Comfort is key - 11 best workout leggings for support in the gym and beyond, tried and tested by our health editor

There are a few things you actually need for a good workout, but a pair of the best workout leggings is certainly one of them. The other two? Good trainers and one of the best sports bras.

Workout leggings don't only cover your lower body, they support all the muscles that make up your legs, glutes (buttocks), and hips with light compression. The signs of a good pair include features like a high-waisted fit, tight yet comfortable and sweat-wicking yet stretchy materials, a drawcord in the band, and unobstructive pockets.

Over the last five years, I've had my legs in over 100 pairs. Yes, really. As woman&home's digital health editor, a keen runner, walker, and gym-goer, it's fair to say that I probably wear workout leggings more than anything else. Unimaginative, sure, but it's certainly given me the time to figure out what makes a good pair - and which ones are worth avoiding.

Taking key testing criteria into account, such as support, comfort, durability, and material, this is my tried-and-tested selection of favourites for primarily weighted and cardio workouts at the gym, but also activities like yoga and running.

The best workout leggings, tested by us

The best workout leggings, tried and tested by us

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The best workout leggings overall

The Gymshark Vital Seamless Leggings come in multiple lengths and colours, offer supremely good support, breathable materials, and a sculpting, seamless design.

I've worn variations of this design for the last six years, and I have them in three colours: black, green, and blue. They are undoubtedly my top pick for the best black gym leggings and always the ones I recommend to family, friends, and woman&home readers in every sales period. Put simply, they are a failsafe pair for gym workouts, running, walking, and other medium to higher-intensity exercises. They feel compressive throughout the entire lower body, from the high waistband to the cuffed hems at the bottom, but importantly, they are still comfortable to wear for hours on end and stay breathable thanks to the panels of mesh dots in the legs.

The only thing that lets these excellent workout leggings down is the lack of pockets. I imagine they've been made to be as streamlined as possible, but if there was a pair with a side pocket, they'd be in my basket in seconds.

The best workout leggings for winter

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When the temperature drops, I live in the Sweaty Betty Therma Boost leggings. The thicker material inside the legs provides instant and long-lasting warmth while dissipating heat during a workout, so you never feel 'too hot' (as if there's such a thing in minus temperatures!).

They have a high waistband and drawcord, keeping them from ever slipping down, and two reflective stripes down the sides, so you stay visible at night. There's also a pocket on either side of the leg and one in the waistband to store your essentials while you're on the move. If you're looking for what to wear hiking or running in the cold weather, here's your first point of call.

While these are the most expensive leggings on my list, they are easily the best investment on this list and are 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

The ONER Unified High Waisted Pocket Leggings are a new addition to this guide for 2026, after earning a permanent place in my rotation over the last few weeks. These leggings are unlike any other on this list when it comes to compression - that noticeably tighter but comfortable support.

While every pair of leggings in my guide offers a lightly compressive feel, these feel more intense. The material is noticeably more rigid around the waist and body, which won't be for everyone, but I've loved wearing them. The tight fit applies pressure to the muscles, improving blood flow and reducing muscle vibration, speeding up recovery. They have two pockets on the sides, which are comfortably large enough to fit my phone, and a mid-waist band that I'd normally say wasn't high enough, but the thicker, tighter material ensures they never slip down.

But it's not all about function. The 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.

Are these the most comfortable workout leggings? No, you wouldn't want to wear them for hours on end, unlike the Lululemon Align Leggings, but they are unbeaten when it comes to support, feel, and a confidence boost.

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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 workout leggings with pockets

Sweaty Betty's Power Leggings could have easily made the top pick of the list, but given that they have three usefully-placed pockets (two in the leg and one in the waistband), they deserve their own title.

If you're looking for a pair similar to the Gymshark leggings, or a set from Sweaty Betty that's not quite as warm, and you need a pair of the best gym leggings with pockets, then these could be for you – especially if you can get them in the Sweaty Betty sale. I love this leopard print, but there are plenty of colourways and patterns to choose from.

I've worn these leggings on a 10km and 21km run, an hour-long yoga session, and an intensive gym session in recent weeks, and found that they had me covered on all bases. They feel thicker, sculpting and very supportive, with a mid-rise waistband (rather than high-waisted) that stays in place with the help of a discreet pull cord that you can tighten to fit your shape. While the light material made them perfect for a yoga session, I also put Sweaty Betty’s 90% squat-proof promise to the test and can confirm these leggings passed with flying colours in the squat rack.

