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Karin is a certified yoga instructor and HR director in addition to running a successful Instagram account about fashion, lifestyle, and more. She describes herself as "a Boho Girl living in a Yogi World".
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With our busy and hectic lifestyles, we often don’t get enough time to relax and destress. That’s why when we do, we need to be wearing comfortable pants. Below, we’ll help you figure out which yoga pants are right for you.
Yoga isn’t exactly a "one size fits all" activity. There are a lot of different styles of yoga, so it goes without saying that there are different styles of yoga pants to complement them.
It's also important to invest in a pair of yoga pants that are breathable and moisture-wicking. Fabric that doesn't wick your sweat well can lead to discomfort and even health issues like fungal infections. Spandex-, nylon-, and polyester-blends are good options for avoiding these issues.
If you want to maximize flexibility with some stretchy fabric, look for pants with four-way stretch. This means the fabric will stretch horizontally and vertically, giving you a full range of movement.
Look for loose cuts such as harem pants or bootleg pants. It's best to wear a breathable and soft material, so organic cotton or cotton blends will probably suit you best in this case. Just be aware that cotton blends retain moisture, so they aren't the best material for sweat-producing yoga styles.
Still, these types of fabric breathe very well, so your body will stay at a comfortable temperature as you move through your poses. Look for pants that have draw strings or gentle elastic waist bands, so that even if your pant legs are looser, you'll still have the security of a good, adjustable fit at your hips.
If you're pregnant and have reached your second or third trimester, you'll probably want to switch from loose-fitting yoga pants to maternity yoga pants. While loose-fitting pants will keep you comfortable early on in your pregnancy, maternity yoga pants are actually tailored to provide your changing body with the best comfort and fit.
With maternity leggings, there's a roomy, pouch-like "pocket" designed beneath the waistband. This way, you won't feel constricted even if you want the rest of your lower half to be supported by a tighter type of legging. Many maternity brands also offer special designs like bands that can be adjusted above or below your belly and yoga pants that don't interfere with C-section recovery.
If you feel more comfortable having a bit of skin exposed, Capri-style yoga pants are also available. These are a great choice if you're combining your yoga with more cardio-based exercises such as jogging or pilates, as they allow you to cool down a bit quicker.
There is a variety of yoga pant styles, depending on your yoga practice and what works for your lifestyle. The most classic type of yoga pant is the legging, which is formfitting all the way through the legs to the mid-calf or ankle.
I prefer an ankle-length legging, but you can also choose a bootcut leg opening or even loose balloon style pants if you're looking for something different.
Yoga is about releasing stress and toxins, and with that, you also release sweat. And whether you’re a yoga instructor or a first-timer, you won’t want everyone’s attention focused on your huge sweat spots. That's why we recommend choosing a darker color for yoga pants, especially if you're doing hot yoga.
If you know you like and strive for a sweaty (A.K.A "glowy") yoga practice, consider black, navy, or darker greys, greens, blues and other shades to keep sweat stain appearance at a minimum.
Keep in mind that the quality of a darker color pant is in the material, so make sure they're durable enough to keep them from becoming transparent or see-through in certain poses.
Most yoga pants have a gusset sewn in, but they vary in design, including one design that offers an extra layer of material for those who prefer to go commando during their yoga workout.
If you want to keep some personal items like your keys close at hand while you practice, invest in a pair of yoga pants that has pockets. This feature also gives you the option of wearing your yoga pants out and about without having to worry about where to put your wallet or phone.
I love this style for the comfort, and the crotch area is less see-through with a gusset-stiched pant.
None of us want to show more than style and technique when doing a downward dog. That’s why sizing is extra important to make sure that when you bend over or squat, your pants aren’t see-through.
Before purchasing, be sure to check the sizing chart and measurements. Even if you’ve found a pair you really love, if they’re not the right size, you might be showing off your underwear in yoga class. Also, you can check reviews to make sure the pants have passed the “squat test.”
It's important for your yoga pant or legging to be form-fitting, but make sure that you choose the correct size and sturdy materials so they aren't see-through.
