The best gym leggings tested by an exercise class

The Wunder Train leggings from Lululemon promise to wick moisture away from the skin to keep you dry while working out. The breathable fabric hugs to your skin without feeling too snug. They come in a range of colours and lengths.

Reviewed by senior writer, Becky Fuller: I know Lululemon is considered an expensive brand but my goodness these leggings are worth the price tag. As I've already mentioned, I spend most of my days (in fact, 6 out of 7) in leggings, so I need quality clothing. I also spend a large amount of time squatting - whether that's demonstrating them, doing them myself in the gym, or squatting to play with my little niece, so I can't have leggings that will go saggy or see-through.

The Lululemon Wunder Train series comes in a range of colours and I also like that they come in different lengths. If I was buying these I'd have gone for 25 inch for personal preference, but we tried the 28 inch. I'm quite short, so they were full-length on me, but would rest on the ankle or slightly above for most people.

I wear a size 10, which is what we ordered (US size 6) and they fit perfectly. I was really pleased about this because as we all know, women's sizing is often hit and miss! The leggings come up above my belly button which again is perfect - we're not gym bunnies in our twenties. I've had 3 children, I don't want my stomach on display!

They're soft and cling really closely to my legs, but not in an uncomfortable or restrictive way. They move with my body, sort of like a second skin. But a really soft one! They feel thin but what I've found is they keep me both warm and cool - when I go out walking in the early morning they're good at hugging my legs and warming me, but when I'm sweating, they wick away moisture to keep me cool and dry.

They're completely squat proof, which is a big reassurance when teaching as I often sit in the bottom of a squat to demonstrate.

They wash well and dry quickly. I'd like a pocket for my phone on the side, but that's not too much of an issue - I like that the pocket in the waistband is big enough for my keys and they didn't dig into me. I also really like the draw cord on the inside of the waistband - I'm small around my waist but larger on my thighs so it's helpful to be able to adjust them.

At £88 they're an investment, but honestly you'll soon realise that they truly justify the price tag. Look out for sales, too, under the 'we made too much' tab on their website.

Made from soft-touch recycled fabric, these leggings have a pocket on each side (we love pockets) and are available as full-length (which we tested) or 7/8. They're available in sizes 6-24, so a great range, and they're high-waisted, too.

Reviewed by Judi: These leggings are so soft! They feel really nice to touch but they also feel really nice when you've got them on. I'd say the sizing is a little on the smaller side as they're a snug size 14, but you could size up if you wanted more room or for them to feel a little looser.

What I will say, is when they're on, the fit is great. They hug the legs and come up high on the waist. For me, this makes them great for exercising as I don't feel self-conscious. You can move around in them very easily. I also love the pockets at the side - really handy when I get out of the car as I don't want to be carrying keys, phone and water-bottle!

They wash really well, and haven't lost colour or gone see-through - although I've only had them for a month. I guess they're moderately expensive at £55 but I love them. The website says they're the only black leggings you'll need and I think they're right.

We are loving the print range of leggings from M&S right now! This pair feature a lovely green animal print. They're high-waisted and have a tie inside to keep them secure on the waist. There's also a secure back pocket for valuables and a hidden pocket for your phone, making them perfect for being on the move outdoors.

Reviewed by Kath: Hurrah for leggings that fit true to size! So many don't, so that was a nice surprise to be honest! I love the drawstring so you can pull them tighter if needed - perfect if you have a smaller waist and it stops them falling down. I felt really secure when running.

I also love the pocket at the back - I could fit my keys and also my small radio that I take with me for running. Perfect.

They're definitely more for the colder weather as they do get warm. I wore them running in the early morning and they were perfect, and will be throughout the winter, but when I wore them to kettlebells in August, I was far too hot. That said, they kept me dry and although I felt hot, I didn't feel sweaty.

I'd have liked them to be softer. I thought they'd soften up after a few washes but they didn't. That might just be my personal preference though as I like soft leggings. The material is good quality though - they wash well and keep their shape. I can't see that they'll go see-through. Overall I am really happy with them.

If patterns and/ or bright colours are your thing, Loonylegs is the brand for you. We are totally obsessed with their entire range, but we particularly love the ones we tested. They have a double layered waistband and are super soft.

Reviewed by Aimee: These leggings are so soft and comfortable with a beautiful design. It's not too bright - I like that the yellow isn't too harsh. The different tones of blue are also lovely. I have had so many compliments on them at the gym and kettlebells - loads of people asking where I've got them from.

