How to choose the best yoga pants: Benefits, risks, and more

12 Oct.,2023

 

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We refer to “women,” “men,” or both to align with how companies market their products, but there is no need to stick to one type or the other. A person should choose the product that best suits their needs.

This article describes some possible benefits and risks associated with wearing yoga pants. It also explores what to look for when shopping, some of the best options available online, and other gym clothes to consider.

Wearing yoga pants may make working out more comfortable and help prevent overheating. There is a wide range available for different exercises and body types.

Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:

This may mean that yoga pants made from certain synthetic materials, such as polyester and elastane, may prevent overheating and promote airflow to make workouts more comfortable, especially in warmer environments.

There is very limited scientific research on the effectiveness of activewear fabric. Research from 2014 that looked at T-shirt fabrics found that synthetic polyester was more breathable and better at wicking moisture than 100% cotton.

Many contain materials that wick moisture from the body and promote airflow. The moisture-wicking technology can help prevent overheating by keeping the body’s temperature stable during exercise, while ventilating fabrics increase airflow.

Yoga pants may be form-fitting leggings or looser trousers, but nearly all yoga pants have some stretch to them.

Below are 11 of the best options for yoga pants a person can order online.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

Best for high impact exercise:

Leonisa ActiveLife Mid-Rise Shaper Legging

  • Price: around $65
  • Colors: black
  • Sizes: small, medium, XL

These leggings contain moderate-compression fabric that flattens the stomach and shapes the waist and legs. While this does not have fitness benefits, the fabric aims to wick moisture to help prevent overheating.

The leggings also have mesh cutouts around the knees to promote airflow.

The company recommends these leggings for people doing high impact exercises, such as agility, strength, and resistance training.

The leggings are available in small, medium, and XL sizes.

There are no negative reviews for these leggings on the company website. Reviews mention they are comfortable and look good.

However, some people comment that they are see-through when doing squats.

Pros

  • majority of positive reviews online
  • relatively affordable

Cons

  • comes in one color
  • limited range of sizes
  • some people say they are too see-through

Best for pockets: KÜHL FREEFLEX Pant

  • Price: $89
  • Colors: dark storm
  • Sizes: small, medium, large, XL, XXL, 30–34 inch inseam

These pants are designed to be lightweight, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying. The company writes they do not contain spandex, but the patented fabric does not sag with use.

The pants have a wide pull-on waistband, four pockets, and a gusseted crotch to support freedom of movement. They also have a water-repellent finish. The pockets make these pants suitable for people who want to carry devices such as fitness trackers, music players, and phones while working out.

The company recommends these pants for people who work out in the gym and outdoors.

There are no online reviews for this product.

Pros

  • wider range of sizes than some brands
  • lightweight design
  • waterproof
  • multiple pockets

Cons

  • cannot be washed warm
  • one color option

  • expensive
  • no online reviews

Best for a maternity option: Beyond Yoga Spacedye Love the Bump Capri Maternity Legging

  • Price: $99
  • Colors: darkest night, black charcoal, and black white
  • Sizes: XS, small, medium, large, and XL

These polyester and Lycra leggings have a capri length and an over-the-belly waistband that a person can wear up or fold down.

They also have four-way stretch and ultraviolet (UV) protection, and the company writes they absorb moisture.

Beyond Yoga recommends these for workouts and general use and says that they are suitable throughout pregnancy.

Positive online reviews mention that the leggings are comfortable and suitable all the way through pregnancy for many people.

Negative comments mention the fabric is delicate and the leggings did not stay up very well.

Pros

  • majority of positive reviews online
  • relatively affordable

Cons

  • comes in one color
  • limited range of sizes
  • some people say they are too see-through

Best for a range of sizes: prAna Men’s Vaha Pant

  • Price: $95
  • Colors: black, gravel, gray-blue, russet
  • Sizes: XS, small, medium, large, XL, XXL, 30–34 inch inseam

These men’s yoga pants have a wide leg and contain sustainable hemp and recycled polyester. The pants feature a natural, quick-dry, and odor-reducing fabric called UPG 50+. prAna writes that the fabric is also bacteria-resistant.

