Yoga pants have gained popularity for their comfort, but they’re also a great choice for other workouts and for everyday wear. You can dress them up with a blazer for running errands or to meet friends for casual lunches.
Whether you’re looking for durable tights approved by personal trainers or comfy maternity leggings, this guide has everything you need to upgrade your athleisure wardrobe.
Comfort
Yoga pants are a form-fitting style of leggings that hug the hips, backside, and legs. They are skintight but not see-through and made from a thicker fabric than leggings. Guys love them because they accentuate a woman’s figure and look great on women of all shapes and sizes.
They offer more comfort than sweats and joggers, which can get itchy and stick to the leg in hot weather or when they’re damp from running or low-key aerobics. They’re also a better choice for high-intensity workouts because they can stretch to allow for the full range of yoga poses.
The breathable fabric that yoga pants are made from allows air to flow through the clothing, releasing heat and helping with the body’s thermoregulatory processes. This keeps the temperature stable during exercise and prevents overheating, which can interfere with flexibility and can lead to dehydration and cramping.
Versatility
If you’re traveling for work and need to pack light, yoga pants that look like real dress slacks can save space in your suitcase. Look for pairs that feature a slimming silhouette and flattering colors.
When styling skinny-leg yoga pants for work, balance the fitted silhouette with a looser or more relaxed top. Avoid wearing oversized tops, which can create an unprofessional look. Shoes, flats or ankle boots can also help elevate your outfit depending on the formality of your office dress code.
When shopping for yoga pants, choose breathable fabrics that are quick to dry. You’ll want to avoid cotton blends, which can be damp from sweat after a workout or hot weather. Look for breathable, fast-drying materials like nylon and polyester. In addition, look for durable, sturdy fabrics that hold up to everyday wear and tear. For example, consider a pair with gussets in the crotch, which can help alleviate a single pressure point where four seams meet and can cause them to tear easily over time.
Hygiene
A good pair of yoga pants should absorb sweat, keeping you fresh and odour free. This is especially important if you take more strenuous classes that generate more body heat and sweating.
It’s a good idea to wear cotton underwear when you wear yoga pants. This is because it is both breathable and absorbent, which may minimize the risk of yeast infections.
You should also avoid yoga pants made of cotton-synthetic blends. This is because these blends are more prone to pilling than cotton alone. The cause of pilling is friction, which occurs when the weaker cotton fibers rub against the stronger synthetic anchor fibers in the fabric. These pills form on the surface of the pants, which causes them to look old and worn out prematurely. It’s also a good idea to wash your yoga pants frequently, using a mild detergent that is formulated for athletic fabrics. This will help them last longer. You should also avoid fabric softeners, which can leave a residue on the fabric that traps bacteria and fungi.
Style
If you’re looking for a more stylish option than sweats or leggings, yoga pants might be the right choice for you. The most important thing when selecting yoga pants is to find ones that are breathable and moisture-wicking. This helps the body regulate its temperature and avoid overheating. It also helps to reduce the risk of yeast infections, jock itch, and intertrigo.
Choose a lightweight material like cotton or a soft cotton-synthetic blend to keep the skin feeling comfortable during class. Look for stretch fabric capabilities, as well. This ensures that the pants will move with the body without feeling too tight or clingy.
The athleisure trend has given yoga pants the side-eye in some circles, but if you dress them up right, they can be as stylish as any pair of jeans. Pair them with a slim-fitting tank or oversized t-shirt to create forward-thinking casual outfits that can go from running errands to grabbing lunch with friends.