BEST SPORTS LEGGINGS FOR RUNNING
BEST SPORT LEGGINGS FOR RUNNING
If you’re like me, a keen runner and exercise obsessed – the perfect pair of leggings are essential!
Now, I have large thighs, a butt, and a belly – so I need leggings that stay up, have a drawstring, and don’t go see through when pulling them up over my lower half. These are the main specifications I need personally in order to have a comfortable and stress free session/run.
I’ve tried many different brands of sports leggings, and these are my tried and tested leggings that I have found work for me. Especially for those high intensity HIIT workouts, or my marathons!
*some of the leggings have been previously gifted.
1. Nike
Probably a lot of people’s go to for sports clothing, and I can’t deny that as much as I would love to give to other independent/smaller brands – Nike leggings have always worked for me. I have to browse in order to find the correct pair that have the drawstrings and aren’t too long.
The thing with Nike, is that you will definitely be able to find a pair to fit you, no matter what style you are looking for. Sizing wise – I’m 12/14 and usually wear M/L. They are my go to leggings, I have one pair which I love, and will keep wearing until they really are at the end of their life!
2. Decathlon
My go to for affordable and durable leggings are the Decathlon Women’s Cropped Run Dry Bottoms. I have several pairs of these leggings in many different colours. I go for the cropped ones even during the winter, just to have a little bit of air, but they do offer the longer length. Often online you can only get the black colour, but if you head into store you can see the seasons colours and patterns.
These are a lot thinner than usual running leggings, they are very smooth and shiny as well. I would only use these for exercise rather than ‘activewear’ usage just down to the shiny/sports look of the leggings. I find that they are still very warm, quick drying, and super comfortable. Very stretchy, with drawstrings, and totally breathable.
Currently you can get them for £7.99 at Decathlon, with 4.49/5 in reviews. I have had no issues with them, after a year or so of heavy wear, some of them have come apart at the seams, but these are from my long term wearing!
3. Gym+Coffee
Atheleisurewear at it’s finest. Following the mantra of ‘Make Life Richer’, this Irish athleisurewear company have created some beautiful products that can be worn for being active, being outside, or just hanging out.
I’ve tried on a few pairs of their leggings when I went to the London pop up store in 2020, and was very kindly gifted two separate pairs of leggings. I’m going to be honest, the lighter pairs, as beautiful as the colours are – were a bit see through for me – BUT, the darker colours (I currently have plum), are perfect, and super comfortable to wear.
I currently wear the All-In 2.0 Plum Leggings. They fit very well and are cropped on the ankles, with a drawstring in the leggings – they definitely stay up. I’ve used them so far for hiking, running, yoga, and just general chilling in the house. One other amazing feature – pockets! The pockets are big enough to fit a phone in, and keys, and anything else you need to wear.
I like the Gym + Coffee leggings as well as they can easily been worn outside in a more casual environment, but also can be dressed up as well.
4. Brooks Running
I have found most of the Brooks leggings don’t have drawstrings, however, I find that they stay up very well. They are great for a range of fitness, but I find them best for running. I have a few pairs (gifted as part of the Brooks Run Happy Team), and have been trying them out with running, workouts, and also just general wear.
I’m currently switching between a few pairs of leggings, particularly the Carbonite 7/8 leggings (visibility collection), and the Momentum Thermal Tights for the winter runs. They are perfect for the late night runs, and winter runs. They are super comfortable, and I feel supported in the leggings; I also like to wear my Brooks leggings are general activewear, when I need to do things in the house or heading out for a walk. They don’t feel too sporty as well, you can get away with them being comfy leggings outdoors without looking like you’re about to go for a full run!
