The Best Workout Leggings
What are the best workout leggings for women and men? Determining the best leggings to wear depends on the type of workout you’re doing. It may be hard to accept, especially if you wear fashion leggings to the gym (we’ve all been there pre-laundry), but not all leggings are created equal. To get the job done, you need the right gear. Which is why we’ve rounded up guidelines for picking the best leggings based on your preferred method to break a sweat.
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For Yoga, Pilates or Barre
Yay: high-waisted, fitted and flexible styles. A high waistline helps hold everything in place while minimizing the chance of a wardrobe malfunction. As you move, your leggings should move with you—think snug, but not tight. It’s all about having full range of motion as you perfect your downward dog, use the reformer machine or stretch; a flexible pair of leggings is essential.
Nay: thin, low-rise styles and excessive embellishments. Trust us, doing any of these workouts in sheer or low-rise leggings will land you in a compromising position. Seriously, no one wants to be in star pose and be over exposed, if you catch our drift. Leggings featuring embellishments like zippers can be a hazard as they can get snagged on your other clothing. Skip them altogether and look to color and patterns to make a statement instead.
For Jogging, Hiking or Running
Yay: moisture-wicking leggings to keep you feeling fresh. Fabric blends that contain polyester are typically the way to go. If you’re outside, take the weather into account with leggings infused with technology that keeps you dry. Bonus? Try picks that feature pockets to keep your keys and phone out of your hands and secure.
Nay: absorbent fabrics that don’t breathe are a no-go. Everyone sweats, especially during these activities. There’s nothing worse than feeling excess moisture while you’re on the move, so pick wisely.
For High-Intensity Interval Training aka HITT
Yay: performance-driven and moisture-wicking fabrics. The point of this type of workout is to do as many reps as you can, and your leggings will surely get quite the workout. So, it’s important to choose durable options that keep your dry.
Nay: thin, absorbent fabrics. You’ll likely to sweat a lot, so it’s crucial to choose leggings that don’t absorb moisture to keep you comfortable and prevent chaffing.
For Cycling
Yay: cropped and capri lengths. Spin class is already hard enough. Why run the risk of excess fabric getting caught on the bike? Leggings that hit slightly below the knee or calves are ideal. Again, a snug fit is key.
Nay: ankle length or stirrup leggings. The less fabric the better. Keep things short and sweet, since no one wants to spend a majority of the class adjusting their leggings.