When a pair of Primark's £8 gym leggings started doing the rounds on TikTok, fitness enthusiasts and bargain hunters alike sat up and took notice. Could these budget-friendly bottoms really compete with premium activewear brands costing five times as much? We got our hands on a pair to separate fact from fitness fiction.
The Viral Sensation That's Taking Over Gym Bags
Social media has been buzzing with videos of shoppers raving about Primark's PSports High-Waisted Leggings. Priced at just £8, these leggings have become something of a cult favourite, with fitness influencers and everyday gym-goers praising their surprising quality and flattering fit.
First Impressions: Unboxing The Budget Activewear
Upon first inspection, the leggings feel surprisingly substantial – not the thin, see-through material you might expect at this price point. The fabric has a good weight to it and offers decent stretch without feeling restrictive. The high-waisted design provides ample coverage, making them suitable for everything from yoga to high-intensity workouts.
Putting Them Through Their Paces: The Workout Test
During testing, the leggings performed remarkably well across different types of exercise:
- Yoga and Pilates: Excellent flexibility and moved comfortably with every stretch
- Running and cardio: Stayed in place without sliding down during high-impact movement
- Weight training: Provided good support without restricting range of motion
The material proved to be breathable and moisture-wicking, keeping you relatively dry even during sweaty sessions. While they might not have all the technical features of £50+ leggings, they certainly hold their own for most gym activities.
How Do They Compare To Premium Brands?
While they might lack some of the advanced moisture-wicking technology and compression features of high-end brands, these leggings deliver about 80% of the performance at just 20% of the price. The squat test revealed they're not completely opaque in very bright lighting, but for everyday gym use, they provide adequate coverage.
The Verdict: Are They Worth Buying?
Pros:
- Incredible value for money at just £8
- Comfortable and flattering fit
- Surprisingly good quality fabric
- Available in multiple colours
Cons:
- Can be slightly see-through in direct, bright light
- Limited size availability during peak times
- Less compression than premium alternatives
For anyone building their activewear collection on a budget, these leggings are an absolute game-changer. They're perfect for casual gym-goers, students, or anyone who wants quality workout wear without breaking the bank.
The next time you're passing Primark, it might be worth popping in to see if you can snag a pair of these viral wonders before they sell out – at this price, you've got very little to lose and some surprisingly decent gym wear to gain.
