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After Wearing the Best Gymshark Leggings for a Month, These 11 Pairs Stood Out

They’re not just for the weightlifting-obsessed—we also love Gymshark leggings for yoga, Pilates, running, and more

By
Michelle Parente, CYT
Michelle Parente

Michelle Parente, CYT, is a New York City-based yoga sculpt instructor and lifestyle journalist specializing in health, wellness, and fitness content. As a commerce writer, it's Michelle's mission to provide researched and reliable product recommendations.

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Updated on March 11, 2024
Reviewed
Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more.
by
Heather Black, CPT
Heather Black, CPT
Reviewed by Heather Black, CPT

Heather Black, CPT is a NASM-certified personal trainer and owner of Heather Black Fitness & Nutrition where she offers remote and in-person training and nutrition coaching.

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Fact checked
Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more.
by
Rich Scherr
Rich Scherr
Fact checked by Rich Scherr

Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist who has covered technology, finance, sports, and lifestyle.

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Two people sitting on exercise boxes while wearing Gymshark vital seamless leggings

Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson

Gymshark is a popular activewear brand 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. 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. 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 for quality, opacity, fit, performance, and overall value. 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.

Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings

Gymshark

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.9/5
  • Opacity
    5/5
  • Fit
    4.6/5
  • Performance
    4.7/5
  • Value
    5/5
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. 

Key Specs: 
Rise: High-waisted | Length: 30.5 inches | Fabric: Nylon, elastane | Sizes: XS-XXL | Compression Level: High | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry

Gymshark ADAPT CAMO SEAMLESS LEGGINGS

Gymshark

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.9/5
  • Opacity
    4.9/5
  • Fit
    4.9/5
  • Performance
    4.9/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
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. 

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

Gymshark Legacy Leggings

Gymshark

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.7/5
  • Opacity
    5/5
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Performance
    4.7/5
  • Value
    5/5
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.  

Key Specs: 
Rise:
High-waisted | Length: 30.5 inches | Fabric: Nylon, elastane | Sizes: XS-XXL | Compression Level: Moderate | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry

Gymshark Training Leggings

Gymshark

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Opacity
    4.8/5
  • Fit
    4.6/5
  • Performance
    4.4/5
  • Value
    5/5
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. 

Key Specs: 
Rise:
High-waisted | Length: 30.5 inches | Fabric: Polyester, elastane | Sizes: XS-XXL | Compression Level: Moderate | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry

Gymshark Elevate Leggings

Gymshark

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Opacity
    5/5
  • Fit
    4.6/5
  • Performance
    4.8/5
  • Value
    5/5
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.

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

Gymshark ADAPT ANIMAL SEAMLESS LEGGINGS

Gymshark

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.8/5
  • Opacity
    5/5
  • Fit
    4.6/5
  • Performance
    4.6/5
  • Value
    4.8/5
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. 

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

Gymshark APEX SEAMLESS LEGGINGS

Gymshark

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.9/5
  • Opacity
    4.9/5
  • Fit
    4.8/5
  • Performance
    4.9/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
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.

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

Best for Cold Weather Workouts

Gymshark Sweat Seamless

Gymshark SWEAT SEAMLESS

Gymshark

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.7/5
  • Opacity
    4.6/5
  • Fit
    4.6/5
  • Performance
    4.4/5
  • Value
    4.6/5
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.

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

Gymshark FLEX HIGH WAISTED LEGGINGS

Gymshark

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Opacity
    5/5
  • Fit
    4.3/5
  • Performance
    3.8/5
  • Value
    3.9/5
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.  

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

Gymshark GS POWER ORIGINAL LEGGINGS

Gymshark

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.9/5
  • Opacity
    4.1/5
  • Fit
    4.3/5
  • Performance
    4.4/5
  • Value
    3.7/5
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. 

Key Specs: 
Rise: High-waisted | Length: 30.5 inches | Fabric: Polyester, elastane | Sizes: XS-XXL | Compression Level: Moderate | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry

Gymshark WARP KNIT LEGGINGS

Gymshark

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.6/5
  • Opacity
    2.4/5
  • Fit
    4.3/5
  • Performance
    4/5
  • Value
    3.4/5
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. 

Key Specs: 
Rise:
High-waisted | Length: 30.5 inches | Fabric: Nylon, elastane | Sizes: XS-XXL | Compression Level: High | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry

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. 

The Verywell Fit Team Tests Gymshark Leggings

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 workout 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. For instance, runners should look for the best leggings for running. 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.

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