Top-Picked Yoga Pants for Brunch Outings and Gym Sessions from Various Brands
In a surprising turn of events, I've discovered that a trend I once associated with my youth has resurfaced, given a new name, and is now back in fashion - the yoga pant, or as the younger generation refers to it, 'flared leggings.'
As a self-proclaimed devotee of yoga pants, I can attest that these versatile garments serve as my go-to for comfort and convenience. They're soft, stretchy, and perfect for various occasions, sparing me the worry of coordinating socks and avoiding awkward fashion faux pas. With their renaissance in popularity, I'm sure others will be on the hunt for a suitable pair or two.
During our quest to find the best yoga pants, my fellow colleagues and I tested numerous options - a challenging task but one that someone had to take on. After considerable effort, we've narrowed down the selection to several top-notch picks that we're now sporting with enthusiasm for brunch, Pilates, and grocery store outings. We encourage you to give these selections a try, but we implore you to hold onto them fiercely, even when they eventually fall out of favor with the trendsetting millennials.
Top Picks
- Best for Lounging: Aritzia Golden BUTTER New Cheeky Hi-Rise Flare Legging ($88)
- Best for Yoga: Vuori AllTheFeels Slim Flare ($118)
- Best for Walking: Old Navy High-Waisted StudioSmooth Straight Legging ($45)
- Best for Tall Folks: OFFLINE By Aerie Real Me High Waisted Crossover Flare Legging ($55)
- Best for Short Folks: Athleta Elation Ultra High Rise Flare Pant ($99)
- Best for Travel: Topyogas Casual Bootleg Yoga Pants ($13)
- Best for Workouts: SPANX Booty Boost Yoga Pant ($108)
Shop the Best Yoga Pants
And so, here we are, presenting our picks. Your wallet may beg to differ, but remember, you've been warned.
Best for Lounging: Aritzia Golden BUTTER New Cheeky Hi-Rise Flare Legging
Aritzia's Golden BUTTER New Cheeky Hi-Rise Flare Legging offers the perfect combination of plush comfort and style. With a supremely soft fabric that wicks away sweat, these pants keep you dry and at ease whether you're lounging at home or wandering around the city. Unlike other yoga pants with digging seams, the lack of a top seam in these makes them an excellent choice for lazy days at home.
While the 32-inch inseam may offer a slightly long fit for those with shorter statures, the 30-inch inseam should accommodate you just fine.
Product Specs:
- Sizes: 00 to 16
- Material: Nylon, elastane
- Inseam: 30 and 32 inches
Best for Yoga: Vuori AllTheFeels Slim Flare
Having been a faithful wearer of the Vuori AllTheFeels Leggings, I was eager to try the Slim Flare version for this feature. These leggings boast impressive stretch and retain their tight fit to the calf, optimally accommodating yoga or Pilates movements.
In addition, the flared silhouette of these pants is not only fashionable but practical, allowing greater mobility when stretching in yoga classes. "If you lack a little mobility during your yoga sessions or require assistance maneuvering into certain positions, you can use the flare of the pants to help pull your legs up or into the desired position," Francine Delgado-Lugo, co-founder of FORM Fitness Brooklyn, informed us.
Product Specs:
- Sizes: XXS to XXL
- Material: Recycled polyamide, elastane
- Inseam: 29, 31, and 33 inches
Best for Walking: Old Navy High-Waisted StudioSmooth Straight Legging
Old Navy's High-Waisted StudioSmooth Straight Legging has garnered enthusiastic endorsements from our team members. "These feel like a Lululemon dupe!" one tester proclaimed. "They're incredibly high quality but priced affordably by Old Navy."
She loves their smooth texture and applauds the just-right support provided around her waist. "They were comfortable during my daily three-mile walks, as well as for lounging around the house or working from home," she shared. "I adore their versatility!"
For those who prefer a more traditional fit, this model features a straight leg silhouette. If you're hesitant about flared leggings, this may be an excellent starting point for you.
Product Specs:
- Sizes: XS to 4X
- Material: Nylon, elastane
- Inseam: 28, 30, and 33 inches
Best for Tall Folks: OFFLINE By Aerie Real Me High Waisted Crossover Flare Legging
For tall individuals, finding yoga pants that fit appropriately can be a challenge. However, Aerie's Real Me High Waisted Crossover Flare Legging should satisfy taller customers, as they reach across the shoe after accounting for their extended lengths.
One of our taller testers was particularly pleased with their comfort and suitability for lounging and casual strolls. "They're extraordinarily soft and incredibly comfortable," she stated. However, for high-impact activities, she advises opting for something more compressive to ensure optimal performance.
Product Specs:
- Sizes: N/A
- Material: Nylon, elastane
- Inseam: 30, 32, and 34 inches
Best for Short Folks: Athleta Elation Ultra High Rise Flare Pant
Those on the shorter side may find Athleta's Elation Ultra High Rise Flare Pants an appealing choice. Offering exceptional ease of movement and available in petite sizes, these pants cater specifically to shorter individuals.
