Goodmove High Waisted Gym Leggings from Marks and Spencer Group plc - 100% squat proof and phone pocket detail

Reviewed: ad hoc news New Release & Launch desk. Edited and checked on 2026-06-23, 03:30. Details in the imprint.

The Goodmove High Waisted Gym Leggings slide on with that soft, slightly cool touch you want before a workout, then lock in place as you start to move. No tugging, no rolling. Just a wide waistband and a fabric that feels quietly confident rather than showy.

What the leggings offer

Marks & Spencer pitches the Goodmove High Waisted Gym Leggings as 100% squat proof, with a thick yet breathable polyester-elasthane blend designed for medium-impact training. The Goodmove range is the retailer's activewear line, focused on running, gym and everyday movement.

The leggings feature a deep high waist, flat seams and a streamlined cut that sits close without feeling restrictive. A side thigh pocket holds a smartphone flat against the leg, useful on runs or in the weights area where armbands are unpopular.

Design choices from Leeds

Head of womenswear Maddy Evans has repeatedly underlined that Goodmove products are built around how customers actually exercise, not just studio styling. That thinking shows in details like the wide waistband and the subtle matte finish that hides sweat patches better than shiny fabrics. An M&S press release on the Goodmove launch highlights the focus on functional performance and comfort.

Fabric, fit and feel

On the shop floor, the fabric feels smooth rather than slippery, with enough thickness that your hand does not immediately see through when you stretch it. Customers often scrunch the waistband and pull at the knees - a quick stress test that these leggings handle calmly.

Reviewers on the Marks & Spencer website praise the leggings for staying up during squats and lunges, with fewer complaints about sheerness compared with older M&S workout lines. Some do mention that the compression is on the gentler side, making them more all-day friendly than hardcore performance tights.

Price point and positioning

The Goodmove High Waisted Gym Leggings sit around £29.50 in the UK, undercutting many specialist sports brands while staying above pure budget labels. That price places them in a space where customers expect consistent sizing, decent durability and a look that works beyond the gym.

Marks & Spencer has been pushing Goodmove in window displays and online banners, signalling that activewear is now a strategic pillar alongside lingerie and denim. The retailer pointed to strong Goodmove sales momentum in recent trading updates, though it does not break out exact numbers. Half-year results commentary references growth in womenswear and athleisure as part of its clothing recovery.

Where they work best

These leggings feel aimed squarely at customers who want a reliable pair for classes, brisk walks and school runs rather than marathon training. The phone pocket and squat-proof promise cater to real-world concerns: music and podcasts on the move, and no anxiety in the weights rack.

In-store, shoppers often pair them with Goodmove zip-up hoodies or oversized cotton tees, building a casual uniform that runs from the yoga studio to the food hall. The matte finish means they do not shout "gym kit" when you are just grabbing groceries.

Limitations and trade-offs

For high-intensity workouts, some athletes might find the breathability sufficient but not exceptional, especially in hot classes. Those used to high-compression sports brands may also wish for a firmer hold around the thighs and calves.

The color range is solid but fairly safe, leaning on black, navy and muted tones rather than bold prints. That fits the Marks & Spencer style, but customers looking for loud patterns will likely browse elsewhere or mix these leggings with more expressive tops.

Company angle and shares

For Marks & Spencer, Goodmove is part of a wider attempt to modernize its clothing offer while hanging on to its reputation for reliable basics. Alongside food and revamped stores, accessible activewear is meant to keep younger shoppers in the ecosystem. Marks & Spencer shares (ISIN GB0031215220) trade on the London Stock Exchange, with investors watching whether clothing and home can maintain the momentum hinted at in recent updates.

This article was AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Product information without guarantee; prices and availability may change at short notice. No investment advice, no buy or sell recommendation. Stock-market transactions involve risks up to total loss.