Best Women's Leggings UK (2026)
Good leggings should stay put, not go see-through when you squat, and suit whatever you're doing in them. This guide compares leggings tested by Women's Running and Marie Claire UK, spanning running, the gym, maternity wear and everyday styling, from budget high-street picks to premium technical pairs.
We have not hands-on tested these products. Our picks are based on published independent tests and reviews, listed at the bottom of this page. How we pick.
Our top pick
M&S Goodmove High Waisted Leggings
Best value
An affordable, moisture-wicking legging with a secure drawstring fit, made from recycled polyester and available in multiple colours and prints.
- Affordable
- Multiple colours and prints
- Moisture-wicking
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Key spec | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| M&S Goodmove High Waisted Leggings | Best value | 73% polyester, 27% elastane, from £27.50 | Check price |
| Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity High Waisted | Best overall fit | 59% polyamide, 41% elastane | Check price |
| Gymshark Running Pocket Leggings | Best value for pockets | 78% nylon, 22% elastane, two thigh pockets | Check price |
| Bimble & Bolt Peaky Pockets 7/8 | Best for storage | 68% recycled nylon, 32% spandex, 8 pockets | Check price |
| BAM Wonder Light Seamless | Best eco-friendly | 48% bamboo viscose, 47% Amni Soul Eco polyamide | Check price |
| On Lumos Long Tights | Best for winter running | 65% polyamide, 35% elastane, brushed interior | Check price |
| Sweaty Betty Power Gym Leggings | Best for cross-training | 62% polyamide, 38% elastane, squat-proof | Check price |
| PUMA x Modibodi Recycled Active Period Leggings | Best for period protection | 80% recycled nylon, merino gusset | Check price |
| Lululemon Fast & Free High-Rise 25" | Best for style | Nulux weightless fabric, 5 pockets | Check price |
| Seraphine Ultimate Seamless Over Bump Maternity Leggings | Best maternity | Seamless over-bump design, from £35 | Check price |
| CRZ YOGA Butterluxe Maternity Leggings | Best affordable maternity | Buttery-soft fabric, available in 25in and 28in lengths, from £31 | Check price |
Our picks in detail
Best value
M&S Goodmove High Waisted Leggings
An affordable, moisture-wicking legging with a secure drawstring fit, made from recycled polyester and available in multiple colours and prints.
- Material
- 73% polyester, 27% elastane (recycled polyester)
- Waist
- High, with drawstring
- Price guide
- From about £27.50
Pros
- Affordable
- Multiple colours and prints
- Moisture-wicking
- Secure drawstring fit
Best overall fit
Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity High Waisted
Women's Running's tester has worn these for around 8 years, praising their durability and bum-sculpting fit. They cost more upfront but offer strong cost-per-wear value.
- Material
- 59% polyamide, 41% elastane
- Waist
- High
Pros
- Flattering, bum-sculpting fit
- Excellent long-term durability
- Strong cost-per-wear value
Cons
- Pricey at about £95
Best value for pockets
Gymshark Running Pocket Leggings
A compressive, flattering legging with two large thigh pockets at a good price, though it lacks a waist tie for very long runs.
- Material
- 78% nylon, 22% elastane
- Pockets
- Two large thigh pockets
Pros
- Compressive fit
- Two large thigh pockets
- Excellent value
- Flattering
Cons
- No waist tie for long runs
Best for storage
Bimble & Bolt Peaky Pockets 7/8
A medium-high compression legging with eight pockets in total and reflective elements, which stayed in place through marathon training.
- Material
- 68% recycled nylon, 32% spandex
- Pockets
- Eight
- Compression
- Medium-high
- Extras
- Reflective elements
Pros
- Eight pockets
- Stayed in place through marathon training
- Reflective elements
Best eco-friendly
BAM Wonder Light Seamless
A comfortable, seamless legging in eco-friendly fabric that stayed secure through a half marathon, though it has no drawstring.
- Material
- 48% bamboo viscose, 47% Amni Soul Eco polyamide, 5% elastane
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Eco-friendly fabric
- Stayed secure for a half marathon
- Machine washable as normal
Cons
- No drawstring
Best for winter running
On Lumos Long Tights
A brushed, warm winter tight with reflective detailing, ankle zips and three drop-in pockets, at a premium price.