These pants are best suited to men looking for a relaxed yoga pant made from natural materials.

The pants also have a knit elastic waistband, drawcord, and pockets.

The company recommends them for working out and as leisurewear.

There are no online reviews for these pants.

Pros

  • wide range of sizes
  • pockets
  • natural materials
  • bacteria- and odor-resistant materials

Cons

  • no online reviews
  • expensive
  • limited color range

Best for shorter people: Baleaf Cotton Cropped Sweatpants

  • Price: $28.99
  • Colors: black, navy, charcoal, light gray, mauve shadows, and blue fog
  • Sizes: XS, small, medium, large, XL, XXL, XXXL

They feature a loose-leg design made from 92% cotton and 8% spandex. Certain colors have a cotton, polyester, and spandex blend.

The company describes these pants as soft and cozy, and the wide, straight-leg design helps a person move freely while doing yoga.

These pants are cropped with a 20-inch inseam, making them suitable for shorter people. They are also available in a wide range of sizes.

Positive reviews mention that the pants are comfortable and soft, and customers appreciate the pockets.

Critical reviews show that people often had problems with finding the right size.

Pros

  • loose design
  • very affordable

  • cropped, making them suitable for shorter people
  • come in a wide range of sizes

Cons

  • cannot wash warm
  • free shipping over $59
  • many customers had problems finding the right fit

Best for a variety of colors: lululemon Align High-Rise Pant

  • Price: between $98–$118
  • Colors: foil black, mulled wine, contour, pink peony, copper camo, pale raspberry, icing blue, roasted brown, meteor print, smoked spruce, poolside blue, graphite grey, dark red, camo coal, red merlot, graphite grey, sonic pink, grey sage, pastel blue, black, dark olive, true navy, heathered black, white
  • Sizes: from 0–20, 25–31 inch inseam

These yoga pants sit just above the ankle and have a hidden waistband pocket.

The company claims that its Nulu fabric feels weightless, has a four-way stretch, and is sweat-wicking and breathable. It also has added Lycra fiber to help with stretch and shape.

The company recommends these pants for low impact workouts, such as yoga. The pants are available in a very wide range of colors and patterns.

These pants may be best suited to people who want highly stretchy yoga pants.

Positive reviews say these yoga pants are comfortable, and many people wear them as everyday clothing, as well as a yoga pant.

Negative reviews mention problems with sizing, fabric that is quick to pill, and some found the fabric too thick.

Pros

  • come in a range of sizes
  • suitable for people with larger bodies
  • wide range of colors
  • lightweight fabric
  • includes pockets

Cons

  • mixed online reviews
  • expensive
  • some customers found the fabric pilled quickly
  • many customers had issues with sizing

Best for an adjustable waistband:

Onzie Gypsy Pant

  • Price: between around $37–$111
  • Colors: black, palm paradise pattern
  • Sizes: small-medium, medium-large

These loose pants have a free-flow fabric to keep people cool during exercise. The pants are made of 62% polyester, 33% rayon, and 5% spandex.

They feature ankle ties and an elastic waistband that a person can roll down. The company describes them as lightweight.

These yoga pants are best for those who want an adjustable waistband.

There are limited online reviews for this product.

Positive comments state these pants are suitable for active jobs and yoga.

Negative reviews mention issues with sizing and some buyers did not like the fabric.

Pros

  • loose design helps free movement
  • suitable for wearing mid- or high-rise

Cons

  • very limited color range
  • expensive
  • hand wash only
  • limited range of sizes

Best unisex design: Ripple Yogawear Slouchy Unisex Yoga Pants

  • Price: $92
  • Colors: sage, gray, navy, black, and eggplant
  • Sizes: XS, small, medium, large, XL, and XXL

These yoga pants have a wide waistband and large side pockets. The material is 95% modal and 5% elastin.

