There’s nothing more comfortable than a slouchy pair of winter pyjamas, but sadly you cannot wear them to the gym. All is not lost, however, because athleisure is the second most comfortable thing you could be wearing and no one should be without a good quality (and snazzy-looking) pair of leggings.
Whether for yoga or an intensive HIIT session, your outfit should match your stamina, so I’ve been on a mission to find the leggings that offer the best comfort and support for all eventualities and tastes.
A good pair of gym leggings should hold us securely in all the important places, feel fitted but not tight and, most importantly, not go totally see through when we squat. They also need to look nice because (if you’re anything like me) you’re likely to wear them everywhere we go, and not just at the gym.
If you can find a better pair than the 10 pairs featured here, I’ll eat lycra for breakfast.
Not only do you look like you mean business (or burpees) in a pair of these Nike leggings, they’re also ultra-sculpting and supportive due to the graduated compression panels down the legs. I know that sounds like fitness jargon but it all makes sense when you put them on.
Align Pant II, lululemon, from £54
These leggings are so buttery-soft you could wear them to bed, in fact I have done so during a disco nap. Specifically formulated for yoga-lovers to allow you to move freely and easily without having to yank at the waistband or readjust yourself every few minutes.
Mesh Panelling at the back of these leggings means your derriere will feel perfectly ventilated while you workout. There’s no denying these leggings are a tight fit, but the elasticated waistband means that you can accommodate the double helping of pasta you had for dinner last night and still feel comfortable.
I adore the colour of these leggings. I’m not all style over substance though, I also love the moisture-wicking, breathable material which, incidentally, is made out of recycled water bottles. Could gym leggings get any smugger?
Power Gym Leggings, Sweaty Betty, was £75, now £52
Camouflage isn’t always the most flattering of patterns, but Sweaty Betty has worked their magic with these and incorporated seams that ensure anyone can achieve a sculpted look. They also dry quickly, meaning you can chuck them into your gym bag and get going to your next arrangement in no time at all.
Design To Move High Rise Leggings, Adidas, was £29.95, now £20.96
Channel your inner Sporty Spice with these rather retro-looking, three-quarter-length leggings. They suck up sweat like nobody’s business and are made out of recycled polyester.
These appear to be half gym leggings and half disco pants. They’re super easy to slip on and off which, if you’ve ever tried to peel your workout gear off super quickly post-sweat, you’ll know is a benefit not to be taken for granted.
If you’re the type of person who sweats during a workout, not perspires but really sweats, then these babies are about to be your new best friend. They’ll keep you cool throughout even the hardest of workouts and the clever seams means there’s no chafing to speak of.
Yes, I know, a second entry from lululemon, but these really are the best. They stop you jiggling around during high impact workouts and are a particularly flattering shape for any body type. The waistband sits comfortably above your hips to allow maximum freedom to move.
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