The 12 Best Yoga Pants for Everything from Vinyasa to Hot Yoga
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Our top pick is Lululemon's Align High-Rise Leggings
People / Kristin Kempa
Stretchy, soft, and durable, yoga pants are one of the most frequently worn athleisure items in our wardrobe (even when we aren’t actually planning to take a yoga class). Often mistaken for workout or casual leggings, yoga pants can have a similar look and feel to cotton-blend leggings, but they don’t just come in form-fitting silhouettes. You can find this beloved workout clothing item in a variety of pants styles, including flare, bootcut, wide leg, and even capri and jogger styles, too.
Whether you prefer your yoga pants hiked up in a high rise, fancy a mid-rise waistband, or like the option to adjust the style and go for a more low-rise look, there are plenty of yoga pants to choose from that meet nearly every style preference. While this isn’t necessarily the worst thing, it does make finding the best yoga pants a challenge — that’s where we come in. We researched some of the most popular yoga and athleisure brands and sifted through dozens of styles to find the best yoga pant styles that will move, stretch, and support you in every type of yoga class while also looking super-stylish and — even more importantly — feeling amazing on the body.
From a versatile best overall pick to the most comfortable and functional option for hot yoga, here are the best yoga pants.
Best Overall: lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 28 Inch
Who It's Good For
Anyone who wants soft, comfortable yoga pants for a variety of activities.
Who It's Not Good For
Those looking for a flared style.
For a brand synonymous with yoga pants, look no further than our best overall pick, Lululemon. The buttery soft Align Yoga Pants are beloved for their versatility, colorways, and comfortable fit. Available in 18 different shades, these lightweight pants will take you effortlessly from the yoga studio to lunch with friends. While they aren’t the least expensive option, these yoga pants are high-quality and made to last. Note that this style is fitted through the ankles, so if you're looking for a flared leg you might prefer a different option. The supportive high waist and lightweight sweat-wicking material make these comfortable and enjoyable for a variety of workouts.
Price at time of publish: From $98
Material: 81% nylon, 19% elastane | Size Range: 0-20 | Colors: 18
Best Budget: No Nonsense Women’s Yoga Flared Legging
Who It’s Good For
Anyone looking for yoga leggings with a luxe look and feel.
Who It’s Not Good For
Someone who prefers more color options.
You don’t need to splurge on pricey $100 yoga pants to get a quality pair. The No Nonsense Women’s Yoga Flared Leggings have a traditional yoga pant style with their mid-rise waist and flared hem and are made from a durable cotton and polyester material that is super stretchy with five percent spandex. These yoga pants on Amazon are a total steal, with 4.3 stars from over 10,000 customers. The lightweight yoga pants are beloved for their luxe look, feel, fit, how well they hold their shape, and their value. They come in just one color — but it's a classic one.
Price at time of publish: From $21.29
Material: Cotton, polyester, spandex | Size Range: S-XXL | Colors: Black
Best Splurge: Lululemon Wunder Train High-rise Tight with Pockets
Who It's Good For
Anyone who likes yoga pants with roomy pockets and lots of color options.
Who It's Not Good For
Anyone who prefers a more relaxed fit at the waist.
If one of your must-have features in yoga pants is pockets, this splurge-worthy pick from Lululemon has you covered with two deep drop-in pockets on the sides and one hidden waistband pocket. These soft, comfortable, medium-support yoga pants also feature a high waistband with a drawcord for added security during squats, jumps, and other high-impact exercises. Because these high-waisted yoga pants are meant to stay up, they may not be ideal for anyone who doesn’t like tight-fitting clothes around their waist. They come in nine colors and three lengths, 23, 25, and 28 inches. The sweat-wicking material is fast-drying, opaque, and breathable, and, best of all, machine washable and dry-able.
Price at time of publish: $128
Material: Nylon, elastane, polyester | Size range: 0-14 | Colors: 8
Best for Short Legs: Spanx Booty Boost Yoga Pant
Who It’s Good For
Anyone looking for a pair of yoga pants that provides a ton of great support.
Who It’s Not Good For
Someone shopping for a more exaggerated flare or straight-leg legging style.
