Mirror team puts 5 pairs of gym leggings to the test to find which feel comfy and don't fall down
Mirror team puts 5 pairs of gym leggings to the test to find which feel comfy and don't fall down
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If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been waiting for February to kick-start your new year off properly. With all the pressure around reinventing yourself in January, not to mention the long days, dreary weather, and packed gyms, it’s no surprise if you find it a bit overwhelming and unable to make the changes you planned. If so, and February is the beginning of your healthy lifestyle, our Mirror shopping team is here to help you out with five tried and tested pairs of gym leggings.
Finding the perfect pair that makes you feel and look your best is no mean feat, so we’ve done all the hard work for you…. READ MORE: I made frozen daiquiris with Ninja's new slushy maker and it was surprisingly easy'. READ MORE: ‘I’ve found the 6 best non-cheesy gift ideas for people that hate Valentine’s Day’. Shopping writer Grace discovered her new favourite pair of leggings with Gymshark’s Everyday Seamless Leggings, £35. More affordable than many other Gymshark leggings, this seamless style is lightweight and airy while giving you a great silhouette. A note to bear in mind is that these leggings have been specifically designed for running, cycling and light exercise rather than heavy lifting.
Grace says: “Now I’ve gotten back into an exercise routine, I’m always on the lookout for leggings that don’t fall down during workouts and, more importantly, make me feel amazing. And I’ve managed to find my dream gym leggings with Gymshark. Compression is a huge factor for me, and this pair feel like a second skin. The seamless fabric and high waist manage to suck you in without feeling any discomfort, while the silky smooth fabric is so soft on the skin, and there is no slippage in sight. I opted for the blue colourway, which made a welcome change from my usual black gym gear.”.
Zoe, our head of shopping, has found her winner with H&M’s Pocket-detail sports leggings with DryMove, £18.99. It's quite a difficult task to find a functioning, stylish pair of gym leggings for under £20, but Zoe has done so. This H&M pair is made with DryMove™, which helps pull moisture away from your skin and keeps you dry while moving; the perfect pair for high-intensity workouts or running.
Zoe says: “I'm on a never-ending quest to find the perfect pair of leggings, and these come pretty close to perfection for a high-street pair. The pocket detailing reminds me of Sweaty Betty, and comes in very handy when I'm out running and want to store my phone somewhere. They're also the perfect high-waist cut that flatters my shape and creates the illusion of a waist. Extra points go to the fabric for being thick with no show-through at all. My only small complaint is I'd like it if the fabric felt a bit more luxe and buttery, but for the price, I think they're great.”.
Adanola's Ultimate Leggings, £39.99, are one of their best-sellers. Available in 16 different colours and receiving over 9,000 glowing reviews from shoppers, these leggings have been designed with a higher waistline to provide extra support and help contour the body. Grace says: "Every single time I head to a fitness class, I will see at least three girls in Adanola leggings, so I thought I should finally try a pair out, and now I understand why. After attending a medium-intensity strength training class, I found this pair stayed up by my waist the entire class and remained fairly dry despite the sweaty workout. The smooth fabric is also a huge bonus; comfort is key for me as I wear leggings when I'm working from home and running errands on top of workouts, and this is a pair I could sit in all day long.The only thing that would make these leggings better is having a pocket or zip at the back for when I'm on a run and need a place to store my keys or phone. If you're a frequent runner, this pair might not be for you".
Sloggi's Women's Ever Infused Aloe Legging Bottom, £36, were a top pick for Mirror's shopping writer Faith. This ankle-length pair from Sloggi feature subtle ribbed detailing and a seamless finish to ensure no digging into the skin. And at £36, this pair are far more affordable than other gym brands such as Alo Yoga and Lululemon. Faith says: “One thing that's really important to me when it comes to gym leggings is comfort. This pair from Sloggi are amazing! They don't slip down as I move, and the material stretches in every direction so they don't feel restrictive at all. They're also totally squat proof so no dreaded VPL at the gym.
The fabric is infused with microcapsules of aloe vera, which help to moisturise your skin and keep you comfortable while you work out. Combining skincare and exercise at the same? I'm all about efficiency.". The most expensive pair come from Sweaty Betty, £88, tried and tested by our beauty editor, Laura. However, the price tag is well worth the money due to the support they provide and, of course, pockets, which is always a positive.