How We Test
We aggregate millions of product reviews, scour other websites for their professional opinions - then we test the products ourselves. We do not accept free products from manufacturers, and our only goal is to give you the best recommendations possible. However, if you buy from the links on this page, we may earn a small commission.
- Best Cat Toys For Kittens - November 15, 2024
- Best Cheap Coffee Maker - November 15, 2024
- Best Cat Litter For Odor - August 13, 2024
Yoga pants – they’re everywhere these days. Not just for yoga, women wear them to the grocery store, the salon, the gym, picking their kids up from school, wine night – basically anywhere they can get away with.
Why? Comfort. Yoga pants tone (and suck in) your butt and legs, are flattering to a great degree, and go with nearly anything. We’ve trawled through thousands of pairs on the web, and here are our picks for the best yoga pants.
Our Top Pick
90 Degree By Reflex
With over 7,000 (!) positive reviews online – these are the yoga pants to get. Affordable, stylish, durable, thin (but not too thin) – they are the perfect product. There are a huge number of colors available, and they are also “squat-proof” – according to one reviewer.
Other Great Picks
Prana Pillar
The texture of these is great, and they offer comfort – without any slippage. They’re also very light – but not see-through. Another great benefit? They successfully hide and smells or sweat – so don’t feel bad about wearing them all day.
Alo Airbrush Legging
If you’ve never tried airbrushed yoga pants – these are the ones to get. A perfect finish, a perfect texture, and great durability all make these a winner.
Beyond Yoga Take Me Higher
Even hot yoga can’t take out these pants. We loved the softness, as well as the flexibility of the fabric. While they are slightly more expensive than the budget options – we think they are worth it, for the longevity.
Leggings Depot High Waisted Leggings
An amazing budget option – see how many pairs you can grab for $100! While slightly less material, and slightly less durable than expensive options – they are still very well-made, and last for a very long time. One of our staff’s absolute favorites.
Core 10 Build Your Own Yoga Pant
Perhaps the coolest pants on our list, these are fully customizable. You can choose your style, waist, and length. Needless to say, because of this individual personalization – these pants have a near-perfect score, online. And with over 200 customer reviews – that’s saying a lot.
Baleaf High Waisted Yoga Pants
One of the internet’s most popular pair of yoga pants – these boast over 1,300 (!) positive online reviews. With a hidden pocket (perfect for stashing keys or credit cards) – they are perfectly made, and come in at a very low price. 5 out of 5 stars, for sure.
Colorfulkoala High Waisted Yoga Pants
These stylish (but affordable) yoga pants have been reviewed positively over 900 times online. Needless to say – if you want to maintain a budget, and still look great – these may be the pick for you. The high waist also provides a great fit, and helps to hide any problem areas.
Spalding Women’s Bootleg Yoga Pants
If you are looking for bootcut yoga pants – these are our pick. With over 5,000 (!) positive reviews, they are simply unbeatable. And while they look great – they barely will dent your wallet. That’s what we call a ‘win-win’.
Oalka Yoga Capri Pants
If you want capri-style yoga pants – make it these. Over 2,000 reviews state how great these pants are – and once we tried them on – we agreed.
What Are Yoga Pants?
Over the last decade, yoga pants have become a staple in women’s closets all over the world. Whether you begin your day with a perfected crow pose, are taking up jogging for the first time, or simply running errands, yoga pants are a wonderful, easy go-to.
They are versatile, comfortable, and most of the time, flattering, so why not choose them as the base to most of your outfits?
What To Look For In Yoga Pants
There are many brands, shapes, colors, and styles of yoga pants to choose from – accessibility isn’t a problem in athleisure wear. Everyone’s body is unique, beautiful, and frankly, shaped differently.
So where do you start when looking for your ideal pair of yoga pants?
A great pair of yoga pants will hug your body but also allow for ample breathing during your routine. You’ll want a material that is just the right thickness for maneuvering comfortably and providing support without holding in too much heat.
You do not need to break the bank when buying a pair, but making sure the fabric and build hold true to high quality is important.
Where Are You Going To Wear Them?
When purchasing a pair of yoga pants, think about where you’re headed to after putting them on. Are you going for a long run? Heading to a yoga class? Are you dressing them up for a night out?
Tailor your choice of yoga pants to your activity. This will impact the material you choose.
If your yoga pants are primarily used for exercise and yoga (or yoga-like activity), you will want to choose a pair that are crafted for optimal breathability and flexibility. Yoga involves a lot of stretching, twisting, and bending and you’ll want a pair that will bend with you.
Unlike leggings which are primarily another word for comfortable fabric pants, yoga pants are typically designed to work with you from pose to pose. There are few things worse than finding your workout groove or mastering your full-body flow and having to adjust your pants in-between movements.
What Are Yoga Pants Made Of?
There are typically three types of materials to choose from, for yoga pants: synthetics, cotton, and synthetic blends.
You’ll find that blends will offer the right flexibility and breathability you’re looking for, especially if wearing yoga pants for physical activity. Look for polyester-nylon-spandex blends.
Synthetic materials, such as polyester, nylon, and spandex (aka elastane or Lycra) are ideal for physical activity. These materials are moisture-wicking, which means they are made to ventilate, cool you down, and dry quickly while you sweat.