Spanx makes some of the best shapewear, but the brand’s yoga pants are also a total game-changer — especially if you have short (or long!) legs and need a more customizable size. The Booty Boost Yoga Pant comes in regular, petite, and tall lengths in sizes XS to 3XL and is designed with a high-rise, contoured waistband to help accentuate the body (and leave you feeling extra supported). The pants are also made from sweat-wicking and super-breathable material, so they’re compatible with hot yoga and other steamy workouts. They have a flared leg, but if you're looking for a straight leg or a more exaggerated flare, these may not be the best choice for you.
Price at time of publish: $110
Material: Nylon, elastane | Size Range: XS-3XL (regular, petite, and tall) | Colors: 3
Related: These Are the 5 Best Spanx Leggings, No Matter Where You’re Going
Best with Tummy Control: THE GYM PEOPLE Thick High-Waisted Yoga Pants with Pockets
Who It’s Good For
Anyone looking for a super-stretchy pair of yoga leggings in dozens of color options.
Who It’s Not Good For
Someone who prefers a pair of lightweight yoga leggings or a flare style.
If you’re shopping for a pair of yoga pants with tummy control, a high-waist style is necessary. But beyond that, you also want to ensure it has enough compression to offer support. The Thick High-Waist Yoga Pants with Pockets from The Gym People on Amazon are a must-try for these requirements, as they feature a thicker waistband that stretches over the belly button and stays in place. The leggings are on the thicker side (making them a good choice for winter), so they may not be ideal if you prefer lightweight yoga leggings, but they are still ultra-stretchy and breathable. Compared to similar styles, these pants are also more budget-friendly and come in many colors and patterns, plus a capri style. They have a straight-leg style, so these may not be the best choice if you prefer a flare leg.
Price at time of publish: From $24.99
Material: Polyester, spandex | Size Range: XS-3XL | Colors: 37
Related: The 8 Best Yoga Mats of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best with Adjustable Waist: Sweaty Betty Power 7/8 Workout Leggings
Who It's Good For
Anyone who loves yoga pants in vibrant colors and patterns.
Who It's Not Good For
Anyone who likes full-length or flared yoga pants.
Sweaty Betty’s Power Workout Leggings are made with a quick-drying four-way stretch fabric that is ideal for all kinds of sports and activities. The supportive material is soft and sculpting, and the adjustable drawstring waist means you can make sure these stay snug during training sessions. These yoga pants have a single side pocket and a back zip pocket and come in 33 vibrant colors and prints. They have a 7/8 inseam and are fitted through the ankles, so they may not be ideal if you prefer full-length or flared yoga pants.
Price at time of publish: $100
Material: Polyamide elastane | Size range: XXS-XXL | Colors: 33
Best for Curvy Figures: Girlfriend Collective Compressive Pocket Leggings
Who It’s Good For
Anyone looking for a pair of high-quality leggings made from recycled materials.
Who It’s Not Good For
Someone who prefers the feel of cotton yoga pants.
Girlfriend Collective is the place to go if you want to reduce your carbon footprint. The brand's athleisure offering includes yoga pants, tops, and sports bras. But, in addition to its more sustainable lens, the brand also has some of the most inclusive sizes in its category. Our favorite yoga pant in particular is the Compressive Pocket Legging, which comes in sizes up to 6XL and is available in two inseam options (28.5 and 23.75 inches). The yoga pants have good compression which makes you feel supported when you slip into them, plus they are ultra-breathable, sweat-wicking, and have a high-rise waist that stays in place while you flow from a plank to downward dog to warrior II. If you prefer the feel of cotton leggings, these may not be the best option.
Price at time of publish: $88
Material: Recycled plastic water bottles, spandex | Size Range: XXS-6XL | Colors: 10
Best Flare: Alo Airbrush 7/8 High Waist Flutter Leggings
Who It’s Good For
Someone shopping for a pair of ankle-length leggings.
Who It’s Not Good For
Those who prefer a more dramatic and floor-length silhouette.
In a studio full of ankle-fitting yoga pants, add some flare with the Alo Airbrush 7/8 High-Waist Flutter Leggings. Constructed from the brand’s coveted Airbrush fabric — which consists of a polyester and spandex blend — these yoga pants are functional yet fashionable with their stretchy material and ankle slits. Although they have a high waist, these yoga pants are unique in that they opt for a skinny waistband, which keeps the pants in place without feeling too restrictive on the belly. They’re also a shorter length, which can make it easier to move around and flow into different poses since you aren’t tripping on the flared hems.