The unique blend of polyamide and elastane gives them a durable, high-quality feel, while keeping them feeling soft against the body during sweaty workouts. I found that the sweatier these leggings got, the more comfortable they became - something that can't be said for all of the best workout leggings.

For more, read my full Sweaty Betty Power Leggings review

Best workout leggings for the gym

The New Balance RC Pocket Legging 27" are another new pair in my rotation for 2026. These tick all the boxes for support, comfort, and durability in higher-intensity gym days, whether that's treadmill workouts, resistance training, or a mixture of the two.

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 I'm wearing them. 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 that 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 in weight. The Sweaty Betty leggings are thicker and more structurally supportive, with materials and features designed to be as useful as possible, rather than as discreet and sleek as possible. This makes them both great pairs for the gym, but if I were after the best performance both in the squat rack and the treadmill, I'd opt for the New Balance RC Pocket Leggings.

The best workout leggings for running

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 in the summer.

When moving along, the lightweight, supportive material comes into its own, keeping me well-covered and preventing chafing, but I feel like I'm not wearing anything at all. These leggings are also supremely comfortable to wear for hours on the pavements, trails, or treadmill, being made from a combination of nylon and Lycra. The thin, double-layer waistband with its drawcord improves comfort and support, as you can adjust the leggings to your precise size.

I have no complaints with these leggings - just a small warning about colour. If you opt for a pair in the Lululemon sale, you're more likely to find bright shades, which tend to show sweat more in the crotch and waistband than black legging alternatives, like dark greys, greens, blues, and reds. Other online reviews of the Lululemon Fast & Free High-Rise Tight in brighter colours say sweat shows through these, but some say it isn't "overly noticeable".

The best workout leggings on Amazon

Whether it's a cheap pair of leggings you want or ones with quick delivery, I'd recommend the Under Armour HiRise Leggings, which are often on sale for just over £30, making them the most budget-friendly on my list.

Money aside, the lightweight feel, drop-in pocket, and temperature-regulating materials make them a worthy choice. I've worn these on and off for the past few months, and they're always supportive and comfortable enough to see me through gym workouts, walking, and other medium-impact activities, including spin classes. Much like the AYBL Empower leggings, these have a thicker feel to them with an opaque material that offers more coverage than some other workout leggings.

With an inseam of 29 inches, they're a natural winner for those with longer legs (like me), but may be too long for others. These leggings also have the most extensive and inclusive size range, with options from XS to 3X.

The best workout leggings for yoga

Yoga, Pilates, barre, and other lower-impact workouts, as well as leggings for daily wear, don't require anywhere near as much support as the Oner Active leggings, for instance. In testing, comfort, stretch, and softness were at the top of my list when choosing the best workout leggings for yoga, whether that's beginner's yoga or an advanced level. If you're a fan of Lululemon, then you'll already know that the Align leggings had to take the top spot.

The softness against the skin, put down to the 'buttery' materials, which are made from a combination of 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 being 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. You'll be safer with brighter colours in the Align leggings versus the Fast and Free tights, since you won't be sweating so much in them, giving you the freedom to spend less on them if you want to. 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.

The best alternative leggings

If you're a regular cyclist, do cycling workouts, or are interested in the sport, then you'll be familiar with MAAP's high-quality gear. These workout leggings don't have a chamois (the padded section in cycling shorts and leggings for added comfort while sitting on a saddle), yet they feel very supportive, compressive, and stylish nonetheless, making them a top inclusion on this list.

The waistband on these leggings feels softer than others, as it doesn't have the double lining or the drawcord. It sits more comfortably against the stomach, while the four-way stretch helps retain the leggings' shape and create a sculpted silhouette. The MAAP Everyday Leggings are also packed out with useful storage options, including two drop-in pockets on the sides of the leg, and the pocket on the back is zipped for safety on the move - something that no other pair on this list offers.

Whether you're a cyclist, gym-goer, or walker, these are exactly what the name suggests: an everyday pair of workout leggings. I'd avoid wearing them for running, however, as they do tend to slip down during exercise that involves jumping.

While they are expensive at full price, you'll find them on sale during the seasonal periods - including at the time of publishing, for £60, putting them in the same price bracket as many of the best workout leggings. They come in three colours: dark red, black, and light green.

Testing the best workout leggings

How I tested

As the digital health editor at woman&home, I'm truly up to my ears in workout leggings year-round. In the last year, I've clocked in over 1500 hours using the best fitness trackers, which means I've spent a solid 62 days in leggings and workout shorts. In that time, I've been testing for this guide on the best workout leggings.

Here is 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.