The waistband is snug but it doesn't dig in. It just holds up really well - they don't fall down unlike other leggings I've owned.

They wash really well too, and they're squat-proof. Often patterned leggings will go a bit see-through but these haven't at all, and I've worn them a lot.

I love them so much, I now want the whole range.

These beautifully patterned leggings from M&S are supremely soft. We tested the purple pair (pictured) but other patterns are available. They have a high waist and a secure back pocket, too.

Reviewed by Ali: It's easy to see (and feel) that these leggings are good quality. They're easy to put on and fit really well around the bottom and legs. However, I felt the waist was large. I had to keep pulling the drawstring to tighten them and they still felt like they were slipping. Maybe that's just me though!

They were fine for kettlebell classes though, and every day wear, but I wouldn't wear them to go running. I had loads of compliments on them and felt really good in them. That was a nice confidence boost! I love the colour and pattern, and they are so unbelievably soft. They feel really nice to wear.

They keep their softness after washing and dry well. They don't dry as quickly as some pairs I have, but I don't mind that so much as they'e good quality.

Another pattern we are completely in love with, these Pour Moi Energy leggings have a high waist and breathable fabric to keep you cool. They also have a hidden pocket for keys and a side pocket for your phone.

Tested by Anita: These feel really lovely when on, and I love the pattern, however, they were too big. I looked at the website before ordering and thought this would be the correct size, but they came up large. If I had the next size down I know they would have been perfect. I have lost weight recently, so I think a lot of it is me not having the confidence to order a smaller size, but it's a shame they were baggy on the waist.

The length is great, the pockets are fab, and I got so many compliments on them. Lots of people saying how lovely I looked which was a great confidence boost!

They wash well and dry quickly, and kept me dry when exercising. I'd buy again, especially as they're god value for money, but I'd get a smaller size.

These Amazing Jane leggings feature a high waist with tummy control and they also claim to 'sculpt' your bum. They have a large side pocket as well as a smaller discreet pocket.

Tested by Gemma and senior writer, Becky Fuller: There's a reason these leggings were tested by two of us, and that's because they come up small. Both Gemma (one of my class members) and I wear a size 10, and Gemma took them home to try. However, she found them to be extremely tight, so passed them back to me.

I got them on, but trust me when they say tummy control, they really do squeeze the tummy in. They're tight, and if I'd bought them I'd have sent them back for a 12. There's not much give in the fabric, so getting them over my hips was a challenge, and I'd have liked a bit more stretch in the fabric, I think.

However, there are many positives and, I'd say, they're definitely worth buying as long as you bear in mind that you might need to size up. Pockets are always a plus, and I love the pattern. I have to wear black tops for teaching in, and so these compliment them really nicely. Once on, although they were snug round my tummy, they moved really well with me and felt like a second skin.

I will definitely keep wearing these, but - being honest - I'll wear them for morning workouts when my stomach is flat as opposed to the evening when I've eaten!

These yoga leggings from M&S are designed with a high waist and wrap front waistband. They're also lightweight and superset, making them ideal for relaxing yoga practice.

Reviewed by Bex: I loved the design of the leggings and the detailing on the waistband, that was a really lovely touch.

They're superset but not too thick, which is good. I felt like I could wear them around the house all day as they were so comfortable. They also feel really luxurious which is great considering they're not at all expensive.

In exercise classes I could move really easily in them, but in kettlebells the waistband kept rolling down which was frustrating. However, they're perfect for more relaxing forms of exercise. I would definitely wear them again as they also washed really well and dried quickly.

From weightlifting to running a marathon on the treadmill, these Sweaty Betty gym leggings will help you cruise through any exercise. Available in 10 different flattering colours, they are super-stretchy, and the material is sweat-wicking and quick-drying for extra comfort. They also have pockets.

Reviewed by senior writer, Becky Fuller: "I have had these Sweaty Betty Power Gym leggings for nearly 2 years now, and I'm only just getting to the point that I'm thinking of replacing them. I'd guess in that time I've worn them at least twice a week on average.

They are seriously squat proof, and I know that because I always wear them when I'm doing squats! The pockets are very handy, and I love the way they feel. Are they expensive? Yes, but I'd say I have more than got my money's worth.

They wash really well and haven't lost shape at all, either. They dry quickly which is great and wick away sweat. If you're a serious gym-goer, I'd really recommend these.