (and want more support), then I'd recommend the Enduro leggings from BAM instead.

The best lightweight workout leggings

Lightweight leggings often struggle to be both breathable and opaque, but the Under Armour Meridian leggings avoid this problem completely. They have a barely-there feel and are incredibly soft against the skin. So comfortable that I wore them all day before my workout once.

They are also made with performance in mind. The four-way stretch, sweat-wicking materials, and double pockets make them a good option for yoga, Pilates, strength training, and lighter walking workouts.

I tested the black colourway, so I can't speak to the coverage of the brown or purple, but the black gym leggings are completely opaque, which is impressive considering how light they are. This makes them a good option for warmer months and for packing if you're exercising abroad, and a great choice for those who warm up quickly during exercise.

The best workout leggings for yoga

Yoga, Pilates, barre, and other low-impact workouts, as well as leggings for daily wear, don't require much support. Comfort is key. In testing, comfort, stretch, and softness were key in the best workout leggings for yoga. If you're a fan of Lululemon, you'll already know that the Align leggings had to take the top spot.

The softness against the skin, put down to the 'buttery' premium fabrics, is unmatched by any other pair of workout leggings in my view. These are truly comfortable to wear for hours on end, while stretchy and just supportive, breathable, and sweat-wicking enough for light activity. I wouldn't want to lounge in them all day, but I couldn't run in them either. They have a perfect spot in the middle ground, with a perfectly placed pocket in the waistband for holding a locker key or credit card-sized item.

While £88 is a lot to spend on workout leggings, you can find them in Lululemon sale often enough for less. If you're over 5' 4", then I'd recommend going for the 28" over the popular 25" for proper lower-leg coverage.

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The best workout leggings for coverage

If you're looking for multi-purpose workout leggings with supreme coverage, I recommend the AYBL Empower Seamless Leggings above all others. The material of these is noticeably thicker than that of others in this guide, from the double-layer waistband right down to the ankle, offering you peace of mind during outdoor workouts and certain movements in the gym, such as squats and deadlifts.

As well as being thicker, the waistband on the Empower leggings is much higher than others - another highlight, in my view. Sitting just below the ribs, the band ensures these leggings will never slip down, and it offers more support and almost full coverage of your stomach, helping to create a flattering silhouette. Move as you like, these leggings aren't going anywhere.

These leggings also stand the test of time. I've put them under constant pressure over the last few years, and they've never faded in quality or colour, unlike the Gymshark Vital Seamless, where the material has stood up to the last few years of wear, but the colour has faded to a dark grey. There's also a range of colourways to choose from with the AYBL Empower collection, including seasonal reds and deep greens.

How I tested

As the digital health editor at woman&home, I'm wearing workout leggings year-round. In the last year alone, I've clocked over 1500 hours on my best fitness trackers, which means I've spent a solid 62 days in leggings and shorts. That's how long I've been testing for this guide.

Here are the criteria I used during testing:

• Comfort: Comfort comes above all else. If the leggings are too tight, dig in at the hips, or keep falling down, you're not going to wear them (I certainly wouldn't anyway!), so I made sure I could spend at least two hours in each pair comfortably.
• Support: This comes a close second, so I wore each pair of leggings across a variety of activities, from running and hiking to weight training, spinning, and Pilates workouts at home.
• Materials: Most leggings are made from a similar blend of polyester and elastane, ticking the boxes for stretch and support. However, others (like the BAM Balm High-Rise Leggings and the Lululemon picks on this list) are made from a more premium blend. I tested a variety to secure a range I'd recommend.
• Versatility: If I am going to spend £80 on a pair of leggings, they need to be suitable for almost everything I do. However, if I'm only spending £30, then I'm happy for them to work for just a few activities. I provided a range across the price and activity spectrum to cover all budgets and sport preferences.

How to choose the best workout leggings for you

• Decide whether you want a high waist or not: High-waisted leggings aren't for everyone, but I'd recommend them if you're looking for supportive workout wear. Personal trainer Tash Curry agrees. "When you’re exercising, you want leggings that are going to stay in place and make you feel confident as you work out. The last thing you want is to feel your gym leggings slipping down," she says. "A high waist provides great support, and that’s what you want to look for when you’re shopping."
• Choose workout leggings based on your activity: "You need to be comfortable in whatever gym leggings you choose. You want to be able to move freely and not have to worry about restriction in movement," Curry, who is also a trainer at Another Round, explains. Make sure you choose leggings designed for the activity you're doing. "High-impact workouts call for durable leggings, and sweat-wicking material is a must, whereas yoga leggings need to be extra stretchy and have a high waist for comfort."
• Think about breathability: "You want to be able to go hard at your workout without having to worry about getting hot and uncomfortable or having your sweat show through your leggings. Gym leggings should be made from a breathable material that is also sweat-wicking so that you can sweat comfortably and still feel confident," she says.
• Never compromise on support: "Wear leggings that fit you properly to ensure you get the most out of your workout," Curry says. "Unsupportive or loose-fitting gym leggings are an accident waiting to happen when exercising, particularly if you're exercising with equipment that your clothing could get caught in. On the other hand, if your leggings are too tight, they will become uncomfortable when working out, making you sweat more and slowing you down.
• Think about versatility: While you'll want to buy specific running leggings if this is your primary activity, also consider what else you'll be using your leggings for. HIIT workouts in the evenings? Strength training at the weekend? "If your exercise routine is versatile, then you should think about buying a pair of leggings you can wear for every activity. Spend your money on sweat-wicking, breathable, squat-proof workout leggings and use them for all activities," the coach says.