25 stylish, supportive and stretchy yoga pants to wear for your next class (or to binge-watch Netflix in)
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Some of us are born to run while others love a HIIT class. For me? Practising yoga is the form of exercise that has changed my life. Eye roll all you like, but I know I’m not alone in saying that yoga can be transformative. Not only does it tone your body, but it also calms your mind, which is perhaps the most important result of any workout.
Practising yoga just a couple of times a week can have a marked difference on your mood and mental health; practised yogis aren’t notoriously calm for no reason. Yoga has the advantage of being easy to practise no matter where you are (ideal when you don't fancy IRL yoga classes) and requires very little equipment – just grab your yoga mat and perhaps a yoga block, and you’re good to go.
Once I started with yoga, so began my hunt for the perfect pair of yoga pants. I quickly learned that the best yoga pants aren’t necessarily the same as your gym leggings, and it's best not to reuse your HIIT companions for calmer pursuits.
However, finding a pair of yoga pants that don’t sag around your bum, bunch at your ankles and drop at your waist can be just as hard as finding the perfect pair of high-waisted jeans. Read: almost impossible. So we’ve made your job a little easier and curated an edit of the very best yoga pants and yoga leggings that money can buy.
What's the difference between yoga pants and workout leggings?
While the best yoga pants and the best gym leggings should both have high waists and moisture-wicking properties, there are some key differences. Yoga leggings tend to be thinner and softer than running pants, while the latter are much tighter and compressive to support your muscles.
It’s best practice to spend your money on a pair of leggings that have been specifically designed with yoga in mind, because they’ll be breathable, moisture-wicking and able to stretch and flow as you do. Flexibility and comfort are key parts of yoga, after all.
In order to feel supported and comfortable, you’ll want a high and wide waistband that lies flat on your torso, doesn’t cut in and, if possible, has a drawstring to offer further support. It’s also worth remembering that yoga leggings, as with most activewear, will stretch over time, so avoid sizing up in anticipation of a tiny bit of loosening further down the line.
What are the best yoga pants to buy?
If you want to feel comfier than you've ever felt before, then the Lululemon Align HR pants should be your yoga pants of choice. Or anything by Lululemon, for that matter. (We've rounded up the best Lululemon leggings here). The Align HR pants are buttery soft, super high-waisted and thin enough to feel like you've got nothing on. Honestly, incredible.
If you're after a pair of plus-size leggings, then you can't go wrong with these Nike yoga leggings (and you can get a good deal if you use our Nike discount codes on your next purchase), and over on the high street, M&S has some of the best value for money with these super comfortable and ultra-soft leggings – no judgement if you land up on the couch instead of the mat in them.
To add a pop of colour to your yoga wardrobe, look no further than Adanola's Ultimate High-Rise Stretch-Jersey Leggings or go for a subtle flush in the Reebok x Victoria Beckham 3/4 Leggings. If comfort is key, the LA set are obsessed with Vuori; this pair even come with a pocket to stash your things. Um, yes please!
After more workout content? We've got water bottles, gym bags, running shorts, running jackets and resistance bands. Head this way for the best dumbbells, over here for the best rowing machines and in this direction for the best treadmills to level-up your at-home gym.