After Wearing the Best Gymshark Leggings for a Month, These 11 Pairs Stood Out
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They’re not just for the weightlifting-obsessed—we also love Gymshark leggings for yoga, Pilates, running, and more
Verywell Fit / Alli Waataja
Reviewed by Heather Black, CPTFact checked by Rich Scherr
Gymshark is a popular activewear band that carries high-quality men’s and women’s workout apparel at a competitive price. The brand has generated a massive cult following of influencers, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts everywhere. Gymshark carries various activewear styles, but they’re most known for their top-quality leggings that are functional, flattering, and pretty affordable—with styles averaging around $60.
Compared to other activewear brands, like lululemon, Alo Yoga, and Athleta, Gymshark offers similar quality at a budget-friendlier price. A quality pair of leggings should be supportive, opaque, durable, and flattering—and we found most Gymshark leggings to be just that.
When you think of Gymshark, you might envision athletes vigorously lifting weights in the gym or training for marathons. But the brand offers styles for all types of wearers—we should know, we tested 12 different pairs.
To find the best Gymshark leggings for every activity, we spent hours in The Verywell Testing Lab trying on and working out in 12 different styles. Our 12 fitness testers—of different sizes, fitness backgrounds, and experience levels with the brand—evaluated two pairs of leggings each in the Lab.
We then took each pair home to wear-test for a month during our regular fitness routines and leisure activities. After 30 days of wear-testing, we rated each pair on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for quality, opacity, fit, performance, and overall value to find our favorite pairs for every activity.
To ensure our recommendations are accurate, we also had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this story. She helped us confirm the best ways to shop and care for your Gymshark leggings.
Best Overall: Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings
Pros
Snug and supportive
Versatile
Comes in many colors
Cons
Waistband may dig in a bit when seated
One of the brand’s most popular styles, Gymshark’s Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings impressed us across the board. Functional enough for high-intensity workouts and comfortable enough for daily wear, we can see why most wearers love this versatile pair.
The fabric feels smooth, supportive, and compressive against the skin, and we didn’t have to adjust the leggings at all when working out in these during our testing period. We love that the high-rise waistband is comfortable and flattering, but we did find that it dug into our skin a little bit when seated. We also had to use a bit of effort to pull on the leggings, but you can easily size up if you want a less compressive fit.
When lunging and squatting in front of a mirror, we were pleasantly surprised with how opaque the leggings were: No signs of underwear lines, even with lighter-colored fabric. And after multiple wears and washes throughout testing, the high-quality leggings held up—making them well worth their already competitive price.
Price at time of publication: $54
Key Specs:
Rise: High-waisted | Length: 30.5 inches | Fabric: Nylon, elastane | Sizes: XS-XXL | Compression Level: High | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry
Best for Running: Gymshark Adapt Camo Seamless Leggings
Pros
Thick and durable
Full coverage
Snug and supportive
Cons
Too thick for warm weather
When choosing what to wear running, a pair of leggings that stays in place is essential to avoid distracting mid-run adjustments. Enter the Adapt Camo Seamless Leggings: they stay put while moving flexibly with your body as you stride, step, and sprint. We love that they are stretchy, supportive, and compressive (but not too restrictive).
If running is not your forte, you can still wear these squat-proof leggings for all activities. We love that the thick fabric offers complete opacity and even some warmth during cool-weather workouts. But if you run outside in the summer or attend heated studio classes, we recommend the option for the more breathable Warp Knit Leggings instead.
This pair slides on smoothly and fits true to size. And we love the supportive compression that starts at the high-rise waistband and runs down the leg. After several wears and washes, we found that the leggings held up with no signs of wear and tear—making them well worth their standard price.
Price at time of publication: $60
Key Specs:
Rise: High-waisted | Length: 30.5 inches | Fabric: Nylon, polyester, elastane | Sizes: XS-XXL | Compression Level: High | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry
Related: The 15 Best Running Leggings That a Running Coach Recommends
Best for Spin: Gymshark Legacy Leggings
Pros
Soft and stretchy
Breathable
Versatile
Cons
Too thin for cold weather
Fabric thinned out in thigh area after many wears
Gymshark’s Legacy Leggings are a comfortable, breathable option for spin classes, sessions on your indoor cycling bike, or for pedaling on the road. In the Lab, we found the leggings to be completely opaque when sitting up and down on a plyometric box—making them a solid choice for all types of activities.
