Yoga pants are taking the office by storm, providing a comfortable blend of style and flexibility. By selecting the right pair and styling them appropriately, you can enjoy a more active workday and improve your health by encouraging movement during breaks and during the day.
Skinny yoga pants resemble leggings but offer a more refined look perfect for a casual office environment. Pair with a longer blouse or tailored blazer to maintain a professional appearance.
Flexibility
Yoga pants and leggings are a staple in the activewear wardrobe. They’re versatile enough to take you from the mat to running errands and back again for a class of sun salutations. They’re also easy to dress up with a light jacket or hoodie for a casual look.
A good pair of yoga pants or leggings will have 4-way stretch to maximize flexibility and help you push yourself during your workouts. You may find some that offer a little bit of compression, too, which can provide extra support and boost blood flow for your muscles. But beware of over-compression, as it can restrict breathing and even cause a skin condition called intertrigo (jock itch).
Investing in a pair of yoga pants or leggings that offer the right blend of flexibility and breathability is essential for your practice. If your activewear wardrobe is lacking in these items, consider a subscription box that allows you to fill out a quiz about your preferences and then have a professional stylist hand-select a selection of yoga clothes to match.
Breathability
Yoga requires plenty of stretching and deep breaths that can cause sweating. If that moisture stays on the body, it can make you feel uncomfortable – and even colder as it wicks heat away from your skin. But if the sweat can escape, it can evaporate quickly and keep you cool.
Look for fabrics with a high MVTR value (also called MVP or moisture vapour permeability). These are designed to allow moisture to move through the fabric and evaporate. A higher MVTR allows more sweat to escape, keeping you cooler and drier.
Avoid any pants that feel tight or cling to the skin. This can be restrictive and chafe during twists and bends. Also, look for seams that are well-placed and have smooth edges, so they won’t irritate your skin. Look for waistbands that are thick and stay in place during forward folds. And make sure your yoga pants aren’t too long, which can get in the way of a full backbend or deep forward fold.
Support
From classic leggings that hug every curve to high-waisted wonders that offer extra support, yoga pants come in a range of styles to suit different activities and styles. For example, sleek high-waisted styles pair well with a sequin tank and moto jacket for a night out, while simple low-waisted styles pair with a graphic tee and white sneakers when running weekend errands.
The snug second-skin fit of yoga pants accentuates your body’s silhouette and helps you look polished while still appearing casual. Flat lock seaming is another feature that helps them look smooth and stylish.
Because of their versatility, yoga pants are part of the athleisure trend that has women embracing casual everyday wear over more formal business attire. They pair well with a fitted jacket, button-down shirt and loafers to make you look chic and effortlessly stylish. They also work well with a soft knit top and contemporary trainers for a laid-back beach day outfit.
Style
Yoga pants or leggings are versatile enough to wear for many activities, not just a zen saunter to class. Stylist Alex Rivera has received multiple requests for leggings like this, which have more flare at the bottom than a typical pair of high-performance stretch pants from brands such as High Sport.
These leggings from Aerie have a crossover waistband that one GH tester described as impressively flattering, and the fabric is soft for coziness throughout a workout. This pair is also squat-proof and has flat seams that minimize chafing.
When it comes to styling your yogalike leggings, a solid monochromatic look is a great way to keep them looking fresh. Try black leggings with a chunky sweater and sneakers, or add a denim jacket and knee-high boots for some casual style oomph. If you’re heading out to run errands, add a cozy cardigan or knit wrap to your outfit for extra warmth. For a more dressed-up look, try a high-waisted pant with a tailored blouse and heels.