Yoga pants are more than just yoga clothes. Some of us practically live in them. They are a more elegant and thoughtful alternative to sweatpants. As yoga has become a way of life and not just a form of exercise, more and more women are switching to minimalist clothing and keeping their clothes light, breathable and comfortable.
This also explains why wearing the right kind of yoga attire is such an important part of your yoga workout. Wearing the right clothes allows you to focus on being in the here and now and not worry about discomfort. It’s all thanks to active wear and exclusive brands that give us what we need and show us how it’s done. Read on to find out all about the best yoga pants for women.
What fabric to choose in yoga pants?
Cheap, low-quality material will itch at the most inopportune times, trap heat when you get hot, sag after (or worse, during) a workout, and stink after a single yoga session.
If you’ve ever wondered why some leggings are cheap and others are much more expensive, then the fabric composition will be your most likely answer.
Yoga pants for women and men are commonly made from cotton, organic cotton, bamboo, synthetics, and cotton-synthetic blends.
Let’s look at each fabric on an individual basis. I will mainly focus on the properties and features of each material.
Bamboo yoga pants
Bamboo is a natural and organic material that is processed into a lightweight and breathable fabric called viscose. This is generally a good choice for yoga pants, in part because of its performance properties, such as its ability to wick away moisture and prevent odors.
Thanks to their thermo regulating properties, bamboo yoga pants will keep you cool and dry when you’re hot and warm when you’re cold.
Bamboo fabric is soft and gentle even for sensitive skin, so it is convenient for restorative yoga practice, as well as intense workouts. In addition, it is durable.
Bamboo is often mixed with other fabrics such as spandex, cotton or wool.
Keep in mind that while bamboo is generally sustainable (it does not require any fertilizer or intensive labor to grow), the process of turning it into a fabric is chemically and labor intensive. So not all bamboo yoga pants are as natural and eco-friendly as advertised.
Make sure you buy bamboo yoga pants from companies that have strict labor standards and green practices.
Or go the extra mile and look for items made from Tencel Lyocell, a modern man-made and truly sustainable fabric with the softness of bamboo and amazing performance.
Cotton yoga pants
Cotton yoga pants are comfortable and soft. They are great for stretching, restorative and moderate-tempo yoga, as well as for relaxing after class.
Cotton is highly absorbent. If you’re wearing loose-fitting cotton yoga pants to a physically demanding workout, expect them to get sticky and heavy when you sweat.
Some studies also say that when wearing cotton, unlike synthetic fibers, it will take your body a long time to cool down, and sweating and shivering will also last longer. So cotton yoga pants are probably not the best choice if you only do hot yoga.
There are many problems with growing and processing cotton into fabric.
If you are a hardcore cotton fan, I suggest you consider organic cotton pants instead. They’ll be better for you, better for farmers, and a little better for the environment. In addition, organic cotton has a softer feel than regular cotton.
Also, whether you choose loose-fitting yoga pants or tight leggings, make sure the fabric includes at least a little spandex. This will prevent sagging at the knees and help the pants keep their shape.
Synthetic yoga pants
Synthetics include artificial fabric such as nylon, polyester, spandex, PVC, and the like.
The process of manufacturing synthetic materials is cruel to the environment and the workers of the plant, as it requires a large amount of toxic chemicals and energy resources.
Love it or hate it, synthetic materials are great for sportswear. They are specially designed for high performance workouts.
For example, blends of nylon and polyester are great at absorbing moisture. Instead of being absorbed by the fabric, sweat evaporates from your skin, helping you stay dry and avoid sweat marks. In addition, nylon and polyester yoga pants are also permeable and help your skin breathe and regulate its temperature.
Another synthetic material, spandex, also called lycra, prevents yoga pants from deforming. This causes them to stretch and retain their shape for years to come.
Synthetic fabric won’t feel as soft and cuddly as cotton or bamboo (although modern textile innovations may surprise even the harshest of critics), but it’s more durable and fade resistant.
However, synthetics create a heavenly environment for stink-causing bacteria. So your hot yoga pants are likely to start smelling funk after just one session.
Luckily, a new generation of odorless fabrics is here. Many sportswear brands are now using X-Static technology or the more sustainable Polygiene® silver salt.
