Yoga pants have a place in every woman’s wardrobe, whether you’re a seasoned yogi, still mastering your flow, or simply like how they look and feel. These stretchy standbys are not only comfy but also supportive, sweat-wicking, and quick-drying; and, when it comes to styling, they’re super versatile, too.
While leggings-style pants fitted through the ankles still appear to be the most popular option, we can’t deny that flared silhouettes are having a moment. “It’s fun to see this leg shape offer a new sensibility within different combinations,” says Casey Schumacher, Senior Director of Design at Athleta. “For a put-together look, pair it with a fitted tank and an open oversized button-down.”
Besides leg shape, you’ll want to think about the waistband, as well as the overall fit and fabric. From classic yoga pants and travel-friendly pocketed designs to 7/8, cropped, and wide-leg cuts, we found standout options for every preference and occasion.
Best Overall
lululemon Align Hi-Rise Pant 25″
![LuluLemon Align High-Rise Pant 25 Inch](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/Sk_dNahSr6AvjeEXBI7JrZ9mLCQ=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/lululemon-align-high-rise-pant-25-inch-89c381db4af24c8b929c62dcce7541f1.jpg)
LuluLemon
Ever since its 2015 launch, Lululemon’s Align Pant has been a favorite not just among yogis but also barre enthusiasts, Pilates regulars, and pretty much anyone who likes wearing stretchy pants. What sets this style apart from other leggings and workout pants is the Nulu fabric, which is buttery soft, breathable, sweat-wicking, and smoothing without being restricting. It’s also exceptionally stretchy, so you can bend, reach, and move any which way with ease.
You can wear these pants while doing a yoga flow in your living room, at a workout studio, or in your hotel room. They also make stellar athleisure wear, so don’t be surprised if you end up wearing them on days you don’t plan to exercise.
Perfect for packing on a trip, the Align pant is wrinkle-resistant and takes up negligible suitcase space. This pair has a small hidden pocket on the front of the waistband big enough for a card or key. It doesn’t have side pockets, but Lululemon makes a pocketed version.
The Details: 0 to 20 | Nylon, lycra elastane | Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Best Budget
CRZ Yoga Butterluxe Workout Leggings
![Crz Yoga Butterluxe Workout Leggings](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/3d3mCNWeVwKK_AYXm6-Xh_VKmR4=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Untitleddesign-2024-02-16T074517.632-9250c2137e3f4081847d7c0d1810074b.jpg)
Amazon
With ultra-soft fabric, a matte finish, and a seamless, high-rise waistband, many consider CRZ Yoga Butterluxe Workout Leggings an affordable dupe of Lululemon’s Align Pant. These pants provide gentle compression to smooth your midsection without digging in or feeling restricting.
Although they run true to size, they may feel slightly tight for the first few wears as you break them in. We also appreciate that these leggings have side pockets big enough to fit a smartphone.
The Details: XXS to XL | Polyamide, lycra | Machine wash
Best Size-inclusive
Girlfriend Collective Compressive Pocket Leggings
![Amazon Girlfriend Collective Compressive Pocket Leggings](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/ix2WnLkLVdtyV0iKSx73g1Z1IrA=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Girlfriend-Collective-Compressive-Pocket-Leggings-bc6befc0d450422ca9ca986f52f4c8f5.jpg)
Amazon
These workout leggings from Girlfriend Collective are made of a sturdy, compressive fabric with four-way stretch that promises to be sheer-proof, no matter what color you choose. The material is sourced from recycled plastic bottles, and you can even recycle your pants when you’re ready for your next pair through the brand’s ReGirlfriend program.
Besides the sustainability element, we also love that these leggings come in an inclusive range of sizes going up to 6XL. What’s more, they have two deep side pockets and a third hidden back pocket for your ID, cards, or room key.
The Details: XXS to 6XL | Recycled plastic bottles (rPET), spandex | Machine wash cold, hang dry
Best 7/8 Length
Alo Yoga High-Waist Legging
![High-Waist Airlift Legging](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/YVuweKeVBpDg5EkDwpSd1BzaPss=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/alo-78-high-waist-airlift-legging-2e039b822079425eacd24e4fa8578e62.jpg)
Alo
If you prefer a slightly shorter cut, consider a 7/8 length — meaning they’re seven-eighths (or about 88 percent) as long as full-length pants. We like this pair from Alo Yoga, which should be about ankle-length depending on how tall you are.
Airlift Leggings are designed for yoga, Pilates, high-intensity training sessions, and sporty streetwear looks. The fabric is pretty snug, but this is by design. As a high-compression material, it’s meant to hold you in while sculpting your curves. These stretchy pants are also wrinkle-resistant, so they’re ideal for packing in a suitcase.
The Details: XXS to XXL | Polyester, elastane | Machine wash, tumble dry
Best With Pockets
Athleta Salutation Stash Tight
![Athleta Salutation Stash Tight](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/i4SSEm8EDNVtbHzUs8IetOfhWJs=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/athleta-salutation-stash-tight-6d6d4a05a57d463c81785090f0edd40b.jpg)
Athleta
Athleta’s Salutation Stash Tights are made of the brand’s Powervita fabric. The material is incredibly soft and gently supportive, not to mention breathable and moisture-wicking. It also has a UPF 40+ rating to safeguard your skin from the sun.