It might be tempting to go cheap and easy, but read the reviews and choose from sellers that have a generous return policy if you aren't trying the pants on in person to check whether the groin area or the seams are semi-transparent when practicing certain poses.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Athleta Navy | $98.00 High Mid | Best for Both Indoor and Outdoor Yoga | ||
2 | Lululemon 28" pant | $98.00 High Mid | Best Lightweight Pants for Any Yoga Style | ||
3 | Girlfriend Collective Beachwood | $78.00 Mid | Best Sustainable Compression Leggings for Plus Sizes | ||
4 | Kindred Bravely Black with pockets | $89.99 High Mid | Best Maternity Yoga Pants for Gentle, Low-Impact Poses | ||
5 | Sweaty Betty Black | $100.00 High Mid | Best High-Impact Pants With Zippered Pockets | ||
6 | Lululemon Black | $98.00 High Mid | Best Wide-Leg, Low-Impact Pants for Tall People | ||
7 | Nike Purple | $90.00 High Mid | Best Lightweight Mid-Rise Yoga Pants | ||
8 | Athleta Navy | $44.99 Low Mid | Best Flare Pants for Petite People | ||
9 | Dragon Fit Black | $20.98 Low | Best Budget Pick With Plenty of Pocket Space | ||
10 | Zella Black | $65.00 Mid | Best Athleisure Yoga Pants With Ankle Cuffs |
Pros:
Cons:
The Salutation II Yoga Pants are Athleta's lightest offering yet. Made of a soft yet durable nylon/spandex mix, these pants are excellent at wicking away sweat and stretching with your body. These pants are minimally seamed for comfort and have a smoothing waistline. Although these are compression leggings, they're popular as loungewear, too.
Some who bought the Salutation II Yoga Pants complained that the waistband rolled too much for their liking, while others warned that the fabric pilled easily. However, these yoga pants are still very popular for their roomy pockets, satin-soft feel, and stretchiness.
Pros:
Cons:
Lululemon's Align Yoga Pants are lightweight and designed to move with the flow of your body as you practice. The fabric is soft and wicks sweat well. Holding true to Lulu's brand, Align Yoga Pants are designed to be durable and long-lasting. While the pants don't have a gusset, the doubled nature of Nulu™ fabric promises good coverage.
There are quite a few reports that the Align Yoga Pants pill easily, so you should take care when you wash them. Still, Align is one of Lululemon's most popular styles due to its glove-like fit and soft, buttery feel. Many describe these pants as feeling like a second skin while they practice their yoga, adding that the fabric quality is so high they can wear the pants out and about as well.
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Not only does Girlfriend Collective back fair trade and ethical labor laws, but they've ensured that their High-Rise Leggings have excellent stretch, sweat-wicking properties, and an in-seam pocket. Sizes are all-inclusive, and the pants' material is so sturdy that you can do yoga or a quick jog in them!
Some reviewers have noted that while the material of these yoga pants is better for the planet, it isn's as soft or well-fitted as other popular yoga brands. Still, plenty of reviewers are thrilled with how supportive and sturdy the fabric feels when they exercise. They added that they were able to use their leggings for other sports like biking or hiking.
Pros:
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Kindred Bravely's leggings have a stretchy waist band that fits comfortably against your body without being too restrictive. It's also adjustable, and can be pulled up as high as your ribcage to provide the level of coverage you desire. The fabric is a soft polyester/spandex mix, which feels comfortable against your skin but still stretches into any gentle yoga poses you want to try.
Some who bought Kindred Bravely's leggings complained that they began to show wear and pilling after too many washes. On the other hand, many were thrilled with how soft, comfortable, and versatile the leggings were throughout their pregnancies. They added that the material seemed was fairly sheer-proof and served well in the studio or at home.
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Cons:
Sweaty Betty's Power Peggings are great for hot yoga or other more intense forms of exercise. The fabric make offers excellent sweat-wicking performance, and while the yoga pants are fairly high-compression, they also stretch four ways. Wearers have access to a side pocket and a back waistband pocket, which is zippered to keep your valuables safe.
Some found that the waistband of these pants pinched them uncomfortably, saying it wasn't as high as they would have liked. For the most part, these yoga pants are popular for how versatile they are. Many reviewers admit they've used the pants for yoga and high-impact cardio, adding that the pants provide the perfect amount of support but maintain a soft feel against the skin.