Such fabrics are treated with either nano-silver or recycled silver, which is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. In this way, clothes stay fresh for longer periods of time and do not create an unpleasant odor even after several sweaty hot yoga sessions.
So, what is the best and eco-friendly alternative to traditional synthetics?
In fact, it’s just recycled synthetics.
The entire production process requires fewer resources and also prevents waste from ending up in a landfill.
Recycled plastic bottles, fishing nets, industrial waste – modern technology allows us to make yoga pants for women and men from just about anything.
Cotton-synthetic blend yoga pants
Cotton-synthetic blend yoga pants combine the best and worst of both worlds.
Pants will be softer than pure synthetic clothing, but at the same time, they will absorb more sweat compared to almost 100% cotton or pure synthetics.
How to choose yoga pants?
We tend to choose clothes based on the style we like or the color that suits us.
Of course, it’s important to feel confident and attractive in your yoga pants. But just like you don’t buy your laptop or car because of how it looks, there are features of yoga pants that you should prioritize on style.
Comfort and easy of movement
This goes without saying. You should feel good in your yoga pants:
- you should not stop in the middle of a yoga class to adjust the sliding belt;
- the fabric should be pleasant to the skin and definitely not itchy;
- yoga pants should not pull you down in any of the poses
Regular sweatpants are comfortable around the house or at the gym, but generally don’t work well for yoga. They will usually be too loose and heavy, and perhaps even too warm for some styles of yoga.
Instead, both women’s and men’s yoga pants should be lightweight, streamlined. They shouldn’t get in the way of your postures, especially during fast paced strength or Vinyasa yoga.
Operational properties
Depending on the type of yoga you practice, you may want to pay close attention to some specific qualities of your yoga pants. For example, the ability to stretch, wick away sweat, or repel bacteria.
If your daily routine includes calm and slow types of yoga, buy yourself bamboo or cotton yoga pants. They will have a nice soft feel, yet hold their shape and allow you to stretch and squat without fear.
Hot yoga fans, on the other hand, are more likely to appreciate synthetic yoga pants or their cropped yoga capri counterparts. The technical synthetic fabric will wick away sweat and allow your body to dry quickly and regulate its temperature during and after your workout.
Good yoga pants will wash away sweat rather than absorb it.
Durability
No yoga pants will last you a lifetime. Sooner or later you will have to say goodbye to your favorite model and get a new one.
However, some materials will last longer than others.
Nylon, for example, is considered one of the strongest and most durable synthetic fabrics. Plus, it’s pretty easy to take care of. Simply toss them into a special laundry bag that protects synthetic clothing from polluting our waters and then into the washing machine.
Yoga pants made from natural fibers such as certified organic cotton are as good as nylon and can withstand years of wear and tear.
Bamboo and modal, on the other hand, tend to lose their attractive appearance faster than other materials and often require more care (hand wash, for example).
Some additional features can also extend the life of tight-fitting yoga pants. A gusset, for example, a small piece of fabric sewn into the crotch area, helps distribute pressure evenly around the crotch seams, minimizing the chance of the seam tearing.
The gusset can increase the durability of your yoga pants
Fit and style
There is definitely a lot more variety in yoga pants for women than there is in yoga pants for men.
Fortunately, the popularity of yoga among the male population is finally growing. Thus, more and more brands are finally putting in the effort to create quality yoga equipment for men.
Leggings, loose yoga pants, hippie bloomers, it’s all up to you. Just make sure your yoga pants are the right length, not too tight or too loose with extra fabric hanging around.
Tight yoga pants will probably feel more comfortable for active yoga when you need to change positions quickly and need your yoga clothes to move with you. Compression leggings in particular are great for both men and women as they support joints, improve circulation, and can even help muscles recover from a workout.
While loose yoga pants will feel snug on the body for restorative or other slow yoga styles. Baggy and loose yoga pants are also more versatile. You can walk into a shop or cafe after your yoga class without feeling too naked in your tight yoga pants.
Design
Many yoga pants for men and women now come with a range of additional features. Think key pockets, zippers, zippers, etc. While they can be useful when you’re wearing your yoga pants for a run or visiting a nearby cafe after a workout, I find pockets to be of little use in your yoga studio.
In addition, there is a high possibility that the inner secret pocket or zipper will fit differently for different people.
