Susannah Taylor: My pick of the best exercise leggings – YOU Magazine Fashion Beauty Celebrity Health Life Relationships Horoscopes Food Interiors Travel Sign in Welcome!Log into your account Forgot your password? Password recovery Recover your password Search Sign in Welcome! Log into your account Forgot your password? Get help Password recovery Recover your password A password will be e-mailed to you. YOU Magazine Fashion Beauty Celebrity Health Life Relationships Horoscopes Food Interiors Travel Home Life Susannah Taylor My pick of the fittest leggings By Susannah Taylor - February 27, 2022 It’s weird to think of a time that we didn’t exercise in leggings. Lycra-clad legs are now a wardrobe staple and market researchers predict that, by 2026, the global leggings market will be worth around £33 billion. From sweat-wicking and cool-touch fabrics, to seamless engineering, bum-sculpting and squat-proof technology (non see-through), four-way stretch and UV protection, there is almost as much science going into a pair of sports leggings these days as an electric car. And the good ones can cost as much as a pair of designer jeans. Sweaty Betty’s Power Leggings, for example, cost £80 yet a pair is sold every 60 seconds. Do I rate them? Absolutely. But with such an array on the market, how do we know what’s good, bad or downright see-through? I’ve road tested more pairs over the years than I’ve owned pairs of knickers, so here are my recommendations… Photograph: David Venni. Stylist: Sairey Stemp. Running top, vest and leggings, Sweaty Betty. Trainer, Veja The perfect budget pick About seven years ago I bought a pair of navy H&M leggings with neon coral go-faster stripes for £19.99. I still wear them often and receive compliments every time I do. Why do I love them? They are flattering, the fabric is super-soft and they come up to my belly button (whoever invented low-rise leggings clearly wasn’t a mother of three). They also stay put without causing any overhang and never budge mid-sprint or squat. While this particular style is sadly no longer available, H&M’s leggings are still amazing value and its Super Soft Sports Tights, £19.99, are the next best thing. hm.com The runner’s best friend I own two pairs of Zero Gravity High-Waisted Running Leggings, £95, from Sweaty Betty that I have had for about three years and still pull on every week. What I rate about them is their super-light, barely there fabric that never gets sweaty. High-waisted, they don’t roll down and the latest versions have a side pocket on the hip where you can stash your phone – essential for runners. I also love Sweaty Betty’s All Day Leggings (which I’m wearing here in Emboss), £70. They’re perfect for any activity including lounging. sweatybetty.com The yoga pose hero A yoga teacher once told me that many people don’t realise their leggings are completely see-through. Ever since, I’ve been paranoid about exposing myself in my downward dog. One brand that has you covered is Lululemon. Its Instill High-Rise Leggings, £108, have been specifically designed with the yogi in mind. The ‘Smoothcover’ technology hugs the body and somehow creates a more streamlined silhouette, while the super-high waistband means you’ll never have to think about covering up your stomach mid pose. And no one can see your bits and bobs even if you are twisted into a pretzel. lululemon.co.uk The super support act While I love wildly designed leggings, they can often look dated fast. This is where Varley comes in. Its leggings are available in chic, Farrow & Ball-type shades – think dusky blues, muted pinks, soft greys, off-whites and olive greens – that will stand the test of time. They also give superior support where you need it and create the illusion of smooth, dimple-free thighs. My favourite is the Let’s Move Super High Rise Leggings 25, £78. uk.varley.com READ MORE: Where to get Kate Middleton’s sportswear look Power up your immunity What immunologist Dr Jenna Macciochi doesn’t know about staying well isn’t worth knowing. Steering us clear of pseudo-science and quick fixes, her second book, Your Blueprint for Strong Immunity (£14.99, Yellow Kite*), offers an essential guide to cultivating strong immune health. Macciochi helps us identify our wellness weak spots and guides us through creating a personalised immunity plan. *To order a copy for £11.99 until 13 March go to books.mailshop.co.uk or call 020 3176 2937. Free UK delivery on orders over £20. Dive into a dreamy bath The Into the Deep CBD therapeutic bath oil from Dreem Distillery (£75, dreemdistillery.co.uk) is my new favourite bath tonic. With high-grade, broad-spectrum CBD, arnica, juniper and lavender, it has been designed to bring skin and senses into equilibrium prior to sleep. 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