These pants are designed specifically for yoga, encouraging a full range of movement while drawing sweat away from your body. The two spacious side pockets are icing on the cake to an already impeccable pair of workout tights. They’re deep enough to hold a smartphone, plus your credit cards, room key, passport, cash, or keys.
The Details: XXS to 3XL | Nylon, lycra | Machine wash, tumble dry
Best Flared
Spanx Booty Boost Flare Yoga Pant
![SPANX Booty Boost Flare Yoga Pant](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/6IERxEueSWrARBehpffFKRTrE2o=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spanx-booty-boost-flare-yoga-pant-b2dd72fa80d54abf9a41fed77cb9557b.jpg)
SPANX
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With a leg-lengthening silhouette, a contoured waistband, and a booty-lifting back, these yoga pants are super flattering.
Want to expand your horizons beyond the skinny silhouette? According to Schumacher, high-rise flared pants can create the look of an elongated body. This pair from Spanx boasts a leg-lengthening design for a flattering, contemporary look.
And it doesn’t stop there. These yoga pants have a contoured waistband to flatten and smooth your midsection, while the “built-in booty lift” sculpts your backside. The fabric is thick and durable without sacrificing breathability or stretch. There’s even a hidden pocket that fits a phone. We love that they come in regular, petite, and tall lengths, but wish they came in more colors, too.
The Details: XS to 3XL | Nylon, elastane | Machine wash warm, tumble dry low
Best Bootcut
Beyond Yoga Spacedye At Your Leisure Bootcut Pant
![Beyond Yoga Spacedye At Your Leisure Bootcut Pant](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/p6S3u8a9TMQAlyQj1ytCh92kO08=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Untitleddesign-2024-02-16T075635.536-e6b44d28432b4534a5f346b834502f5b.jpg)
Beyond Yoga
These bootcut pants from Beyond Yoga are a great option when you don’t quite want a flare, but you prefer a cut that doesn’t immediately look like a legging. The not-skinny-but-not-too-wide silhouette and mid-rise overlapping waistband are modern yet still endlessly versatile.
These ultra-stretchy, moisture-wicking tights will take you through your yoga flow with ease. But they’re also great for travel days, weekends, and everyday wear. The fabric even offers some UV protection from the sun’s rays. Though this pair doesn’t have any pockets, the brand makes a pocketed version as well.
The Details: XS to XL | Polyester, elastane | Machine wash, tumble dry
Best High-waisted
Sweaty Betty Super Soft Yoga Leggings
![Super Soft Yoga Leggings](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/kolmWMgv8mAd0869it1KE0g_Xpc=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sweaty-betty-super-soft-yoga-leggings-84e02b4d6baa4e31826d4db62a08505a.jpg)
Sweaty Betty
These squat-proof yoga leggings from Sweaty Betty flaunt an extra-high compressive waist with a hidden drawcord. You can count on them to sculpt your midline and cinch your tummy without slipping or rolling down during your flow.
But the figure-complimenting design goes beyond the waist alone: with thoughtfully placed seams, these pants promise to elongate your legs and lift your bum. There’s also a side slip pocket that fits a smartphone. These leggings run a little small, so consider ordering a size larger than what you normally wear.
The Details: XXS to XXL | Polyamide, elastane | Machine wash warm
Best Cropped
Splits59 High Waist Raquel Crop
![Splits59 High Waist Raquel Crop](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/-Kt1ihp3x9gAl_5B0JsLy6fCPTU=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/splits59-high-waist-raquel-crop-8d378d3340424e8bb8bd91becf499973.jpg)
Splits59
These cropped pants will fall somewhere between the mid-calf and ankle, depending on how tall you are. They’re fitted through the thighs and subtly flared at the bottom, while the high-rise waist smooths and sculpts your stomach.
The supplex fabric looks and feels similar to cotton, except it’s much stretchier. Designed for yoga, barre, Pilates, CrossFit, and other high-intensity workouts, the material provides support without inhibiting movement. It’s also opaque — yep, even the white pair — so you won’t have to worry about your underwear showing through.
The Details: XS to XL | Supplex (nylon, spandex)
Best Lightweight
prAna Heavana 7/8 Legging
![prAna Heavana 7/8 Legging](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/KLbgBp_CzERf9JQfs0Mwkk7D2Gw=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Untitleddesign-2024-02-16T080525.388-72a70d56e188467eacd6e6a8ee1107c6.jpg)
prAna
Prana’s Heavana Legging features an exceedingly soft, lightweight fabric that “feels like a gentle hug.” The stretchy blend of polyester and elastane ensures unrestricted movement, whether you’re doing yoga, running errands, catching a flight, hiking, or sightseeing. You’ll even get UPF 50+ sun protection.
