A GUIDE TO SOME OF THE BEST LEGGINGS FOR YOGA

Yoga is all about connecting the mind and body. But while the practice is rooted in spirituality and consciousness, yoga involves movement from head to toe. The best yoga pants are designed with motion in mind, serving as a second skin. Whether striking a warrior pose or rolling into a relaxing savasana, the right pair of yoga pants is a wardrobe necessity for keeping an active lifestyle.

Classic yoga pants come in an array of styles—ankle-hugging leggings, flared leggings, and narrow joggers, to name a few. We’ll break down the best leggings for yoga and some of the top designer yoga legging brands available today. 

TYPES OF YOGA PANTS

While sweatpants are comfortable, the best yoga pants are made with moisture-wicking, breathable materials that reduce overheating and prevent the excess fabric from getting in the way of complex poses. Yoga pants come in various styles, transforming soft materials into performance-driven designs.

Choosing a type of yoga pants all comes down to personal preference. Whether you’re searching for something form-fitting or loose and flowing, understanding the difference between all the options makes finding the perfect fit easier.

Yoga leggings

Yoga leggings come in a variety of lengths and styles, including full-length, capri, mid-rise, and high-waisted. High-waisted leggings are designed to hug the core and won’t roll down during exercise. Fabrics that give these styles the ability to stretch include lycra, spandex, elastane, and polyester.

Bootcut designs have the added benefit of not looking like workout clothes when commuting to the studio or running errands, although the rolled-up yoga mat and water bottle may be a giveaway.

Yoga shorts

Shorts are a sought-after style for hot yoga and sunny outdoor sessions. They’re made from the same sculpting fabric as leggings but range in length from upper thigh to knee-length. These are not to be confused with regular spandex shorts, as yoga versions are designed to stay in place during stretching and extended movements.

Loose-fitting yoga pants

While yoga pants are typically made from stretchy synthetic fabrics, selecting a loose pair of cotton pants can be just as effective for a workout. The waistband of these pants can be elastic or drawstring, and the cut is generally wide-leg. This style is best for those who want a relaxed fit that allows for movement without showing off every curve of the leg.

YOGA PANTS VS. LEGGINGS

Although regular leggings can be worn while practicing yoga, their design isn’t explicitly made for exercising, so they often don’t provide the same amount of stretch. Traditional leggings sometimes lose their opacity during stretching and can slide down mid-movement.

Yoga pants and yoga leggings are made to reduce heat and increase airflow, while classic leggings are designed to keep the body warm. Yoga pants and workout leggings are fabricated with sweat-wicking material and sporty elements, such as wide waistbands and side pockets for headphones.

SOME OF THE BEST YOGA PANTS AND LEGGINGS TODAY

Having pants roll down, ride up, or feel constricting while working out can be avoided. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best yoga pants from designer brands that keep flexibility and comfort at the forefront of their designs. While activewear’s breathability and comfort are the priority, many feature vibrant colors and patterns, making them equally fashionable and functional.

Try these top designer yoga pants picks for yoga practice, pilates, or simply lounging at home:

Beyond Yoga

Established in 2007, Beyond Yoga is a yoga-centric workout collection dedicated to creating body-inclusive designs for women. The clothing aims to uplift confidence by providing wearers with comfortable, supportive pieces. The selection features full-length and capri styles in neutral tones and striking colors in slim and plus sizes. The collection also offers maternity leggings that allow expectant mothers to stay active.

Alo Yoga

Alo Yoga is an LA-based apparel company specializing in yoga clothes for mindful movement. The design team is composed of yoga enthusiasts who test the collection to ensure the best possible fit. The luxe yoga pants and leggings are designed to go beyond the mat, giving wearers contemporary styles that are just as fashionable on the streets. In addition to classic black leggings, the label offers styles that feature vibrant colors, mesh panels, bootcut shapes, and flutter cuts.

adidas by Stella McCartney

adidas by Stella McCartney merges two distinct design perspectives—that of an iconic sportswear company and an innovative fashion house—to bring women comprehensive sportswear that looks great and performs well in various disciplines: tennis, running, yoga, and swimming. The partnership yields innovative collections made from sustainable recycled materials and strives to bring women more variation in sports clothing so they can feel confident and modern while on the move.

Sweaty Betty

Sweaty Betty was created in 1998, when women had fewer options for workout clothes. Founder Tamara Hill-Norton embarked on a mission to change this with the help of her partner Simon Hill-Norton. The clothing assortment features yoga pants and leggings specially designed for all-day wear in the studio. Many of the label’s leggings are created with flattering seamlines intended to sculpt the backside and feature dynamic patterns that stand out from traditional yoga leggings.

The Upside

The Upside is passionate about creating technical workout clothing that meets exceptional social and environmental standards. The brand’s yoga sets are catered to sophisticated time-savvy women who lead busy lives. The collection features sports bras, seamless shorts, and midi pants in bold prints and gorgeous colors.

Hanro

Hanro’s assortment offers tapered cropped yoga pants and fold-over waist pants in comfortable, loose-fitting MicroModal rayon/spandex blends. While Hanro isn’t yoga-specific, the brand is famed for bringing luxury and coziness to all of its collections, be it clothing and intimates or activewear. The label’s yoga pants are excellent for those who want to skip traditional form-fitting yoga designs while keeping a stylish appearance.

ENHANCE YOUR YOGA PRACTICE

Whether needing new pieces to refresh a workout wardrobe or looking to create a collection to stand out in yoga class, Neiman Marcus carries a wide variety of activewear, sneakers, handbags, and yoga mats that make staying sporty fun. Book a one-on-one in-store or virtual appointment with a Neiman Marcus style advisor for help finding the perfect luxury yoga leggings.