The thing I love most about yoga is that there is no right way to do it.
Great yoga classes allow you the ability to do each pose with your own modifications or variations on intensity, and the best yoga leggings are pretty much the same.
Each person has their individual practice approach, so everyone needs options when looking for the best yoga leggings for themselves.
For me, comfort and long-wear are the highest on my list of priorities when I shop for yoga clothing.
I often go to classes on the weekends with my best friend. While we manage to get our butts ready and out the door by 8:30 on a Saturday morning, we figure we should just make a day of it.
I need yoga leggings that I will basically want to live in as I will be wearing them long after yoga class is done….one of the reasons that I’m interested in non-see-through leggings.
After class, we often go for brunch, browse around Shi Shi Boutique, and sometimes watch the Hallmark movie channel with her dogs.
See why comfort is non-negotiable here?
Having said this, I know that my priorities are not your priorities, so this is why I have corralled the best leggings for any yogi’s workout.
No matter what you need from compression, multiple sizes, bold colors or budget-buys, the following are the best yoga leggings in eight categories.
1. The Best Leggings for Many Different Heights and Sizes
Core 10 Women’s Onstride Run Legging: I have woman’s hips and stand about as tall as a fourth grader. As a result, most yoga pants look like a pair of accidental socks on me.
It is a relief to see that there are options that are designed for short people, average heights and tall people like Core 10’s Onstride leggings.
They are soft, wick away moisture and have a comfortable four-way stretch. They have extra features like a back-zipper pocket, side pockets and power mesh panels along with reflective accents.
The real selling point is that their size options are available in short, regular and tall. No matter what your height or your size, these pants end flatteringly at the ankles.
2. The Best Yoga Pants to Keep You Cool and Dry Even for Hot Yoga Classes!
Fishers Finery Eco-fabric Classic Athletic Yoga Capri Leggings: Many yoga pants are made using synthetic fibers. These feel cool on the skin at first but then they trap moisture and heat up as you work out.
Fishers Finery has yoga leggings made with eco-fabric. This is a blend made with organic cotton, bamboo-infused viscose, and spandex. It is material that pulls moisture away from the skin and lets it evaporate fast, so you stay cool, fresh and dry. These are perfect for hot yoga classes.
They are washable, wrinkle-resistant and easy to take care of. The form-fitting design and wideband allow you to feel comfortable way after yoga is done. One blog reader raves that these leggings keep her from dripping sweat while another says that bamboo is durable, soft and stretchy.
3. The Best Plus-Size Yoga Pants with Comfort, Fit, and Style
Kailee Athletics Plus-Size Yoga Leggings: Plus-size yoga leggings are hard enough to find as it is, never mind options that make them a nice fit, comfortable, and well-made.
There is an exception to this rule and that is Kailee Athletics’ Active Basic Leggings. They have an elastic waistband that hugs the body right where it needs it, the waist is contoured, and it keeps the leggings in place even when you go for those ambitious poses.
Fans of these love the fabric which keeps you cool for your entire yoga class without holding back your movement. For anyone looking for a legging that can go from yoga to a day out on the town, this is the winner. One of my classmates swears that these pants are so comfortable they can be worn all day long.
4. The Best Compression Pants for Reduced Pain and Swelling
CompressionZ High Waisted Leggings: Compression pants are the in thing now, but you have to wonder if they really help your workout. These highly rated compression leggings are used by many of my students and constantly discussed on yoga forums.
They have stretchy, snug-fitting material that improves circulation puts light pressure on muscles and supports the joints. Because they lessen inflammation, you can work out longer and harder without compromising your endurance.
These pants come in five sizes and four colors, but they are designed to eliminate chafing, itching, and irritation. One person claims that any tiredness, pain, and swelling are alleviated even when worn for everyday activities. A nurse that I know wears them under her scrubs and she cannot go without them.
5. The Best Replacement for Those Super-Expensive, Designer Yoga Pants
Tesla High-Waist Yoga Pants: The Tesla yoga pants come in four different styles, six sizes and 40 colors and patterns. I’m not aware of any other brands that offer options like Tesla does.
These pants are made with super-stretch material, high waistbands, secure hidden pockets, breathable fabric and a gusset for added mobility and comfort. You can get them with mesh panels on the sides, detailed stitches, or two-tone confetti patterns.
The best part is that they are so well-made, comfortable, and opaque that many buyers have purchased them as designer yoga pant replacements. Consider all of the money that you could save by avoiding the designer duds. These pants make a great substitute at a fraction of the cost.
6. The Best Budget-Friendly Choice for True Originality
Ndoobiy Printed Full-Length Yoga Workout Leggings: You are on a budget but really do not want to settle for a boring, average pair of yoga leggings because of your budget situation.
Ndoobiy yoga pants are the least expensive option on this list but they have no shortage of personality. They’re lightweight and soft, and they can be machine washed without shrinking or fading thanks to a 3D digital print technology.
The best part is they are available in 40 unique patterns with plenty of colors. Choose from snakeskin, geometric, unicorn wings or cats.
7. The Best Capri-Style Pants That Are Just like a Second Skin
Baleaf Yoga Capri Pants: One of my classmates will tell you that these are the best yoga capris that they’ve ever owned. Thousands of other buyers agree if you read Reddit or any popular yoga forums.
These workout capri pants from Baleaf will not cut off circulation at the calves like others do. They will allow you cooling ventilation when you work out.
Their flat seams prevent chafing and their ergonomic stretch allows a full range of motion. You even get a hidden pocket in the elastic waistband.
They are completely opaque and quite affordable. No one will see your underwear when you do that downward dog pose!