We also love the high-rise waistband that stays in place and offers support without any uncomfortable pinching when seated—which is a huge plus for cycling. This pair is ideal for activities indoors or outside in mild weather, thanks to its thin, breathable, sweat-wicking material. But for cooler weather, we recommend the Sweat Seamless leggings as a warmer alternative.
We found that the leggings fit true to size, offering moderate compression. But the thinner material did wear down in the thigh area after one month of wear and multiple washes. Still, we love this versatile pair that comes at a lower price compared to alternatives from many brand competitors.
Price at time of publication: $54
Key Specs:
Rise: High-waisted | Length: 30.5 inches | Fabric: Nylon, elastane | Sizes: XS-XXL | Compression Level: Moderate | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry
Best Budget: Gymshark Training Leggings
Pros
Best Budget
Full coverage
Comes in many colors
Cons
Waistband may roll down
Run slightly small
Soft and comfortable enough for lounging but compressive and structured enough for workouts, Gymshark’s Training Leggings are a versatile (and affordable) option for most wearers. We love the fabric that feels like a second skin and moves with you while offering the support you need for various activities.
After testing, we could not believe how budget-friendly these were when we looked at the price. And given the price, you might expect to lose out on quality—but not with this pair! The material is completely opaque and does not sheer out (even when squatting). And it held up throughout testing with no signs of wear and tear after one month of wear and washes.
We found that the leggings run somewhat small, but they provide great support and a smoothing effect, so we would not recommend purchasing a full size up from your normal size—just note they’ll feel snug. You should also know that one of our testers noticed the waistband slipping during some exercises, but another tester said it remained perfectly in place—this may depend on body type and sizing.
Price at time of publication: $38
Key Specs:
Rise: High-waisted | Length: 30.5 inches | Fabric: Polyester, elastane | Sizes: XS-XXL | Compression Level: Moderate | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry
Related: After Testing Dozens of Pairs, These Are the 12 Best Leggings on Amazon
Best for Yoga: Gymshark Elevate Leggings
Pros
Sweat-wicking
Snug and supportive
Versatile
Cons
Some visible underwear lines
Waistband may roll down
A newer Gymshark find, the Elevate Leggings are functional and flattering for exercise and daily wear. One of our testers, a certified yoga instructor, wears this pair for hours at a time in a heated yoga studio—she also tested other pieces from the Elevate Collection, which she highly recommends. She loves how sweat-wicking, supportive, and stretchy the fabric is, making the leggings a comfortable choice for any yoga practice.
Although we found this pair particularly great for yoga, the Elevate Leggings are also a solid choice for strength training, lounging, daily wear, and more. They offer a sleek look and all-day comfort—perfect for studio-to-street wear. We love the slick and buttery-soft fabric that’s supportive but less compressive than other Gymshark picks we tested.
We found the pair completely opaque, but one of our testers noticed some underwear lines while wearing the Rose Brown color. And while one tester had to adjust the waistband throughout workouts, another tester highlighted a super secure waistband—but both said the pair fit true to size. All testers agreed that the leggings held up without signs of wear and tear throughout our testing period.
Price at time of publication: $64
Key Specs:
Rise: High-Waisted | Length: 25.5 inches | Fabric: Recycled nylon, elastane | Sizes: XS-XXL | Compression Level: Moderate | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry
Best Compressive: Gym Shark Adapt Animal Seamless Leggings
Pros
Sweat-wicking
Snug and supportive
Great for high-impact workouts
Cons
Not as versatile
Runs slightly small
The best compression leggings balance support with comfort, and Gymshark’s Adapt Animal Seamless Leggings do just that. They are moisture-wicking and super compressive, making them a great choice for sweaty, high-impact workouts. And we love the flattering butt-scrunch accent that adds a boost of confidence to any workout.
When testing these in the Lab, we found them completely opaque during each exercise in front of a mirror. And we loved that the waistband did not roll down during even the most high-intensity activities, like plyometrics. But while the compression leggings are functional for high-impact workouts, we found the fabric a bit too restrictive for comfortable lounging or daily wear.
