Finding your favorite pair of yoga pants
When you’re connecting with your breath during yoga, the last thing you want distracting you is a pair of yoga pants that pinch, bunch or fall down. From sun salutations to downward facing dogs (and everything in between), your yoga pants need to be comfortable doing whatever poses you find yourself in. And these days, yoga pants are seen as much off the mat as they are on it. When looking for new yoga pants, there are some features to keep in mind — and a few to avoid. Here’s our guide to the best yoga pants to help you find your next favorite pair.
Yoga pants buying guide
Yoga pants need to move and stretch with you, providing comfort and coverage even in the most contorted pose. When you are looking for the perfect yoga pants, here are some things to consider.
Coverage
When we say coverage, we mean what’s going on behind you when you come into a standing forward fold. Lighter yoga pants are the biggest culprits. If you can see even a hint of undergarment, keep looking.
Fabric
You’ll need a fabric that is supportive but not constricting, soft but not too slippery. A straight cotton yoga pant may shrink in the wash and will not keep you cool in hot yoga, but a fully synthetic fabric is not as soft and is subject to pilling and odor. A blend of the two keeps most yogis comfortable and cool.
Style
High-wasted or low rise? Capri, long or short? Your preference depends on what you’re comfortable in, but it may also be influenced by the style of yoga you practice.
Yoga style
While performance fabrics are welcome in any style of exercise, they make more sense in some styles of yoga. Choose a synthetic moisture-wicking fabric for vinyasa and hot yoga classes. Cooling down with yin or other gently restorative practice? A fabric blend (or even straight cotton) is a great choice.
Cost
The first time you go shopping for yoga pants, prepare for some eye-popping prices. Buyer beware, though. Just because they cost a lot doesn’t mean they are the best choice. In fact, one of our favorite pairs of pants can be had for $20. Although brand names may offer a high-quality product, there are well-made options for all budgets.
Extra features
We all know by now that yoga pants have made their way out of the ashram and onto the streets. Extra features like pockets (on the side, in the waistband or at the back) are great to have if you’re detouring to the grocery store after class.
You might also consider the seams of yoga pants when looking for the perfect pair. Yoga pants at the upper end of the price range feature a diamond-shaped gusset at the crotch that is often sturdier and more comfortable than a regular t-shaped seam.
Caring for yoga pants
Taking good care of your yoga pants ensures they will last longer than your ten-class pass. If you are washing fully synthetic yoga pants, use a detergent that is safe and won’t degrade the material.
Wash yoga pants inside out in cold water with like colors. Skip the fabric softener, as that simply breaks down clothing fibers and shortens the life of your pants. Line dry to keep your pants’ shape and stretch.
Whether you are running errands, running a 5k or running off to yoga class, here are our picks for the best yoga pants.
Best yoga pants
BALEAF Women’s High Waisted Yoga Leggings with Side Pockets: available at Amazon
Affordable, durable and available in nine colors, these high-waisted yoga leggings come with a handy side pocket. They are moisture-wicking and comfortable even in hot weather.
Women’s Under Armour HeatGear No-Slip Printed 7/8 Ankle Leggings: available at Kohl’s and Macy’s
These fully synthetic leggings offer moisture-wicking odor control for the sweatiest of hot yoga classes. They also feature a stay-put waistband that has a key pocket.
Foucome Women’s Maternity Leggings: available at Amazon
Featuring four-way stretch, good belly support and soft, seamless fabric, these maternity leggings will take you to yoga class and beyond. They also come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a 30-day return policy.
prAna Women’s Transform Legging: available at Amazon
prAna is one of the leading manufacturers of yoga pants and hiking clothing. These leggings are full length and offer light compression, a wide waistband and a hidden key pocket.
prAna Prana Men’s Vaha Pant: available at Amazon
Mixed blend hemp yoga pants with an easy pull-on waistband offer comfort and performance in a high-quality yoga pant. It’s available in five colors and featuring an interior drawstring, too.
YOGA CROW Men’s Swerve Yoga Shorts: available at Amazon
Yoga shorts are a great option for a sweaty yoga practice and these come with an antimicrobial liner that fights odor and bacteria as you salute the sun. The breathable, four-way stretch fabric won’t bunch up.
ALWAYS Women Yoga Short: available at Amazon
Buttery soft and stretchy, these yoga shorts feature a stay-put 3-inch waistband that won’t roll down or bunch up. Common sense caution, though: the fabric of these shorts is very light and some of the lighter colors may not be opaque.
Alo Yoga Women’s Moto Legging: available at Amazon
Move from the mat to the market and beyond with moto styling and athletic function. Quilted contrast stitching and mesh deliver moisture-wicking comfort in all-day style.
Adidas Women’s Designed 2 Move 3-Stripes High-Rise Long Tights: available at Amazon and Macy’s
The Classic adidas three-stripe design meets high-waisted performance in a great all-around yoga pant. They are high-waisted and made with Primegreen high-performance recycled materials.
Suzannah Kolbeck is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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