Some decorations can be bulky and tend to pile up during practice. Zippers and laces, for example, can be uncomfortable in some asanas, especially in prone positions.
The extra layers of fabric around the waist can help with tummy control and compression, but can get in the way in poses that require you to fold forward.
Subtle
mesh or perforation not only look stylish but also can be strategically located on the “sweaty” areas to increase your yoga pants breathability.
Color & Pattern
Classic black yoga pants may seem boring and cheesy, but there’s a reason this color is so common in sportswear – black doesn’t show sweat.
This is especially handy in hot yoga or physically demanding and fast yoga styles that leave you soaking wet at the end of the class.
If you’re tired of black, yoga pants for both women and men come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Just be aware that many colorful fabrics will change color when wet and may show dark spots in the crotch and legs.
On the other hand, there is absolutely no need to be ashamed of sweat. You hit the gym or jog to get stronger and healthier, and sweat is your body’s natural (and truly magical) ability to regulate its temperature.
Also, be aware that some colors and fabrics, especially synthetics, may also have a slight sheen. This applies more to tight-fitting yoga leggings than baggy pants. So if that’s something you’re worried about, check customer reviews or ask the manufacturer for product color details.
The best women’s yoga pants
If you’re the type of person who lives in yoga pants and does everything from running errands to grocery shopping, you need something that combines function and style. These drawstring capri pants are made with a 4-way fabric blend with sweat-wicking technology that wicks sweat away and into the fabric without sticking to your skin. Look for trousers with slightly hemmed cuffs to add style to your aesthetic.
Sita saffron yoga pants Ramayoga
Their slim fit hugs your body, while the drawstring helps adjust your waist. They can also be used as travel trousers, so throw on a tank top, oversized t-shirt or hoodie and complete the look with sneakers or white shoes.
Yoga pants Bootcut Yoga Pants By PINK
These tight fitting yoga pants fit your body well and keep your legs toned. Hem cuffs and mesh sides elongate your figure. The elastic waistband is soft against the skin but tight enough to hold the pants well. Moisture wicking technology helps the fabric absorb sweat. Therefore, these leggings are perfect for hot yoga and Bikram yoga.
Yoga pants IndiaStyle
If you’re a fan of old school workout pants, look for something in denim. The cotton pants are breathable, easy to stretch and soft to the skin without digging into it. The turn-down belt is flexible, but it stays on your body well. These pants transition perfectly from your bed to your yoga mat.
Gap yoga pants
Finding workout clothes that fit well and don’t dig into your stomach when you’re pregnant can be tricky. Prenatal yoga has become quite popular in recent years, and it’s time to get your hands on the right clothes for it. The criss-cross panel hugs your belly, giving it support and contouring to create a beautiful silhouette. The panel folds into your pants so you can keep wearing them after pregnancy.
Yoga Pants
Ultimately, we return to clothing that is comfortable, airy and stylish when we travel or play sports. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a yoga enthusiast, or someone who believes comfort comes first, you need these pants in your closet. With a smooth waistband, these lightweight, stretchy trousers are the perfect combination of function and style.
Sandbar Organic Cotton Yoga Pants
Do you believe in everything organic? Then clothes made from natural fabrics and using sustainable methods are probably a big part of your clothing choices. Besides being comfortable, these capri pants also fit well. The waistband is high waisted, the cut is figure-hugging and the style is spot on.
EMDI yoga pants
Add some comfort and now you have one of the best sweatpants out there. Beyond Yoga specializes in clothing for all your yoga and workout needs, made just the way you want them.
Lululemon yoga pants
Finding pants for tall women is always a daunting task, whether for work or workout. But that is changing and brands are becoming more inclusive of all body types. These high waisted yoga pants fit perfectly around your natural waistline and are made from Powervita fabric that is lightweight and breathable.
Yogin yoga pants
Workout clothes should be comfortable and fit like a glove, and you should not be out of breath while doing so. The waistband on these yoga pants is soft and not felt, thus preventing the awkward look of a large crease above them. They are available in fun colors and you can dress them up with funky boots and tees.
Buy good yoga pants and you’ll be so glad you did. Strive for a balance between style, comfort and functionality. Understand the materials that suit your body and, most importantly, choose clothes that will help you focus during yoga. What are your yoga pants? What are you looking for when shopping for yoga equipment? Let us know in the comments section below.
