9 Best Yoga Pants and Shorts

Yoga has become one of the most popular physical activities in the world, and for good reason.  In addition to offering mental and spiritual benefits, yoga can be one of the best single activities for building strength, flexibility, and balance in a way that is generally safe for your body.  The number of people who do yoga as part of their health and fitness regimen has risen from about 4 million to over 20 million since 2001, definitely putting it on the very shortly list of fastest-growing activities.

So what are the best pants to wear while practicing yoga?

As with most fitness activities, yoga calls for a somewhat specialized type of clothing in order to get max enjoyment and be able to perform at the highest level.  While we tend to focus many of our articles on the compression gear world, we consider yoga wear to be in the quasi-compression category.  It is not compression in the classical sense of the word, but it certainly shares the qualities we find in much of the workout gear that offers lite compression, probably registering at 10-15 mmHg of pressure.

When it comes to yoga bottoms, there can be a pretty even distribution of garments.  Go to a yoga class, and you will likely see yoga shorts and capris, as well as the more classic yoga leggings or pants.  Each has its benefits, and each might be a good fit for different yoga situations.  The important thing is to match the gear with the activity and make sure you are using the right bottoms for the right situation.

If you don’t want to read the whole article, here are the shorts we recommend below:

These tights and shorts are all proven winners with yoga enthusiasts.  They are made by brands we trust, and have a track record of being well-designed with quality construction.

What to Look for in Yoga Pants, Capris, or Shorts — Our Rating Criteria

What to look for in yoga wear resembles what we would recommend you look for in other gear like compression wear or bike shorts.  The key is always matching your budget with your priorities.

In short, though, we think you probably want to think about:

  • Type of Yoga.  The type of yoga you do can make a difference on the gear that you want to use.  Since there are really 11 different types of yoga practiced in North America, the term can really mean different things to different people.  If you are doing hot yoga classes where the temperature could easily exceed 95 degrees, you might want to opt for shorts that allow your legs to easily breathe.  Go to a vinyasa class, and you will largely see longer leggings or capris being worn.  The 3/4 capri pants are a popular option, because they provide good coverage but do not interfere with your feet (you do yoga barefoot).
  • Fit. Perhaps the most important, don’t compromise on fit.  Making sure you are working out in clothing that is comfortable is important regardless of the sport.  Yoga is no different.  Personal preference comes into play here, as some people prefer tighter clothing, others like to err a little on the loose side.  We tend to advise folks to go the loose and comfortable route, but firm enough to provide support and hold everything together.  Too loose, and things will bunch up which is not good in yoga.  If you order something and the fit is off, send it back and get it right.  You will use a garment way more if it fits.
  • Your climate might make a difference in the yoga wear you choose.  If you are doing your yoga in the mountains where it is easy to wake up to -5 and snow, having long leggings will prevent you from having to change at the gym. If you live in sunny San Diego, the boringly predictable weather will allow you to be more flexible in this regard.
  • Multi-Purposing. While many companies like Lululemon distinguish between yoga leggings and other leggings, we find that most readers simply use their gear for cross-training purposes.  The capris that might be used for yoga one day are used for hiking the next.  Because of that, think about the other activities that your purchase will crossover to, so you can maximize the investment.  Just be sure you do not get anything with a prominent (or any) drawstring.  Drawstrings are often unnecessary, and are uncomfortable when doing yoga.
  • Construction. This is where your dollars will really make a difference, in many cases.  Investing in yoga bottoms that are made-well is something we would recommend every single time.  What does “made well” mean?  Look for strong, flat seams that will be comfortable against your skin, cuffs and waistlines that have ample, even stitching, and fabric panels that are 100% symmetrical when comparing the right and the left.  If you buy a brand that begins to show construction deficiencies, don’t go back to that brand again.  They might have quality control issues at their factory.  As for where your gear is made, it makes sense to pay attention to it.  Very generally speaking, we tend to like gear made in the USA, Canada, Italy, New Zealand, and Australia.  Gear from China and Mexico are often fine as well.  We tend to be wary of some Chinese gear as well as that made in Taiwan.
  • Caring. Many people underestimate the care instructions, but we think it is important.  Who wants gear that requires more TLC than a pet?  We prefer stuff that can be washed with your large loads of clothes, and if using a dryer is OK, it is a big plus.  If you need to air dry, just be sure that you follow those instructions you will shorten the life of the garment.
  • Color and Design. At first glance, you might think that color is just a vanity thing, but it is not.  We find that some colors, such as lighter grays and other bright colors, tend to show the sweat saturation more than the darks.  Sweat marks are a real thing at the end of a yoga class when the lights come back on.  They are totally natural and the sign of a good workout. Who wants to be preoccupied by how they look when you are trying to get a great physical workout in?  Additionally, if you think you will use your bottoms for running or walking, we highly recommend getting reflective accents which are common on many pieces.
  • Breathability.  In the past decade, there have been huge advances in the world of breathable and moisture-wicking athletic wear.  According to REI, some fabrics are naturally breathable while others require the right construction to provide breathability. The fabric you choose for your yoga bottoms should have these qualities, too.  Not only will breathable fabrics be more comfortable, they will likely allow you to stay a bit drier which can be useful for many yoga poses.
  • Budget. After all that, you need to figure out what your budget is.  If you have to prioritize in order to come it at a certain $$ amount, we suggest putting fit and construction at the top of your list.  From there, try to include as many “nice to haves” as your budget will allow.
  • Yoga Pants for Men. You will likely notice that our below list of the best yoga pants is entirely aimed at the ladies. This is not to suggest that men do not also do yoga. In fact, traditionally yoga has been developed by men for men. However, in the western world at least, men tend to shy away from tight-fitting spandex style bottoms. They also make this type of yoga pants in men’s sizes and patterns. Usually though, men will wear loose-fitting pants or shorts for yoga. This is especially the case in India, the home of yoga, where even the women tend to wear loose-fitting clothes for yoga. In much of the world, it is common for men and women to wear tight-fitting yoga pants under longer loose-fitting garments to ensure modesty no matter what position you twist into.

