As a yoga teacher, I spend countless hours guiding students through flows, refining postures, creating a space for mindful movement, and practicing on my own as part of my personal practice. Throughout this journey, I’ve discovered that the right pair of yoga leggings can be a game-changer. They become a trusted companion, a second skin that allows for freedom of movement and unwavering confidence. Let’s be honest: the last thing you want to worry about during your yoga practice is pulling your pants up every time you move!
Why a Good Pair of Yoga Leggings Matters
Comfort is an important part of your asana practice. Fidgeting with ill-fitting clothing disrupts focus and hinders your ability to connect with your breath and body. The perfect yoga legging provides ample room for movement while offering coverage and support. This translates to a more confident and focused practice, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Choosing the Right Leggings for Your Practice
Different yoga styles call for different features in your leggings. For restorative or yin yoga, prioritize cozy comfort. Loose-fitting styles, joggers, or flares allow for ease of movement and warmth. In contrast, Hatha, vinyasa, or power yoga require leggings that stay put. Look for squat-proof, non-restrictive materials with the right amount of compression.
Flares can hinder faster-paced practices, as excess fabric can get tangled – especially if you’re accident-prone like I am! A high-waisted fit offers additional support and security in potential mooning-the-class situations. For those who are a bit more self-conscious about their midsections, this provides additional coverage when wearing shorter or crop tops.
Material Matters
Sustainable fabrics are a growing priority for yogis who are mindful of their impact on the environment – particularly as it relates to the release of microplastics used in performance fabrics (chiefly synthetic materials like polyester) into the ecosystem. Brands like Mate the Label, Buddha Pants, prAna, and Girlfriend Collective are some of the brands leading the way with high-quality materials and good reviews. (Curious about others? Check out this list of 15 Brands That Use Natural Instead of Synthetic Fibers Brands.) For some, the price point isn’t exactly accessible, so it might be harder to shop some of these brands if you’re on a tighter budget.
Aside from the fabric, there are other material considerations. Prioritize breathability, durability, and stretch. Breathable fabrics are particularly important when practicing Ashtanga, heated flows, or any other practice that might cause you to break a sweat. Making sure you select the right laundry detergent will help your leggings last longer, as well as not throwing them in the dryer. If items are becoming particularly stinky, you can throw some white vinegar in with your wash (I usually do about 1/4 cup) to help ward off some of the offensive bacteria that may be lingering in your gear.
Sizing for Optimal Comfort
When it comes to sizing, prioritize comfort! If you’re between sizes, consider sizing up for a more unrestricted and relaxed feel. You can always pull the leggings or the waistband up a bit higher, but I find that tighter leggings increase the potential mooning factor. The key is to find leggings that move with you without feeling restrictive.
A thicker waistband ensures more of a stay-put fit throughout your practice, but make sure it doesn’t fit too snugly in the waistband, or it can lead to some abdominal discomfort.
Testing for Opacity
The dreaded “see-through” situation is a concern for many yogis. A simple squat test is your best friend when trying to determine if you’re going to be showing all of your business during yoga practice. Drop down into Malasana (garland pose) while facing a mirror to assess both movement and opacity. Balasana (child’s pose) can also be revealing, but it’s difficult to see for yourself. As an instructor, I can tell you that downward-facing dog and child’s pose are the most common culprits for revealing leggings!
My Favorite Yoga Legging Brands and Styles
Through countless classes and personal practice sessions, I’ve identified some top contenders in the world of yoga leggings. Here are my favorites, and why they stand out:
- Lululemon Align High Rise Pant: These iconic leggings are renowned for their buttery-soft Nulu fabric, offering a luxurious second-skin feel. Perfect for low-impact workouts and everyday wear, the Align series comes in a vast array of colors and patterns. While some yogis might find them too delicate for high-impact workouts, their unparalleled comfort makes them a favorite for gentle flows and restorative practices.
- Vuori Clean Elevation Legging: For those seeking a luxurious feel with a touch of performance, Vuori’s Clean Elevation Legging is a revelation. Made from their DreamKnit Move fabric, a blend of recycled materials, these leggings offer a soft, suede-like feel that’s incredibly comfortable. The ultra-high rise silhouette provides excellent coverage and support, while the hidden zipper pocket is a convenient detail. These leggings are moisture-wicking and breathable, making them suitable for a variety of yoga practices.
- Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation Legging: Athleta’s Elation Legging strikes a perfect balance between comfort, performance, and value. The buttery-soft Powervita fabric delivers light compression and excellent moisture-wicking properties. These leggings come in a variety of colors and lengths, making them a versatile choice for any yogi.
These are my top choices and I believe they each offer exceptional quality, a wide range of colors, rises, and styles, and a focus on comfort and performance. While they represent a higher investment, their durability makes them cost-effective in the long run. Think about it: Would you rather buy a $90 pair of leggings you can wear every week for years, or a pair of $20 leggings that might not last 6 months of regular use? The leggings I listed just may become your trusted companions on the mat, allowing you to fully embrace your yoga practice without worrying about wardrobe malfunctions or discomfort.
Bench Players
I may add other brands to this list over time, and I might even create an injury reserve list (hey, it’s fantasy football season!), but for now, these are some of the other brands that I’ve worn a lot, and feel that I have a fair assessment of the quality and fit.
- Beyond Yoga’s Spacedye Caught in the Midi High Rise comes in the best colors, and I think that they make leggings that work perfectly for yoga, however, the quality doesn’t justify the cost. I’ve found that these leggings wear out the fastest for me.
- Fabletics makes great leggings for cardio and HIIT workouts, but I haven’t found leggings that work quite so well for yoga, save for some of the seamless leggings. I must note that many of their seamless leggings do not have thick waistbands, which is why I suggest exercising caution when purchasing a pair specifically for yoga.
- 90 Degree by Reflex has great leggings – and at a much more accessible price point than most of the brands I’ve listed here – but their sizing is just a tad… off.
- I’ve also found some good quality leggings at Old Navy, but I can’t say that there’s a specific style I could recommend. Old Navy is a cheaper alternative to Athleta, but, perhaps surprisingly, they’re still extremely durable!
Final Thoughts
Remember, the perfect yoga legging is ultimately a personal choice. Experiment with different styles and brands to discover what flatters your body and suits your practice. Don’t be afraid to prioritize comfort – when you feel good in your leggings, you can fully surrender to the transformative power of your yoga practice.
With these tips and recommendations, you’re well on your way to finding your perfect yoga legging match, BUT, if you have any questions or even suggestions for other brands and styles, please send them my way! Be well 🙂