After one month of testing at home and multiple wears and washes, these leggings showed no signs of wear and tear. If you’re considering this high-quality pair of leggings, note that they run slightly small—we recommend sizing up.
Price at time of publication: $60
Key Specs:
Rise: High-waisted | Length: 30.5 inches | Fabric: Nylon, polyester, elastane | Sizes: XS-XXL | Compression Level: High | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry
Best for Strength Training: Gymshark Apex Seamless Leggings
Pros
Full coverage
Sweat-wicking
Solid compression
Cons
Run slightly small
The Apex Seamless Leggings are sweat-wicking, compressive, and completely opaque—a great choice for strength training and weightlifting. The design features muscle-contouring jacquard lines that run along the entire leg to accentuate your leg muscles and backside.
Similar to the Adapt Animal Seamless and Adapt Camo Seamless Leggings, this pair is made from a blend of polyester, nylon, and elastane that’s sweat-wicking, breathable, stretchy, and ultra-compressive. We love the Apex leggings for gym workouts but did not find them comfortable enough for everyday wear.
As is the case with many of the brand's most compressive leggings, this pair runs slightly small. We recommend sizing up for a more comfortable (but still supportive) fit. After one month of testing, we were impressed with how well these leggings held up, even after taking a beating at the gym.
Price at time of publication: $64
Key Specs:
Rise: High-waisted | Length: 30.5 inches | Fabric: Polyester, nylon, elastane | Sizes: XS-XXL | Compression Level: High | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry
Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples
Best for Cold Weather Workouts: Gymshark Sweat Seamless
Pros
High-quality and durable
Compressive and comfortable
Full coverage
Cons
Too thick for warm weather,
Waistband may roll down
Whether you walk, cycle, or run in cold weather, Gymshark’s Sweat Seamless Leggings are a great base or outer layer when the temperature drops. The material is thick and compressive yet stretchy and flexible, moving with you whichever way you stride, cycle, or squat. It’s also super durable—looking as good as new after one month of testing.
During our test, we found the leggings to be completely opaque and full coverage—except for the mesh detailing on the inside and outside of the leg that adds breathability and style. But although the leggings are breathable, we would not recommend them for warm weather or heated workouts because of the thicker material.
One of our testers found a true-to-size fit, while another noticed some bunching in certain areas like the crotch and hips. This also led her to have to hike up the waistband during several exercises—but the fit of these leggings will depend on your body type. If you’re interested in this pair, we recommend trying your normal size first and sizing up if necessary.
Price at time of publication: $60
Key Specs:
Rise: High-waisted | Length: 30.5 inches | Fabric: Nylon, elastane, polyester | Sizes: XS-XXL | Compression Level: High | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry
Related: The 11 Best Fleece-Lined Leggings of 2023
Best Opaque: Gymshark Flex High-Waisted Leggings
Pros
Solid compression
Smoothing style
Comes in many colors
Cons
Not comfortable enough for lounging
Run slightly small
Smoothing, flattering, and ultra-compressive, the Flex High Waisted Leggings may be your next favorite pair for working out. We love that you don’t have to worry about sheering or underwear lines because the thick fabric offers full coverage—allowing you to feel confident no matter what squat variation you’re doing.
Similar to the two Adapt Leggings on our list, these offer maximum compression and a snug, high-rise waistband—great for working out but uncomfortable for lounging. Because the leggings are so compressive, they felt slightly small when we first put them on. If you prefer a less compressive fit, we recommend sizing up.
We love the jacquard pattern and branding on the backside of the waistband, as well as the neutral and pastel color options. And the price isn’t bad either! The Flex Leggings are a great option for squatting in style.
Price at time of publication: $50
Key Specs:
Rise: High-waisted | Length: 30.5 inches | Fabric: Nylon, polyester, elastane | Sizes: XS-XXL | Compression Level: High | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry
Best High-Rise: Gymshark GS Power Original Leggings
Pros
Soft and stretchy
Great for tall wearers
Supportive waistband
Cons
Some visible underwear lines
Although all the Gymshark leggings we tested have a high-waisted rise, this pair stood out because it felt higher than most. The waistband sat perfectly above our tall tester’s belly button but was too high on our other, shorter tester's torso. We recommend this for tall-to-average wearers who prefer a super supportive, high-rise waistband.
The GS Power Original Leggings are great for all activities—including Pilates, strength training, cardio, and more—because they are both compressive and comfortable. We also appreciate the breathable sweat-wicking material that’s buttery soft, and moves with you during every workout.
We don’t appreciate the visibility of underwear lines when wearing these leggings (especially in the blue color we tested). And we wouldn’t recommend this pair for shorter wearers because the waistband is too high.
Price at time of publication: $56
Key Specs:
Rise: High-waisted | Length: 30.5 inches | Fabric: Polyester, elastane | Sizes: XS-XXL | Compression Level: Moderate | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry
Related: We Found the Best Workout Leggings Money Can Buy, After Testing 98 Pairs
Most Breathable: Gymshark Warp Knit Leggings
Pros
Soft and stretchy
Super comfortable
Supportive
Cons
Not completely opaque
If you’re looking for a soft, stretchy, second-skin feel, Gymshark’s Warp Knit Leggings are for you. Mesh paneling runs down the entire leg offering lightweight breathability, while a high-rise waistband keeps you secure and supported.
We love that the leggings are comfortable enough for all-day wear and fit true to size. And during testing in our Lab, we appreciated that the waistband stayed in place during lunges and squats. We felt held in and supported, with the freedom to move about comfortably.
After one month of testing, we were happy to note that the quality held up—no pulls, rips, or pills here. But from the first wear to the last, we did find the leggings to be somewhat see-through. The thin, breathable fabric makes this pair great for activities like running and lounging, but we don’t recommend it for yoga, Pilates, or strength training because the leggings don’t offer full coverage and aren’t squat-proof.
Price at time of publication: $80
Key Specs:
Rise: High-waisted | Length: 30.5 inches | Fabric: Nylon, elastane | Sizes: XS-XXL | Compression Level: High | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry
How We Rated the Gymshark Leggings
4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best Gymshark leggings we tested. We recommend them without reservation.
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These Gymshark leggings are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great Gymshark leggings, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars: These Gymshark leggings are just average.
3.4 and below: We don't recommend Gymshark leggings with this rating; you won't find any on our list.
We Also Tested
We tested 12 pairs of leggings but only included 11 in our final list of recommendations. What happened to the final one? While we did find some noteworthy features, we don’t think this pair stacked up to the competition:
Gymshark’s Sport Running Leggings have a helpful zipper pocket for storing small valuables and breathable mesh detailing for warm-weather workouts. But we found the leggings unbearably uncomfortable and not worth the purchase during testing.
How We Tested the Best Gymshark Leggings
To find the best Gymshark leggings on the market, we first spoke with Rani Vance, Pilates instructor at SLT, and Megan Roup, fitness expert and founder of The Sculpt Society, for their expert advice on what fabrics, fit, and styles to look for in a pair of leggings.
Then, we researched Gymshark’s different leggings styles and selected 12 best-selling pairs to test in The Verywell Testing Lab. Our team of 12 testers had different prior experiences wearing Gymshark leggings: testers included first-time wearers, brand super fans, and some in between. Each person tested two pairs of leggings, ensuring two different people evaluated each pair we tested.
To begin testing, we tried on each pant, noting how well it fit: Too snug? Too loose? Just right? We assessed how comfortable each pair felt as we walked around the Lab. We also closely examined how the fabric felt on our skin: Was it lightweight and breathable? Thick and constrictive? Soft and supportive? As we continued walking around, we noted if the leggings stayed in place well or required a lot of adjusting.
We then completed a short circuit workout to test the leggings’ performance and opacity. While performing ten lunges, ten squats, and sitting down on a plyometric box, we looked at ourselves in a mirror to ensure the leggings were opaque and thick enough to cover underwear lines. We also noted whether or not the waistband stayed up during each movement without bunching, sagging, or pinching.
After our thorough test in the Lab, we took the leggings home to see how well they held up in our regular routines: Working out, running errands, lounging, and more. We also washed them several times, according to Gymshark’s care instructions. After four weeks of wear and washes, we rated each pair of leggings on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommended) for quality, opacity, fit, performance, and value. We used these scores to create our final list of recommendations.
What to Look for in Gymshark Leggings
Fabric
“For me, fabric is everything,” says Roup. You want a pair of leggings that’s supportive, breathable, and (most importantly) comfortable.
Gymshark has several collections, including the Vital, Adapt, Sweat, Seamless, Elevate, Legacy, and GS Power Collections that we tested. Every line has its own blend of fabrics, but each of them includes some combination of nylon, polyester, and elastane.
You often find these synthetic performance fabrics in activewear because of their sweat-wicking, breathable properties. For high-impact workouts, we recommend the Adapt Camo Seamless Leggings, and for lounging or low-impact activities, we like the Warp Knit Leggings,
Length
All of the Gymshark leggings we tested have a 30.5-inch inseam. The length hit our taller testers above the ankle and our shorter testers at or below the ankle. In some cases, the 30.5-inch inseam was too long for testers below 5 feet, 2. inches
Fit
Leggings should fit the curve of your legs with no excess fabric, says Vance. They should feel snug but not overly tight or constrictive and (most importantly) comfortable. “It's important that leggings fit your body, so you're not distracted by the length or the waist falling down while working out,” she says.
Most of the leggings we tested fit true to size, but there are several pairs in which you could size up for a less compressive fit. We found Gymshark’s Training, Adapt Animal Seamless, Apex Seamless, and Flex High-Waisted Leggings to run super compressive, or meant to fit snugly against the skin. But if you don’t like maximum compression, you can easily size up for a more comfortable fit.
Activity
What you’ll be doing in your leggings is one of the most important things to consider before purchasing. Some Gymshark leggings are made for high-impact workouts, like HIIT, running, and cycling, while others are made for low-impact activities, like yoga, walking, or lounging.
We recommend a compressive, sweat-wicking legging, like the Adapt Animal Seamless legging, for high-impact activities and a buttery soft, breathable legging, like the Elevate Leggings, for low-impact activities.
Rise
All Gymshark leggings we tested feature a high-rise waistband that sits right above the belly button for average-height wearers. Our taller testers often noted that the band sat right below the belly button, while some taller wearers appreciated a higher-rise fit. Our best high-rise pair, the GS Power Original Leggings, offer the highest waistband—a great option for taller wearers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to size up or down in Gymshark leggings?
During testing, we found that most Gymshark leggings run super compressive, meaning they feel tight against the skin. We found the leggings to run a bit small in some cases. We recommend sizing up for the perfect fit if you're deciding between two sizes.
Can you machine wash and dry Gymshark leggings?
According to Gymshark’s clothing care guide, you should machine wash your leggings on cold and hang them to air dry. The brand also recommends washing your clothing inside out to thoroughly clean out all sweat, dead skin cells, and bacteria. To best preserve your leggings, we recommend that you follow these instructions.
Which Gymshark leggings are the most squat-proof?
Gymshark’s Flex High Waisted Leggings are the most opaque and full-coverage pair we tested. And many Gymshark wearers agree that the Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings are another solid squat-proof option.
Why are Gymshark leggings popular?
Gymshark has cultivated a cult following through its social-forward marketing strategy. The brand takes a customer-first approach, incentivizing wearers to post in their Gymshark fits to become a Gymshark Athlete or Ambassador. They also rely heavily on influencer marketing, with many popular influencers in the fitness community constantly sharing the brand.
But marketing strategies can only get a brand so far. Gymshark, especially its leggings, are popular because the brand produces a high-quality product at a competitive price. Compared to other big-name brands in the activewear space, Gymshark’s prices are more affordable, and its products are well-made, durable, functional, and stylish.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Michelle Parente, CYT, is a certified yoga sculpt teacher and experienced fitness writer passionate about making reliable product recommendations. As a certified yoga instructor, Michelle practically lives in activewear—she knows what makes a pair of leggings worth your money. Michelle participated in our leggings test, wearing and loving Gymshark’s Elevate Leggings through countless hours in a heated yoga studio, coffee dates with friends, and long walks in New York City.
