We Tried The M&S Leggings That Have Sold More Than A Million Times — Here’s Why They’re So Popular

Gym wear brands like Alo Yoga, Sweaty Betty and Lululemon have set the bar with flattering designs and cult followings and, while these brands may dominate Instagram feeds, they often come with lofty price tags. What the gymwear sector is missing is a true middle-ground — brands which can deliver that same high-performance feeling and on-trend designs as their higher priced counterparts, with a price that feels more achievable. High street hero Marks & Spencer clearly had that same realisation as, in 2020, it released an activewear line that's now earned a loyal following thanks to its performance, style and affordability.

The M&S Goodmove collection returned on 2nd January, showcasing a brand new range of leggings, sports bras, fleeces, rain jackets and even trainers for us to delve into. At the heart of the collection is the Go Move Leggings, £27.50, of which M&S has already sold over one million pairs and counting. They promise a second-skin design and adjustable internal tie-waist for a truly personalised fit, which could explain their popularity, so we decided to put them to the test. In order to do so, three of the Grazia team tested them during a combinations of strength training, Pilates and general winter walks.

Gemma Lavers, fashion commerce writer

Gemma Lavers, Grazia's fashion commerce writer, wore the Go Move leggings to the gym and during her daily walk. She says: 'I think the Go Move leggings are a solid contender in the world of affordable activewear. At £27.50 you might not expect the same quality as an £80+ pair from Lululemon, but these hold their own because of the slightly thicker fabric. The animal print pattern is surprisingly versatile - perhaps more versatile than I thought when I first opened them - and pair with most of the gym wear I already own. Once they're on, they're also incredibly comfortable.

'I will say, however, that the sizing of the M&S leggings seems to run unusually small - I'm a size 10 in the brand's trousers and ended up doing a full shimmy routine to get them above the hip. My advice? Size up.'

Gavi Weiss, fashion assistant

Gavi Weiss, Grazia's fashion assistant, says: 'As a tall and curvy gal, finding good workout gear often feels like an uphill battle. I’ve spent the past few years on a seemingly endless hunt for the perfect leggings, so I was eager to see if this pair could live up to their hype. I put the leggings to the test with a gym workout, a few hours of deep cleaning my flat and then a bedroom dance party to Chappell Roan to see how they would hold up in my day to day activities. From the get-go, it was clear these leggings were thoughtfully designed with women’s bodies in mind.

'My favourite features? The drawstring waistband, which keeps them securely in place without sliding down (a constant struggle for me), the discreet back pocket with a strategically placed zipper that prevents any irritation, and the soft inseams that prevent chafing. After putting them through their paces, I can confidently say the leggings exceeded my expectations and have earned a place in my wardrobe.'

Georgia Scott, beauty commerce writer

Georgia Scott, Grazia's beauty commerce writer tested the leggings at her regular Pilates class: 'As someone who lives in gym leggings 99% of the time, I think of myself as a bit of an expert and know exactly what to look for when shopping for a new pair. Although typically I love to wear a block colour, I love the subtle print that makes a change from wearing all black. I love the high-waisted shape and the length of these leggings and found they were a great fit for a 5'7 girl.

'I prefer a thicker material to feel more confident going to the gym and I felt secure throughout my workout. However, if I were to buy again, however, I would purchase a size up to give me a bit more wiggle room.'

If you're looking for a supporting act to go with your new pair of leggings, as part of the Good Move range comes an equally engineered sports bra. The Ultimate Support Custom Fit Bra, £28, has all the elements to give strong support, including thicker straps and bounce control. It also comes with a riptape fastening at the back, which means it can be adjusted from the front - a blessing for anyone not wanting a post-workout wrestling match trying to take off a sweaty sports bra.

In the collection, you'll also find lightweight rain jackets, heavy puffer coats (currently much needed in these chilly temperatures), breathable T-shirts and even trainers. Whether you're layering up for a chilly outdoor run, heading to your first Reformer Pilates session or simply updating your workout wardrobe, M&S' Goodmove have you covered from head to toe - literally.

Shop: More From M&S Goodmove

Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia. Gemma specialises in all things clothing and enjoys outfit planning (especially for holidays), scrolling social media for the next trend and shopping (probably for a new coat).