I Work Out Almost Daily, and These Squat-Proof Leggings Can Handle My Most Intense Workouts

Kayla Hui
·2 min read
I'm-a-Weightlifter-and-These-Squat-Proof-Leggings-Withstand-All-My-Workouts
I'm-a-Weightlifter-and-These-Squat-Proof-Leggings-Withstand-All-My-Workouts

Courtesy of Merchant

Five times a week, you'll catch me squatting, running, or doing a HIIT workout. With all of the jumping and stretching that comes with those exercises, I'm always in need of a good pair of leggings that can withstand a beating. But since I started working out regularly five years ago, I've only owned one or two decent pairs that I would actually buy again; most others fall down after a single rep and aren't moisture-wicking.

So as someone who has worn dozens of workout leggings, I can attest to the superior comfort, stretch, and versatility of Free People's FP Movement High-Rise ⅞ Wrap Lose Control Leggings. Made from polyester and elastane, the FP Movement leggings (which the brand sent me to test) are not only buttery soft, but also stretchy, making them ideal for any kind of workout I do. They have a wrapped waistband that holds up whenever I squat or jump rope — and looks super flattering, btw — and moisture-wicking, squat-proof fabric that keeps my skin dry, even when I amp up the intensity. (Related: The Best Workout Sets, According to Shape Editors)

I'm 5'1", and most of my leggings are long, which means that all of the extra fabric around my ankles trap heat. Not this pair! The ⅞ crop and 24.5-inch inseam fit me perfectly. Plus, there are five colors to choose from, including sea blue and rustic orange. It's no surprise that this has become my go-to pair.

FP movement squat-proof leggings
FP movement squat-proof leggings

Free People

Buy It: Free People Movement's High-Rise ⅞ Wrap Lose Control Leggings, $78, freepeople.com

The first time I wore these leggings, I completed cable exercises, such as donkey kicks, straight-leg kickbacks, and side lunges, and the stretchy four-way fabric moved with me wherever I went. And when I'd leave the gym, I could count on the leggings to keep me warm enough for my commute home. I visited family in Chicago over the holiday, and this pair was comfortable to wear on its own even when temperatures in the aptly nicknamed city dipped below freezing.

The leggings' fabric is thick, so you don't have to worry about it being see-through; however, I'd recommend wearing seamless underwear so that the silhouette doesn't show. If you've been looking for squat-proof leggings that withstand all kinds of workouts, look no further than the Free People Movement's high-rise leggings.