Although they don’t provide as much support as more compressive pairs, you can bet the waistband will stay in place when you reach, bend, stretch, and pose. We also like that these pants are made from recycled materials in a Fair Trade facility.
The Details: XXS to XXL | Recycled polyester, elastane | Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Best Sustainable
Nike Yoga Dri-Fit Luxe Flared Pants
![Nike Yoga Dri-Fit Luxe Flared Pants](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/AFoDG08_n_BTmWlps5TA-CUdG68=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Untitleddesign-2024-02-16T081130.810-c4e143c289f2408e8a6e1587e0952dcd.jpg)
Nike
We’re also big fans of Nike’s Dri-Fit Luxe Pants, which have a high waist and ever-so-slightly flared legs. They’re made of the brand’s Infinalon fabric, a sumptuously smooth and soft material that provides light compression while wicking away sweat.
The fabric is sourced from at least 50 percent recycled nylon to help minimize carbon emissions. This is one of many things Nike is doing to meet its sustainability goals of zero carbon and zero waste by 2025. Just a heads up: these pants might be too short for those five feet seven inches and taller — or they may just look more cropped.
The Details: XXS to XXL | Nylon, spandex | Machine wash
Best for Cold Weather
Outdoor Voices FrostKnit 7/8 Legging
![Outdoor Voices Womenâs FrostKnit â
Legging](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/s-_v6AEGLPFRyIQU8qFbO262eHw=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/outdoor-voices-womens-frostknit--legging-e6ee4a7d16ee419dbc300e1d4c7c8ff2.jpg)
Outdoor Voices
These leggings from Outdoor Voices are designed to keep you warm when the temperatures drop. The brand’s FrostKnit fabric is brushed on the inside (kind of like flannel) to enhance the insulation and create a peachy-soft feel against your skin.
But the material does more than just keep you warm. It also offers support and compression where you need it while ensuring freedom of movement through stretch. Plus, it continuously wicks away sweat and dries fast. These pants run small, so think about ordering the next size up.
The Details: XXS to 3XL | Lycra, nylon, polyester | Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Best Athleisure
Vuori Daily Legging
![Vuori Daily Legging](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/aiR_x-W6VGMG9oWsRwKO1lpl4a0=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Untitleddesign-2024-02-16T081635.643-70d27b8808444dcb97e3bc3a8e0d5f43.jpg)
Vuori
If your idea of yoga pants is something you can rock as streetwear, we recommend Vuori. These everyday pants are somewhat of a jogger-legging hybrid. They’re stretchy, supportive, and form-fitting, with a drawstring tie waist and cuffed ankles.
These pants are ideal for athleisure outfits, pairing effortlessly with sneakers, hoodies, crop tops, and button-downs. But thanks to the breathable, moisture-wicking fabric and no-slip waist, you can definitely wear them to a yoga class, on a hike, or while running. Vuori runs large, so you may want to order a size smaller than what you typically wear.
The Details: XXS to XXL | Polyester, elastane | Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Tips for Buying Yoga Pants
Choose the best size and fit for your body
When buying yoga pants, getting the right size is crucial. Pay attention to the brand’s size chart and check the reviews to see if the style runs small or large. Athletic tights are stretchy, which can give you some leeway with size, but wearing a too-small pair can be uncomfortable and potentially restrict movement. On the other hand, pants that are too loose may slide down — and you definitely want to avoid having to constantly pull them up.
Explore different cuts and silhouettes
You can’t go wrong with full-length yoga pants, but 7/8 is a great choice, too (and may be a better substitution for full-length leggings on shorter frames). You’ll also find cropped options, which typically fall between the mid-calf and ankle.
“Skinny” yoga pants that are fitted all the way down to the ankles still seem to be among the most popular cuts — at least in terms of what brands are currently offering. However, we’re also seeing more bootcut and flared options. When buying these silhouettes, Schumacher recommends paying attention to the rise, length, and leg width. “High-rise flares help elongate the body,” she notes. “Mid- and low-rise flares tap into the resurgence of Y2K aesthetics and show a bit more skin.”
Consider ease of movement and breathability
The fabric should offer support while still allowing ease of movement. But know that some yoga pants are more compressive than others. High-compression fabrics will feel more snug, whereas lighter-weight materials will be stretchier and less constrictive.
Breathability is also key, as it’ll prevent you from overheating. On a similar note, the best yoga pants are made of moisture-wicking fabrics that draw sweat away from your skin.
Test for opacity
If you choose yoga pants made of a lightweight material, you’ll want to make sure they’re not so thin that they’re see-through. Some brands will specifically state that the fabric is sheer-proof, but you may still want to test them for opacity in bright lighting before wearing them to work out.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure contributor Theresa Holland is a freelance writer and product reviewer with several years of experience in the commerce space. For this story, she interviewed Casey Schumacher, Senior Director of Design at Athleta, who provided insight into yoga pant silhouettes and styling tips. Theresa has worn workout leggings and other athletic apparel from several brands on this list, including Lululemon, CRZ Yoga, Girlfriend Collective, Alo Yoga, Athleta, Spanx, Nike, Outdoor Voices, and Vuori.
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