If you've ever experienced the feeling of being in a yoga class, mid-downward dog while your yoga pants slide down to create that uncomfortable, not to mention awkward, gap in your crotch - then you'll know the importance of a great pair of yoga pants.
Comfort, of course, is crucial, but if you're combining your morning yoga with brunch, a walk in the park, or a coffee date, then you're probably looking for a pair of yoga leggings that can do more than support your exercise. They need to support your look, too, and with new year's resolutions rearing their heads, there's no time like the present to search for the best on the market.
What determines a great pair of yoga pants? A few things, in fact. They need to fit you like a glove, feature sweat-wicking properties and offer optimal breathability to ensure comfort throughout. The sign of a great pair of yoga pants is that you can barely feel them, allowing you to put all your focus on getting a good workout rather than wondering whether you'll soon be flashing your entire class. It's a small ask.
Apart from the functional side of things, yoga pants need not be worn exclusively during exercise. From stirrup leggings, to flared leggings, there are plenty of stylish options for the fashion-conscious. Designers have also teamed up with sports brands (AKA Stella McCarnety x adidas) to bring us even more upscale options, if that's what you're after.
Shop our selection of the best yoga pants below.
SHOP: The Best Yoga Pants
Best yoga pants overall
adanola.com
The 'It girl' of leggings. Once you've slipped into a pair of Adanola leggings, it's hard to go back. Designed using a light, four-way stretch fabric, the comfort of these yoga pants is unparalleled. There's no front seam (so no camel toe!) and the high waistline provides extra support and contour. Available in a range of muted hues, including this chocolate brown, we simply can't get enough.
Customer review: 'Can we talk about these leggings? I've been looking for the perfect pair for ages. They just fit perfectly! I have them in two colours and waiting for my size to come back in other colours too!'
Pros
- Squat proof
- Four-way stretch
- Available in a range of colours
Cons
- Advised to wash by hand for longevity purposes
Best celeb-loved yoga pants
www.net-a-porter.com
Alo Yoga, the celebrity-love yoga brand (Kylie and Kendall Jenner, most prominently) is the ultimate destination for yoga pants. The brand's offering is impressive, with an Airbrush, Airlift and Alosoft range, depending on your preferences. We particularly adore Alo's Airbrush Leggings which hold you in, fit snuggly right down to the hems, with a soft, flattering finish.
Customer review: 'Love these so much!!! Bought a pair in black a few months ago in an S and loved it so much that I came back to buy two more in anthracite and purple dusk, this time in an XS. Prefer these over the lulu’s align pants now bc I love that it’s a more substantial fabric but with a waistband that still doesn’t dig in!'
Pros
- Soft, comfy fabric
- Super stretchy
- Extremely flattering
Cons
- Sizing runs a little small
Best affordable yoga pants
Certain products just simply do it all, and that's exactly the category the Amazon-viral Sinophant leggings fall under. With over 60,000 positive ratings, these super stretchy leggings are a crucial addition to your fitness wardrobe. They're stretchy, squat-proof and are made of a buttery fabric that dry easily and is completely moisture-wicking.
Review from Jade Moscrop, Commerce Editor: 'The Sinophant leggings have beaten out every other one I've tried - yep, including the classic Topshop leggings (RIP) and any pair I've ever bought from ASOS or H&M. Not only are they ultra-dark, they're buttery soft, never lose their shape, don't roll down and hold everything in nicely.'
Pros
- Super stretchy
- Tummy-control compression
- Moisture-wicking
Cons
- Sizing is slightly off
Best patterned yoga pants
www.sweatybetty.com
Sweaty Betty is undoubtedly one of the best sports brands on the market, so it's no surprise the highly reviewed Yoga Leggings have made our list. Available in 7/8 or full length, the Yoga Leggings are super soft with a sculpting feel, and are 90% squat proof. Extra seamlines help to sculpt your bum, and the high-waisted compression provides extra tummy-control. It's also available in a wide range of patterns, for those looking to get adventurous.
Customer review: 'These butter, soft leggings are literally the best thing since sliced bread. I would wear them every day if I could and I’m definitely buying more!!'
Pros
- Breathable, sweat-wicking fabric
- Compression material is highly flattering
- Extra seams to sculpt your bum
- Available in two lengths to suit petite frames
Cons
- Some reviewers found the waistband too tight
Best yoga pants for different heights
www.lululemon.co.uk
Another hall of fame level pair of leggings, Lululemon's Align yoga pants offer next level support and comfort. Available in four lengths and endless shade ranges, these are worth spending a little extra on - trust us.
Customer review: 'My absolute favourite leggings for relaxing or barre classes. The material is gorgeous and the fit is really comfortable and non restrictive. There is no elastic waist band to dig in when moving (my pet hate) but they stay up beautifully and look really flattering.'
Pros
- Buttery soft fabric
- Four-way stretch
- Breathable
Cons
- Reviewers mention that fabric is slightly too thin
Best H&M Yoga Pants
www2.hm.com
H&M is an old faithful when it comes to everyday basics, and that's exactly what the DryMove Seamless Sports Tights are. Functional, moisture wicking and incredibly comfy, this pair of yoga pants will see you through your workout - and then some.
Customer review: 'Stretchy and comfy! Not see through! I'm a size 16 and I ordered size XL. If you want snugger fit probably you can order size L too.'
Pros
- Moisture wicking
- Comfy, second skin feel
- Flattering
Cons
- Some reviewers noted that the material is slightly too thick
Best M&S Yoga Pants
www.marksandspencer.com
Marks and Spencer's Goodmove line is packed with affordable, yet high quality workout gear. These yoga leggings boast 200 rave reviews thanks to the ultra-comfy 4-wear stretch, blackout fabric and breathable material. Available from sizes UK6 to UK24.
Best designer yoga pants
www.ganni.com
Yes, Ganni make leggings, and they're spectacular. Available in sizes XXS to 4XL, we're obsessed with this olive pair. They're high performance meaning you can wear them to cycle, do a yoga class, or go on a run.
Pros
- Stylish
- Designed for high-performance exercise
- Form-fitting silhouette
Best flared yoga pants
www.net-a-porter.com
Flared leggings are an off-duty model staple, taking you from your workout, to running errands, grabbing coffee and literally everything else. These Alo Yoga Airbrush flares are comfy, stylish and ideal of activities like yoga, hiking or long walks.
Customer review: 'I love the yoga pants. They fit me perfectly and shaped my body perfectly to. I love the texture and quality of the leggings. I'm in love.'
Pros
- Sculpting and smoothing
- Flatters every size
- Comfy Waistband
Cons
- Slightly see-through