And exhale! The relaxed fit revolution has hit the gym

First it was skinny jeans, now tight gym leggings are a no-no

By Melanie RickeyUpdated: 16 January 2025

Does the thought, “Why is everything so tight?” cross your mind every time you shop for workout clothes? You’re not alone. For years, we’ve been dutifully stuffing ourselves into shrink-wrapped leggings like duvets in vacuum bags.

But let’s all exhale: 2025 is all about movement-friendly, looser styles – think barrel-leg jeans and boyfriend shirts – and this has trickled down into workout gear that’s comfy and chic enough to wear all day.

At last! A reprieve from leggings so tight they double as compression therapy! And those Lycra leggings can be reclassified as winter thermals and, best of all, camel-toe can be relegated to the under layer where it belongs.

As for what to buy, I love the new relaxed-fit jogger from Goodmove (£32.50), and the Reset Cuffed joggers from Girlfriend Collective – (£65) both at Marks & Spencer. Lululemon’s Dance Studio trousers – £108, and the Studio Joggers by On (£95) also hit the laidback jackpot.

My personal fave has to be Vuori’s cult Performance Jogger (£100), made from recycled polyester. Yes, they’re pricey, but mine have survived hundreds of wears over two years. The cost per wear is down to 50p – and they’re still going strong.

If I were buying now, I’d be tempted by The Rolled Cuff Pant by Varley (£96), a British brand from husband-and-wife duo Lara and Ben Mead. Loved by A-listers such as Lily Collins, these pants are a smart investment.

And for the ultimate palate-cleanser? Look no further than Free People’s One To Beat set (£88): a matching short-sleeve sweatshirt and cropped, loose tracksuit trousers.

My advice would be to pair your looser gym trousers with a fitted sports bra and form-fitting T-shirt, and then layer them under a hoodie or jacket for the perfect laidback balance. So, there you have it – whether you’re at the gym or on the sofa, the vibe for 2025 is “and breathe.”