Sure, you can pull on any old thing for a yoga session, but the best yoga pants or leggings will allow for greater freedom of movement and keep you comfy on the mat.
While some people use the terms “yoga pants” and “yoga leggings” interchangeably, we use the term yoga pants to denote loose-fitting activewear bottoms and refer to skin-tight ones as yoga leggings.
When deciding on the right pair for your practice, it’s all about the fit, the fabric and the style. In terms of fit, the waistband is all-important – it should be comfortable and not restrictive, but not roll down or need hitching up mid-class.
You’ll want to check the fabric is breathable and sweat-wicking, but make sure it doesn’t go see-through when you’re in a forward fold. And then there’s the style – whether you gravitate to high-waisted compression-fit leggings, slouchy harem pants or flared leggings is a matter of personal choice.
To compile this list, we put numerous pairs to the test and used our experience to assess the qualities of ones we haven’t tried. Below you’ll find our definitive ranking.
Looking for more recommendations? We’ve also rounded up the best yoga mats and the best yoga apps for yogis who need some new accessories.
The Best Yoga Leggings
A combination of comfort, support and freedom of movement means the Align leggings are widely regarded as the ultimate yoga pants. The delightfully soft, lightweight Nulu fabric has a muted matt finish, and although they feel “barely there”, they pass the squat test easily. The very high, wide waistband doesn’t roll down, and has a secret pocket on the inside for a card or a key. The Align comes in various lengths, from 17in to 28in, and sizing is inclusive (UK 4 to 24). Yes, they are expensive, but are you even a yogi until you’ve complained about the price of Lululemon leggings?
We’ve been on the lookout for eco-friendly leggings that are comfy and stretchy rather than restrictively tight, and have a high waist that doesn’t roll down or slide slowly southwards – a combination that’s rarer than hen’s teeth. Made from breathable and naturally sweat-wicking bamboo viscose, these seamless, non-see-through leggings are incredibly comfortable, and crucially, the waistband stayed put for us. This all-too-uncommon feature puts these leggings among our top picks.
These super-high-rise waist-sculpting leggings score high on the stay-put scale. The breathable, sweat-wicking fabric is squat-proof and non-shiny, with mild compression. At less than half the price of Lululemons these leggings are excellent value, and they’re made with recycled ECONYL yarn – a win for both your bank balance and the environment.
Smooth and matte with just the right amount of support, these are among our all-time favourite leggings. The flattering seams combined with the practical pockets make them ideal for both on and off the mat.
They’re available in a wide range of earthy and muted tones. Unlike many of the leggings sold by other brands, these ones are made with recycled polyester sourced from post-consumer waste. And the cherry on top is that Tentree plants 10 trees for every pair you buy.
While we love both BAM’s supportive Enduro leggings and the super-soft Balance leggings for yoga, they’re at the extreme ends of the support scale. So we were excited to try these happy-medium leggings made with Mallea, a new type of fabric that was developed specifically for yoga. It’s very stretchy and soft, breathable and offers a perfectly balanced amount of support, especially around the waist.
These compressive leggings are soft to the touch and breathable. They also offer Sweaty Betty’s famed bum-sculpting ability and feature flattering seams. The high-rise waist has a hidden drawstring for extra staying power and there’s a useful phone-sized pocket on the leg. You’ll find plenty of colours and prints to choose from, too.
LA brand Alo Yoga has a cult following that includes the likes of Gigi Hadid and Taylor Swift – both have been papped in the “studio-to-street” yoga wear. Although pricier than the Lululemon Align, Alo Yoga’s Airlift Leggings are proving popular since they’re bang on trend with a high waist and minimal seams, and are made with soft, fine fabric with a slight sheen to it. Although the luxe fabrics aren’t recycled, Alo calls itself “eco aware”, uses low-water dyes and has earned a WRAP certification for its ethically run factories. The Insta-ready Airlifts – available in full length and 7/8 styles – come in a core collection of earthy tones, with limited-edition runs in more unusual colours.
The Seattle-based luxe sportswear brand is serious about sustainability and transparency with information on the production process on its website. Who knew you could turn waste products from dyes into paving stones? So of course, this pair is made from recycled plastic, and the fabric is lightweight, extra soft, matt and squat-proof. As well as being super-high-waisted, they have a small back pocket and come in a range of earthy tones.
If you’re all about the boot cut, you’ll love these oh-so-flattering boot-cut leggings from studio-to-street brand Alo Yoga. Although Alo makes a full-length version, some people – particularly those smaller in stature – find they get in the way during their yoga practice, in which case these 7/8 flares are perfect.
The original Good Karma leggings with their wide, ribbed waistband are just as popular as ever, and they’re now available with two slip-in pockets. Perfect for stashing your essentials and heading off for the sunrise mountaintop yoga sesh of your dreams… or just for brunch with friends after yoga.
A steal at £16.99, these leggings from Decathlon tick all the right boxes. Seamless, stretchy and comfortable, they have a high waistband and a subtle pattern. Some reviewers say the lighter-coloured leggings can be see-through, so give them the squat test before you rip the labels off.
The Best Yoga Pants
Lightweight, stretchy and soft, with a mid-rise waist and side pockets, these yoga pants are very similar to Sweaty Betty’s Gary yoga pants – they’re even made of a similar blend of polyester and elastane – but cost less than a third of the price. The tapered legs with well-placed seams and cuffed ankles give wearers a flattering silhouette – we may never take them off! Currently they are available in black and in one leg length only.
These are great for those days when you’re not in the mood to be squeezed. The super-soft and stretchy bamboo blend is moisture-wicking and antibacterial, while clever tailoring makes the waistband stay flat on your waist without gripping you like a python. Roomy, with deep pockets and a flattering drape, they may be designed for yoga but they’re also eminently suitable for lounging on the sofa.
A Sweaty Betty classic. The Gary Yoga Pants have legions of fans, although the newest version does differ from the original in that it’s made from thinner material with a slight sheen. The slouchy fit works well with the mid-rise waistband and tapered leg that ends in a fitted cuff. The pants come in a range of colours and there’s a choice of two leg lengths, so you can find the perfect fit.
Give yourself room to move in these supremely cosy pants. The organic cotton and Lycra blend is soft and comfortable against the skin, although not the most effective at wicking sweat. Urban Goddess uses stamps rather than annoying labels so there’s nothing to rub against your skin during your practice. The wide waistband is gathered at the sides, for a flattering fit, and the generous slouchy cut and long tapered cuffs are a vibe.
More Of Our Favourite Leggings
You can trust Coach We give honest reviews and recommendations based on in-depth knowledge and real-world experience. Find out more about how we review and recommend products.
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