The company states these yoga pants are unisex and are suitable for yoga and relaxation. However, the company only shows females wearing the pants on its product page, so it is not clear how well these pants will fit on males.

These pants may be best suited to those looking for yoga pants not designed for a particular sex or gender.

Although reviews are limited online, positive reviews mention that these pants are breathable, comfortable, and suitable for yoga and other types of exercise, like dancing.

More critical reviewers write that the pants stretch and become baggy after use, and some customers had problems with sizing.

Pros

  • free worldwide shipping
  • unisex design
  • suitable for yoga and as loungewear

Cons

  • expensive
  • company does not show males wearing the pants online
  • customers report the pants stretch a lot

Best for a custom fit:

Core 10 Build Your Own Yoga Pant

  • Price: around $45
  • Colors: black
  • Sizes: XS–XXL

A person can choose from a wide range of waist sizes and waistband cuts for these yoga pants. They are longer cropped yoga pants, but this range of Build Your Own clothing comes in a range of styles and lengths.

Typically, they consist of 88% polyester and 12% spandex. The company describes this fabric as moisture-wicking, soft, and supportive.

They also feature a small hidden pocket. These yoga pants may suit people who want a more flexible approach to sizing and design.

Positive reviews mention that these pants are comfortable and flattering, and many customers enjoyed being able to choose different waistband designs.

However, negative reviews show that customers in larger bodies did not find the pants to be a good fit, and others found the fabric slipped down often.

Pros

  • majority of positive reviews online
  • relatively affordable
  • offers a variety of size and style options

Cons

  • comes in one color
  • some buyers did not find them comfortable
  • customers in larger bodies did not find the fit comfortable

Best UV protection factor:

Rhone Reign Midweight Jogger

  • Price: $98–$104
  • Colors: charcoal heather, light gray heather, navy heather, outer space camo
  • Sizes: small, medium, large, XL, and XXL, 29-inch inseam

These pants have a drawstring, adjustable waistband, and several pockets. One of the pockets is a dedicated media pocket for phones and other devices.

The fabric is a blend of nylon, polyester, and spandex. The company says it is anti-odor and moisture-wicking, and it has a UV protection factor of 50+. This makes these pants best suited to people who might exercise regularly outdoors.

Online reviews are generally positive. Favorable comments mention that these joggers are a good weight for light training and jogging.

More critical reviews mention issues with quality and that the fabric feels thin. Other buyers did not feel they were suitable as activewear.

Pros

  • majority of positive reviews online
  • offers UV protection
  • dedicated media pocket
  • anti-odor fabric

Cons

  • limited range of colors

  • one inseam length
  • expensive
  • some buyers did not find them suitable as activewear

Best shorts option:

Custer’s Night High Waist Yoga Shorts

  • Price: between $14–$23
  • Colors: army green, black, black snow, blue, blue snow, gray snow, light blue, navy blue, rose red, light olive, denim, and 16 patterns
  • Sizes: small, medium, large, XL, XXL

These yoga shorts are suitable to wear in hot weather or for hot yoga. They have a four-way stretch and a “tummy control” high-waist elastic waistband. There are also two side pockets and a hidden pocket for valuables in the waistband.

The company writes that the shorts are made from moisture-wicking fabric made of 83% polyester and 17% spandex. It also states they are squat-proof, meaning they are not see-through when a person bends to complete squats or other similar exercises.

There are a high number of online reviews. Positive comments mention that the shorts are soft, flattering, and stay in place. However, some buyers had problems with quality and finding the right size. Others refute the company’s claim that the shorts are not see-through.

Pros

  • comes in a wide range of colors and patterns
  • suitable for hot yoga

  • very affordable

Cons

  • some buyers had issues with quality
  • customers report problems with sizing
  • some people say they are too see-through

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