For a stylish and comfortable addition to any casual wardrobe, yoga pants are the way to go. These versatile bottoms work well with most any top, allowing you to enjoy the athleisure trend that’s taking over the fashion world.
These pants are also far more breathable than sweats and joggers, with moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester blends best for high-intensity workouts. Cotton-spandex blends are softer for lounging or light activities.
Comfort
A good pair of yoga pants should be soft and flexible. The fabric will move with your body as you stretch and bend, helping you to perform better. Yoga pants are also a bit more breathable than sweats or joggers, making them a great choice for workouts in warmer weather.
Look for yoga pants with a high waist. This design gives a more comfortable fit and offers core support during yoga and other strenuous workouts. A high-waisted style is especially useful when you’re doing poses that require bending or twisting, as it helps to prevent the waistband from digging into your stomach.
Look for a stylish design that complements the rest of your outfit. Choose neutral or dark colors for a professional appearance, and consider adding accessories that balance functionality with fashion. A fashionable scarf, for example, can add a pop of color to your outfit while protecting you from the sun. Also, consider choosing a bag that balances functionality with style, such as a crossbody or tote bag.
Breathability
In yoga and other movement-based exercise, breathability is key to comfort. Look for fabrics that move with you and wick moisture away, such as nylon-polyester-spandex blends. You can check the fabric’s breathability by holding a swatch of it up to the light; the more the light passes through, the more breathable the fabric.
A swatch’s breathability is usually indicated by a MVTR value (moisture vapor transmission rate). The higher the MVTR, the more breathable the fabric.
In addition to MVTR, we also evaluate stretch recovery and fabric durability. We squat and lunge in each pair of pants to measure how they hold up, and GH pros look for flat seams, which reduce bulk and potential for areas that might cut into skin. In our stretch recovery testing, we stretch swatches of each fabric to a standard length and then measure them again after two hours to see how well they return to that benchmark. We also look for pilling, in which tiny balls of fibers form on the surface of the fabric, and opacity, checking to make sure they aren’t see-through.
Compression
Designed for yoga and other low to moderate-intensity workouts, yoga pants are typically stitched from a single light fabric. They may be tighter in the leg or waist compared to other types of pants and often feature flat lock seams to reduce bulk and the potential for areas that cut into the skin during movement.
They also focus on flexibility, with waistbands that stay put during balance poses and don’t roll down during movements like squats or lunges. GH pros say this pair from Aerie has an especially flattering crossover waistband that one tester called “impressively flattering.”
These graduated compression leggings offer support that aids circulation and drains lactic acid after exercise. They’re ideal for a post-workout recovery session or for wearing during long flights and long work meetings from home. A wide waistband helps prevent the pants from riding down during moves, and the material is soft and breathable to keep you comfortable all day.
Style
Whether you prefer the snug fit of leggings or the wide waistband of yoga pants, both are comfortable and can be worn for multiple purposes. However, the thicker and more opaque fabric of yoga pants helps them stand up to a rigorous workout.
When it comes to washing, both pants can be washed in cold or lukewarm water and tumble dried on a short cycle. Avoid using fabric softeners or dryer sheets, as they can strip away the wicking properties of the materials.
Both yoga pants and leggings can be worn with T-shirts for running errands, oversize tops with spaghetti and sports bras for yoga or just about anything else that calls for laidback athleisure style. For a flattering look, choose a pair that features a crossover waistband like the Aerie Yoga Pant, which one GH tester described as impressively flattering. This type of waistband stays put during lunges and squats. It also provides extra support in the butt area.