One of our petite team members was initially apprehensive about embracing the flared leggings trend for fear they might bunch around her ankles. However, Athleta's petite sizing proved satisfactory, and she was won over by their comfort. If you fall within the petite size range, our tester advises trying out this style and allowing the fabric ample time to stretch and conform to your body.
Product Specs:
- Sizes: XXS to 3X
- Material: Nylon, elastane
- Inseam: 29.5, 31.5, and 34.5 inches
Best for Travel: Topyogas Casual Bootleg Yoga Pants
For travelers, especially those who spend long hours on buses or trains, Topyogas' Casual Bootleg Yoga Pants are a great choice. The seamless crossover band moves with the stomach, ensuring continued comfort during extended travel sessions. These pants don't catch on seats or cling to crumbs, helping arrive at destinations feeling more polished.
Product Specs:
- Sizes: XXS to XXL
- Material: Nylon, elastane
- Inseam: 29.5 to 32.5 inches (depending on the size)
Best for Workouts: SPANX Booty Boost Yoga Pant
If you're looking for gym-worthy yoga pants that keep up with intense workouts, consider Spanx's Booty Boost Yoga Pant. Their sleek fabric delivers impressive performance throughout high-impact activities, such as CrossFit circuits and dance cardio classes.
Additionally, one of our testers found these pants to be flattering and comfortable, saying, "They did not move at all. The leggings are high-waisted and cover my entire stomach as a plus-size woman. Where have these leggings been my entire life?"
Product Specs:
- Sizes: XS to 3X
- Material: Nylon, elastane
- Inseam: 30, 32, and 35 inches
What to Consider Before Buying Yoga Pants
While we believe that the picks we've outlined are top-notch, here are a few factors to consider when shopping for the perfect yoga pants for you:
Material- Most yoga pants are made with synthetic materials like nylon or polyester blended with elastane, offering excellent sweat-wicking capabilities.- Brands typically don't provide details about yarn types and weaves, which impact the feeling and quality of the fabric.
Compression- Yoga pants with higher compression are better suited for intense workouts as they provide additional support and stay put.- For gentle yoga or Pilates sessions, choose styles with less compression and more stretch.
Size- Opt for brands that offer numerical sizing for a more accurate fit, especially if you struggle with pants fitting improperly around your hips and thighs.- Some companies also provide multiple inseam lengths to accommodate variations in body structure and height.
Inseam- Take your measurements before selecting yoga pants with suitable inseams, generally beginning from your crotch to the bottom of your ankle.- Picking pants with appropriate inseams ensures that they don't drag or appear awkwardly cropped when worn.
How We Tested Yoga Pants
Our team of dedicated testers has collectively evaluated numerous yoga pants and leggings throughout the years, even crowning some favorites via our Activewear Awards. In order to ensure we offered the latest styles and options on the market, we tested additional pairs within the past month. Our testers put these pants through their paces, wearing them for lounging, dog walks, errands, travel, and a myriad of other activities. Only those we deemed truly fantastic and worthy of recommendation have made the final cut.
The Legacy of Yoga Pants
The resurrection of yoga pants as a fashion staple mirrors the evolving culture around activewear and the increasing global popularity of yoga since the latter half of the 20th century[5]. Brands like Lululemon played a crucial role in elevating yoga pants from workout-only apparel to everyday wear, a trend embraced by fashion enthusiasts beyond yoga practitioners[2]. The continued growth and innovation within the athleisure market promise an enduring patience for yoga pants, intertwining comfort, functionality, and style in everyday life[1][2][5].
- As I delve deeper into the realm of yoga and activewear, I am captivated by the variety of clothing options that cater to different lifestyles and preferences. For instance, fashion-conscious individuals may gravitate toward fashion-and-beauty oriented designs that complement their outfits, while home-and-garden enthusiasts may favor comfortable options suitable for gardening or home renovation projects.
- The appeal of yoga pants is not limited to exercise or lounge sessions; they are versatile enough to be paired with technology-focused accessories such as wireless headphones for a seamless melding of workouts and work-from-home setups. With apps providing virtual yoga classes on demand, the convenience of yoga pants transcends geographical boundaries, promoting the adoption of a healthy lifestyle worldwide.
- In an era where news articles often feel divisive, it is refreshing to witness a trend that unites people across generations. The reemergence of yoga pants has sparked conversations among young and old, renewing the bond between the timeless practice of yoga and modern fitness trends. This shared love for yoga pants serves as a testament to the enduring power of a simple garment to bring people together.
- As fashion evolves, it is fascinating to observe the interplay between tradition and innovation. The return of yoga pants, once considered a niche item, into mainstream fashion reflects the wider acceptance of exercise and wellness within our culture. This shift in perception emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle, emphasizing the integration of exercise, work, and self-care into daily routines.