Properly made synthetic materials are also designed to hold both your body’s shape and their shape by not shrinking and adhering to your curves if sized correctly. Look for yoga pants made with at least 15 percent spandex.
What To Look Out For
Unless your yoga pants are strictly for casual attire, try to stay away from cotton. They are not nearly as breathable as a synthetic material, will absorb moisture, and are destined to color fade in a few washes.
This may seem obvious, but a great test to follow in judging material and fit is maneuvering as you would in yoga class or workouts, while looking in the mirror.
For example, get into a child’s pose or do a large squat or lunge. Are your pants sagging? When stretching into child pose or squatting, can you see through the fabric? You don’t need to spend an entire paycheck on a pair, but choosing the right, quality material will allow you to navigate some easy-to-avoid yoga pitfalls.
Is There A Difference Between Yoga Pants And Leggings?
This is a very common question, especially since both leggings and yoga pants have taken off, in terms of popularity.
Put simply, leggings are ideal for wearing under your clothes. They provide comfort and warmth, but aren’t necessarily meant to be seen.
Yoga pants, on the other hand, are meant for yoga and other activities.
Leggings and yoga pants are constructed entirely differently, from materials used, to flexibility, and even waistband support.
Many women prefer yoga pants, because they are thicker, provide more stretch, and are less likely to be see-through.
Leggings and yoga pants are both increasingly being worn as fashion statements. Women frequently pair them with nearly any outfit – and they are also now seen as a comfortable (and cozy!) option for everyday life.
What Is The Right Length For Yoga Pants?
“Look good, feel good” is a saying for a reason. When choosing a pair of yoga pants, there are a few styles to consider. Not all stylistic choices are for aesthetics alone. Choosing the right length and style for your body is important for a proper fit.
There are usually three lengths of yoga pants to choose from: capri length, full length, and ⅞ length. For an average height woman (let’s say, 5’4”), capri length pants will hit right in the mid-calf.
Full-length will reach your sneaker or sock. ⅞ length will rest right above your ankle.
For women below average height, a ⅞ length typically makes for a well-fitted full length.
The length of your yoga pants can be based on aesthetics and looks alone, but make sure that the length you choose gives your legs a proper hug with room for stretch. Most pairs of yoga pants are designed to be form-fitting, so these lengths describe cuts that cinch around the ankle.
Waist Styles For Yoga Pants
Now that you’ve figured out the best length for you, you’ll want to consider the style of the waist. Waist styles vary, and include: ultra high-waist, high-waist (or high-rise), mid-rise, and standard.
You’ll find that many pairs of yoga pants are topped with a thick elastic waistband which is beautifully designed for inverted poses or comfort during quick activity. A stretchy, performance-ready, secure fit is key!
Ultra high-waist will sit just two or so inches below your bra strap, while high-rise will stretch right above your belly button. If the pants fit correctly, the bottom seam of the waistband should rest at the top of your hip bones. The waistband should feel secure on your body.
If there is a gap between your stomach and waist, the size may be too big. If it’s hard to breathe or you are left with a band mark, they are most likely too tight.
A thicker waistband allows for ample “tummy control” and the compression is often a factor, especially during activity and motion.
Loose-fitting yoga pants do exist and they are recommended for slow yoga or calm activity. Precise movements will benefit from the compression aspect of wearing a snug pair.
If you don’t love the feeling of seams that hug your ankles (like skinny jeans), you can easily find a flared bottom or boot cut pair of yoga pants.
Sizes will range in the same way pant sizes are noted. Extra small to extra large is standard, tailoring to all body sizes.
If you are able to try your pair on in-store, you may want to consider your standard size and also a size smaller. Sizes for stretchy material are fairly close to each other and you’ll want them to fit snuggly.
Other Important Factors
If you’re someone that tends to exercise outside and wants to have your keys or phone on your person, you may want to consider looking for a pair of yoga pants that comes with pockets. Keep in mind, not all yoga pants have pockets.
Pairs that are made for outdoor recreation or workouts are usually lined with pockets on the side thigh or equipped with a discrete pocket on the top lining of the waistband.
If you’re planning on wearing your pair to a yoga class or for stretching pockets are not always needed.
Two-toned yoga pants are also a fun, unique way to enjoy solid colors without having to choose just one. Many two-toned pairs are designed with complementing colors that also compliment your shape and curves.
Similar to two-toned, you can also find yoga pants with multiple textures and patterns. Typically these come in solid black or solid tones, and are suggested for recreational use.
For example, a ribbed fabric covering the top thigh, or a sassy mesh fabric on the calf.
Remember – you are buying yoga pants to fit you, not the other way around.
The most important factor is that you feel comfortable and confident. You also want to be sure that the pants are high-quality, and made with care. Remember, yoga pants will already be thicker and more flexible than leggings, so you can already be sure they are well-crafted – no matter which pair you buy.
The Best Yoga Pants
There you have it – our picks for the best yoga pants. Comfort, affordability, style – all the elements are here. The world of women’s fashion and accessories is certainly not limited to just yoga pants – so make sure to take a look at our other picks, in the women’s fashion category.