We do the squat test with leggings from top local & international activewear brands — The Soothe Approved
Because nobody wants their bare bottom on show
Text: Tiff H and Sarah T
Activewear has slowly seeped into our everyday wardrobe and it seems like the athleisure trend is here to stay. Indeed, GlobalData's analysis of atheleisure trends found that 68% of consumers who bought workout gear, also wore it for dining out and shopping, reinforcing the growing trend of owning a multi-functional wardrobe.
While everything’s rosy when you’re sporting your favourite activewear in Singapore to brunch or on your weekly grocery shop, it’s a different story when it comes to the gym. We’re all for designer athleisure and chic gym wear but when push comes to shove and we’re mid-squat during a workout, our top priority is that our ass is covered … literally.
What’s our criteria? A delicate balance of stretchiness, breathability and support. Anything that’s too sheer, reveals sweat spots or produces a camel toe is an absolute no-no. Snazzy designs are not essential but a plus. A few other technicalities: the waistline of the leggings should stay put and the fabric should not sag or tug.
Credit: Nike
The sportswear giant has a whole range of workout leggings on offer and the Nike Pro Tights are one of its best-selling products. Made from 83% polyester and 17% elastane, the tights are breathable yet snug.
Why we love them: the stretchy material means that no squat is too low.
What could be better: as the material is mainly made up of polyester, in certain lights (likely including those at your gym) your underwear will show through these leggings, even if you opt for a darker pair. Keep these tights for running, spinning or squats in the privacy of your own home.
Available in black and white at SGD 65
Credit: @yaa.fitness
2. Gymshark’s Camo Seamless Leggings
Most famous for its booty-lifting powers, Gymshark’s Camo Seamless Leggings are made up of 65% Nylon, 27% Polyester, 8% Elastane, with ruched detail at the bum area to accentuate your gains.
Why we love them: a hip, high rise waistband keeps everything tucked in and the material is stretchy and comfortable, providing decent coverage and movement.
What could be better: the back of the waistband slacks a bit when squatting and the material is on the thicker side, which could get a bit hot.
Available in Berry Red, Sage Green, Black, Lilac, and Lavender Grey at USD 65 (SGD 89)
Credit: Lululemon
3. Wunder Train High-Rise Tight 25"
lululemon might be best known for their buttery soft tights that are perfect for yoga, but we took a stab at the WunderTrain range made with Everlux™ fabric (one of many innovative fabrics that are proprietary to the brand). It’s sweat-wicking, has four-way stretch, and is lauded as their ‘fastest drying fabric’ yet.
Why we love them: the high waistband is actually high enough to feel ultra supportive and the fabric feels cool on the skin even after a HIIT workout!
What could be better: these are the priciest leggings on this list but if the six-year-old lulu’s sitting in our wardrobe are anything to go by, they’re worth the investment.
Available in various colours at HKD 880 (SGD 135.90)
Credit: @nimbleactivewear
4. Nimble’s All Day High Rise Tights
Hailing from Australia, Nimble is a women’s activewear brand that aims to empower women to celebrate their individuality. These tights are made from one of the brand’s custom-engineered fabrics, MoveLite, which is made from recycled PET and spandex.
Why we love them: you would think that tights made from recycled materials would be a tad uncomfortable but this couldn’t be further from the truth; the material is soft and lightweight, yet provides ample coverage for squats. We love the fun print, too.
What could be better: they tend to run a little longer than expected for 7/8 tights, so for more petite ladies we recommend opting for a quick tailoring job to keep them at optimal length.
Available in Black Spritz at SGD 95
Credit: @kydraofficial
Made from 70% Nylon and 30% Spandex, these are designed to fit and sculpt. They also feature cooling and antibacterial technologies, ideal for Singapore’s tropical climate.
Why we love them: thick moisture-wicking material means that you get great coverage and compression which is ideal for deep squats, downward dogs and everything in between. The high waistline stays put during squats and pretty much any other high-intensity activity meaning they’re not called HIIT leggings for nothing.
What could be better: activewear feel tight for sculpting and compression so might be uncomfortably stiff for some. Definitely not ones to lounge around in.
Available in black for SGD 82
This article was first published on 20 October 2020 and updated on 16 December 2021.
