What to look for when buying running leggings

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a pair of great women’s running leggings. A lot of these are down to personal choice, but are definitely worth thinking about before you head to the checkout.

Material

This is key when it comes to taking your leggings out to the streets. Even the loveliest, softest fabric can cause a problem with all that repetitive movement and sweating, resulting in discomfort or chafing.

You’ll probably want to buy leggings made from sweat-wicking fabric, which is usually mentioned in the description. This helps to take away any moisture from the sweating situation, which will reduce irritation.

If you’re after warmth for winter running, base layer leggings exist. These can be made from lots of different fabrics, including more eco-friendly options like bamboo or merino wool. Similarly to base layer tops, they keep the heat in while letting moisture out. Again, it’s worth reading the description to make sure that ‘sweat-wicking’ is mentioned.

Length

This is an entirely personal choice, and will usually depend on your leg to torso proportions. These days, leggings tend to come in three length options: capri, 7/8 and full length. Some of us want full coverage from hips to heels. Others of us love to have an ankle out, or want to wear jazzy socks without bunched fabric underneath. It’s up to you!

Waist fit

High-waist leggings seem to be the favourites at the moment, as they offer a secure fit and often have plenty of pocket space. They’re definitely not everyone’s favourite choice though, so do try on different rise options to see what feels most comfortable to you. An internal waist tie can be really useful as well when it comes to running leggings, as it allows you to tighten them after putting them on. This ensures that they stay in place as you run.

Seams

This is another key part of the comfort equation. Generally speaking, seamless leggings will offer the most comfort as you don’t have any thick fabric or stitching rubbing in unpleasant places. These do however have their downsides – usually this means no pockets, and a looser fit.

Pockets

If you’re anything like us, you love pockets. Like, really LOVE pockets. A lot of running leggings come with a zipped back pocket as standard – so handy for keys and a phone. Others also include side pockets, which are great for easy access to things like gels. That being said, this extra weight can contribute to leggings slipping down as you run, so wearing something like a running belt instead could be a better bet.

Compression

Some leggings offer compression. This means that they fit more tightly than normal running leggings, offering a compressing effect to our legs and muscles. This is said to help support our muscles, joints and tendons as we run, and improve blood circulation. They’re usually less comfy than non-compression leggings, but are a good option for times when you want a performance boost.

Leak protection

Gone are the days where we would avoid running on our period, or need to add an uncomfortable liner or pad. In the last few years, our fave brands have developed leggings designed with leak protection and periods in mind. These have some clever period pants tech built into the leggings, which means you can pop them on and head out on your run without a second thought! Most of these leggings are suitable for all kinds of leak or flow, but others have specific recommendations, so always read the description thoroughly before buying.

The best women’s running leggings

Best for fit: Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity High Waisted Women’s Running Leggings

Technical details:

• Fabric: 59% Polyamide, 41% Elastane]
• RRP: £95
• Sizes: XXS-XXL
• High-waist
• Length options: 7/8 and full
• Pockets: back and side
• Bum-sculpting fit
• UV protection 40+

What our testers said

I can’t rate these women’s running leggings enough. I’ve been wearing them for around 8 years now, and I’m yet to get rid of a pair – though mysteriously, I keep finding new ones in my running closet when I just couldn’t resist a new print or colour! They fit like a second skin, and give the most flattering silhouette thanks to the bum-sculpting style. The 7/8 is the perfect length for me, as it comes just above the ankle of my running shoes. I know that they are on the pricey side for leggings, but in terms of cost per wear, I think these are the best value out there.

Best value: M&S Goodmove High Waisted Women’s Running Leggings

Technical details:

• Fabric: 73% polyester, 27% elastane
• RRP: £27.50
• Sizes: UK 6-22
• High-waist
• Length options: 7/8 and full
• Back and side pockets
• Drawstring waist fastening
• Recycled polyester

What our testers said

These high-waisted leggings from M&S are gorgeous. They come in loads of colours and prints, and different length options. The fabric is comfortable and moisture-wicking. There’s an interesting cut at the back which is both practical and flattering; it sort of feels like a butt hug! A thick drawstring around the waistband allows for greater security and I like the zipped pocket on the waistband and the deep side pocket too. It’s deep enough for a phone but positioned in the perfect place not to be an inconvenience when you’re moving. I feel secure and warm in these leggings, they rest nicely against the skin, and feel reassuringly technical, but non-restrictive.

Best for inclusive sizing: Nike Go High-Waisted Full Length Leggings

Technical details:

• Fabric: Nylon (50% recycled), elastane
• RRP: £99.99
• Sizes: XS-4XL
• High-waist
• Full length
• 2 thigh pockets
• Firm support

What our testers said

These are the softest, most stylish leggings I own – I love how they feel and how flattering they look. They stay in place pretty well – though I would definitely recommend making use of the drawstring – and the thigh pockets are so handy. As a curvier runner, I really like the thicker, higher waistband: it makes me feel comfortable and secure. In fact, if you’re also blessed with curves, these are a fantastic option thanks to the wide range of sizing. I use them for running, yoga and gymming alike and have been so impressed by how quickly they dry and how well they’ve held up through quite a bit of wear. If only they were slightly cheaper, then I’d buy a pair in every colour!

Most stylish: Lululemon Fast & Free High-Rise 25″ Leggings

Technical details:

• Fabric: Nulux™ weightless fabric
• RRP: £118
• Sizes: UK women’s 4-18
• High-waist
• 23″, 25″ and 28″ options
• 5 pockets

What our tester said

I love these Lululemon leggings, despite the hefty price tag. They’re incredibly soft, but still feel supportive, and they stay put on the run – I don’t even find myself needing the drawstring, though you can rest assured there is one if you need it. They’ve cleverly managed to cram a whopping five pockets into these, with two open thigh ones and three on the waistband for smaller items like keys or cards. They’re also available in a wide range of colours – though I will say that some of those lighter colours show up marks quite easily. Overall, they’re a dream to run in as well as to lounge around the house in!

Best eco-friendly choice: BAM Flexa Seamless Running Leggings

Technical details:

• Fabric: 48% Bamboo Viscose, 47% Amni Soul Eco® Polyamide, 5% Elastane
• RRP: £52
• Sizes: S-L
• 360° stretch
• Seamless

What our testers said

I am utterly in love with these leggings – I don’t think I’ve ever had a comfier pair. The design is both flattering and striking and, despite the fact that they don’t have a waistband drawstring, they stay solidly in place – I even wore them for a half marathon and they didn’t budge. They’re made from bamboo as well as BAM’s clever Amni Sol Eco® which degrades in five years – that’s hundreds of years than competitor fabrics. So you can feel good about wearing them. And this doesn’t mean they need extra special care, either – you can wash them normally and they come out good as new.

Best for warmer weather: koko+kind Capri Leggings

Technical details:

• Fabric: 77% polyester, 23% elastane
• RRP: £35.95
• Sizes: 8-16
• High waist
• Capri length
• Large side leg pockets
• Flatlock seams for comfort
• 4-way stretch

What our testers said

I was really impressed with these capris. They fit well, feel great and also look amazing. They only come in patterned fabrics, so I tested the Blush Leopard print. An adventurous step away from my usual plain black! But they were still subtle enough to suit my preferences, and if you prefer something bolder then there are lots of other prints to choose from. The fabric felt soft against my skin and it was nicely breathable on the run. The advice from koko+kind is to size up, which was true of my pair. I found that they were comfortable and didn’t budge while running. Since I tested these, I haven’t worn anything else.

Best for visibility: On Lumos Long Tights

Technical details:

• Fabric: 65% polyamide, 35% elastane
• RRP: £130
• Sizes: XS-XL
• Super-elasticated high-waist
• Full length
• Back pocket with key loop
• Reflective detailing
• Ankle zips
• Brushed fabric for warmth

Best for cross training: Sweaty Betty Power Gym Leggings

Technical details

• Fabric: 62% polyamide, 38% elastane
• RRP: £90
• Sizes: XXS-XXL
• Bum-sculpting
• Sweat-wicking, quick-drying and breathable
• 80-90% squat-proof
• Side pocket and back zip pocket
• Drawcord at waist
• Available in full length or 7/8

What our testers said

I live in these leggings – they strike an excellent balance between comfortable and supportive. They’re smoothing and flattering, and there are so many designs to choose from – you can even select your preferred length, which is a bonus for me as I prefer a full-length legging but can’t often find one that I like. They’re super versatile, and I’ve used them for running plenty of times, though they’re not quite as secure as the Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity pair. They really come into their own for cross training: breathable, squat-proof and highly flexible. Love them!

