The best gym pants for women are designed to operate like a second skin, allowing you to move with ease while staying cool and dry. The elasticity in these tights helps prevent them from bunching up under your weight or restricting movement during a workout, and some even offer compression to help you feel energized before, during, and after exercise. The most important thing is to choose a pair that fits well, as ill-fitting leggings can cause itchy skin, rashes, and in severe cases, muscle injuries.

There are several types of leggings to choose from, but the most popular are yoga pants. These are fitted, usually with a wide waistband that may cut high at the hips or low around the belly button. They typically resemble joggers, but are baggier at the lower legs. These leggings are most commonly made from a blend of spandex and elastane. Depending on the brand, these can be tight or loose, and some also feature a moisture-wicking fabric to keep you cool and dry during workouts.

The Perfect Fit: Choosing Women’s Gym Leggings for Comfort and Performance

The yoga pants in this article are made from a thicker material than many other brands, which makes them more opaque and sturdier. Some of the thinner styles we tested, such as the Girlfriend Collective Compressive Pocket and the Lululemon Align, were slightly see-through when worn in a lighter color. However, this was not a major issue in our testers’ experiences. They found these workout pants to be very comfortable and breathable, and they loved how easy it was to pair them with a running top.