- Material
- 65% polyamide, 35% elastane
- Extras
- Brushed interior, reflective detailing, ankle zips, 3 pockets
Pros
- Brushed interior for warmth
- Reflective detailing
- Ankle zips
- Three drop-in pockets
Cons
- Expensive at about £130
Best for cross-training
Sweaty Betty Power Gym Leggings
A supportive, squat-proof legging suited to a wide range of gym activities, though testers found it not quite as secure as the Zero Gravity model for running.
- Material
- 62% polyamide, 38% elastane
Pros
- Comfortable and supportive balance
- Squat-proof
- Versatile for multiple activities
Cons
- Not quite as secure as the Zero Gravity model for running
Best for period protection
PUMA x Modibodi Recycled Active Period Leggings
A high-waisted legging with a merino wool gusset built in for period protection, which testers found held up well in colder weather.
- Material
- 80% recycled nylon, 20% spandex; gusset of merino wool, polyester and polyamide
Pros
- High waistband stays put
- Good for colder weather
- Merino gusset holds significant absorbency
Cons
- Lacks thigh pocket storage
Best for style
Lululemon Fast & Free High-Rise 25"
A soft yet supportive legging with five pockets and a wide colour range that stays in place reliably, at a high price.
- Material
- Nulux weightless fabric
- Pockets
- Five
Pros
- Soft yet supportive
- Five pockets
- Wide colour range
- Stays in place reliably
Cons
- High price at about £118
- Lighter colours show marks easily
Best maternity
Seraphine Ultimate Seamless Over Bump Maternity Leggings
Marie Claire UK's shopping editor tested these throughout her pregnancy and found them incredibly stretchy and soft, working just as well over an 8-month bump as in early pregnancy. The seamless design suits both workouts like Pilates and everyday lounging, though it's not the best choice for high-impact training.
- Design
- Seamless, over-bump panel
- Price guide
- From about £35
Pros
- Incredibly stretchy and comfortable
- Stretches from early bump to full term
- Versatile for workouts and everyday lounging
- Affordable for a maternity-specific style
Cons
- Not the best for high-impact workouts
Best affordable maternity
CRZ YOGA Butterluxe Maternity Leggings
Highly rated on Amazon and tested by Marie Claire UK through pregnancy, these didn't dig into the bump or roll down during Pilates, yoga and stretching sessions. They come in multiple colours and two leg lengths for petite frames, though lighter colours can show sweat marks.
- Price guide
- From about £31
- Lengths
- 25in and 28in
Pros
- Affordable for maternity-specific leggings
- Buttery-soft fabric
- Doesn't dig into the bump or roll down
- Available in two leg lengths and multiple colours
Cons
- Sweat marks can show on lighter colours
Buying guide
What should I look for in gym vs running leggings?
Gym leggings need to be squat-proof (not see-through when stretched) with strong four-way stretch. Running leggings benefit more from moisture-wicking fabric, a secure waistband and sometimes a UPF rating for sun protection.
How do I know if leggings will go see-through?
Reviewers stretch the fabric or bend over in a mirror before buying. Thicker, squat-proof fabrics and darker colours are less likely to show through, and Women's Running notes lighter colours can show marks and sweat more easily.
Do I need pockets in running leggings?
If you run with a phone, keys or gels, pockets save carrying a belt or bag. Thigh pockets suit phones, while smaller waist pockets suit cards and keys.
Are expensive leggings worth it?
Premium leggings often last much longer, as the Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity example shows after 8 years of wear, which can make the cost per wear lower over time. Budget options like the M&S Goodmove range can still perform well for occasional use.
What should I look for in maternity leggings?
A good maternity legging needs enough stretch to grow with you from early pregnancy to full term without digging in, plus a supportive over-bump or under-bump panel. Seamless styles, like the Seraphine Ultimate here, tend to be the most versatile, working for both light workouts and everyday lounging or postpartum wear.
Sources
- Women's Running: best women's running leggings & capris
- Marie Claire UK: best maternity workout clothes
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