You have likely heard of yoga pants, which have gained popularity among people who want to stay healthy. These pants are not only practical for exercise, but they also offer other useful benefits.
While yoga pants are similar to leggings, there are differences. If you’re looking for the right pair, consider a few important features:.
Compression
Yoga pants—also called flared leggings and bootcut leggings—have gotten a facelift since they made their debut in the early 2000s. Now, they are more form-fitting and come in a variety of waistbands. They may even feature pockets, which can be helpful for storing keys, credit cards or phone while running errands after class.
The fabric of the latest yoga pants is also a little thicker than that of standard leggings, which can help cinch the waist and prevent them from falling down when you move through a Downward Dog. Most pairs are also moisture-wicking, which can reduce body odor.
For added comfort, gussets—diamond or triangular inserts sewn into the crotch area—may be included in some models. This alleviates a single pressure point where four seams meet, and it helps distribute the stress around the crotch seams to keep the yoga pants longer-lasting. A gusset is especially important if you regularly participate in yoga classes that require a lot of forward bending or forward lunging.
Breathability
The fabric used to make yoga pants must be breathable and moisture-wicking. This will allow the skin to regulate its temperature, avoid overheating and keep the body cool and dry. The fabric should also be comfortable against the skin and provide a soft stretch.
Non-breathable clothing may cause discomfort and restrict movement, while tight garments can lead to yeast infections, jock itch and intertrigo, a painful inflammation of the skin folds. These issues can be prevented with breathable yoga pants that offer a 4-way stretch and moisture-wicking technology.
Yoga pants are more breathable than sweats or joggers, which is beneficial for those who work up a sweat in yoga class. They also feature gusset inserts, which are triangular or diamond-shaped inserts sewn into the crotch seams. These alleviate pressure points and spread the stress of the crotch seams so that they last longer. The material is also quick to dry and resistant to pilling and fading.
Convenience
Like leggings, yoga pants are suitable for low-impact exercise such as Pilates and stretching classes. They are also a comfortable option for barre workouts or light weight machine circuits. Most yoga pants have a thicker waistband than leggings, which helps them stay in place during moves that involve twisting and bending the body. Some have a built-in sweat-wicking fabric that helps keep you cool and dry during exercise.
Look for yoga pants with a fabric that resists pilling (the formation of tiny, fibrils that shed from the surface of the fabric). Some fabrics have a cotton-synthetic blend, which can be more prone to this problem than cotton or synthetics alone.
Look for yoga pants with gusset inserts. These are triangular or diamond-shaped inserts sewn into the crotch of the pants to help prevent irritation caused by rubbing against hard surfaces. They also disperse stress around the crotch seams to make the pants last longer.
Style
Yoga pants are a staple of athleisure wear, the trend of athletic-style clothing that is appropriate for casual wear as well as exercise. They are available in various sizes, shapes, fabrics, and colors. They can be tight or loose and are usually made from a cotton-polyester blend.
They are designed to be form-fitted from the waist to the knee and then slightly flare toward the bottom. They have a thicker fabric than leggings, and they usually have a roll-over waistband. They can be worn for a variety of fitness activities, including aerobics, Pilates, and dance.
Tight yoga pants can be tight enough to provide support and improve posture, but they should not be too tight to restrict breathing or limit movement. Also, they should not irritate the skin or chafe the legs. If they do, they will become uncomfortable to wear and may be more difficult to move in. Lastly, they should be resistant to pilling.