I got my first pair of Sweaty Betty’s power leggings last fall, which I wrote about here. More than 6 months later, they’re still one of my go-to pairs of bottoms. Since then, I’ve added two more pairs of power leggings to my repertoire. I styled them two (completely!) different ways in this post, and at the end I’ll share notes on fit and function.
Disclosure: the printed power leggings in this post were gifted from Sweaty Betty. I purchased the beetle blue pair on my own at regular price.
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The first combo is for those of us who live in climates that tend to be a bit slow with the whole “spring” thing. Lightweight long sleeves with long crops or full length leggings are what I’m wearing most days right now. These power leggings are beetle blue, a nice deep tone that walks the line between blue and teal.
The second pair of power leggings is the ultramarine rock the ramparts print. In contrast to the subdued combo above, I went all-out with this combo. Sure, you could wear a solid black or a nice heather grey (and I do!), but I think the green and the contrast of coral pink is fun and unexpected. If you can’t wear lots of color in the spring and summer, when can you??
Here’s what to know about the power leggings.
The power leggings fit true to size. All 3 pairs of my power leggings are size XS. The rise hits high, hitting right underneath my belly button. The back rise is comfortably high too, so there’s no sliding or coverage issues during exercises like squats.
The 7/8 length is the perfect ankle length on me (I’m 5’3″). I love the length since it doesn’t scrunch but is nicely long. The only critique I have for these leggings is that the low leg has a bit of wrinkling around my knees due to my petite stature. It’s more noticeable in the solid pair, but barely noticeable at all in my two printed pairs. If a size down were available (many of my Sweaty Betty leggings are XXS), I’m betting the leg would fit more smoothly on me.
The fabric on the power leggings is stretchy but supportive. It has light to medium compression: more compressive than cotton-like fabrics, but not quite as locked down as fabric like Werkshop or lululemon’s full-on luxtreme. The fabric is soft but smooth to the touch, and has enough stretch to it that I’d feel comfortable doing yoga or going for a run in them. These leggings are thick and substantial, but I don’t find them stifling or overly hot, which makes them an excellent weight for spring. They’re very comfortable and feel good against the skin. Also, one important note: all three pairs of my power leggings (both prints and solids) are fully opaque, including in a deep squat or bend.
All my power leggings have a hidden zip pocket at the back waistband. The pocket is generously sized–I can fit my entire phone (iPhone 7) inside. The leggings also have a little slash of reflectivity on the calf. There’s a continuous drawstring inside the waistband if you want to lock down the fit up top. And I love the seam details! One of the reasons I keep coming back to my power leggings is how flattering they are.
Overall, I’ve been happy with all my power leggings. As I said at the beginning of the post, I wear them frequently, which always means something good! The price is pretty average for high-end leggings, and in my opinion they’re worth it. If you’re new to Sweaty Betty, be sure to sign up for their email list to get 10% off your first order!
Outfit details
Also wearing:
Lululemon swiftly long sleeve – black
Lululemon cool racerback – bumble berry
Splits59 devon tank – everest (past season style)
Lululemon stuff your bra – neon pink (past season style)
Nike metcon 2 – black/bronze
I have tried Sweaty Betty over the years, but haven’t had a ton of success. This post makes me want to revisit the brand- I love those power leggings!
I’m going to be in NYC in a couple of weeks and will swing by their store for a try on.
Thanks for this. :)
Yes, if you can make time to swing by the store that sounds like the perfect opportunity to give them a try without any shipping/return hassle. Good luck if you do. :)
i have bought various versions of the power leggings a couple different times and they just don’t fit me. the knees are always super wrinkly and just too big even when i size down, and the waist is always too tight even when i size up. it’s a super bummer cause they are so cute. luckily i have had very good luck with pretty much everything else at SB. they make great technical stuff for working out, and i also feel like they are one of the very few brands that really pulls off the boxy look for casual tops.
i <3 SB!
Yeah, sounds like the cut just isn’t for you. :( Bummer, because they’re great pants! Can’t have it all I suppose.
I adore my power leggings. I have in lava print and cold mountain. They are perfect for my short stature. Very flexible and comfortable. I never need to pull them up or adjust these during my workout. The colors are pretty too, matching multiple different tops!! I am really tempted by the beetle blue. Both of the others I have are opaque in a deep bend but I always get nervous with solid colors… do both of these have good coverage? Thank you!
Ps. I went all of march on my spending freeze!! It was a great reset for me!! I also so a few lululemon items on eBay which is even better! Bought very minimal since, which makes my husband oh so happy!! Thank you for the idea and setting a great example!
Oops. Sold a few lululemon items on eBay…
It makes me super happy they went to new homes that will be loved and put to good use!! Also, I am making some great money in the process.
I was worried about the coverage on the solid pair too, but it’s actually just as opaque as the prints! I can’t see anything through mine even in the bendiest of bends.
And kudos on a successful spending freeze + selling spree! :) It really is a great feeling.
I’m loving these leggings on you!
I gotta admit, I’ve never tried 7/8 leggings before (despite being only 5’1″ ha) until recently when I bought my first pair of lululemon, eek! I got the All The Right Places tights in Hero Blue NWOT via ebay for ~$90 and that’s the most I’ve ever spent on athletic wear! Good thing I sold some things before I did! They are still a tad long on me, but better than full length tights and I’m kind of obsessed…
Still, I plan on a spending freeze the rest of the month + next month to save for summer, hehe.
Nice score and nice job on the selling. I hope your spending ban goes well, good luck. :)
Oh and hero blue is suuuuuch a good color!! <3
Hi,. I am looking to purchase a pair of sweaty Betty
Leggings and after your review I’m sold but not sure the
Size, I would be an xs in Nike but looking at the
Sizing of these I’m thinking xxs,, but are they tiny,
I am only 5ft3 and would normally wear a size 6?
I see you said you wear an an xs bit an xxs in some?
Thanks for your help
Maria
That depends on the exact Sweaty Betty leggings you’re looking at purchasing. If you’re buying the power leggings like the ones in this post, I recommend a size XS, it’s a similar size to Nike XS. :)
I’m 5,3 and 110 pounds . What size leggings would you recommend for the power. Xxs or extra small?
Do they stretch out at all?
I’m 5’3″ and somewhere around 105, so I’m pretty close to your size, and mine are XS. When they first came out, XXS was not available, but many of my other Sweaty Betty leggings are XXS and they fit great. I think you could probably go either way, honestly, it’s really tough to say! If you don’t mind them fitting a little on the snug side, XXS would probably work, but if you want to play it safe, I’d go for XS.
I just recently discovered sweaty betty, and caught your fab review NOW IN 2021! The 7/8 power sculpt are AMAZING for me: 5’2 – 107lbs, and the XXS gives some support and super flattering lines… I think the compression, though mild, will be PERFECTION for running in Prospect Park, BKLYN where I do a very unimpressive 5K several times a week at a whopping average pace of 10 min/mile hehe. FWIW, AMAZON is selling SB blue snake print, 7/8, for $40 bucks!!! Just tried them on, and no defects; can’t figure out why the great deal, but thought I’d pass it along…. Just bought my 3rd… Thanks for your review. BTW, for me the XXS IS the better fit as it eliminates baggy knees and adds a tough of compression for running in otherwise lightly and delightfully comfy leggings