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Lululemon's Groove Yoga Pants are an excellent choice if you're tall and want a soft fabric with less compression for your restorative or low-impact yoga sessions. The pants feature a wide flare and ample amounts of stretch, but they also have a very high waistline to give you some tummy support.
Some who tried Groove Yoga Pants complained that the recently updated fabric style felt too thin and didn't offer enough compression. Still, many who enjoy doing gentle yoga sessions at home have raved about how soft and comforting these pants feel. They add that the stylish flare of the pants makes them a good option for running errands as well.
Pros:
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Nike's One Luxe Yoga Pants offer a comfy mid-rise waistline and a soft, lightweight fabric. One Luxe has three hidden pockets around its mesh-inlaid waistband, and the largest in the back is big enough for a phone. If you want a lower waistline with less compression that still hugs you in the right places, we recommend this pair of yoga pants.
A few people who tried these yoga pants warned that they're a bit tight at first and may need to be broken in. Still, many others were happy with the soft feel and gentle compression of the One Luxe Yoga Pants. Some added that the pants are sheer-proof, and that they went through some pretty deep poses without exposing underwear lines.
Pros:
Cons:
Athleta's Studio Flare Pants provide just enough compression to fit glove-like against your body. They're gusseted and made of Athleta's signature nylon/spandex mix, making them perfect for slow, deep yoga styles. The pant legs have a flashy flare to them as well.
Most complaints aired about these pants is that they're currently only available in the smallest size. Those who can wear these yoga pants love how buttery soft yet flexible they are. They say that the flare style makes the pants look fancy enough to wear on a day in the office as well.
Pros:
Cons:
Dragon Fit's yoga pants provide some compression and plenty of subtle pocket space hidden in their high-rise waistline. They offer a soft, stretchy nylon/spandex fabric that fits most studio yoga styles. This makes them a perfect budget pick for beginners who don't know if they're ready to splurge on pants yet.
Some customers who bought larger sizes warned that the pants didn't have enough compression to make them feel secure as they practiced. However, plenty of users were thrilled with how comfortably Dragon Fit's pants hugged their legs and waists, adding that the material felt sturdy but not smotheringly thick.
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Cons:
Zella's Restore Leggings are also a catch if you want some pants for a less intensive style of yoga. Better yet, they have lined ankle cuffs to ensure the pant legs don't ride up while you're getting into your poses. Made of recycled polyester and stretchy spandex, these leggings offer a soft, comforting touch.
Some reviewers wanted a little compression to their Zella leggings and said that the pants didn't hug them in the right spots. Still, Zella's Restore Leggings are widely loved for their softness and flattering fit. Wearers add that the sporty, comfortable ankle cuffs make the pants a great choice for walks or other low-impact exercises as well.
Pros:
Cons:
These stylish, loose-fitting yoga pants are super comfortable and not at all restricting. They’re ideal for Yin or restorative yoga, or other slow-paced yoga forms. The fabric is lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying, so you won’t be too hot and sweaty during your yoga session.
A few who wore these pants warned that the seams were pretty fragile and came undone when they washed or handled the pants too roughly. However, plenty of reviewers love these comfy boho yoga pants for their light-as-air fabric and stunning designs.
Karin says, "A higher cut waistband that doesn't roll down is key! This ensures that your pants will not bother you or get in the way while you practice. A lower-cut waistband might dig into the wrong spot on your hips and make it less enjoyable to wear. Also consider the length, and measure your inseam before purchasing.
Remember that the best yoga clothing, including yoga pants, are the ones you can't feel or notice while you are practicing. So always purchase something that makes you feel comfortable and attractive and works with the movements you're going through!"
You've got your yoga pants sorted out, but do you have other yoga essentials? Here are just a few of the many yoga-related supply articles we have on mybest!
No. 1: Athleta|Navy
No. 2: Lululemon|28" pant
No. 3: Girlfriend Collective|Beachwood
No. 4: Kindred Bravely|Black with pockets
No. 5: Sweaty Betty|Black
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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