Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’ve seen the athleisure trend sweep through casual fashion. Yoga pants are an important part of any activewear wardrobe.
The perfect pair can boost confidence while highlighting natural curves in a flattering silhouette. However, finding the right pair can be a challenge.
Comfort
Unlike loose pants, yoga pants are form-fitted and designed to hug the body closely and move with it. This makes them comfortable even when worn in a demanding yoga class.
For maximum comfort, look for a pair with stretchy four-way-stretch fabric that’s soft and durable. Lightweight breathable fabrics like cotton and polyester keep you cool and dry during high-intensity workouts.
When shopping for yoga pants, consider a pair made with abrasion-resistant fabric that stands up to rough surfaces when hiking or walking. Some brands also design yoga pants with compression technology that improves circulation and muscle support when pushed to the limit in athletic pursuits.
Inclusive fit is another feature that’s growing in popularity for yoga pants and other activewear. Brands that offer plus-size options in sizes up to 6XL provide comfort and versatility for a broad range of customers.
Flexibility
The fabric in yoga pants offers a wider range of stretch than sweats and joggers. That 4-way stretch makes them more flexible, helping you max out your yoga poses and get the most out of your workouts.
The breathable fabrics in yoga pants also help them to breath more than most other types of workout pants, keeping you cool and dry as you push through your hardest sessions in the gym. Some yoga pants even offer compression zones, helping to support your muscles and provide a flattering fit.
The best yoga pants can easily pass as leggings in a casual outfit, perfect for running errands or meeting friends at brunch. But if you want to impress your Bumble date or work colleagues, pair your yoga pants with boots and a long top for extra coverage.
Support
Yoga pants are designed to hug the body closely and move with it, providing a second-skin feel. They’re also typically breathable, allowing air to flow freely and keep the wearer cool during sweaty workout sessions.
Some yoga pants incorporate compression elements for a more supported fit that helps strengthen muscle contractions. Others have a little extra stretch to allow for full range of motion during poses.
The athleisure trend has blurred the line between yoga pants and leggings, a category that includes casual and fashion wear like joggers and compression tights. Understanding fiber characteristics can help consumers choose the yoga pants and leggings that best suit their intended uses. For instance, nylon/spandex blends offer a softer fit that works well for everyday wear, while cotton-rich fabrics deliver comfort and warmth for colder conditions.
Versatility
Yoga pants are versatile pieces that work well as casual everyday wear. They pair easily with long tops and blazers, making them a great option for a comfortable yet polished office look.
Performance fabrics like nylon, polyester/Lycra and cotton/spandex blends are the foundation of yoga pants. These materials provide the stretch, sweat wicking and second-skin feel needed for yoga classes and other exercise.
These fabrics also withstand repeated wearing and washing and can last a long time with proper care. Be sure to wash your pants in cold water and use detergents specifically designed for activewear to avoid damaging the fabric’s elasticity.
Natural fabrics are also thermo-regulating and soft against the skin, resulting in a comfortable workout. Check out Icebreaker’s merino wool and Tencel yoga pants or the breathable Cool-Lite leggings.
Compression
The super-stretchy fabrics used to make yoga pants are perfect for allowing a full range of motion while keeping the wearer comfortable. This is especially important in workout gear designed to support muscular activity and reduce muscle soreness.
Invented in 1998, yoga pants fuse fashion innovation with practical fitness needs. They bridged the gap between athletic and casual everyday apparel, transforming into a staple of athleisure for women who wear them for everything from 8 a.m. classes to Target runs.
Unlike leggings, yoga pants typically feature wide waistbands to stay in place during movement and not roll down. They also use performance fabrics that wick moisture away from the body and offer stretch and shape retention. These include a variety of synthetics and natural materials like Icebreaker’s Cool-Lite fabric that combines merino wool with TENCEL to be breathable, soft and antimicrobial.