10 Best Yoga Shorts, Capris, and Leggings

patagonia yoga
Patagonia Centered Tights.

With the criteria set, here are our 10 favorite yoga bottoms on the market today.  We did our best to include a variety of price points, so that this article can serve those with any budget level.

Patagonia Centered Tights.  $$.  This pair shows up on a couple “best-of” lists that we keep, and for good reason.  It is an excellent pant from an excellent maker of workout gear.  Patagonia has been around for a long time, and they put lots of engineering into every garment they design.

The Centered tights are incredibly soft, fit well on most body types, and handle sweat and heat with ease.  We love the all-purpose nature of the tights, which can be used for everything from yoga to running.  The tights are about 3/4 length, going down to just below the calf on most people.  The design also gets rave reviews, topped-off by the sleek interior key pocket, just inside the waistline.  We would recommend these for anyone.  Find here.

2XU Mid Rise 7/8 Compression Tights.  $$.  When it comes to compression, we have always loved the products by 2XU. Tough, comfortable, and versatile. When you are looking for a great crossover garment that will be suitable for way more than Yoga, 2XU is worth a peek.  The Plyometric is another 7/8 capri-style tight, the Mid Rise is similar to the Contour but offers better breathability and more print options.  They provide good support, and are form-fitting.  You should only use these if you are a fan of snug clothing during yoga.  They will double as a great cool-weather running pant if you are on to crosstraining with trail or road running.  The Plyometric tights offer an anti-chafe seam as well as reflective panels, something we really encourage if you plan to use these outside the studio.  Find here.

Lululemon Align II Pant.  $$$  Lulu has become synonymous with yoga in many circles, and of all their pants we really like using the Align II.   We love everything from their tights to their tops to their gym bags. It is a forgiving pant with plenty of support but looser than the options from the compression gear makers.  We especially like the convenient, hidden pocket, and the high-rise waistband is as comfortable as anything we have tried.  Overall, the comfort level of these pants are top-notch, so you will find yourself wearing them for way more than just yoga.  Find here.

knockout yoga pants
Knockout pants by Victoria’s Secret

Victoria’s Secret Knockout Sport Capri.  $$  Did it take us a bit to get past the fact we were recommending a Victoria’s Secret garment on a hardcore workout gear site?  Yeah.  But the fact is that the Knockout Sport Capri (and the longer Leggings by the same model name) are a legitimate yoga garment that lots of people would swear by.  We like the comfort level, the fact that the firm, breathable fabric is also very soft, and the number of color and print options that Victoria’s Secret provides.  These tights and capris are made of 4-way stretch nylon, and like the Lululemon have a pocket for convenience.  They are some of the more affordable quality pants on the list.  Find here.

Danskin Signature Ankle-Length Yoga Pants.  $$  We wanted to include something on the list that wouldn’t break the bank, and at under $40, the Danskin Signature ankle-length pants often come up as one of the options at the sub $50 price point.  By spending less, you will get less firmness in the fabric, and you won’t have the same 4-way stretch, but these are good yoga pants and comfortable for around the house.  They are a fundamentally different legging than the other options, because they are 55% cotton.  That means that you won’t have the same moisture-wicking properties, but in exchange you will save a lot of money.  They won’t double for running like the 2XU or Lulu’s will, but if you need something at the budget price range, these are a good way to restock or start out.  Note that they tend to run a little long, so when in doubt order on the short side.  Find here.

athleta yoga pants
Athleta Chaturanga Knicker

Athleta Chaturanga Knicker.  $$   Athleta has been making great yoga gear for as long as anyone.  They are to yoga what 2XU has become to triathlon.  Among their lineup, we really like the Chaturanga knicker.  These have an inseam between a short and a 3/4 capri, and going to just around the knee.  Made of Pilayo fabric, it is one of the better moisture-wicking materials we have used and great for yoga.  The crotch gusset is made of Coolmax technology, a nice touch and something that will add to your comfort.  Overall, we think this should be shortlisted for anyone, and the price of $49 is a great value.

