Workout leggings with pockets are game-changing - I test kit for a living and these are, hands down, the 13 best pairs

By now, you'll likely have guessed that, as a Health Editor, I like working out. It makes my mind feel good and my body feel strong.

That said, working out in the wrong kit sucks. It distracts you from the task at hand, can be uncomfortable, and can knock your confidence, too. I would know - I once ran a 37 mile ultra-marathon in the wrong shoes and yep, it was brutal both physically and mentally. Ever been in a high-intensity interval training session where your leggings fall down, sag at the bum, or crinkle at the knees? Then you'll know what I'm talking about.

I bought you my guide to the best gym leggings of all time and similarly, edits of the petite gym leggings, patterned gym leggings, and high waisted gym leggings. Next up? The only gym leggings with pockets that I actually rate - because a surprising high percentage of the designs currently on offer will hold your phone / keys / bank card while you're standing but rocket-launch them into oncoming traffic the second you move.

So why is having pockets so key? Whether you're a runner or gym-goer, it's always handy having somewhere to store your essentials. If you've never tried a pair, trust me on this one - they're a game-changer.

All have been tested by me, Ally Head, Senior Health Editor here at Marie Claire UK, and I've also enlisted the help of our Junior Shopping Editors Valeza Bakolli and Amelia Yeomans for their top picks. I run marathons for fun and test workout kit for a living so yep, I'm pretty fussy about what kit I feature, while Valeza and Amelia love switching up their workouts weekly, testing kit at yoga, Pilates, and HIIT classes and more. Know this: whatever leggings, sports bras or running shorts you see on this site come with our team's personal stamp of approval. Keep scrolling - and happy sweating.

Testing process

You've likely seen loads of edits of the best leggings, but likely haven't seen many where every single item has been personally tested by the in-house team.

That's where ours comes in. We make an active effort to make sure we're not recommending wellness products to you that we haven't tried ourselves. For more on how we test, read our guide.

What did we look for when testing?

What did we look for - aka, what qualifies the below to rank as the best gym leggings with pockets?

Well, the most important thing for us was a. the leggings themselves were flattering, sweat-wicking and supportive, and b. that the pockets actually worked. In other words, they were spacious enough to hold our essentials and nothing fell out when we ran or moved.

Plus, we considered the following:

• Fit: Did they fit well? Aka, did they sag, crinkle, or fall down?
• Breathability: Did they sweat-wick and support us through our workouts?
• Pockets: How many pockets were there and did they work at holding our items in? Did the pockets hold one, two, three essentials, or more?
• Value: Were they good value for money and worth the price tag?
• Quality: Did they wash well or smell after a few uses?

Leggings with pockets: 13 best you can buy

1. Best supportive leggings with pockets

What we thought when testing? "If you've seen people raving about Sweaty Betty's Power leggings, then it's for good reason. They're the brand's go-to legging design and sweat-wick and support like a dream. I've had mine for a few years now and love that they have not one, but two pockets - one on your left thigh and a further one at the base of your back which has a zip, to boot. This means you can carry your phone, card, and keys comfortably, and there's enough space to squeeze your headphone case in for long runs, too." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor

2. Best leggings with multiple pockets

What we thought when testing? "Thoughts when testing the lululemon Wunder Train tights? I get the hype. They have not one, not two, but three pockets - a hidden pocket in the waistband that holds your card and keys, and a drop-in pocket on either thigh that fits your phone. They feel like butter yet never leave you with sweat patches and are soft to the touch yet still hold your phone and keys in place. Mine still look the same three years on, too, showing they're worth the investment." Ally Head, Senior Health Editor

3. Best sweat-wicking leggings with pockets

What we thought when testing? "The entire MC UK team are fans of Adanola leggings. They're affordable yet great quality, coming in a thick, compressive material that sweat-wicks well and keeps you cool during high intensity workouts, too. While the design only has one pocket on the right hand side of your thigh, it's big enough to hold your phone and a card, plus your key at a squeeze." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor

4. Best affordable leggings with pockets

What we thought when testing? "I was sceptical about the CRZ Yoga designs to begin with but have been really impressed by the quality of the kit. Their Butterluxe pocket leggings are super soft yet supportive and offer a gentle amount of compression while also being squat proof. Storage wise, they come with two side pockets which easily held my phone, keys and cards during my runs and classes." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor

5. Best M&S leggings with pockets

What we thought when testing? "Similar to the Sweaty Betty design, the Go Move leggings from M&S have a pocket on your left thigh and a zipped option at the bottom of your back. I've written an entire guide to the best M&S leggings (spoiler alert: it's these) because the brand does some of the best budget gym kit on the market. These leggings are no different - that said, when I've tested, I've found that leggings from brands like Sweaty Betty or lululemon retain their quality for longer (they don't sag or smell after a few washes)." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor

6. Best leggings with pockets for the gym

What we thought when testing? "I've owned the Nike One leggings for years and they're yet to bobble despite their brushed cotton finish. These feel incredibly soft and are probably the comfiest leggings I own thanks to their high waistband that hugs rather than digs in. They also have a handy secret front pocket inside the waistband which is big enough to hold my phone and credit card. I tend to wear these for lighter workouts like yoga, Pilates and long walks rather than running as they can slide down a little during high intensity workouts." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor

7. Best workout leggings with pockets for running

What we thought when testing? "I bought these leggings secondhand and they're still some of the best quality leggings I own despite the amount of wear they've had. I love the zip pocket at the back that is the perfect size for keys or a card whilst the spacious pockets on the sides can easily fit my phone and keep it secure. Plus, it has an adjustable tie waistband so they never fall down, even when running." - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor

8. Best budget leggings with pockets

What we thought when testing? "Workout gear needn't cost the earth, as these gym leggings from Decathlon prove. When testing, I found them comfortable and thought that they washed fairly well, considering the price tag. Plus, the pocket held my phone during a five-mile run home. Do note, though: they only have that one pocket, which sits on your left thigh. You can fit a phone and perhaps card in, but not much else." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor

9. Best colourful leggings with pockets

What we thought when testing? "I'm a big fan of Gymshark leggings. They make bright, fun designs that also function really well, too, never leaving you with a crotch sweat patch. Their pocket leggings are comfortable, never budge thanks to the innovative waistband grip, and have two phone-sized pockets with enough space to hold your phone cards and keys. One thing I did notice when testing: smaller items are more likely to fly out, as the pockets don't have a zip, but if you make sure they're packed with other items (eg a card and a phone as opposed to just a card), they're less likely to move." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor

10. Best versatile leggings with pockets

What we thought when testing? "If you can't tell by now, I'm a huge fan of chocolate brown leggings, and these ones feel like a fresh update on a classic black style. Tala never fails to deliver when it comes to size-inclusive, high-performance activewear, and their SkinLuxe leggings are supportive, stretchy and pass the squat test. Hidden in the back is a zip pocket that's big enough to securely hold a phone." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor

11. Best workout leggings with pockets with next day delivery

What we thought when testing? "These are my favourite affordable pair of leggings. Unsurprisingly, they're not as high quality as other pairs on the market, but they're ideal for light workouts. I always wear mine for walks as they're comfortable and don't roll down, whilst the side pockets boast ample room for essentials. There's also a hidden waistband pocket for valuables which comes in very handy for smaller items like keys." - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor

12. Best running leggings with pockets

What we thought when testing? "Meet the LNDR Lightspeed design - and yes, you will feel lightspeed fast when running in them. When I tested, I loved working out in them. I found them to be light, breathable, and with plenty of pocket space, too. As per the Claude Pocket Sport design, there is a pocket on each thigh." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor

13. Best sustainable leggings with pockets

What we thought when testing? "If you haven't heard of GNGR Bees yet then you're in for a treat. They have an "everything unwasted" ethos, meaning they make high-performance workout gear without wasting tonnes of fabric, in the process. I adore the flattering fit and seasonal colour of these leggings and often wear them to brunch catch-ups and gym classes alike. They're squat proof, sweat-wicking, and incredibly comfy, plus they feature two deep side pockets to securely hold your phone, keys and more." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor