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9 Best Yoga Pants of 2024, Tested by Actual Yogis

These yogi-approved styles will upgrade your exercising (or lounging).

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I live in yoga pants. Whether I'm rolling out my mat for a morning practice or heading out to brunch with friends, I regularly reach for reliable, well-fitting leggings that stay put while looking great on my curves. Some may consider "yoga pants" to be flared leggings, but others may think of them as simply comfortable bottoms to wear during a yoga practice.

When testing yoga pants in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, I included all types of styles, including traditional leggings, flared leggings and joggers. Each featured style is comfortable and supportive to wear during a yoga class. I recruited yogis to test 35 different yoga pants and give feedback on fit, breathability, waistband rolling, appearance and more. I tested each pair for factors like stretch recovery, moisture management, pilling resistance, washability and overall construction before making these recommendations.

1
Best Overall

Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant

 Align High-Rise Pant
Credit: Lululemon

Pros

  • Best-selling style
  • Four inseam length options
  • 20 color options

Cons

  • Slight pilling in Lab tests

Continuing to dominate our testing, Lululemon Align leggings are best sellers for a reason: the buttery-soft Nulu fabric has a lightweight feel that's versatile for yoga and other workout classes. "I really dislike a tight, restrictive or compressive legging, so the Align legging is my standard go-to for workouts, hanging out or traveling," reported one tester who has been wearing the same pair of Align leggings for years.

The flattering high-waisted fit is popular among GH analysts — many swear that this is their favorite pair. The second I put this pair on, I was impressed with the flattering waistband that didn't dig in and created a smooth shape — it also stayed put during my yoga practice. The fabric has a soft feel that doesn't feel sweaty, however the leggings did pill a bit during our abrasion tests in Lab. The brand also sells a version with pockets at a higher price point.

Sizing: 0–20 | Material: 81% nylon, 19% Lycra elastane | Inseam: 23", 25", 28", 31"

2
Best Value

Colorfulkoala High Waisted Yoga Pants

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High Waisted Yoga Pants
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Credit: Colorfulkoala

Pros

  • Spacious side pockets
  • Thousands of online reviews
  • Over 25 color options

Cons

  • Lower opacity scores

If you can't fathom spending close to $100 on high-quality workout leggings, this pair is just a quarter of the cost yet testers said they're similar to pricier brands. Colorfulkoala's yoga leggings, with 38,000 five-star Amazon reviews, feature a soft fabric that aced Lab evaluations for stretch recovery and washability. They also received the highest overall tester score with one tester who said this pair is "extremely comfortable and so soft" and "easy to move in." Another tester said, "I like them better than my other high-end expensive workout leggings."

After reading the impressive consumer feedback, I had to try this pair out myself — and I was equally impressed. These leggings designed with spacious side pockets stayed put with no waistband rolling during a Vinyasa flow. The waistband is wide for full coverage too.

This pair is only available in a 25-inch inseam, which was a bit short on my tall frame. While they certainly weren't see-through, the fabric wasn't as opaque as other tested pairs. They come in over 25 colors.

Sizing: XS–XL | Material: 75% polyester, 25% spandex | Inseam: 25"

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3
Best with Pockets

Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II Tight

Salutation Stash Pocket II Tight
Credit: Athleta

Pros

  • Pill-resistant fabric
  • Two roomy side pockets
  • Aced Lab moisture wicking evaluations

Cons

  • Lower stretch recovery scores

Whether heading to yoga, barre or pilates, these Athleta compressive leggings are a great choice to support your muscles. This pair features two roomy side pockets, spacious enough to fit a phone. Testers were impressed with these leggings for their "extremely flattering" fit that's still "supportive while being comfortable."

Out of the dozens of leggings I've tested, I credit this pair with having the best fit. There's a hidden drawcord waistband, keeping these leggings put during challenging poses.

We didn't notice any changes in appearance after our wash test, only slight shrinkage, but we found that they did not completely return to their original shape in our stretch recovery testing. The fabric easily wicked away moisture in our Lab evaluations and proved to be pill-resistant.

Sizing: XXS–3X | Material: 75% nylon, 25% Lycra elastane | Inseam: 27" (Regular/Plus), 25" (Petite), 30" (Tall)

4
Best for Hot Yoga

Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight

Wunder Train High-Rise Tight

Pros

  • Sleek material wicks away moisture
  • Durable material
  • Compressive fit

Cons

  • Some testers found them too snug

Bikram (a.k.a. hot yoga) classes require leggings that won't feel sweaty. Most yoga leggings are brushed for a soft feel, but this can trap heat. Instead, opt for sleek leggings like this Lululemon pair. Designed for high-intensity exercise, these leggings aced our moisture management tests, wicking away moisture quickly and easily. This pair proved to be durable too, performing well in our washability and pill resistance tests.