8. The Best Pants for Healing and Hygiene During Intense Yoga
Tommie Copper Tights: Average yoga pants cannot handle intense workouts but these Tommie Copper Recovery Rise Above Tights are not average.
These leggings are designed with compression fabric and they relieve soreness, muscle stiffness, and pain. They increase oxygen to the hips and legs.
Their infusion of copper and zinc eliminate odor to keep you fresh and they have UPF 50 protection from the sun, which is great for those long jogs outside.
What are Yoga Leggings?
Yoga leggings are a type of form-fitting but flexible pants, which are made for practicing yoga and doing other physical workouts that involve lots of movement, stretching and bending.
They are often worn for physical exercise, dancing, sports, pilates and martial arts. They are most often made with lycra spandex, cotton blends, nylon, polyester, and synthetic materials that have plenty of flexibility.
They appear polished and silky when worn and they feel smooth and soft. They are made for yoga, but they can also be worn as casual everyday wear.
Do You Need Yoga Leggings?
Anyone who just wants to try yoga a few times or just want to see if it is something they will commit to doing can work with a regular pair of leggings. You might want to pair these leggings with a long top and pair of no-show yoga underwear, as leggings are often less-than-opaque especially when you bend.
The problem is that an oversized top or loose top might get in your way as you move. This can disrupt the flow of a good yoga work out.
Good yoga pants are usually thicker than regular leggings. They usually also have a gusset which supports the body and keeps things in place during a workout. They are thicker and more breathable, too.
Most yoga pants are made with fabrics that wick away moisture and allow perspiration to be drawn away from the skin. Besides this, many yoga pants have a discreet but handy pocket in them.
Whether you are just going to yoga class or you feel like going to the park for a few poses, you can keep your valuables close by without having them get in the way as you exercise or practice your poses.
Are Yoga Pants Okay to Wear in Public?
Yes, of course, you can wear yoga pants anywhere. Yoga pants are designed for the movements and poses of yoga, but their features make it possible to wear them for other sports and daily activities.
They are comfortable to wear when running or when going to the gym. From my personal experience, they are great for wearing while doing housework!
If you want to get involved in doing yoga regularly or you want to get a good, practical pair of pants for other things, these can be a great option for you.
Can You See Through Yoga Pants?
If you are like most people, you’ve probably not given your yoga pants that much thought. They are comfortable. They allow you to do what you need to do.
But, did you also realize that you can see through many of these pants?
Yes, many yoga pants and leggings are indeed see-through. Considering the fabric; when you bend over, it stretches, which makes it thinner.
That means you may be unintentionally showing off more than you want each time that you wear those yoga pants.
Just How See Through Are They?
Well, Lululemon, which is one of our favorites, has a very popular brand of yoga pants.
You may remember hearing, not too long ago, that there were Lululemon pants on the market that were essentially transparent.
Since these Lululemon pants cost so much money, customers were not happy that this was happening. They naturally assumed that since they were spending close to a hundred dollars, they would have the necessary coverage.
Yoga involves some complicated poses and a lot of bending over. No one wants to worry about whether or not their derriere is covered when they are trying to master a complicated pose.
However, before you head into your next class, it is important to figure out whether or not your pants are see through, so you can avoid an embarrassing incident.
You may think your pants are fine. But, it is better to be safe than sorry, so definitely double check!
I teach yoga and help a lot of people with the poses. As a result, I’ve come across a lot of yoga pants that are transparent.
Remember, when you are standing normally, your pants may appear to be fine. It is when the material gets stretched that there is a problem.
Since most people aren’t looking at their rear end when they bend over, they often don’t realize what is happening.
Pants can completely transform when they get stretched out. This, of course, doesn’t bother me. I’m paid to do a job, and that is what I am concerned about doing during class.
However, it can be a little shocking when you see a little too much of someone!
It has crossed my mind that there may be some people that just don’t care.
However, I also know other people do care. And, what if you are somewhere other than the studio?
For example, how would you feel knowing that your body is on display at the grocery store or at the park with your children?
It wouldn’t really help for me to mention the issue during class because it is not like my students can correct the issue at that time. I also don’t want them to feel bad.
However, I feel it is important that everyone take a close look at their pants to see what they are dealing with. Trying going in front of a mirror and bending over.
Or, ask one of your friends to look and see for you. You can also slip your hand into your pants before you put them on and stretch out the material to see if it becomes translucent.
The best yoga pants will give you the type of coverage that you are expecting. Remember, not all pants are the same.
You must test out every pair that you own to determine whether or not they are sheer when you are bending over.
Extend the Life of Your Yoga Leggings
Yoga leggings are available anywhere from about $15 to more than $100. No matter what pair you choose, you can get them to last longer when you care for them properly. Follow the manufacturer’s directions. Also, follow these tips and get more life from your yoga leggings.
- Wash them separately from towels. Cotton piling from towels can get enmeshed on the yoga pants and it is pretty hard to get off of them
- Always wash synthetic fibers together using the lowest possible temperature.
- With powder detergents, less is more. Use the minimum possible and avoid using fabric conditioner. It can affect the properties of the moisture-wicking most fabrics are capable of.
One Additional Favorite
Of all the pants we reviewed, one pair got more points than the rest and that is the Baleaf Yoga Capri-Style Pants. You may need a larger size than your usual size, but most everyone found them super comfortable and perfect for yoga.
They also have a mix of natural fabrics and stretchable fabrics which make them very popular. Their color options are also a hit. The high waist adds lots of comfort, and they don’t seem to ever roll down during a strenuous workout.
When we considered the overall mix of quality, design, comfort, and value, these yoga pants get top billing in our book!