‘My butt is way bigger than my waist, but these leggings never fall down’

Im in a constant state of "editing" my workout wardrobe-as a fitness writer and enthusiast, Ive tested a ton of gear over the years, and my drawers can only take so much cramming.

So yeah, I'm basically always Marie Kondo-ing my collection of sports bras, sweat-wicking tops, and most of all, leggings.

The thing is, my butt and hips are the curviest part of my body, and pants that fit them comfortably (without being see-through) are always too big in the waist-so, I often find myself hiking up and readjusting my leggings (especially high-waisted ones). Unfortunately, the right size for my butt is totally different than the right size for my waist.

This problem is annoying enough when it comes to regular pants, like jeans (that omnipresent gaping between my waistband and my lower back is the bane of my existence). But for a pair of pants that I'm running, dancing, or burpee-ing in, it's a straight deal-breaker.

Luckily, I do have one pair of leggings that's never been on the chopping block, and never will be. (And in fact, they do bring me joy-Marie Kondo would approve.)

They're the Nike Power Essential Running Crops. They came into my life on Christmas about five years ago (when I was just getting into working out), and that same pair is still the highest-ranking pick in my rotation.

It's been a while, so newer versions of the same pants are a little bit different (and they also come in long lengths), but the features I love about them have remained the same. And while they're technically running pants, I've worn them for pretty much every workout under the sun.

They've never failed me thanks to one simple (but crucial) detail: a sneaky drawstring in the waistband. With the tie of one little bow, they stay exactly where I want them to, whether I'm doing a kickboxing class, dance cardio, strength training, or hot yoga.

When I've looked for other workout leggings that I can cinch up at the waist, I've found that many of them have single-loop drawstrings, which I find annoying to tie (and often a little bit bulky).

The mid-rise, wide-ish waistband is super-comfortable, too, and there's a handy zippered pocket in the back that I can keep my keys and cards in if I need to.

And while I've bought this same exact style in a couple of different patterns and colors over the years, my black pair is still my number one because they're so versatile-I can pair it with any sports bra or top. I travel often, so this is an especially great perk when I'm packing strategically. Plus, the sweat-wicking Dri-Fit fabric means I can get away with wearing them for a couple of workouts on the road as long as I lay them out in between. (Is that gross? I don't care.)

On that note, when I do wash them (which happens, promise!), I don't use hot water or put them in the dryer. And I swear that's why they've stuck around this long without ripping or pilling too much-after all, a pair of leggings that I've sweat in hundreds of times probably has no business still being in my closet, but hey, no complaints.

And when the sad day comes when they do bite the dust, you better believe I'll be ordering the same pair.