Price at time of publish: $118
Material: Polyester, spandex | Size Range: XXS-L | Colors: 4
Related: The 4 Very Best Black Leggings, Tested and Reviewed
Best Ribbed: Year of Ours Ribbed Football Legging
Who It’s Good For
Anyone shopping for a pair of leggings with a little more style and detail.
Who It’s Not Good For
Someone who prefers yoga pants with a thicker waistband and higher waist.
The Year of Ours Ribbed Football Leggings have been on regular rotation in our closet for years and are a consistent go-to for both traditional vinyasa flow and hot yoga classes. We were first drawn to the pants for their unique style — the lace-up waistband is adorable — but quickly found that, apart from their looks, they’re a highly functional pair of yoga pants with tons of stretch, a lightweight and ultra-stretchy feel, and fantastic moisture management. The ribbed material also form-fits the body in the most incredible way, and they’re a good pick for those who want a pair of yoga pants they could easily wear to brunch after class. If you prefer yoga pants with a thicker or higher waist, these might not be ideal.
Price at time of publish: $125
Material: Nylon, spandex | Size Range: XS-2XL | Colors: 8
Best for Hot Yoga: Alo Yoga 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging
Who It’s Good For
Someone looking for sweat-wicking yoga pants.
Who It’s Not Good For
Anyone shopping for yoga pants on a budget.
Hot yoga gets sticky and sweaty really fast, so you need a pair of pants that will actually move with you and keep moisture at bay. The 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Leggings from Alo were designed with hot yoga classes in mind and are constructed from a durable, high-quality double-knit Airlift fabric (which is a blend of polyester and spandex) that is moisture-wicking with supreme four-way stretch. We love them because they form to the body like a glove, are made from an ultra smooth and soft fabric, and don’t make us feel suffocated while in a heated yoga studio. While they are on the pricier side, if you’re like us and prefer to wear bike shorts to steamy hot yoga, you’ll love these pants.
Price at time of publish: $128
Material: Polyester, spandex | Size Range: XXS-XL | Colors: 20
Best Crossover Waist: Beyond Yoga Spacedye At Your Leisure High Waisted Midi Legging
Who It's Good For
Anyone who likes yoga pants that enhance their natural curves.
Who It's Not Good For
Anyone who prefers full-length yoga pants.
If you favor yoga pants with a crossover waist (a mix of high-rise and mid-rise), Beyond Yoga’s Spacedye At Your Leisure Pants are one of our favorites. These form-fitting pants complement your natural curves, and they come in a variety of seasonal and core colors. The midi length is comfortable and versatile for yoga classes and other workouts, though they may not be your top choice if you prefer full-length yoga pants. They’re made with a buttery soft moisture-wicking fabric that has a four-way stretch, and they even offer UV protection.
Price at time of publish: $99
Material: 87% polyester, 13% elastane | Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: 6
Best with Pockets: ODODOS High Waisted Yoga Leggings with Pockets
Who It's Good For
Anyone looking for budget-friendly yoga pants with high-quality features and lots of colors.
Who It's Not Good For
Anyone looking for flared yoga pants.
Not only do these Ododos yoga pants have deep, wide pockets, but they also are breathable, squat-proof, and have excellent shape retention, all at a budget-friendly price. We love the 7/8 length, and while they don't come in a flare-leg style, these straight-leg yoga pants also come in full-length, calf-length, and knee-length. They have a high waist, gusseted crotch, and a four-way stretch fabric that’s comfortable and supportive. Available in sizes XS through XXL, these yoga pants are available in 35 colors and prints.
Price at time of publish: $24.98
Material: 72% polyamide, 28% elastane | Size range: XS-XXL | Colors: 35
Related: The 20 Very Best Workout Leggings on Amazon — All Under $35
How to Pick the Right Yoga Pants
Coverage
In yoga, you spend a lot of time moving and positioning your body into different poses — some of which can be very exposing. With this in mind, Dr. Kristin Williams, MS, PT, DPT, OCS, a senior LYT Yoga Instructor and LYT Movement Expert, says to consider the amount of coverage a pair of yoga pants has. “Before purchasing [or removing tags from an online order] any pair of yoga pants, bend over in front of a mirror and make sure the fabric is not see-through and that the waistband stays put,” she explains. “As a long-time yoga teacher, I cannot tell you the number of butts and thongs I’ve seen through pants that are too sheer or ride too low."
