Bright light is where cheap leggings get found out.
Here’s the thing I’ve learned about gym leggings under £40: a pair can handle a proper squat session without going sheer at the worst moment, but you won’t know from the product photo. Fabric density, colour, seams and waistband construction decide how a pair behaves once you bend, stretch and move. That is what this guide is built around.
Below are 12 budget-friendly styles. Prices are approximate UK prices and can shift by colour or promotion. One honest note: these picks come from advertised fabrics and construction, not from me testing every colour on every body. Do your own squat check in bright light before you head to the gym.
Start here: the everyday pairs
For daily use, you want a smooth, supportive feel and a waistband that stays put without digging in. These cover simple training staples and styles you can wear for errands afterwards. My own preference? A plain, dark legging I don’t have to tug up between sets.
1. Decathlon Domyos Fitness Leggings 500 — about £19.99. A practical first pair for gym sessions, with a high waist and a close fit suited to strength work. It’s strong value if you’d rather spend less and focus on the workout. The design is fairly basic, and lighter shades need a closer look for opacity.
2. M&S Goodmove Go Move High Waisted Leggings — about £25. A straightforward option for weights, walking and studio classes, with a high-rise cut that gives useful coverage through the middle. The everyday styling is easy to wear beyond training. The fabric feel may be less compressive than dedicated performance leggings.
3. Tala DayFlex Leggings — about £38. A polished, soft-feel choice when you want a more sculpted look without crossing £40 at the listed price. Check the current price before buying, as colour and promotions can shift it. Soft fabrics feel lovely, but they can show more texture or sweat than a thicker, matte knit.
Do they pass the stretch test?
Opacity is a mix of fabric, colour and fit. Stretch a legging hard across the hips and even a decent fabric looks thinner. Look for a dense knit and a size that lets you move comfortably, because sizing down for extra compression often backfires. These picks suit days when you’ll be bending, lunging or lifting.
4. Gymshark Adapt Animal Seamless Leggings — about £35. The textured knit looks more substantial than a very thin, smooth legging, and the high waist suits a range of gym movements. Check the exact colourway and product details, since texture and shade change how coverage looks. The animal texture won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.
5. Sweaty Betty Power Leggings — from about £40 on sale. These are often priced above budget at full price, so they only belong here when a sale brings them below £40. The supportive feel and pockets are useful for gym-to-commute days. Check the checkout total, because some colours may stay over budget, and the compressive fit can feel firm if you prefer a softer legging.
6. CRZ Yoga Butterluxe High Waisted Leggings — about £30. A popular soft-feel style for lighter lifting, yoga and mobility work, with a high waistband and smooth finish. It’s more lounge-friendly than a rugged, hard-wearing training tight, so check care instructions and reviews if you train often. The soft fabric may not feel supportive enough for everyone.
Seamless and scrunch-bum styles, sorted
Seamless leggings can feel less restrictive because they use fewer stitched panels, and scrunch details create a gathered look at the back. Neither guarantees squat-proof coverage. Fit matters more than the bum detail. I tried a few bodyweight squats in a changing room once and found one pair’s waistband rolled the second I hinged forward (a small thing, but it ruined the whole session). So test that too.
7. Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings — about £35. A familiar seamless option with a high-rise waistband and subtle contouring. It’s designed for gym training, and the textured finish gives the fabric a sporty look. The waistband may feel snug on some bodies, so compare the size guide with your measurements before ordering.
8. Myprotein Tempo Seamless Leggings — about £30. A budget-conscious seamless style with a close fit and a gathered back detail on selected versions. Look closely at the listing, as designs and colours vary between seasons. The scrunch effect is a matter of taste and can look more noticeable than a plain back panel.
9. Oysho Compressive Seamless Leggings — about £36. A sleek pick if you like minimal seams and a smooth silhouette. The compressive styling can feel secure for weights and classes, but check the fabric composition and care details first. Some shoppers may find the snug fit less comfortable for all-day wear.
Cold mornings, warmer legs
Cold changing rooms and dark morning walks call for extra warmth. Brushed or thermal leggings feel cosier, but thicker doesn’t automatically mean opaque, and some warm fabrics run hot indoors. Think about how you train. A brisk outdoor circuit needs different kit from a heated spin class.
10. Decathlon Domyos Warm Fitness Leggings — about £24.99. A sensible cold-weather choice for outdoor warm-ups and walks to the gym, with a warmer feel than a lightweight basic. It’s handy when you want one pair for chilly days without spending loads. The thicker fabric may feel too warm once your session gets intense.
11. M&S Goodmove Thermal Leggings — about £30. A comfortable option for low-intensity sessions or layering on a cold commute, with a soft brushed interior on thermal styles. Check that the exact version is meant for sport rather than everyday layering. The warmer finish can feel bulky under tighter layers.
12. H&M Move Seamless Sports Leggings — about £27.99. A seasonal option worth a look if you want a close-fitting, seamless style for winter workouts. Fabric and detailing change between collections, so read the current listing rather than trusting an older product photo. The fit may be less substantial than a dedicated thermal tight.
What to check before you pay
Fabric first. Nylon blends often feel smooth and durable, polyester blends can dry quickly, and elastane adds stretch. A dense, matte knit gives you a better shot at non-see-through leggings than a very thin, shiny one. Still, the label won’t tell you everything, so read recent reviews for comments on transparency, pilling and waistband movement.
Then fit. Your leggings should let you squat deeply without pulling hard across the seat or feeling restrictive behind the knees. A wide waistband feels secure, but a very tight one might roll when you sit. Between sizes? Check the brand’s size chart and think about how much compression you like, rather than sizing down by reflex.
Does colour matter that much?
Yes. Black and deep navy are forgiving, while pale pink, grey and pastels show more when stretched or damp. Try the fabric under bright light, then do a few squats and lunges. That quick check beats finding a problem halfway through leg day.
Last, the workout itself. A soft yoga legging is lovely for mobility but may lack the hold you want for heavy lifting. Pockets are handy for a phone, though they add bulk. And if you train outdoors in winter, a brushed finish is cosy, just make sure it won’t leave you overheating indoors.
No single pair suits every body or workout. But I’d happily rotate two or three of these through my own kit, and I’d pick a dark, dense knit over any trendy texture every time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can gym leggings under £40 really be squat-proof?
Yes, often. Opacity depends on fabric density, colour and fit more than price. A dense, matte knit in black or navy in the right size is your best bet. Always do a squat check in bright light.
Should I size down for more compression?
Usually not. Sizing down stretches the fabric hard across the hips and can make even a decent knit look thinner. Check the size chart and pick the compression level you like.
Which colours are safest for opaque leggings?
Black and deep navy are the most forgiving. Pale pink, grey and pastels tend to show more when stretched or sweaty.
Are thermal leggings good for the gym?
They suit outdoor warm-ups, walks and low-intensity sessions. Thick fabric can feel too hot in a heated studio or during hard sets, and thicker does not always mean more opaque.
Are the prices listed exact?
No. They are approximate UK prices and can change by colour, size or promotion, so check the checkout total before buying.
