Yoga pants have become a modern wardrobe essential because they provide both comfort and style. They are a staple for women’s daily attire, whether they are going to the gym or running errands.
Yoga pants are similar to leggings in that they have a snug fit but often feature flared legs at the bottom and more traditional pockets. They are typically made of fabrics that are quick-drying and odor-reducing.
Flexibility
Yoga pants are a comfortable choice for a variety of casual activities. Many feature artistic prints that complement a wide range of wardrobes. They also include strings and pockets to adjust the fit. Some are made of pure cotton, while others are crafted from wool. These pants offer warmth for cold days, especially if you practice Yoga outdoors or in an open space.
The fabric in yoga pants is usually stretchy and soft, so it feels like a second skin. It can also be a little see-through, so look for fabrics that are thicker and more opaque. The best choice is a fabric blend with nylon spandex, which provides durability and good stretch recovery.
Cropped yoga pants end above the ankle, which allows for more range of motion in inversion poses. They are also great for hot yoga and Bikram sessions. Flare yoga pants have a close fit on the hip and thigh that gradually widens towards the hem for a chic flare silhouette.
Breathability
Whether you’re practicing Yoga in a studio or at home, you can improve your physical and mental wellness with a routine that includes stretching, breathing, and meditation. Adding Yoga-essentials like clothing, decor, and books can help you create the perfect environment for your practice.
When shopping for yoga pants, look for breathable fabrics that absorb sweat and allow it to evaporate quickly. Avoid cotton, which holds moisture and can lead to chafing, discomfort, and chills after class.
You can also find pants that use technology to reduce pilling and threading, which can ruin the look of your favorite workout gear. Pilling is the result of friction between your thighs, the mat, or other surfaces, and loosens fibers that form tiny balls on the fabric’s surface. These can ruin the appearance of any garment, and they may indicate that the material is worn out.
Compression
Designed to wick away sweat and keep you cool, yoga pants, also called leggings, are stretchy and form-fitting. They’re available in various colors and patterns, making them versatile and comfortable for a wide range of activities.
Wearing nylon-polyester-spandex leggings is a good idea because these fabrics can move with you through poses and won’t rip or tear like cotton can. During lab and consumer testing, Good Housekeeping pros have found that these fabric blends are the best choice for yoga pants that offer a combination of flexibility, breathability and compression.
While yoga pants are often worn for studio exercise sessions, they’re a comfortable option for casual athleisure clothing and can be used in many other types of workouts, such as aerobics. They’re also a great choice for running errands or attending social events when you want to look stylish but remain active. Some brands, such as Lululemon Athletica, offer yoga pants that incorporate graduated compression to enhance blood flow during and after exercise.
Style
In addition to being a staple in yogis’ wardrobes, yoga pants can also be a fashion statement. Pairing yoga pants with a black turtleneck and blazer for work can help create a stylish, professional look. In this outfit, you can easily take on that Bumble date or run errands with confidence!
The wide waistband of yoga pants offers support during high-intensity workouts. This helps contain the stomach and minimize roll-down during bending and twisting. The thickness of the fabric also prevents exposure during inversions, helping to protect the skin against the elements.
A key distinction between yoga pants and leggings is opacity. Leggings tend to be lighter in color and may be transparent unless interlock knitted or made from brushed polyester. Understanding these differences can help you decide which type of yoga pants is best suited for your activity.