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Original poster

Leggings - are ££ ones more comfy?

28 replies

Hotdayinjuly · 01/02/2025 19:29

I’m walking more and going to start running again. So I’ve been wearing more ‘active wear.’ I’ve never found gym leggings very comfy. I don’t like the gusset falling down mainly but generally the feel of them is not my favourite .I’ve read lots of things about sweaty betty or lulu lemon being a cut above etc. has any legging hater been converted by them (or a cheaper imitation) or is it just that leggings aren’t for me.

OP posts:
Obeseandashamed · 01/02/2025 19:32

I only ever buy sweaty betty or lululemon when on sale or in the outlet as i can't get my head around paying that much for leggings. 😬 I can honestly say that they are more comfortable than any others I've had previously. They wash and wear well and snap back to shape. I've gone down 2 dress sizes and they still fit well so definitely have some good stretch. It's been 3 years so far and I've not had to replace a pair.

AnnaQuayInTheUk · 01/02/2025 19:33

I swear by Sweaty Betty. I only buy in the sale but definitely worth it

Gingerisgoodforyou · 01/02/2025 20:04

Try vinted - lots of brand new with tags.

MooDengsFatRolls · 01/02/2025 20:09

Sweaty Betty fan here but I only buy in the sales or with the birthday offer. They last and are great quality. Can you go and try some or order some so you can see for yourself?

Original poster
Hotdayinjuly · 01/02/2025 20:15

Thanks that seems universal! I think ordering and trying might be the way. I’m probably a 12/14 depending on brand. Would medium be ok or better to go large?

OP posts:
surreygirl1987 · 01/02/2025 20:30

I'm a big fan of Sweaty Betty too. Other leggings slip down or are tricky to get on, but Sweaty Betty are amazing. They are super stretchy too. I wear the 'power' ones. I've worn the same pair (in Large) as a size 10 and as a size 16. Why not try some on in a SB store to see which style you prefer and whether you like M or L best? You could try to get some in the same or have a look on Vinted if the price is putting you off.

Gekeos · 01/02/2025 20:51

I only wear Sweaty Betty or Lululemon. Can definitely recommend the SB thermal running leggings they are expensive but I wear mine constantly and they are well worth it.

UpMyself · 01/02/2025 21:06

I don't get the love for LL or SB. I wear running brands, but I'm not that bothered what I look like when out running. Obviouly, I try to look OK but the clothes are for running in then they go in the wash.

Poisonwood · 01/02/2025 21:09

I much prefer yoga pants to leggings, stay up well and so soft.

henlake7 · 01/02/2025 21:54

I've never tried posh leggings, I just wear Primark ones to run in. They seem comfy enough and TBH I don't see the point of buying expensive sports gear if it's just going to get sweaty and muddy.
(Even my running shoes are a super cheap barefoot pair from Amazon!).

Butterfly44 · 01/02/2025 22:02

I recently bought these from Amazon. They are high waisted and so soft and comfy like a second skin. And really great price! I bought more and throwing all my old ones out. Leafigure Gym Leggings Womens... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BG75RL4F?ref=ppxpoppmobappshare

Marylou2 · 01/02/2025 22:07

Sweaty Betty Power leggings are brilliant. comfy and just don't move during yoga, pilates and running.

thenightsky · 01/02/2025 22:10

My Urban Trail if you are long of inside leg.

NotbloodyGivingupYet · 01/02/2025 22:11

I started with some from m&s and they were ok. Then I got some SBs in the sale and they were so much better. They don't have that slightly itchy sweaty feeling that cheaper leggings can give you. And they don't work their way down. I like the yoga ones better than the running ones.
But my favourites are Ron hill running leggings. With the mesh panels at the back of the knees. Still not cheap though. Oh and some winter ones from decathlon!

TheChosenTwo · 01/02/2025 22:12

I’ve worn my SB high waisted power leggings for years. I’ll be honest, all 4 pairs are now a bit bobbly on the thighs now but only in the last 6 months or so and I’d say they are all
worn and washed at least once a week so they owe me nothing.
I’m going to replace them with some LLL ones though as I’ve lost several stone and are now not tightly fitting or compressing anymore, saggy and baggy around the crotch, bum and legs. I fancy trying something new but I’ve always loved SB (only ever black for me, I don’t understand snazzy leggings 😂).

ShaunaSadeki · 01/02/2025 22:12

I think a M would be fine, I have worn Sweaty Betty Power leggings in a M as big 14 down to a 10-12 (and then unfortunately back up to a 14 again).

I have M&S Good Move too, which were a gift and they are very flattering, but they are not quite as comfortable.

Lovelydovey · 01/02/2025 22:39

I'm a fan of bam clothing (made from bamboo) for exercising. I bought a fair few pairs of leggings in the sale a few weeks ago. Might still be on.

Randomusername37258 · 01/02/2025 22:44

I love a Lulu legging. They don't slide down like the cheaper ones do, even when older. I only buy the ones with a pull cord in the waist though.

Original poster
Hotdayinjuly · 01/02/2025 22:49

NotbloodyGivingupYet · 01/02/2025 22:11

I started with some from m&s and they were ok. Then I got some SBs in the sale and they were so much better. They don't have that slightly itchy sweaty feeling that cheaper leggings can give you. And they don't work their way down. I like the yoga ones better than the running ones.
But my favourites are Ron hill running leggings. With the mesh panels at the back of the knees. Still not cheap though. Oh and some winter ones from decathlon!

this is the feeling I get too just like a clammy feeling from the material and them gradually coming down.

I’ve tried various high street/supermarket places and they have all been similarish. You have reminded me that my best, but not amazing pair, were decathlon.

OP posts:
OMGitsnotgood · 01/02/2025 22:51

I'm a big fan of M&S's Goodmove gym leggings. They last well, keep their shape and are comfy.

Toomuchleopard · 01/02/2025 22:59

I like Varley leggings. They are expensive at £70 a pair but the material is lovely, much nicer and more premium feeling than Sweaty Betty and they don’t fall down.

Copperoliverbear · 01/02/2025 23:01

Sweaty Betty.

NotbloodyGivingupYet · 02/02/2025 11:17

Randomusername37258 · 01/02/2025 22:44

I love a Lulu legging. They don't slide down like the cheaper ones do, even when older. I only buy the ones with a pull cord in the waist though.

Oh yes! Pull cord, game changer!

WingSlutz · 02/02/2025 12:13

Sweaty Betty power leggings are amazing. Leggings that slide down and bag around the crotch are my absolute nemesis and I never get that problem with SB. LL also good as are Under Armor. Sainsbury's activewear looks good but sags. I've also got an amazing pair of some unknown brand from decathlon or somewhere- sorry not helpful! But you kind of need to feel the leggings to know if they're robust enough, these are nice and thick and never sag. So worth a rummage if you've got a Decathlon nearby.
Not what you asked but for tops I rate Proviz as they're super comfortable and very bright - helpful during the winter

NoCarbsForMe · 02/02/2025 15:00

BAM leggings are brilliant and don't fall down.