Best exercise leggings

[Repetitivebeats]

I need some new leggings for exercise (gym, classes, badminton, the occasional jog). I've previously really rated Decathlon leggings but I don't seem to be able to find any which fit my requirements:

• full length
• waist must have a drawstring (I have big hips/thighs and a small waist and find leggings which fit me round the hips tend to gape at the waist without a drawstring)
• at least one pocket for locker key
• sturdy fabric that's not going to go see-through when I squat/lose elasticity/show every lump and bump

As I say Decathlon used to do the perfect ones but I've just been and I can't find any!

You're going to get two main recommendations: Sweaty Betty and Goodmove at M&S. Both tick all your boxes and the expensive SBs can be bought in the sale or BNWT on eBay. For what it's worth, I've tried both and prefer the Goodmove ones.

Tikiboo would fit the bill. Mine are great and today they have 30% off sale until midnight.

I haven't found any cheaper ones that have the same quality and features.

I really like sturdy by design, I'm a fat hourglass and the high waist is great with a drawstring

I've just bought a Jack Wolfskin pair in navy/charcoal from Cotswold Outdoor and I'm totally obsessed. They meet all of your requirements. They were expensive (about £70 I think) but the fabric is so thick and flattering and I think they'll wear well for a long time.

I'm wearing ASOS 4505s just now and they have everything you've said. I really rate them and plan to buy in other colours.

I second Sturdy By Design. Excellent leggings, great designs, they’re a good price (and often do 20% off sales if you follow the FB page - there’s one on now).@MrOllivander I have a collection of over 40 pairs! I shudder to think what I’ve spent on them.

And Sturdies are completely squat proof.

@devildeepbluesea I've actually just bought another pair as 20% off
Have 3 pairs but I use my peloton pretty much daily and needed another!

If you cant find the right ones at Decathlon (and I agree about them being excellent) then either wait a bit and try again (they bring out new ones periodically and I expect summer weight fabrics are just coming in)

Or try:
Ronhill - enduring good reputation for a reason
Tikiboo - often very bright!
Flanci - ditto
New Balance - good pockets but tend to be ankle skimmers
dhb - Wiggle's own brand
RunThrough kit - I've not had their tights, but the other stuff is very good, designed by runners for runners

Sweaty Betty or M&S Good Move.
I’ve tried both and (sadly for my purse) I prefer Sweaty Betty. Nothing else compares.

Lucy locket Loves active leggings completely squat proof, chafe proof for running and never slip or roll. They have lots of funky ones but also plain colours, the Kalamata colour is lovely.

Sweaty Betty. Power leggings. Pricey but you can get on eBay

Sweaty Betty Powers are the best for my shape (waist smaller than bum and thighs). In the sale they're definitely worth the premium over other types as they're so much more resistant to wear between the thighs which has destroyed cheaper leggings that I like less (so only worn when the Sweaty Bettys are in the wash) in the period I've owned the sweaty Betty leggings...

Sweaty Betty Power leggings. There's 20% off everything today too

Yup, Sweaty Betty.

M&S goodmove. Better than Sweaty Betty for me! And £££ cheaper.

The M&S leggings are so tight though. If you have muscular calves forget it.

The M&S ones made my legs really hot! I can only wear them in the middle of winter!

I find sweaty betty, sweaty and tight. Saw a whole load on my last visit to m&s that look thinner so less control over wobble but cooler for summer.

I've tried lots of brands but always come back to Ronhill. The designs might not be as fashionable as other brands but they are excellent and tick all of your boxes.

Im an SB power woman too. They are probably my most expensive garment (excluding coats and trainers), but they fit like a glove no matter how much weight I gain or lose, have perfect pockets for phone and keys and still look brand new despite washing and wearing 2 pairs almost constantly for around 18 months.

They feel like they will last forever and are extremely flattering. I switched to shorts for my jog today and got a nasty shock when I saw myself wobbling past a shop window.