Help - do flattering gym leggings exist?

[Ndotto]

Does anyone have any recommendations for gym leggings that flatter the - ahem - less than perfect figure? Am trying to up my exercise game and need more gym outfits, but since I last shopped for 'activewear' it seems that all the normal leggings have disappeared and the only stuff now available is either a) shiny or b) full of mesh bits and cutouts like something from a Cher tour circa 1990. Any flattering, forgiving and preferably matt black options out there? (I'm a size 12 and also a shortarse, so capri length ideally or else I'll be tucking the ends into my trainers!)

I am a Size 14 and have chunky legs but got some leggings before Christmas from M&S, they are quite thick matt material in Navy blue- & have a draw string. They had different lengths as well.

This is a gripe of mine- sports clothes for women seem to be either leggings or wide yoga pants with not much in between- & don't get me started on pockets (or lack off!), see through material & tops that aren't long enough.

Flamin - This top from Tesco covers my bum www.tesco.com/direct/ff-active-tropical-burnout-t-shirt/188-5271.prd and whilst it looks really see-through, it's not so bad IRL. and these have a zipped pocket www.tesco.com/direct/ff-active-watercolour-print-reflective-detail-leggings/725-0875.prd

I quite like Tesco's stuff Ndotto. The leggings are good quality (although the new palm print ones are horrid).

I got some stuff recently in the sale from zalando. I'm an 18 so its a bit different as I'm in the 'plus size' category but I found some nice nike t-shirts and plain leggings.

They have a lot of the mesh and cutout stuff too :) www.zalando.co.uk/sports-women-home/

I haven't checked your size so it may not provide you with much!

Free delivery and returns.

USA pro have some that might fit the bill, think they are described as seamless high waisted. I have them and they are Matt and Capri (also a short arse).

Nike plain black capris are very flattering and comfy. I am short, and they sit just below my knee. Avoid patterns on the bottom half like the plague.

I got these capris from Decathon last year. I love them because they don't cling.

Sadly they're not available online any more but I'll keep checking in case they get them back.

Have you had a look in Sainsburys? I get all my gym kit from Tu because it's cheap, decent quality and designed with average women in mind, rather than Kelly Holmes. The last pair of black leggings I got had a brilliant high waistband in paler stripes that was so flattering I already felt like I'd lost weight before I even got to the gym. It's also often 25% off.

Gap's good for activewear (using one of their 40% codes).

I've also recently bought some Sweaty Betty leggings in the sale. They do have mesh bits, but OMG they're the most comfortable flattering leggings ever. I wish I could wear them to work .

Seconding the Sweaty Betty rec. They're super comfy, very flattering, and also don't fall down so you're not constantly hoiking them up when running. LOVE LOVE LOVE. Their Power leggings come in plain matte black, though they usually don't end up in the sale alas.

I second Sweaty Betty leggings. They're £££, but last forever. I have a pair bought 8 years ago, washed at least twice a week, still as good as new. They usually have decent ones in the sales.

The Zero Gravity ones are particularly flattering on my less than perfect figure - and they come up nice and high at the waist so no-one has to see my builder's bum when I bend down, and I'm not constantly having to hoik them up.

Another vote for the Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity / Power Sculpting leggings. I think you get what you pay for with fitness clothes and both Sweaty Betty and Lulu Lemon are in my mind worth the extra ££. Both last well (I train 4 times a week so kit is constantly in and out of the washing machine). The Lulu Real Tight 7/8ths leggings are fab (v expensive over here - I buy mind in the USA when I'm on holiday) & worth the money.

Yes but as others have said you get what you pay for!

I’m also a convert to Sweaty Betty Power and Zero Gravity leggings. I prefer the Power leggings as they are softer than the Zero Gravity and don’t have mesh bits behind the knees.

Lululemon Wunder Unders are thicker and good as well.

There is a good eBay market for second hand luxury tights so worth a look on there for tights.

Sweaty Betty also does a short length.

Another vote for Sweaty Betty - I have several pairs of their leggings and they look great and go on and on! They come in different weights depending on your activity

Wow thanks for all the suggestions - I shall be spending the evening online looking at options! Had forgotten USA Pro existed but did used to love their stuff. Have had a quick squint at the Sweaty Betty range in work and despite alarm at the shape of the model for the contour workout leggings (long and thin as a crane fly) and a deep breath at the price, they do look nice and plain. One more question - how do the sizes translate? I am a definite 12 so would that be a Medium?

Shall also look at the suggested supermarket ranges too as I love a bargain!

Definitely still afraid of mesh though.

I was coming to recommend Sweaty Betty but everyone seems to have beaten me to it! I love their stuff, just wish it was cheaper! eBay can be a good source. Oh and I'm a 12 as well and always buy M.

Also a (fairly sturdily built) 12, M in Sweaty Betty.

Yes and I am a L - more 12/14 with very long legs! The sales are good or you can usually get a 20% discount code

What do people think of Lululemon in comparison?

Which would you recommend for long legs pixel?

I find SB regular length are fine for me coldnose they come up quite long (in Hush I fit the T length).

I think Lululemon are comparable to SB in quality but they just don't fit me quite as well (apart from one long-lost pair that I tragically left on the bus....)*.

SB regular length are pretty long I think. I either get SB 7/8 length or I have the short length in the Zero Gravity ones because even though I am 5'7'' I have little tiny limbs like a T Rex.

*I was not wearing them at the time.

Why are you afraid of mesh?

You are a size 12 not a size 32.

I have worn mesh panel when a size 12 and if wearing the correct size, nothing bulges through .

I hate mesh and I’m a tall
size 10. It’s not as comfortable as fabric and it isn’t flattering on me.

Lululemon standard leg length is longer than Sweaty Betty. Both are quite long though, I’ve got a 33” inseam and SB length is perfect.

Lululemon sizing is smaller than SB, I need an S in SB as a 10/12 bottom but an 8 (UK 12) in Lulu.

Don't fear the mesh. It's usually strategically placed to a) stop you getting too sweaty and b) flatter leg shape. The M&S stuff I've tried is nice and thick, comfortable to wear but holds it all together. I got a lovely pair of leggings in the sale, and yes they also have mesh inserts