--- source_url: "https://shopping.yahoo.com/health/fitness/articles/under-40-yoga-pants-solved-195100836.html?utm_source=openai" title: "The Best Yoga Pants for Women, Tested By Fitness Editors" mirrored_at: 2026-08-13T01:38:56.665Z host: shopping.yahoo.com cited_in_42a: true mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/shopping.yahoo.com/health/fitness/articles/under-40-yoga-pants-solved-195100836.html__q__utm_source_openai" --- > **Original source:** https://shopping.yahoo.com/health/fitness/articles/under-40-yoga-pants-solved-195100836.html?utm_source=openai _"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."_ Quick Overview **OUR STYLE TEAM** basically lives in yoga pants. They've carried us from morning workouts, late-night deadlines, and weekend errands. That means we know the difference between a "meh" pair and one that helps us feel locked in and excited to roll out our [exercise mats](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/g62107192/best-exercise-mat/). So we rounded up the best of the best yoga pants that are stretchy, supportive, and stylish. Good news! After testing yoga pants for the past four years, we found there are oh-so-many adorable options for doing real-deal yoga poses, mobility sessions, and lounging between WFH meetings. Whether you prefer a pair of [leggings with pockets](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a19908955/leggings-with-pockets/) or [compression leggings](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/g23871243/best-compression-leggings-women/), this is the \*perfect\* opportunity to pick out a new selection (or three!) for the season. ## Best Yoga Pants Curious about what makes a noteworthy pair of yoga pants? When deciding which types are the best, we went straight to the most trustworthy source: our _Women's Health_ editors. This list includes the best yoga pants our staffers say pass our rigorous sweat and wear tests. ### Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation 7/8 Tight After collectively testing more than 50 different yoga pants in the past three years, our team still gives top marks to Athleta's Elation Leggings for their buttery soft feel, flattering look, and supportive fit. Made with the brand's signature nylon and Lycra blend fabric, these leggings are super-soft and deliver enough support to keep us locked in without restricting movement. We've worn them for cross-town errands, yoga class (duh), and beyond, and found they truly do move like a second skin. Luppino loves how easily these leggings move with her, from downward dog to chair pose to plank. Aside from allowing her to flow through sun salutations with ease, Luppino says they also keep her cool, dry, and locked in on walks and runs. That's because they're made with a moisture-wicking fabric that pulls sweat away from the body and dries quickly. Extra points for the extensive size range that runs from XXS to 3XL, as well as three inseam lengths. The roomy pocket in the back of the waistband is roomy enough to store keys or a phone and actually locks in place, Luppino says. And, like the rest of our Athleta faves, these leggings are ultra-flattering and help smooth the lower belly and hips. The only potential downside is that the material is a bit thicker than some other options on this list, so if you're looking for something ultra-breathable or a bit less structured, these might not be for you. **_Read More_**_:_ [_Best Leggings With Pockets_](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a19908955/leggings-with-pockets/) Pros - Back inner pocket can store small essentials - Great for yoga, running, and walking - Smoothing, supportive fabric Cons - Thick material if you need something more lightweight ### G4Free Yoga Pants These wide-leg yoga pants are super affordable, but they don't cut corners on quality or comfort. With a stretchy blend of spandex and polyester, these pants are super lightweight and made to move with you. The moisture-wicking material (which rivals that of some pricier yoga pants) pulls sweat from the body, keeping you comfortable throughout all your favorite yoga flows and workout classes. We love the high-rise silhouette that offers gentle tummy control, and the comfortable (but still secure!) fit around the hips also ensures a super sleek vibe. Also great is the versatile look of these pants. While they easily fit in at a yoga studio or gym, the faux front fly and front pockets allow you to dress them up for an evening out or a day at the office. The super smooth fabric and straight leg add to the extra polished look. Plus, they come in over 30 colors, ranging from cool neutrals to vibrant shades. These yoga pants are also great for ladies of all heights, since they come in five different inseam lengths. Our only gripe with this pick is that the material does tend to attract dust and lint, so you may want to keep a lint roller handy, especially if you opt for a darker shade. Pros - Moisture-wicking - Available in multiple lengths - Can be dressed up or down Cons - Attracts lint ### Vuori AllTheFeels Legging The AllTheFeels line from Vuori is made from the brand's iconic BlissBlend fabric, a performance stretch knit crafted from nylon and elastane. They're also so soft that a lot of WH editors use them for lounging. But make no mistake; they're purpose-built for yoga. They're moisture-wicking, stretchy, and lightweight, just