FLEXIBLE FRIENDS

Emilie Lavinia chooses the best women's gym leggings

- Emilie Lavinia

From my perspective, there's no better feeling than finding the perfect pair of gym leggings. A comfortable fit with the ideal material weight and texture, the placing of the seams and the provision of a well-placed pocket - these things make all the difference to me, because I'm rarely out of activewear.

The perfect pair of leggings can also make a difference, not just to your performance, but to your mood too. Feeling comfortable and confident in what you're wearing can affect how you show up on the gym floor or in a class. Plus, with so many of us working from home these days, it’s helpful having a few pairs of failsafe leggings that you’re happy to go from the couch to a class to coffee in.

Different workout styles call for different constructions and features, explains personal trainer and former professional gymnast Lucy Miller. “For most workouts, a high-waisted design is the go-to,” she says.

“Not only does a high-waisted style provide a supportive, held-in feel around the waist and tummy, but it also ensures your leggings stay in place during squats, stretches and sprints. If you're training for high-impact activities such as HIIT or running, look for sweat-wicking fabrics that keep you dry and compression materials that support muscles, improve blood flow and deliver a locked-in feel.”

From seamless and stretchy styles to compression and squat-proof designs, I’ve tested the best women’s gym leggings to invest in for 2025 and beyond. My top pick are the Vuori all the form leggings, but there are equally stylish options from Lovall, Sweaty Betty and more.

How I tested

I worked up a sweat in every pair of leggings to test the limits of each style. I wore them to run and hike in, to use machines in the gym, lift weights, do yoga and attend reformer pilates and spin classes. I assessed each pair according to my framework of quality, design and the following checklist: