Best women's leggings for walking, lifting weights and running
Whether you’re off on your hot girl walks or to the gym, we’ve rounded up the best leggings for any activity.
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It’s safe to say the events of the last three years means many of us are no longer just wearing leggings to exercise.
Leggings have migrated from strictly gym gear to everyday wear — and given how comfy and versatile they can be, I’m not mad about it.
But it also raises the bar as to what makes a pair of leggings worth investing in. They’ve got to be comfortable enough to sit through a day of Zoom meetings or a coffee date, and also hold up for whatever exercise you’ve got planned.
The news.com.au checkout team have rounded up our favourite leggings for walking, weights and everything in between – including the best-selling Jaggad Classic 7/8 Double Pocket Legging, five-star reviewers say they’re “so flattering” and “very comfy”.
And luckily for you, Bec Judd’s activewear brand Jaggad are currently doing an insane 3 for $120 deal on selected leggings, sweaters and tops – so you can get more bang for your buck.
We’ve also got our eye on the STAX. x Kic Full Length Tights – fans on Instagram have called it the “best collaboration ever”. The new collection no longer have the annoying front seam – making them a game changer for gym girlies (IYKYK)
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR’S PICKS: BEST LEGGINGS
Classic 7/8 Double Pocket Legging, $89 at Jaggad
3 for $99 deal on leggings and sweaters
Why we love it: Wide size range; bestseller; free returns and exchanges; highly supportive; squat proof
What to consider: Not full-length; some reviewers say they run small; loose in the waist
Material: 74 per cent polyester / 26 per cent elastane
Length:7/8
Colour: Black and white
What You Need To Know
If you’re after highly supportive leggings that will get you through your next workout, this pair from Jaggad is perfect. Jaggad is an Aussie-based activewear label that champions stylish yet functional sports performance apparel – making them versatile pieces that you can incorporate into your everyday wardrobe seamlessly.
The Classic 7/8 Double Pocket Legging is one of the brands’ bestsellers and for good reason. It’s crafted from their signature high support fabric that is great from medium to high intensity workouts like HIIT, running and circuit training, and it has a second-skin fit without feeling restricted. Plus, they’ve been specifically built to not be see-through and they offer a high waisted fit, pockets on both sides and a gel logo.
It has garnered a 4.3-star rating with one reviewer writing that they “love these leggings”.
“Love them, so comfortable and the pockets are great. Phone, key … nothing moves while running. Best leggings by far. So good I bought 5 pairs so I can wear them all week,” one wrote.
Another shopper left a review titled “comfy, durable and stylish” which read:
“These leggings are the only ones I wear now. As the proud owner of a bigger body, finding leggings that are comfortable, supportive and squat proof used to be the bane of my existence – not anymore! I have these in a few colours and they are perfect for everyday wear AND working out. They are soft, have a pocket for your keys/phone and sit well on my body. Cannot recommend more!”
Kic Full Length Tights, $89.95 at STAX.
Why we love it: No front seam
What to consider: 4 cm longer than the regular Full Length Tights from STAX.
Material: Nandex
Length: Full
Colour: Black and dark pink
What You Need To Know
Chances are you’ll have heard of Steph Claire Smith and Laura Henshaw’s health and wellness app, Kic, and now they’ve collaborated with Australian premium activewear brand, STAX. The leggings are part of a 15-piece limited edition collection with inclusivity, quality and comfort at the core.
Steph and Laura say of the collection, “Our collection is designed to motivate to move, with confidence. Stamped with a simple yet powerful reminder that you are enough, just as you are.”
We love the dark pink to add that bit of fun to a workout but if pink isn’t for you then you can never go wrong with a pair of black tights. Other features including a high waist, no front seam and a 4cm longer length than the Full Length Tights NANDEX ™ Original.
Piped Full Length Leggings – Green, $110 at Bondi Active
Why we love it: On trend deep green colourway
What to consider: Probably more suited for more relaxed acitivites like yoga
Material: Recycled Nylon Elastane
Length: Full length
Colour: Green
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, news.com.au shopping writer
I’ve always been a black leggings girl but if I’m going to stray from my usual rule then I’m very happy to do it with these chic green leggings from Bondi Active.
Made from recycled nylon elastane, they are a little thicker than my usual go-to Lululemon Wunder Train leggings but they didn’t feel too hot when working out. Admittedly, it has been winter while I’ve been trialling them.
I will say that they did fall down a little bit and I felt like I had to pull them up fairly regularly when out on a walk. With this in mind, I would say they’re probably better suited to less rigorous exercise like yoga or pilates.
They were super comfy though and I liked how the side pockets weren’t too obvious either. It actually took me a second to realise there actually were pockets at all.
Overall, these tights are a welcome addition to my activewear drawer and look just as good at pilates as they do getting a coffee after class.
BEST HIGH-WAISTED LEGGINGS
Why we love it: Great quality for the price tag
What to consider: Limited sizing as it only goes up to an XL which is roughly a size 16
Material: 71% Polyamide, 29% Spandex; Lining: 78% Polyamide, 22% Spandex
Length: Ankle length
Colour: 40 including black, purple and blue
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, news.com.au checkout Editor
These are Amazon’s best-selling women’s leggings for a reason: They come in 31 different colours and have more than 11,000 five-star ratings.
My first thoughts when they arrived, which was the next day thanks to Amazon’s speedy delivery, was how good the quality was for the price.
The stitching, phone pockets and cut were all very similar to more expensive leggings I own, I was honestly blown away.
The quality is just like nothing else I’ve seen at that price point for leggings — it’s lovely, thick material that holds you in while still having plenty of stretch and movement. They’re also squatproof and didn’t fall down when lifting weights or running.
Many shoppers consider these leggings a dupe for the famous Lululemon Align Leggings, however, but I think they’re more similar to Lululemon’s Fast and Free pair in terms of look and feel. One thing to consider is that the material is slightly thicker than Lululemon’s leggings which means they may not be suitable for intensive cardio or HIIT training.
Reebok Identity Logo Leggings, $40 (down from $55) at Reebok
Why we love it: Reviewers say these tights are “so comfy”
What to consider: Medium rise style
Material: 93 per cent cotton / 7 per cent elastane single jersey
Length: Full length
Colour: Black
What You Need To Know
These best selling black leggings are perfect for the gym and for post-fym coffee too. Crafted in a soft, stretchy cotton, they will help you stay comfortable all day long. Plus, the large Reebok print is perfect for those who love a bit of logomania.
Five-star reviews call these the “best purchase ever” and also say they are “really good quality”.
“Expectations exceeded with these leggings, super comfy and the wide waistband holds a mum tum in and stays put. No rolling down or constant adjusting! Will be getting these in more colours!” writes one happy customer.
IM Serenity Drawstring Leggings, $60.19 (down from $85.99) at Crop Shop Boutique
Why we love it: Features an adjustable draw string
What to consider: Tights have a V-front look rather than the usual straight across
Material: Polyster, spandex blend
Length: Full length
Colour: Black, khaki and grey
What You Need To Know
Designed in collaboration with Aussie influencer and model, Isabelle Mathers, these leggings are just like the cult-favourite Serenity Leggings but with a twist. Made from the signature polyester-spandex blend Serenity fabric, they feature a high waist with an adjustable drawstring for a flattering V-front look, full-length legs, compressive and sculpting fit and a velvety matte finish.
Holding a 4.9-star rating, five-star reviewers have hailed them “perfection” and love that it “gives you shape” thanks to the drawstring feature.
“The V-shape is super flattering, you can tighten it to make the V-shape more obvious or loosen it. The material is amazing, fits the body super nice and snug but still offers stretch and comfort when wearing,” one wrote.
“My body goes straight up and down, so love that these leggings gives you shape,” another wrote.
“Absolutely love these leggings! They are soft, flattering and have the right amount of compression,” another five-star reviewer wrote.
Essential Leggings, $95 at Lounge
Why we love it: Also available in a petite size
What to consider: Quite high waisted for those with short torsos
Material: 78 per cent Polyamide, 22 per cent Elastane
Length: Ankle length
Colour: Black, charcoal, coffee, espresso, gunmetal, oat, olive and pine green.
What You Need To Know
Comfort meets style in this luxe pair of leggings from UK-based underwear brand, Lounge. Crafted from a polyamide-elastane soft stretch fabric, these leggings feature a super high waisted design with a cinched-in fit, logo detailing at the back and ankle length legs. It offers a figure-flattering, sculpting fit and tonal stitch detailing for a sleek finish.
Perfect for wearing at home, the gym or running errands – these leggings will be a forever staple in your everyday wardrobe.
Available in sizes XS to 3XL and in a regular or petite leg length, you can also snap this pair up in black, charcoal, coffee, espresso, gunmetal, oat, olive and pine green.
Five-star reviewers say they’re so flattering and comfy”.
“Best leggings around … so comfy and they shape everything up,” one wrote.
“Absolutely love these leggings, I now own two different pairs and they are so comfy and look great!” another wrote.
One five-star reviewer praised the pair for its “amazing quality”, writing: “These leggings are so flattering. Amazing quality and smooth out any imperfections. True to size, very flattering fit. Highly recommend.”
Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 25”, $129 at Lululemon
Why we love it: Soft, buttery fabric that’s comfortable
What to consider: Not suitable for high-impact workouts
Material: Lining: 90 per cent Nylon, 10 per cent Lycra Elastane, Body: 81 per cent Nylon, 19 per cent Lycra Elastane
Length: 25” so just above the ankles for most people
Colour: Available in 12 colours including black, dark red and navy
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, news.com.au checkout Editor
The leggings from Lululemon’s best-selling Align collection are specifically designed for yoga, but they’re so comfortable you will want to wear them everywhere.
Made from the brand’s soft and stretchy Nulu fabric, these leggings feel like a second skin when you’re wearing them.
I find they manage to hold their shape while not feeling restrictive at all when you’re wearing them — I also like their Align High-Rise Shorts for hot yoga.
They currently have over 450 five-star reviews on the Lululemon website (that is not counting the 65.6 million views #align has or the 42.3 million views #alignleggings has). One reviewer says: “The most comfortable legging, the best I’ve found yet. This is the second pair I’ve purchased but won’t be the last.”
Also checkout news.com.au checkout Deputy Editor, Melody Teh’s, honest review of them here.
Lotus Ankle Biter Leggings, $99.99 at Lorna Jane
Why we love it: Buttery soft material sets these tights apart from other brands
What to consider: Quite thin so some underwear lines can be seen
Material: 71 per cent Polyester / 29 per cent Elastane
Length: Ankle length
Colour Black and light blue
What You Need To Know
Lorna Jane’s best selling legging – the Lotus Ankle Biter – is one of our top picks if you’re looking for a high-waisted, supportive option. With a wide size range of XXS-XXL, the classic and flattering leggings are made out of a breathable stretchy, yet supportive, fabric.
They’ve racked up almost 2000 five-star ratings on the Lorna Jane website, with countless happy customers noting how “comfortable” they are.
“Great leggings, very comfortable, don’t ride up or fall down – they stay put! Quite warm so definitely more for cooler weather,” said one five-star rating reviewer.
Three news.com.au checkout writers put these tights to the test, check out their review here.
STAX. PSF Full Length Tights, $84.95 at STAX.
Why we love it: Seamless so no awkward situations
What to consider: Not great for high intensity activities
Material: Sweat wicking fabric
Length: Full length
Colour: Baby blue, bone, dovetail, dusty rose, pine
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, news.com.au checkout Editor
These seamless leggings sold-out in just seven minutes when they first launched in 2020 and are favoured by celebrities and influencers like Martha Kalifatidis, who has said on Instagram she is “obsessed” with the collection.
When I say these are my favourite leggings that is no understatement — I have four pairs of them, all in different colours, including a gorgeous burgundy shade.
Their super-flattering waistband cinches you in at the middle and its thick nylon-spandex blend material holds and lifts your butt, without being restrictive.
I wear these leggings for everything: For walks, weight training, pilates, working from home and love how sweat-wicking their material is.
Their thicker-than-normal material means I probably wouldn’t wear them for anything high sweat intensity like running or hot yoga.
But they’re a good all-rounder pair that comes in at a great price point, with a variety of colours, matching tops and sizes available.
Full Length Tights Nandex Original, $89.95 at STAX.
Why we love it: Super soft yet not too hot for working out
What to consider: A small percentage of people found the tights didn’t stay up as they would like
Material: Nandex
Length: Ankle length
Colour: 24 including black, blue and blue
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
STAX.’ s Best Black range is made from buttery soft Nandex fabric that feels great to work out in – even JLo is also a fan.
These leggings get my tick of approval for strength training as they’re supportive and compressive but don’t feel too tight.
They don’t move around while I’m working out but still feel nice and comfortable enough to wear them while running errands, going to a cafe.
P.E. NATION Amplify Leggings, $59.40 (down from $99) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: No branding
What to consider: There is a zip feature at the bottom of leg
Material: 78 per cent Recycled Polyester, 22 per cent Elastane
Length: 7/8
Colour: Black
What You Need To Know
Made from a lightweight recycled polyester and elastane blend, they feature a wide elasticated waist band and offer generous stretch. With no branding, these tights are perfect for someone after a more understated look.
These leggings are perfect for pairing with a crop top or sports bra – they’re stylish enough to wear them on a coffee run and durable enough for gym training.
BEST PLUS SIZE LEGGINGS
Nike Universa Women’s Medium-Support Leggings (plus size), $120 at Nike
Why we love it: Dri-FIT technology to keep you dry; squat-proof; mid-weight fabric; smoothing and supportive
What to consider: Limited plus size options
Material: 76 per cent polyester / 24 per cent elastane
Length: 7/8
Colour: Black, Pink and Hot Pink
What You Need To Know
These high-waisted Nike leggings come in at a great price point and are designed to hug your waist to keep you confident and comfortable in every pose. It has a snug fit to keep you supported and is squat proof – making them a great pair to pick for your everyday gym sessions and beyond.
BEST LEGGINGS FOR RUNNING AND GYM
Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Tight 28” Reflective, $149 at Lululemon
Why we love it: Great for high intensity workouts
What to consider: Thin material so lightweight coverage
Material: Body: 84 per cent Nylon, 16 per cent Lycra Elastane, Waistband Lining: 89 per cent Nylon, 11 per cent Elastane
Length: Full length
Colour: Six colours including black, grey and khaki
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, news.com.au checkout Editor
Lululemon’s Fast and Free leggings have got to be my favourite item from the cult activewear brand.
While they’re priced on the expensive side, their sweat-wicking Nulux fabric is perfect for any cardio or weight training you might be doing.
I’m on my third pair of these leggings in seven years and love them for their super flattering style that supports you without feeling restrictive.
They hold up after multiple washes (I still wear a pair I bought in 2017) and feature both pockets and reflective markings, making them great for running or walking outdoors.
Women’s UA Meridian Ankle Leggings, $60 (down from $85) at Under Armour
Why we love it: Available in a short, regular and tall range (as well as regular sizes)
What to consider: Only the metallic blue colourway
Material: 72 per cent Nylon/28 per cent Elastane
Length: Sits just above ankles
Colour: Metallic blue
Tried and Tested by Shireen Khalil, news.com.au Travel Reporter
I absolutely love the feel of these tights. The fabric is super soft and the design is on point.
It has pockets on either side which is fab for when you don’t want to hold your phone while training. It’s also super stretchy so if you do HITT sessions, or even weights and things such as kickboxing, you’re not restricted.
It’s also great at absorbing sweat, so you’re not left with sweat patches in awkward areas.
The Upside Matte Tech Midi Pants, $83.99 (down from $119.99) at The Upside
Why we love it: High waistband that doesn’t fall down
What to consider: Not a huge size range
Material: The Upside’s Matte Tech
Length: 7/8
Colour: Black
What You Need To Know
These sleek leggings by Australian brand, The Upside, will never do you wrong. Created with the brand’s Matte Tech performance fabric, these leggings with endure any position you stretch them into. The high rise waistband won’t budge and comes with a handy concealed pocket and the seamless sides give you a smooth, streamlined look.
BEST LEGGINGS FOR PILATES AND YOGA
Serenity Scrunch Leggings, $85.99 at Crop Shop Boutique
Why we love it: No front seam
What to consider: Scrunch bum detail may not be for everyone
Material: Polyester and spandex blend
Length: Full length
Colour: Seven colours including black, green and white
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
Crop Shop Boutique’s cult favourite leggings are taking the TikTok world by storm, loved for their compressive, sculpting and most importantly comfortable fit.
They’re high-waisted with no front seam, plus they come with a hidden pocket in the waistband. The fabric is a unique blend of polyester and spandex, and with a four-way stretch, these leggings are perfect for training and everyday wear.
They are so incredibly soft and lightweight, while also cinching you in at all the right places. I wear them for walks and weight training and nothing feels like it’s digging in, it just feels super supportive and comfortable.
The Serenity Scrunch Leggings have also racked up an average score of 4.9 out of five on the website, with over 1000 five star ratings. Countless happy customers have called them the “best leggings ever” noting how they are “flattering and sculpting”.
There’s loads of beautiful and wearable colours to choose from, plus they also come in a non-scrunch version if that’s not your thing.
AIM’N Ribbed Seamless Tights, $59.40 (down from $99) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Seamless
What to consider: Ribbed fabric unlike usual style of tights
Material: 92 per cent Nylon, 8 per cent Elastane
Length: Full length
Colour: Black, off white, lemonade
What You Need To Know
These seamless leggings have a cult following for a reason. Their wide waistband and cut accentuates your waist and booty, while their ribbed finish is super-flattering on the skin.
I wear my AIM’N leggings for pilates and find them really comfortable to work out in — and their waistband never falls down on me.
BEST FLARE LEGGINGS
LSKD Everyday Flare Leggings, $100 at LSKD
Why we love it: Fold over waistband
What to consider: Not for high intensity workouts
Material: 70 per cent Polyester, 30 per cent Elastane
Length: Full length
Colour: Black and red
What You Need To Know
As you might’ve seen on TikTok, flare leggings are all the rage right now and we’re loving the sellout Everyday Flare by LSKD. Made from their signature four-way stretch REP fabric, these super soft tights feature a high-rise fold over waistband with a hidden phone pocket and flared legs. Perfect for wearing in and out of the house, you can easily pop them on with a cropped tee and sneakers for a quick errand run.
They’re available in sizes 2XS to 3XL and in also in another red colourway.
Boasting a 4.9 out of five-star rating from over 200 reviews, many reviewers rave about the “amazing” quality, and how “comfy” and “flattering” they are.
One shopper wrote: “Absolutely love these pants. Can wear out and about for coffees with the girls or to pilates. A must buy — so-so comfy. I am getting a second pair for my daughter. Fabric is lovely quality and so flattering.”
“The quality of the material is AMAZING. So flattering on and fits so well,” another wrote.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING LEGGINGS
When choosing leggings to include in our list, we evaluated several factors:
Fabric: Lightweight fabric that will keep you cool in a workout but also thick enough to pass the squat test. The fabric is also dependent on what type of workout you will be doing.
Style and length: While full length tights is the current trend, 3/4 and 7/8 length tights are also great options to consider.
Comfort and fit: Everyone hates when leggings keep falling down so we read thousands of reviews to ensure that only the best made the cut.
Price: Although price does often reflect quality, we worked to ensure that we included a range of leggings at different price points for different budgets.
Versatility: Whether you’re wearing your leggings to the gym, on a run, a walk or simply for lounging at home, we’ve found the leggings for your every need.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
With hundreds of styles available, it’s impossible to test every legging out there. To help you find the best one, we tested a handful of well-known brands at different price points. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best leggings from premium to budget to help you find the right one for your activewear collection.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF MATERIAL FOR LEGGINGS
What material you opt for will depend on what you’re purchasing them for — if it’s for everyday wear and light exercise like walking, you will probably want to purchase a pair that is a cotton blend.
For more intense exercise you will want to make sure your leggings can stretch and move with you, so checking to see if they’re made from a spandex or elastane blend will be useful.
WHAT IS THE BEST LEGGINGS BRAND IN AUSTRALIA?
What brand is best for you will depend on your budget and what you’re looking to wear them for. If you’re able to spend $100-plus on leggings, then in my opinion Lululemon is definitely worth the investment as their material, make and design is top-notch.
Next I would choose STAX., as it’s a great mid-priced brand for leggings that are available in a wide-range of sizes and trendy colours, while their styles are super-flattering.
But if you’re on a budget then Amazon Australia would be my choice purely for the variety and value they offer. Plus their leggings have so many customer reviews that mean you can buy the right pair for you based on shopper feedback.
More Coverage
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