Yoga pants are the go-to workout gear for many exercise enthusiasts. Although named for the popular fitness classes, they can be worn during other physical activities like walking or weight machine circuits.
Look for fabrics that breathe and wick moisture. You should also consider the fabric’s durability. Unlike cotton, synthetics are less prone to pilling.
Stretchy fabric
Yoga pants use stretchy fabrics that hug curves, move with the body and wick moisture away. The fabric is often cotton with some amount of spandex or other elastic-like material for stretch. You can check how much stretch a fabric has by measuring it’s horizontal and vertical stretch. To do this, cut a square of the fabric, measure it across its width and then along its length. For example, if the fabric stretches from 10cm to 15cm, it has a horizontal stretch of 50% and a vertical stretch of 30%.
The fabric’s elasticity also helps prevent the pants from pilling, a common issue among athleisure wearers. Pilling occurs when the friction of your inner thighs or behind rubs against the fabric and loosens some fibers. The weaker cotton fibers then form tiny balls on the surface of the fabric, while stronger synthetic “anchor” fibers hold onto them. To avoid this, wash your yoga pants in cold water and tumble dry them on a low setting to limit the impact of heat and abrasion.
Squat-proof bottoms
Many yoga pants have a thick, wide waistband that sits high on the waist and stays put during dynamic movement. This helps prevent roll-down or excessive stretching and also gives others a clear view of your form. Many of these pants feature a structured waistband with a double-layer construction to provide additional support and better opacity.
Both leggings and yoga pants can be worn for a range of activities, but the performance fabrics found in yoga pants make them better suited to intense studio classes like power vinyasa or barre workouts. In comparison, casual cotton blend leggings are more suited to everyday wear.
Both yoga pants and leggings can become pilled over time, but the differences between them are key when choosing your next pair of workout gear. Yoga pants are designed specifically for active bending and stretching, so their fabric is prone to pilling less than cotton-synthetic blends. Pills are small balls of loose fiber that appear on the surface of the fabric. They’re caused by abrasion, and the weaker cotton fibers migrate to the surface while the stronger synthetic anchor fiber holds them in place.
Durability
Yoga pants should have excellent durability to withstand frequent washing and stretching. They should also resist pilling and be colorfast so they don’t fade or transfer to other clothing. They should also be lightweight enough to prevent chafing and skin irritation.
A good fabric for yoga pants is polyester with spandex, which provides a high level of stretch without sagging. It’s a great choice for end users who want to feel comfortable and flexible in hot temperatures, and it can be easily ironed. Its sweat-wicking properties help repel odor and regulate body temperature.
Yoga pants and leggings are typically constructed from performance fabrics such as nylon, polyester or Lycra blends for moisture wicking and flexibility. Cotton-based fashion leggings are available for casual wear, but they can be prone to shrinkage. Avoid using heavy fabric softeners on leggings and yoga pants, as they can affect their elasticity. Instead, wash them in cold water and air dry them to maintain their elasticity.
Comfort
Yoga pants are typically designed with performance fabrics like nylon, polyester, or Lycra(r) that offer stretch and wick away sweat. This allows you to bend, twist, and hold poses without restriction. They are also designed to be breathable and have a fitted waistband that stays in place during workouts.
Yoga pant seams are often constructed using flat lock stitching, which creates smooth lines on the legs and reduces abrasion and friction that can cause pilling. However, some pairs of pants are more prone to pilling than others. The pilling results from the weaker cotton fibers migrating to the surface of the fabric, where they stick and rub against the stronger synthetic anchor fibers.
High-waisted yoga pants offer a more secure fit than low-waisted styles, and they can help keep you focused on your core muscles during workouts. Wear them with stylish tops and a tailored blazer to achieve a polished look for work. You can also pair them with casual accessories like lightweight scarves and jewelry to add a touch of elegance to your outfit.