Designed for yoga and exercise, these pants are stretchier than sweats and leggings. They also have a flattering crossover waistband that GH testers say accentuates their waists.
Pairing form with function, yoga pants have become a wardrobe staple for active people everywhere. They are comfortable and stylish, making them the ideal bottom for a workout or running errands.
Comfort
Yoga pants feel soft and light and move with you during your workout. They also have a high waist that prevents them from digging into the belly when you’re active and provides a sense of security when you’re stretching and bending in poses.
Yoga pant fabrics are often made of performance fabrics like nylon, polyester and Lycra(r) blends. These materials wick away sweat and have a 4-way stretch that allows you to move with maximum flexibility.
Some yoga pants have a diamond- or triangular-shaped gusset sewn into the crotch area. These inserts relieve the pressure point where four seams meet, disperse the stress and make your pants last longer.
While joggers and sweatpants may feel better on the skin than all-synthetic fabrics, you want yoga pants that are breathable to keep you cool and dry through your toughest sessions. Look for a fabric with a tighter knit and avoid cotton-synthetic blends, which are more prone to pilling.
Breathability
A breathable fabric allows moisture to move through the fabric and evaporate quickly, keeping the wearer cool and dry. It also reduces the chance of chafing and skin irritation. Look for fabrics with open weaves and looser knits over tightly woven, thicker materials.
Yoga pants typically use performance fabrics that wick away sweat to keep the wearer comfortable in a variety of poses. They offer a stretchy fit and gusset construction that allow for the full range of motion needed in a yoga class.
The line between yoga pants and leggings has blurred in recent years, but the garments are distinct from each other. Leggings are typically made from cotton blends and intended for casual all-day wear.
Yoga pants are more form fitting and constructed from performance fabrics that wick moisture and allow for flexibility. Some are designed to be worn without a shirt, while others can be worn with a light layer of tee or tank. They often feature flat lock seaming to minimize bulk and prevent areas that can irritate the skin or chafe.
Compression
Yoga pants are typically made with thick interlock or double-knit fabrics for a more opaque fit than leggings. Many are also gusseted, reinforced at the crotch seam to prevent tearing and abrasion during movement. This improves durability and extends the life of your workout bottoms.
Yoga pant fabric is abrasion-resistant and has been treated with antimicrobial and moisture-wicking finishes for optimal comfort and performance. They’re also often made with flat-lock seams, which reduce the bulk of edges and avoid areas that can irritate the skin during a workout.
Compression yoga pants increase blood flow to the legs, which can help muscles get more oxygen and nutrients during a workout. This can boost performance and endurance and reduce muscle soreness by speeding up recovery time. This may be why some athletes find yoga pants to be more comfortable than joggers or sweatpants. The snug fit of yoga pants can also enhance proprioceptive function, helping you stay upright in a pose like the yogi tree.
Length
Despite the fact that leggings and yoga pants share a similar fitted, wide waistband, there are distinctions between these two styles. For example, leggings typically feature pockets and may include faux buttons and front seams to mimic jeans. Additionally, they often have a drop-in pocket at the back.
Yoga pants are typically made of thicker fabrics and are opaque (not see-through). They’re also designed to stretch and retain their shape. GH pros evaluate the fit and stretch of yoga bottoms through repeated wear and stretching, along with pilling resistance testing to determine how well the fabric holds up over time. We also squat and run laps in the lab to test how comfortable the fabrics are for running errands and other daily activities. The best yoga pants provide a balance of comfort, style and performance. Cropped yoga pants, for example, fall above the ankle and mid-calf and work well for hot yoga classes or Bikram sessions. The shorter length paired with breathable, stretchy performance fabric offers a full range of motion for inversion poses.