THE GYM PEOPLE Thick High Waist Yoga Pants with Pockets Review: Best Budget Leggings with Pockets (2026)

The high‑waist band stays put during yoga and walking but can roll during high‑intensity moves. Over 69,000 reviews average 4.4 stars for fit, with most buyers praising the stretch. The fabric is soft enough for all‑day wear yet snug for light exercise. Deep side pockets hold phones without sagging. Best for light gym sessions and yoga; size down if between sizes. The brushed interior feels soft against skin, and the moisture-wicking finish prevents sweat buildup during hot yoga. Many buyers use these for travel and lounging, not just workouts.

THE GYM PEOPLE’s thick fabric passes the squat test even in lighter colors. The double‑stitched seams prevent sheerness through hundreds of washes, according to long‑term owners. Squat‑proof performance rivals $60+ brands. Moisture‑wicking keeps you dry during hot yoga, and the high‑waist band won’t dig in. This is a standout feature at this price. Reviewers highlight that the fabric remains opaque even when bending over, and the high-waist design provides full coverage without constant readjustment.

The deep side pockets hold most smartphones securely, even during light activity. A Pro Max fits without peeking out, and the seams are reinforced. While not zippered, the pocket tension keeps essentials in place during yoga flows. You’ll also find a hidden waistband pocket for keys or cards. For running or high‑impact workouts, consider adding a belt for extra security. The hidden waistband pocket is a convenient bonus for stashing a key or card, though it's not large enough for a phone. For everyday errands, these pockets replace a small bag.

The main complaint across 69,000+ reviews is pilling after repeated machine washing. Hand‑washing and air‑drying extend the life significantly. The fabric holds shape and color after dozens of wear‑wash cycles, and the flatlock seams resist chafing. At $24.99, replacing them annually is still cheaper than one pair of Lululemon. Expect moderate pilling over time, especially on inner thighs. Some long-term owners recommend washing in cold water and avoiding fabric softeners to extend the life of the elasticity. Despite pilling, the leggings maintain their shape and compression after a year.

At $24.99, these leggings outperform expectations across comfort, opacity, and pocket depth. The wide XS–3XL size range and 25+ colors mean there’s a pair for every body. While pilling is a trade‑off, the initial quality rivals leggings costing twice as much. If you prioritize a secure fit, squat-proof fabric, and functional pockets without spending $50+, this is the clear budget winner. For the same review pool at $22.99, the variant with slightly different styling is worth a look. Compared to Lululemon's $98 Align pants, THE GYM PEOPLE offer similar softness and pocket functionality at a quarter of the price, making them a smarter buy for budget shoppers.