Gymshark Leggings We Also Tested

We tested 12 Gymshark leggings, but only seven ticked enough boxes to be included in our top picks. While this pair offered some notable benefits, it didn’t impress us enough to make the final list of recommendations.

• Gymshark’s Sport Running Leggings were opaque and sweat-wicking, with no pilling after weekly runs and interval training. However, they were uncomfortably tight, lacked compression for running, and stretched out over time. 

What to Look for When Shopping for Gymshark Leggings

• Material: Most Gymshark leggings are constructed of nylon and elastane (some pairs also contain polyester). These performance fabric blends are stretchy and compressive, with varying degrees of softness. While shopping for your perfect pair, consider how thick you want the material to be—thicker fabrics provide more warmth for your muscles, while thinner fabrics are more breathable. 
• Length: Gymshark leggings have a 30.5-inch inseam, which hits above the ankle for our taller testers and at or below the ankle for our shorter testers. They were a bit too long for some of our petite testers, who measured around 5 feet 2 inches, but they worked well for most other heights. 
• Rise: All the Gymshark leggings we tested have a high-rise waistband for coverage and support. For average heights and below, this sits just above the belly button; for our taller testers, it sits at or below the belly button. Generally, Gymshark leggings are a good choice for exercisers who want plenty of length and midsection coverage.  
• Activity Level: Consider which workouts and activities you’ll do in your leggings. Some offer warmth and compression for outdoor workouts, like running, while others are lighter and more breathable for low-impact exercises, like yoga. Some Gymshark leggings we tested are best for everyday wear, like lounging and running errands. 

How We Tested the Gymshark Leggings

To find the best Gymshark leggings for a range of workouts, we selected 12 different styles to wear-test. We tested them by performing various low- to high-intensity workouts and during everyday wear. When testing Gymshark leggings, we evaluate each pair based on the following key criteria.

• Quality: Leggings should be practical for your day-to-day, which means easy maintenance. We consider how well they hold up to machine washing: Do they shrink, discolor, warp, or pill? Do seams and threads start to unravel, or do holes gradually develop? Do they wick away sweat? Do they hold onto odor?
• Fit: During intensive exercise and casual wear, we consider whether the leggings pinch, roll, shift, or move around with movement. Do we have to yank them up repeatedly, or do they stay put, even during our most rigorous workouts? According to Alpert, a snug, comfortable fit that allows you to evaluate your form is a key feature for leggings—especially for activities like yoga and Pilates. 
• Opacity: We evaluate leggings’ opacity at rest and in deep squats. We check for sheer sections, prioritizing pairs that provide dependable coverage in every position, even after plenty of washes and wear. 
• Performance: We consider how they look and feel during various activities, from walking and running to attending workout classes and meeting friends for coffee. To suit a variety of exercises, we look for comfortable compression and full-leg coverage without extra fabric to get in the way of your workout. We prioritize leggings that transition effortlessly from intense workouts to casual wear. 
• Value: To assess value, we wait to check the price after each pair has been evaluated in all other key categories. Would we purchase the leggings at full price? Would we recommend them to loved ones? We prioritize leggings whose quality exceeds their value.

Our Experts

We gathered insights from fitness experts throughout our research, testing, and reporting process. With firsthand experience in how athletic apparel can make or break a workout, they helped us understand the most crucial features to look for. While we make independent product selections, our experts help guide our final choices. 

• Amanda Egan, Pilates instructor at Groundfloor Exercise in New York City 
• Anabel Alpert, dance instructor and professional dancer in New York City

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Gymshark leggings popular?

Gymshark gained a large following over the last decade, likely due to its robust social marketing strategy, including the opportunity to become a Gymshark Athlete by posting compelling content in its clothing. Their esteem also hinges strongly on influencer marketing, with endorsements from major names in the fitness community. But, aside from the social media buzz, Gymshark earned repeat customers from its dedication to affordability and quality. Many people, including Alpert, were drawn to the brand by major sales and discounts.

Is it better to size up or down in Gymshark leggings?

We found that it’s better to size up in Gymshark leggings, as most styles are tight and compressive, causing them to run slightly small for some people. 

Can you machine wash and dry Gymshark leggings?

You can machine wash Gymshark leggings with like colors, ideally on the delicate cycle. It’s best to air-dry them to prevent shrinkage and damage. 

Which Gymshark leggings are the most squat-proof?

Gymshark’s Flex High Waisted Leggings and Seamless 2.0 Leggings are the most opaque and squat-proof styles we tested. 

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Megan Foley is a Verywell Fit wellness and fitness writer and a New York City-based professional ballet dancer. She wears leggings to rehearse, cross-train, and run errands several times weekly, especially in cooler weather. When shopping for leggings for long rehearsal days, she looks for flattering, compressive options that clearly show her leg lines in the mirror. To help compile this list, she looked at testing insights.