If you love to exercise, then you probably already know the value of comfortable and flexible apparel. Yoga pants are ideal for all types of workouts and provide a flattering look.
They’re also great for traveling, running errands, and even going out. One shift I’ve noticed recently is that people are starting to style yoga pants with blazers, which elevates the look.
Stretchy
While leggings are great for casual everyday wear, yoga pants are form-fitting and designed to compliment your natural body shape. The tighter fit and stretchy fabrics of yoga pants help to prevent chafing and rashes that often occur from prolonged wear. Fabric technology has also progressed so that modern yoga pants are more breathable and durable.
They are typically made of thicker material than leggings so that sweat doesn’t soak through them and rip them. They’re also often designed to have flat lock seams which reduce bulk and the risk of achy edges that cut into your skin.
Yoga pants are a wardrobe staple that can be worn for everything from indoor exercise classes to running errands. They look great paired with a t-shirt and trainers or dressed up with a blazer for a more professional outfit. They’re also perfect for lounging around the house or travelling in. The wide range of styles available means that there’s something for everyone.
Breathable
Whether they’re form-fitting leggings or looser trousers, yoga pants are designed to keep the wearer cool and comfortable. This is thanks to the breathability of many yoga pant fabrics. Some have moisture-wicking technology that pulls sweat and heat from the body, while others promote airflow to keep the skin cool.
These pants are made from a fabric that is antibacterial, quick to dry, and durable against pilling. The fabric also reduces odor and helps the pants stay fresh longer. These features make them ideal for sweaty yoga classes or even for hiking in the mountains.
These yoga pants are made of cotton and polyester and have a loose fit that is comfortable for all types of yoga. They’re also breathable and have an adjustable waistband. However, negative online reviews mention problems with sizing and the fabric’s tendency to pill. Some people may experience jock itch, an irritation in skin folds, when wearing tight clothing that doesn’t wick moisture.
Comfortable
When it comes to yoga pants, the fabric is what really makes the difference. They are soft and lightweight, so they feel amazing on your skin. They’re also breathable and moisture-wicking, which helps to keep you cool and comfortable throughout your workout.
Unlike jeans, which are bulky and restrictive, yoga pants have enough stretch to provide a good amount of give without constricting your breathing or creating unattractive folds in the waistline. They’re available in a variety of lengths, from midcalf to full leg, so you can find a pair that suits your practice and comfort level.
The modern form of yoga pants didn’t appear until the second half of the 20th century, when spandex (otherwise known as Lycra) was invented. This form-fitting and stretchable material has helped to popularize yoga pants, as well as other tight-fitting activewear garments like leggings. Today’s yoga pants are typically made from a mix of cotton, nylon, and polyester for maximum flexibility and comfort.
Versatile
The rise of yoga pants reflects both textile innovation and a change in women’s demands for comfort, flexibility, and style in their clothing. When Chip Wilson founded Lululemon Athletica, he invented a form-fitting workout garment that transcended its initial purpose and became a staple of casual everyday dress.
They’re also more versatile than sweatpants, as they can be worn as loungewear or dressed up for running errands with a jean jacket and sneakers. Look for high-waisted styles that keep you secure, comfortable, and flattering in your workouts, as well as fabric that wicks away moisture and dries quickly.
Emma Seymour is a Good Housekeeping Institute senior textiles product analyst who oversees lab and consumer testing for a variety of workout gear. She has a bachelor’s degree in fiber science and is an expert on materials, fit, and function. She has been a yogi for more than sixteen years and leads a yoga program for Phantom Ranch backcountry travelers in Yosemite.