Credit: Stylist
Strong Women
9 buttery-soft gym kits for practising yoga and pilates (or sitting on the sofa)
2 years ago
4 min read
Looking for leggings that are as soft and comfy as it is stretchy? We’ve found the most buttery, luxurious pairs on the market.
It seems like everyone right now is in their pilates era – and for good reason. These low-impact, stretchy practices have so many benefits to offer, from core strengthening to better coordination. As more of us feel burnt out from regular HIIT and job stress, barre and mobility have become much more popular. We want to feel strong, calm and in control.
But it’s not always easy to find the time to workout… even if you know you’ll feel better afterwards. One fail-safe means of motivation, however, is having a nice bit of kit. You want to get dressed in a beautifully buttery kit first thing in the morning so you’re ready to stretch at any moment.
With that in mind, these are just a few of our favourite soft sets that are perfect for low-impact workouts, café coffees and working-from-home days.
Vuori AllTheFeels Legging
Sizes available: XXS-XXL
Sefi Timeless Leggings 7/8 Goldstone
High-waisted and seamless, these super soft leggings are designed to fit like a second skin. They’re made with antibacterial material which’ll keep you feeling fresh as you run errands on your way back from the yoga studio.
Sizes available: XXS-XL
Gym + Coffee Lotus Rib Knit Bra and Legging in Lilac
This set might be ribbed but we guarantee that it’s also one of the comfiest kits on the market. Stretchy, seamless and reliably stable, you can bend and stretch to your heart’s content – safe in the knowledge that your leggings won’t move and you’re fully supported on top.
It’s also made from recycled materials and is thick enough to serve as the perfect all-day outfit for this time of year.
Sizes available: S-L
Sweaty Betty Super Soft Yoga Leggings and Gym Vest
It’s called ‘super soft’ for a reason. The fabric is supportive and breathable, with snug compression in the leggings and freeing details.
This set is specifically made for yoga, barre and pilates – no wonder the fabric is 90% squat-proof. And we think it’s ideal for a post-class drink too.
Sizes available: XXS-XXL
Shop Sweaty Betty Super Soft Yoga Leggings, £90, Gym Vest £65
Alo Alosoft High Waisted 7/8 Highlight Legging
If you’re looking for sleek yoga gear that looks and feels like snuggly loungewear, this is it. These lounge leggings are all about softness… with a performance edge. The material stretches four ways (goodbye leggings that feel too tight over the quads and too loose around the crotch) and is moisture-wicking.
Sizes: XS-L
Shop Alo Yoga Alosoft High Waisted 7/8 Highlight Legging, £95
Varley Let’s Move Super High Rise Legging 25 and Kellam Bra
Flow safe in the knowledge that your buttery-soft seamless high-rise leggings aren’t going anywhere. They’re quick to wick away moisture while maintaining breathability, and – crucially – they have a concealed pocket.
We love the wrapped design on the bra, which lends a cosy aspect to a medium-support top. You won’t have any problems with downward dog.
Sizes available: XXS-XL
Shop Varley Let’s Move Super High Rise Legging 25, £78 and Kellam Bra, £56
Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant and Bra
Lululemon is famous for creating leggings and tops so soft that you won’t be able to take them off on your rest days. There’s a reason why half the people shopping in supermarkets are wearing Lulu leggings despite having never been in pigeon pose.
Anyway, if you did want to wear a pair on the mat, this bra and leggings set has been made from the brand’s own Nulu fabric. It’s weightlessly soft, comfy and has just the right level of support for low-impact activity. Oh, and there’s a bonus point for the fact that you can remove the cups in the bra.
Sizes available: UK 6-18 (US 2-14)
Shop Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 28 £88 and Align Bra, £39
YMO Balance Bra and Daybreak Full Length Legging
This little lot also has a matching vest, in case you wanted to rock a three-piece – which you might, once you clock just how soft and sustainable they are. This kit is made from plastic bottles in a Bluesign-certified factory. That means it’s been recognised for having high levels of care for workers and the planet.
With a compressive fit, soft materials and a waistband pocket, YMO is proof that you don’t have to compromise on quality for sustainability.
Sizes available: XS-L
Shop YMO Balance Bra, £45 and Daybreak Full Length Legging, £60
TALA Skinluxe High Waisted Flared Legging and Race Strap Sports Bra
Flared leggings? For yoga? Yep – that’s the 70s soft life TALA is currently pedalling. This pair is made from 100% recycled material, is lightweight and, again, buttery-smooth. And thanks to the flared ends, we think that this set is possibly the most versatile of all.
Forget office-to-bar fashion; this set is office-to-barre. Chuck a shirt on for the day then whip it off once you get in the studio. Ideal.
Sizes available: XS-XL
Shop TALA Skinluxe High Waisted Flared Legging, £56 and Racer Strap Sports Bra, £34
Images: courtesy of brands
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