Best for compression: CEP Run Compression Tights

Technical details:

• Fabric: 62% polyaminde, 38% elastane
• RRP: £124.95
• Sizes: XS-L
• Compression zones
• Full length
• Back pocket and side pockets
• Drawstring waist fastening
• Flat seams for comfort

What our testers said

These felt slightly tight when first putting on, especially over my calves. But by the time they’re fully on, they feel very easy to move in, and yet still very supportive, staying firmly in place. The flat seams give a smooth feel and fit too, and the medi-compression offers great support, making the most of blood circulation to feed your muscles and support your joints. With two handy pockets on both sides and a zip pocket at the back, these are perfect for endurance runs and my legs still felt strong and stable during and after a long training session. Bit on the pricey side, though.

Best for trail running & walking: ACAI Outdoor Softshell Leggings

Technical details:

• Fabric: 86% nylon, 15% spandex
• RRP: £60
• Sizes: XS-XXL
• Seam-free inner leg
• Full length
• Side zipped pocket
• Drawstring waist fastening
• Extremely quick drying
• Wipe-clean
• Snag-proof
• UV protection

What our testers said

You can’t help but feel stylish when wearing these leggings, but don’t overlook the high-performance creds too. They are suitable for every outdoor activity; I’ve tried them for trail running, cycling, trekking, outdoor workouts and dog walking. Made with a stretchy soft-shell material which is seam free on the inner leg, there is no risk of any chafing and they are quick drying and shower resistant, so you never feel any unwanted moisture. With a zip pocket big enough for your phone on your thigh and a high waistband with a drawcord, everything stays in place. They are also snag proof and can be wiped clean, making them ideal on the muddy trails.

Best period leggings: PUMA x Modibody Recycled Active Period Leggings

Technical details:

• Fabric: 80% recycled nylon, 20% spandex
• RRP: £62
• Sizes: XS-4XL
• Gusset fabric: merino wool, polyester, polyamide
• 7/8 length
• Back pocket
• Holds 2-3 tampons’ worth liquid
• Moisture-wicking
• Fast-drying

What our testers said

I’m a big fan of these for my outside bootcamps and runs. The thicker fabric and compression meant they were brilliant for the colder weather as December draws a bit nearer. They stayed put too, with a nice high waistband not shifting no matter how many burpees I threw at them.

The really big plus point here was the period-proofing. They have a super soft merino gusset which offers up to three tampons’ worth of protection. This meant I felt really secure and happy to do workouts without any other protection while I was on my period, and didn’t have to worry about leaks or things like pads slipping about and feeling uncomfortable.

Plus the style on these is fabulous – I would have bought them even if they didn’t offer protection, as I love the whoosh across both legs.

It was a shame about the lack of storage, though. A small key pocket on the back was great, but I’d really like to see a thigh pocket at this price point.

Want to know more? Read Esther’s full PUMA x Modibodi Recycled Period Leggings review

Best leak protection: Sweaty Betty Leak Protect Power 7/8 Leggings

Technical details:

• Fabric: 62% polyamide, 38% elastane
• RRP: £88
• Sizes: XXS-XXL
• 7/8 length
• Back zipped pocket & side pocket
• Built in knicker to capture leaks during menstruation and menopause
• Designed for light/medium flows and incontinence
• Moisture-wicking & anti-microbial

What our testers said

I’ve toyed with period leggings in the past but never found any that work for me. Until now! These are a game-changer: they fit like Sweaty Betty’s iconic Power leggings, but offer protection against leaks and menstruation.

They have all the features we know and love from SB, including a zipped back pocket, an adjustable waistband and a squat-proof design.

The inner protective liner is comfy, and doesn’t show. I didn’t experience any chafing or leaking either. A total win!