You’ll love the burst of motivation that comes from slipping on a pair of yoga pants. But the right pair will also help you get in touch with your body and lead a healthier lifestyle overall.
Look for full-length yoga pants that hug your hips and thighs. They should fit snugly but not be so tight that they hinder movement or restrict breathing.
Comfort
Tight-fitting pants can restrict movement and cause musculoskeletal issues. A 2016 study published in Trusted Source found that males wearing tight clothing are more likely to develop lumbar spine and pelvic pain because of unhealthy movements and posture. Tight garments can also increase your risk of developing a yeast infection in the vagina, which happens when naturally occurring bacteria multiply in response to a restricted environment.
Fortunately, yoga pants are designed to be form-fitted at the waist but flare into the ankles and calves. Moreover, most yoga pants are available in various lengths to suit your style and workout preferences.
Some pants are made from a thick, stretchy fabric that reduces the risk of pilling and threading — a common sign of wear caused by friction between clothing fabrics or against your mat. Likewise, most yoga pants offer moisture-wicking and ventilation fabrics that improve airflow to prevent overheating during intense exercises. In addition, some yoga pants feature adjustable waistbands to allow you to customize the fit of the band around your stomach or hips.
Durability
Yoga pants are usually made of performance fabrics designed to withstand moderate to high impact workouts. They are typically thicker than leggings and have reinforced stitching (flat-fell seams) that prevents them from ripping during difficult poses. Leggings, on the other hand, may use normal overlocked seams that are susceptible to rips or tears.
Yoga pants are also usually constructed with gusset inserts in the crotch area to relieve stress around the groin. This alleviates a common problem that can lead to chafing, especially in a hot yoga class where the sweat is intense and your body temperature is high. Many yoga pants are made of breathable fabrics to help regulate your body’s temperature and prevent overheating. Pair your yoga pants with oversized t-shirts for casual outings and a comfortable sports bra for your gym workouts. They’re also great for traveling, as they can be worn with your favorite sneakers and a T-shirt or hoodie. The versatility of yoga pants make them a huge hit in the booming athleisure clothing market.
Breathability
Yoga pants need to be able to move with you, allowing you to bend and twist easily. The fabric should be lightweight, quick-drying and comfortable. It should also be breathable, so you don’t get damp from sweat as you perform a dozen Sun Salutations and vinyasas.
Breathability is based on the difference in pressure between inside and outside the garment. This means that the higher temperature and humidity inside the jacket attempts to equalize with the outside air by transferring moisture vapor into it.
Natural fabrics like cotton and linen are naturally breathable, making them ideal for yoga pants. But synthetic fabrics are also breathable, especially when they have a loose weave and an open or perforated construction. One of the downsides to synthetic yoga pants is that they are more prone to pilling than cotton or cotton-synthetic blends. Pills are small balls of fiber that form on the surface of the clothing. They can be caused by friction — from your inner thighs rubbing together or as a result of wear — and if they aren’t shaved off, they can decrease the lifespan of the garment.
Flexibility
The flexible construction of yoga pants allows them to bend and stretch with your body without losing their shape. This feature also makes them very comfortable.
Most yoga pants have a high waist that rolls down, which can be a great feature for people who are short in the waist and want to keep it rolled up while practicing. Some pants also have a waistband that is wide enough to fold over the hips. This is ideal for pregnant women and others who prefer to keep the waistband rolled down for support.
The versatility of yoga pants is part of what makes them so popular in the athleisure market. They can be paired with oversized tees and sports bras for a gym workout, or with loose shirts for a casual walk in the park. They are also a good choice for relaxing at home or in the office with a book and a cup of tea.