As an avid gym-girl, runner, Hyrox-er, and athleisure enthusiast, I’m very picky about what sort of workout gear I’ll wear.
When it comes to leggings, certain boxes need to be ticked: I need sweat-wicking material, a waistband that doesn’t slip, breathability, and light compression. I hate being distracted by uncomfortable gear mid-workout – nothing irritates me more.
Whether it’s Pilates, a run or weight training, there’s a pick for everyone. Supplied
With that in mind, I’ve found (and will continue to find and update this list because my quest to find the best will never end) some of the best leggings on the market that are up to my standards.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 28″
lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 28″ lululemon
The lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 28″ is lauded for its weightless, buttery-soft feel, designed to be a “second skin”. Featuring a high-rise waist, a hidden waistband, and a full-length 28-inch inseam, it is tailored for yoga and low-impact workouts. The leggings also come in a standard or “No Line” option without the crotch seam. They are possibly the best option on the market for the gym, running, and all-day wear.
Best for: EverythingSizes: 0 (AU 4)-20 (AU 24)Lengths: 25″, 28″, 31″Made from: 81 per cent nylon, 19 per cent Lycra ElastaneColours: True Navy, Black, Jet Set Blue, Floral Camo Black Multi, Ivy GroveTALA DayFlex No Front Seam Wrap High-Waist Leggings
TALA DayFlex No Front Seam Wrap High-Waist Leggings TALA
The TALA DayFlex leggings feature a flattering, stylish V-cut crossover waistband and a seamless front to avoid the dreaded camel toe. They are made from TALA’s signature buttery-soft DayFlex fabric, built with four-way stretch, sweetheart contouring, an inside pocket, and no side seams. They offer an airbrushed look that is sculpting and squat-proof.
Best for: Low intensity, Pilates, yogaSizes: XS (AU 6)-XL (AU 14)Lengths: 27″, 24″Made from: 75 per cent recycled nylon and 25 per cent elastane Colours: BlackH&M Activewear Leggings With SoftMove
H&M Activewear Leggings With SoftMove H&M
When it comes to an affordable favourite, these leggings from H&M do just the trick. The MoveSoft technology offers an ultra-soft, contouring fabric while the DryMove design provides moisture-wicking technology. They offer lightweight support, ideal for low-intensity movement.
Best for: Low-impact and strength trainingSizes: XXS (AU 4)-XXL (AU 24-26)Made from: 76 per cent polyester and 24 per cent elastaneColours: 24 to choose from, including Black, Bright Red, Soft Pink, Pannacotta Yellow and Light Apricotlululemon Wunder Train No Line High-Rise Tight 25″
lululemon Wunder Train No Line High-Rise Tight 25″ lululemon
The lululemon Wunder Train No Line High-Rise Tight 25″ is better suited for sweaty, high-intensity workouts. They are sleek, sweat-wicking, and have a more compressed fit than the Align design. With a continuous inside waistband, you can trust them to stay put mid-workout.
Best for: TrainingSizes: 0 (AU 4)-14 (AU 18)Lengths: 25″ 28″Made from: 77 per cent nylon and 23 per cent Lycra elastaneColours: Eight to choose from, including Beach Ball Blue, Walnut Crunch and BlackLSKD Rep Ultra High-Rise Full Length Legging Pockets
LSKD Rep Ultra High-Rise Full Length Legging Pockets LSKD
If you suffer from your leggings constantly falling down mid-workout, this premium option from LSKD is here to help. They are designed to be compressive, feature a buttery soft, four-way stretch fabric, an ultra-high-rise elasticated waistband, and convenient side pockets to hold your phone, making them perfect for HIIT workouts and running.
Best for: High-intensity training, HIIT, functional fitness, and running Sizes: XXS (AU 4)-XXXL (AU 18)Lengths: ¾ length, ⅞ length, full-length, and tallMade from: 74 per cent recycled polyester and 26 per cent SpandexColours: 10 to choose from, including, Midnight Plum, Black and Black CamoNimble In Tempo Run Ankle Legging
Nimble In Tempo Run Ankle Legging Nimble
If you’re big on high-intensity workouts, running, Hyrox, or anything similar, these leggings from Nimble should be your new activewear staple. They have been engineered for high-intensity workouts, provide medium-to-high compression, feature multiple secure drop-in pockets for your phone or gels, and a stay-put design to prevent the leggings from rolling down.
Best for: RunningSizes: XXS (AU 6)-XL (AU 16)Lengths: Ankle, 14cmMade from: 69 per cent recycled polyester and 31 per cent elastaneColours: Black, Espresso, and Deep Maroon2XU Form Stash Hi-Rise Compression Tights 
2XU Form Stash Hi-Rise Compression Tights 2XU
These high-tech compression tights from 2XU feature a mild graduated compression fit for all-day wear, which helps to increase circulation, improve recovery and reduce muscle stiffness post-exercise. They are designed to be stretchy without slacking, have convenient storage pockets, and are also squat-proof for days at the gym.
Best for: Gym and runningSizes: XXS-XXLLengths: Full-length, 7/8 length, and 3/4 length Made from: 62 per cent polyamide and 38 per cent elastaneColours: 10 to choose from, including Amaretto, Ever Green and IndigoTALA Sculpt Seamless Scrunch Leggings
TALA Sculpt Seamless Scrunch Leggings TALA
If you’re someone who loves their weight training, these seamless scrunch leggings from TALA could be a great option for you. Designed to smooth and lift the glutes, the leggings feature a subtle, flattering bum scrunch, contouring ribbed detailing, and a comfortable, buttery-soft, squat-proof fabric.
Best for: Strength training and liftingSizes: XXS (AU 4)-XXL (AU 16)Lengths: 27.5″ onlyMade from: 51 per cent recycled polyamide, 38 per cent recycled polyester, and 11 per cent elastane Colours: BlackAdanola Ultimate High Rise Regular Leggings
Adanola Ultimate High Rise Regular Leggings Adanola
For low-to-medium impact workout enthusiasts, these Adanola leggings really do it all. Whether you’re at Pilates, working on your strength training, or doing your grocery shopping, these leggings can see you through the day. They offer medium compression, a sculpting silhouette, and a seamless front for impressive comfort.
Best for: Low-to-medium impact workouts like Pilates, yoga, weightlifting Sizes: XXS (AU 4-6) — XXXL (AU 18-20)Lengths: 26”Made from: 79 per cent polyamide and 21 per cent elastane Colours: Black
READ MORE: I’ve tried a bunch of different runners, these are the comfiest by a mile
What are the best women’s workout leggings?
The best women’s workout leggings typically offer a squat-proof design, sweat-wicking fabric, and a waistband that doesn’t slip. Top choices include the lululemon Wunder Train for a high-intensity all-rounder, TALA Sculpt Seamless Scrunch Leggings for low-impact and strength, and Adanola leggings for everyday athleisure and support.
What makes good workout leggings?
This depends on the type of your style of exercise. For high-intensity cardio or running, you need to look for sweat-wicking compression and a waistband that holds. For weightlifting, you need leggings that are squat-proof and have four-way stretch. Light exercise like walking or yoga requires less compression and a simple, soft fabric.
What do Gen Z wear instead of leggings?
Gen Z are steering away from skin-tight designs and instead opting for looser, baggier styles like cargo pants, flared leggings, parachute pants, and styles that feel reminiscent of the 80s and 90s.
What leggings are trending right now?
The most popular leggings designs include a “no-seam” look, 90s capri cuts, and subtle flared styles.