This is especially important for more budget-friendly styles as Dr. Williams says cheaper brands don’t always use fabrics with as tight of a weave compared to their expensive counterparts, which could lead to unwanted exposure.
Waistband Fit
Fit is also important, as you want your yoga pants to stay in place while you move and stretch on your mat. One of the most important things to consider when looking at fit is the waistband. “A higher, wider waistband is needed to prevent slipping during practice when completing different poses,” says Holly Katz, a celebrity stylist.
When shopping for yoga pants and looking at the fit — whether that’s overall or how the waistband feels — Dr. Williams says it’s important to try them on, as sizing and fit vary not only between brands but also between styles within the same brand.
Fabric
The fabric is another key thing to consider when shopping for yoga pants as you want your pants to be lightweight and breathable. “A good option is usually a blend of fabrics, such as a polyester and spandex blend,” says Naina Singla a fashion stylist, style expert, and on-air, digital and print fashion content contributor. Fabric thickness is also important to look at, especially if you have a style preference. “I like a thicker fabric that I could maybe style with a sweater after class if I have errands afterward,” explains Katz. Whether you prefer a thicker or thinner material, it’s always beneficial to keep an eye on this detail when looking at yoga pants.
Another thing to consider when looking at the fabric and construction is sustainability. “Sustainability in fashion should always be considered, and sustainable shopping is an easy way to find a brand you love in an already over-saturated market,” says Allie Koehler, a New York City-based stylist. When shopping for sustainable yoga pants, look at styles constructed from recycled material, such as Girlfriend’s Compressive Pocket Legging, which is made from recycled plastic water bottles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What yoga pants are best?
“The best yoga pants are ones that are non-restrictive, [have] breathable fabric, and are moisture-wicking,” Singla says. “Yoga is meant to be a meditative and mindful practice where you are connecting the body and mind, so the last thing you need is distractions with your clothing." Our pick for the best yoga pants, the lululemon Align High-Rise Pant, meets these requirements as they have the most divine fit, unmatched stretch, the softest feel, and they stay in place. We love them because they have that cotton legging look but are secretly lightweight, breathable, and comfortable to sweat in. If you want something a little more budget-friendly, the No Nonsense Women’s Yoga Flared Legging on Amazon comes with over 6,600 5-star ratings for the way they fit, how well they hold their shape, and their budget-friendly price.
What's the difference between yoga pants and leggings?
According to Dr. Williams, yoga pants and leggings are terms that are often used interchangeably. With that said, she explains that yoga pants are typically thinner and more breathable compared to more traditional cotton leggings — they also come in a variety of waist and leg styles, and lengths, and some even have different fabrics for different types of yoga workouts, like the Alo Airbrush High-Waist Split Hem 7/8 Leggings, our best pick for hot yoga.
“When talking about yoga leggings, one is usually referring to any style that is form-fitting, soft, and stretchy, allowing you to bend, move, and twist comfortably,” Dr. Williams notes.
Are expensive yoga pants worth it?
While you can find a fantastic, quality pair of yoga pants that are budget-friendly, Dr. Williams says expensive yoga pants are still worth it. “Fabrics used in more expensive brands are more durable and hold their shape better,” she explains. “In addition, not having to worry about indecent exposure while bending over in a downward-facing dog is paramount as higher-end suppliers tend to use a tighter weave of synthetic fabric blends to keep your private bits covered,” she adds.
If you’re looking to invest in a pair of yoga pants, many styles above $50 are a good choice, and those closer to the $100 range or higher can be an indication of quality. However, don’t let the price guide you all the way. When shopping for expensive yoga pants, it’s always best to do your research, read reviews, and don’t be afraid to try them on and return the ones you don’t love for more affordable ones you do love.
Take Our Word for It
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. She also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Journalism from the Academy of Art University. When researching the best yoga pants, Jessie — who has practiced yoga regularly for over 10 years herself — looked at a variety of styles, carefully considering the waistbands, overall fit, fabric, breathability, and if they will hold up during a sweaty vinyasa flow. She also tapped style experts Naina Singla, Holly Katz, and Allie Koehler, as well as yoga expert Dr. Kristin Williams for their insights on what makes a pair of yoga pants truly stand out.
Up Next: The 13 Best Lululemon Leggings of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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