There’s something about slipping on a pair of yoga pants that sparks your motivation to hit the gym and push your limits. But they’re more than just comfortable; yoga pants offer real, science-backed health benefits.
Today, brands and retailers rarely refer to them as “yoga pants.” They are more commonly referred to as leggings, activewear tights, or athleisure1 bottoms.
Flexibility
The flexible fabric moves with your body, reducing strain and risk of injury. It’s a huge benefit for people who work out or do daily activities, like walking or running errands.
The breathable material also reduces sweating, which can lead to chafing and irritation. The soft fabric is also good for people with sensitive skin or circulation issues.
As yoga pants grew in popularity and crossed over into everyday wear, they evolved into different styles and fabrics. Brands now refer to their products as leggings, tights, joggers or flare pants depending on the fit and style.
They’re a great option for reducing stress levels, especially on long travel days or during tough meetings. They signal to the brain that it’s time to move, which in turn lowers cortisol levels. That’s why many women reach for a pair of yoga pants when they want to feel calm and confident. The right pair can even make you more productive at work or in the gym.
Breathability
Breathability is a term that is used in layman’s terms to describe the moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of a fabric. However, it is important to understand that breathability is not the same as air permeability.
Breathable fabrics allow the water vapor in your sweat to pass through the fabric to the outside. This allows the vapor to evaporate, cooling your body and making you feel comfortable.
The best breathable fabrics are made of synthetic materials that have high MVTR values, but merino wool is also a great choice because it absorbs the sweat, wicks it away efficiently, and dries quickly.
While many people focus on the MVTR value of a garment, it is important to consider the comfort rating system that Hohenstein developed. This system is based on real-life testing that takes into consideration both the fabric’s MVTR and how well it fits the wearer. The comfort rating is a key component to the success of a product in the market.
Support
Unlike skin-tight leggings, yoga pants use soft fabrics that stretch with your muscles. This reduces strain on your body during moves like squats and lunges. It also protects your skin from chafing or irritation.
The soft fabric and gentle compression of yoga pants aid healing, especially in postpartum women or those recovering from injury. The support is also helpful for people with back pain: Certain yoga pant designs create gentle compression across the lumbar area, helping reduce movement that might otherwise strain your spine during poses like planks or weight lifting.
The comfort of yoga pants can affect your mental and emotional health too. Wearing comfortable clothing can boost confidence, lower stress levels and motivate you to be active. The right pants can even give you the energy and motivation to power through a tough meeting or long travel day.
Compression
The soft fabrics that stretch with your movements offer more than just comfort. They create gentle compression across the thighs and waist that can reduce muscle strain. They also prevent friction against sensitive skin or areas prone to chafing. This helps minimize back strain during plank poses or squats, as well as prevents swelling after intense workouts.
The rising popularity of athleisure wear has blurred the lines between gym clothes and casual everyday attire, and yoga pants have become more than just an exercise staple. They’re now called leggings, tights, joggers, flare pants, and more depending on the brand or design, but they still offer the same great fit, fabric, and function.
The type of health benefits you get from yoga pants depends on your lifestyle and body type. Postpartum women can benefit from the gentle compression and belly support offered by some designs, while athletes gain range of motion, back support, and posture assistance.