Athleta Criss Cross High Waist Metro Legging.  $$$   If you are looking for something that can be as versatile in the yoga studio as it is doing casual errands, the Criss Cross Metro Legging might be a great choice.  It has much of the technology you will find in the yoga-only pants, and will perform will during a typical yoga session.  Added to it are some finish/print options that make it a bit more usable in other settings, and four pockets for ample storage during non-yoga events.  As with all Athleta gear, the waistband is ultra-comfortable.

nike pro cool shorts
Nike Pro Cool Shorts. These are the 5″ inseam.

Nike Pro Cool Shorts.  $$  We wanted to include some shorts choices on the list, and the Nike Pro Cool shorts are the most versatile shorts we can find on the market that work well for yoga.  Nike does a great job with its Dri-Fit fabric (used in much apparel in addition to yoga wear) and the flatlock seams are comfortable time and time again.  The 3″ inseam might be a little short for some peoples’ liking, and could be annoying to others, but will work for many depending on body type.  If you want some shorts that work for yoga but are perfect for other sports as well, these are a great investment and will not break the bank at $28.  They are a great value.  Find here. 

Lululemon Wunder Shorts.  $$$   A little more of an investment than the Pro Cool shorts, the Wunder shorts give you a few things:  A slightly more supportive gusset area, a longer inseam (5” vs. 3” can feel like a big difference), and a bit more compression.  The compression, to some, feels much better given the support it provides.  We have had people use the wunder shorts for yoga and other activities, so they pass the test of versatility.  If you have the budget, we might recommend spending the extra few dollars on these.  If not, you will be fine with the Nike’s.  Find Here.

sup jala yoga
SUP Jala Pants. A brighter pattern with great yoga functionality.

SUP Jala Yoga Pant.  $$$   Most Comfortable.  SUP makes the floral-print Jala pant in a full legging, and it has been getting great reviews from our testers.  The comfort level is an A+, with a poly-blend material that provides a high degree of flex.  The Jala pants can be put in the toughest tests during any kind of yoga, and the lightweight fabric dries quickly.  What’s more, the printed pattern will help make sure the pants don’t become see-through.  At about $75, they are a little pricey, but we think they are going to be worth the investment.  Find here. 

Between the ten options above, you should have plenty to choose from in terms of quality, style, and price.  If you are more in the market for general spandex shorts, we devoted an entire piece to that where we go into the finer point of those garments as well.  Also, don’t miss our piece on compression tops which outlines the best long-sleeved compression shirts out there today.

 

Which Fabric Is Best for Yoga Wear?

A common question, and a great one. The various materials that go into yoga pants and shorts all have different advantages, and each has its own pros and cons.  Over time, you will find a material that seems to work well with your preferences.

Here are the few of the more common materials and fabrics in yoga gear.

  • Cotton. Cotton is popular in yoga clothes because it is comfortable, generally inexpensive, and soft against the skin. The downside is that if you tend to sweat during yoga, cotton will feel soaked very quickly and takes forever to dry out. For those who doesn’t perspire during yoga, cotton can be a great go-to.
  • Polyester / elastine / other synthetics. Synthetic materials don’t have the same softness as cotton and they also tend to get stinky after a workout, but they have other advantages. Polyester and elastine tends to wick away moisture, and if it gets wet it usually dries fast. It will also snap back into its original shape after many, many washes.
  • Nylon. Nylon might be the most underused yoga material. It performs well when wet, is soft and generally comfortable, and economical to make products with. It is also strong. Perhaps the downside is that it doesn’t breathe very well.
  • Wool.  Wool is an incredible fabric as a base layer, because it retains its insulating properties even if it is a little wet. That is why it works so well for yoga, too. Nothing works as well as wool after a good sweat — wool continues to do its job. The downsides are that it can lose its form after too many washes, and low-grade wool isn’t always soft against the skin, so you need to spend a few bucks.
  • Bamboo.  We are seeing more yoga garments made with bamboo pulp. It is a great choice, and we hope the trend continues. It is light, feels great against the skin, is breathable, and does a good job moisture-wicking. We hope we see more products with bamboo pulp in the future.

With all that said, it really comes down to personal preference. Do you sweat a lot? What is your body shape? Are you annoyed with your clothes aren’t breathable? Will you be using the tights for things other than yoga? All factor in to your decision.

 

Looking for More Info on Yoga and Yoga Attire?

If you want to keep learning about yoga attire, check out some of our other pages on things like compression shorts.  Our content is focused on what you need to wear during your athletic activities to get the best possible workout.  We are constantly updating our material, and would love to hear your input on what kind of yoga wear you think is the best on the market. We know that yoga is growing in popularity by leaps and bounds, so we expect the market for yoga attire to keep advancing too.

Don’t miss our piece on how long to hold a yoga pose, and we also answered a common questions about using yoga mats on carpet.

Let’s leave you with a video piece from one of our favorite brands. We love this “Falling in Love with Yoga” video from Lululemon.

 

Sources:

Mind Body Green:  11 Types of Yoga Explained Simply.  https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/the-11-major-types-of-yoga-explained-simply

REI:  How to Pick the Most Breathable Fabrics.  https://www.rei.com/blog/run/how-to-pick-the-most-breathable-fabrics

NIH:  Yoga, In-Depth.  https://nccih.nih.gov/health/yoga/introduction.htm

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