like the rest of Vuori's bestselling leggings. Contributor Korin Miller is a total Vuori buff. "I like to toss them on for yoga or when I just want something comfortable to wear all day," she says. These leggings, like the rest of the AllTheFeels line, are perfect for low-impact workouts like dance or yoga, since the elastic allows you to stretch, bend, and move through all your favorite poses (even on the days when your go-to is savasana). Her one con? The branded label is a bit awkwardly placed. "I love to wear my AllTheFeels Leggings for just about everything, but the obvious label at the hip is a little visually distracting," she says. "That could be a 'me' issue, but if you prefer your leggings to be a little more discreet, it's worth keeping in mind." **_Read More:_**[_Vuori Review_](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/style/a65888048/vuori-review/) Pros - Comes in three different lengths - Soft, stretchy fabric - Fabric clings to the body without being tight Cons - Label is a bit distracting ### Nike Pro Sculpt Nike's activewear moves with you, whether you're flowing through yoga, lifting heavy, or hitting the pavement. That's why it's a favorite here at _WH_. As a fitness editor, Aloian gives these leggings her stamp of approval and calls them her "go-tos" for a variety of workouts. They are made with a thick, durable polyester and spandex blend that offers high compression (especially for yoga pants) that provides a smoothing fit that keeps you completely locked in. Aloian especially loves the waistband, which is not only flattering but also helps the leggings stay up during workouts—which is helpful during strength training sessions, yoga classes, and long runs. These leggings are stretchy, supportive, and don't need any adjustments while you're on the move. Available in an inclusive size range from XXS to 3XL, these pants are designed to offer a comfortable, flattering fit for a wide range of body types. And while the color selection is limited, the solid black is versatile enough for daily wear, yoga class, and the gym. Another underrated feature? The pockets. "I absolutely love the pockets," Aloian says. "They help my belongings—AirPods, my phone, and keys—stay secure while walking and running." Despite having no issues with the waistband slipping, Aloian says the leggings do run a bit large in the waist, leaving a small gap between the skin and the pants. We recommend sizing down if you're between sizes. Pros - Flattering waistband - Pants stay up and in place - Great for running and strength training Cons - Runs large in the waist ### Alo Airbrush High-Waist 7/8 Bootcut Legging The Alo Airbrush High-Waist Bootcut Leggings have a less dramatic flare (coined "bootleg" by the brand), which gives it that classic yoga pant feel without getting in the way of your flow. Andriakos and Zoller appreciate that the nylon-elastane fabric is super stretchy and soft, which gives the pants a light compression. They're more on the fitted side, but the subtle flare provides a bit of extra room around the ankles, making them easier to move through lunges, stretches, and flow sequences. The Airbrush High-Waist Bootcut Leggings are also ultra high-waisted for light tummy control without digging into your sides. Testers found the smoothing waistband is super seamless to help prevent awkward bunching, and the high-waisted design also looks cute with a crop top or sports bra without showing too much midriff. Zoller loves that they're sleek enough that she can throw on a sweater after class and look polished enough for errands or meeting friends. This pant comes in 24.5-inch (⅞ length) and 28-inch (full length) inseams, but we do wish they offered more length options like some of our other favorite yoga pants on this list. **_Read More:_**[_Best Flare Leggings_](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/style/g44536585/best-flare-leggings/) Pros - Seamless, smoothing waistband - Subtle, flare leg style - No constricting feel Cons - We wish there were more length options available ### Spanx Booty Boost Flare Pant Both Andriakos and contributor Lily Wohlner are big fans of these pants, namely for their ultra-flattering, Booty Boost feature. What is Booty Boost, you might ask? It's Spanx's patented design that combines a contoured, high-rise waistband with a butt-shaping design that enhances your curves, lifts your booty, and sculpts your hips. "I've found that not all flare leggings are the right fabric for exercise, but this pair is super high-waisted and sweat-wicking, perfect for training days," says Andriakos. During workouts, she felt super secure and held-in, as the nylon and elastane blend fabric is super stretchy yet firm, offering just the right amount of balance and support. Wohlner adds that while she doesn't often choose to work out in flared pants (since they are usually less tight and sculpting than fitted leggings), these changed her mind. They offer light compression and moderate moisture-wicking abilities. After a warmer yoga session, she does notice some sweat stains, but they dry up impressively fast. However, these yoga pants are a bit on the thicker side. While they do help wick sweat away, they might not be the most comfortable pair of pants for heated workouts or warmer days. **_Read More:_**[_Best Butt-Lifting Leggings_](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/style/a19905545/leggings-for-an-amazing-butt/) Pros - Lifts and sculpts the hips and butt - Stretchy yet secure and smoothing - Moisture-wicking material Cons - Thick material if you prefer something more lightweight ### Beyond Yoga Spacedye Out Of Pocket High Waisted Midi Legging If you're looking for performance leggings that are ultra-comfortable and give a smooth look, these are your girls. They're made with the brand's signature Spacedye fabric, a blend of elastane and polyester that's buttery-soft, stretchy, while still providing medium compression to keep you locked in. Not only are they flattering (especially around the waist and hips), Zoller and contributor Jennifer Nied say these leggings are soft enough to nap in and breathable enough to survive hot yoga. "The midweight material is a bit thicker, so it smoothes better than many other styles," Nied says. "Still, they feel more like pajamas than activewear, and I honestly find myself wearing them to sleep more than workouts," Nied says. "But don't get me wrong, they can keep up with a workout just as well." That's because the elastane blend offers insane stretch and moisture-wicking capabilities that keep up with any sweat sesh. Zoller adds that she never feels the need to tug at them or adjust mid-pose. Nied also loves the minimal pockets that offer storage for phone and keys, without adding bulk to the hips. Plus, they also offer UV protection for sunny days and outdoor workouts. Pros - Ultra-soft, smoothing fabric - Durable material that doesn’t lose shape after washing - Breathable and stretchy Cons - Core color options are minimal ## What to Consider ### Material "When you're shopping for yoga pants, you want more than just a cute pair—you want leggings that actually work for your practice," says [Melody Zoller, NASM](https://www.instagram.com/melodynyc/?hl=en), a personal trainer and senior director at obé Fitness. "The right pair should feel good against your skin, move with you through every twist, fold, and lunge, and give you the level of support you need without constant tugging or adjusting." She recommends looking for blends of the following materials: - **Spandex/Elastane:** Every option on this list includes spandex (otherwise known as elastane) for some solid stretch, because who wants stiff leggings during yoga? Spandex gives your yoga pants that snappy, elastic feel to help them move with you throughout your flow. Zoller suggests looking for blends with at least 15 to 25 percent spandex for optimal stretch. - **Nylon:** Nylon typically makes fabrics softer and sleeker, which Zoller says is perfect for yoga and Pilates. When nylon is combined with spandex, it makes for a super flexible, smooth pair of yoga pants that lasts a long time. It's also a super absorbent fabric, so if you're looking for something that sucks up sweat fast, this is the one! - **Polyester:** Polyester has a bit more structure and durability, Zoller says, adding that yoga pants with higher percentages of polyester are great for sculpting and strengthening workouts because they won't tear. It's also a slightly rougher material, meaning it's less slippery than nylon. It doesn't pill as much and holds onto color longer. Compared to nylon, it's much less absorbent, so sweat stains don't appear as fast as they might on nylon clothing. No matter what fabric composition a pair of yoga pants is made with, Zoller says to always do the squat test in natural light to make sure they're not see-through! ### Rise and fit All the options on this list are high-rise. Why? During yoga, you need something that stays up, holds your stomach in, and covers your midriff, especially during twisting and upside-down poses, Zoller says. A high-rise pair will help keep your lower body locked in while bending and changing positions. Opt for a slim or tapered cut to prevent extra fabric from bunching up during certain poses. That's not to say a flare can't work (especially for a more chill practice or day-to-day wear), but a slimmer hem or bootcut is more functional ### Compression Look for a light to medium level of compression for your yoga pants, Zoller says. Compression is useful because it can help enhance circulation, which may improve performance and reduce muscle fatigue, says Ainee Dehradunwala, NASM, a personal trainer. "However, it's important to ensure they are not too tight, as excessive compression can restrict movement and cause discomfort," she says. Choose a pair that makes you feel secure without digging into your waist or legs—which could majorly get in the way of your flow. ## How We Chose For the past three years, _Women's Health_ editors, including executive health and fitness director [Jacqueline Andriakos](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/author/429468/jacqueline-andriakos/), editorial assistant [Olivia Luppino](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/author/402998/olivia-luppino/), and associate health and fitness editor [Addison Aloian](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/author/246402/addison-aloian/), have tested the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated yoga pants. Our team also collected feedback from anonymous testers to narrow down the best pairs for a wide range of body types and budgets. Over years of testing, we assessed the fit, feel, compression, and material. 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