We Got 4 Fitness Trainers to Tell Us Definitively What the Best Pants Are for Every Type of Workout
As workout buffs who spend more time in Spandex than anything else, they're experts at determining the best pants for every kind of sweat sesh from barre class to spin and boxing. So, to guide your next workout pant purchase, four fitness trainer's share their top picks below (including a unanimous favorite they've deemed worthy for the yoga mat, boxing ring, and beyond).
For: yoga, Pilates, barre
Yoga, barre, and dance instructor Sam Garcia (catch her at Y7, Equinox, and Yoga at the Raven in Los Angeles), says full-length, moisture-wicking leggings are her number one for low-impact workouts like yoga, Pilates, and barre, specifically Lululemon's Wunder Under High-Rise Tights. “They’re my favorite pant of all time and made with four-way stretch fabric so you can execute all your shapes with ease,” she says, noting how the breathable fabric is perfect for the hot yoga classes.
For: dance cardio, strength training, sculpting
Megan Roup, founder of the dance cardio and sculpt workout The Sculpt Society and trainer at Obé Fitness, PROJECT by Equinox, and Bandier's Studio B (who counts ultra-fit models like Taylor Hill, Elsa Hosk, Candice Swanepoel, Lais Ribeiro, and Devon Windsor as fans) says high-waisted compression tights are her go-to leggings for dance cardio and sculpting workouts. “These hold you in and don’t move around—you don’t want to be fumbling with your leggings during a workout,” the former professional dancer says. She lists Ultracor's Sprinter High Serendipity Legging, as well as All Access’ Center Stage Leggings. “The 50-50 stretch fabric made out of nylon and lycra is durable and creates a sleek, minimal look," says Garcia.
Because precision is key for these types of workouts, Roup and Tiffani Robbins, the director of Fithouse’s sculpt program and a HITT and strength trainer for Obé, both advise against baggy or uncomfortable bottoms that get can in the way and limit your range of motion. “If it doesn’t move with you or is too tight and uncomfortable, you shouldn’t work out in it,” says Robbins.
For: boxing, HIIT, spinning, running
Moisture-wicking fabrics are essential for high-impact workouts where you break a major sweat, but according to the experts, silhouettes that stay put during intense movements are just as crucial. Robbins prefers high-waist leggings that feel supportive without restricting movement. “You want something that doesn’t fall down—no one wants to have to hike up their pants mid-burpee,” she says. “A sweat-wicking fabric is also a must and extra bonus points for a good, solid color legging that’s flattering on the leg.” Her favorites include Lululemon’s Wunder Under High-Rise 7/8 Tight, Montiel’s High-Waisted Legging, and Alo Yoga’s High-Waist Airlift Legging.
Vicki Chimenti, a personal trainer and Rumble Boxing instructor, is also for a high-rise legging that sits comfortably on the midsection for boxing. (She also recommends Lululemon’s Wunder Under High-Rise Tight making these the official trainer favorite!) “These pants never bunch and they keep up with my boxing and burpees,” she says. “The Lycra is so light and stretchy, which is completely non-restrictive. If you can find these leggings with the mesh designs, it's a win. They add a super breathable feature to an already incredible legging.”
For a fashion-forward option, Chimenti likes The Football Leggings by Year of Ours not only for style, but for comfort. “They have really cool seams that flatter all body types—they’re by far my favorite leggings.” She’s also a fan of Splits59’s Aerial 7/8 Tight for jabs, crosses, and hooks. “Comfy, stretchy, and cool, these have a side pocket and a dope inseam to add a pop of color. They’re snug but movable for each and every workout, both inside and outside of Rumble.”
If you’re anti-legging or like more breathing room on the bottom, Garcia says the biker short trend is sticking around for 2019. “I find they’re most comfortable for spinning, running, HIIT, and dance cardio,” she says, recommending Alala for style-driven designs and Nike’s Intertwist Shorts for the best in performance. “They’re secure, light, and easy to move in, and they don’t ride up your leg,” she says.
Furthermore, Garcia says, “I think the capri tight is under-rated and more versatile for working out, too. My favorite is the Lululemon Wunder Under High-Rise. It’s a similar look to the biker short, but more flattering, hitting just at the knee cap.”
For: low-key movement and post-workout looks
If you’re not here for high-intensity workouts, are often confounded by sculpting routines, or have found yourself in need of an après-sweat style of pant that’s not a legging, Garcia recommends Outdoor Voices’ CloudKnit Sweatpants. “They’re slim-fit, super soft, and can handle any low-key activity. They’re also the perfect pant to change into from your sweaty leggings after a workout."
And in case you were wondering, learning how to style sweatpants without looking sloppy is easier than it sounds.
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