Is it worth splashing out on expensive leggings? Claire Spreadbury puts three to the test
1. Love Leggings
I tried the Energise Shadow Grey 7/8 Sports Leggings, available in sizes 4-20, priced £28. The fabric is incredibly cold when you slide your legs into them, but they're really comfy and stayed in place throughout my workout. They go in the tumble dryer – always a bonus. They don't really suck you in, have any 'bum-sculpting' benefits or any handy pockets, but I feel good in them and they look nice.
2. Lululemon
I tested the Align High Rise Pant, which costs £88 and is available in US sizes 0-14 (4-18 in the UK). They are hugely expensive – but they feel like silk when you put them on, fit at the waistband perfectly, and have handy hidden pockets for keys or headphones. The fabric is also sweat-wicking, buttery soft and they go in the tumble dryer. They stayed in place for the whole workout and felt great.
3. Contur
Contur tick the sustainable boxes, using repurposed nylons, ocean plastics and recycled cotton to create sustainable sports fabrics for products providing muscular compression, breathability, shape retention, abrasion resistance and strong UV protection. At £80, their Hi-definition Leggings (available in sizes XS, S, M and L) aren't cheap, but they're easily the most shape-enhancing of the three. They suck you in where you want it (hello bum-shaping and tummy-flattening) and feel fabulous. They don't budge when you run and there's a handy pocket in the waistband. However, they can't go in the tumble dryer and some of the stitching seemed to be unravelling after a second wear.
Overall verdict
Generally, I'd say it is worth spending more money on leggings. All of these passed the 'bum test' – so when you bend over, there's no sign of any underwear as the fabric stretches and turns see-through. And after chatting to friends, the general consensus seems to be that it's worth spending a bit extra on a pair of leggings that are going to keep their shape and make you feel good.