I like that this pair allows me to move seamlessly from the mat to weights, since they're comfortable to wear during all types of sweaty workouts, including hot yoga, running and strength training. The compressive fit offers top-notch support without feeling too restrictive for me, but some testers found them too tight. In the Lab, the Wunder Train tight garnered high marks in our opacity tests, and in real life too: Testers reported that this pair was entirely "squat-proof" without underwear showing through.

Sizing: 0–20 | Material: 77% nylon, 23% Lycra elastane | Inseam: 23", 25", 28", 31"

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5
Best Flare

Athleta Elation Flare Pant

Elation Flare Pant
Credit: Athleta

Pros

  • Moisture-wicking materials
  • High marks for comfort and fit from testers
  • Fabric proved pill-resistant and maintained its shape after being stretched

Cons

  • Ultra high waistband may be too high on some

The Athleta Elation's Powervita fabric aced Lab evaluations for moisture management, pilling resistance and stretch recovery. Our consumer testers loved Elation leggings, giving them high marks for their comfortable fabric, excellent fit and breathable feel.

With an ultra-high waistband, these leggings are the ultimate full-coverage pair. The waistband never digs in because the material offers just a bit of compression to hold you without feeling restrictive, but it may be too high for some. I like the soft material that's still breathable in a heated yoga class. They fit snug through the thigh and flare out at the knee, creating a flattering shape.

Sizing: XXS–3X | Material: 85% nylon, 15% spandex | Inseam: 31.5" (Regular/Plus), 29.5" (Petite), 34.5" (Tall)

6
Best Size-Inclusive

Girlfriend Collective FLOAT Ultralight Legging

FLOAT Ultralight Legging
Credit: Girlfriend

Pros

  • Lightweight, breathable fabric
  • Stayed put, according to testers
  • Uses recycled materials

Cons

  • GH pros noticed loose threads

Available up to a size 6XL, these top-tested leggings from Girlfriend Collective were popular among testers of all body types. The soft FLOAT fabric is thinner and more breathable than the brand's compressive leggings for a more comfortable feel during your yoga practice. Testers shared that this pair was "so comfy, fit well, looked good on and stayed put."

While the brand uses recycled materials, GH analysts and testers did notice some loose threads on this style upon opening and the fabric experienced slight pilling in Lab evaluations.

Sizing: XXS–6XL | Material: 90% Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET), 10% spandex | Inseam: 23.75", 28.5"

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7
Most Stylish

Alo Yoga Airbrush High-Waist Bootcut Legging

Airbrush High-Waist Bootcut Legging
Credit: Alo Yoga

Pros

  • Wide waistband stays put
  • Opaque material
  • Flattering bootcut shape

Cons

  • Thick material can feel hot

I can't stop wearing these super-flattering yoga pants. I wear these Alo Yoga pants nearly every weekend, taking me from workout classes to coffee dates. The sturdy material smooths my waistline and is fully opaque, even during downward dog.

They feature a bootcut style with a slight flare at the bottom that's on-trend and versatile for everyday wear. Easy to style up or down, these yoga pants double as a fashion statement too. Because of the thick material, this pair runs warm, so it's best suited for colder weather wear.

Sizing: XXS–L | Material: 87% nylon, 13% elastane | Inseam: 7/8 (XXS, XS & S: 29.25" and M & L: 29.75”) or Full (XXS, XS & S: 32.25" and M & L: 32.75”)

8
Best for Lounging

OFFLINE by Aerie Real Me High Waisted Crossover Flare Legging

Real Me High Waisted Crossover Flare Legging
Now 40% Off
Credit: Aerie

Pros

  • Showed minimal signs of shrinkage
  • Crossover waistband detailing
  • Short and tall inseams

Cons

  • A bit see-through in Lab evaluations

Aerie is known for its signature crossover waistband which one GH tester said was "impressively flattering" and loved that it "accentuates your waist." A few testers also said this pair is perfect to wear when running errands or lounging at home, thanks to the stretchy, soft fabric.

I love wearing these yoga pants when traveling because the material is so lightweight and breathable. The crossover waistband stays put on your waist for a unique detail compared to other leggings.

GH pros did note that this fabric is not fully opaque (so beware when doing squats or lunges) and did stretch a bit in evaluations. It washed well though with minimal shrinkage.

Sizing: XXS–XXL | Material: 88% nylon, 12% elastane | Inseam: Short (30"), Regular (32"), Long (34")

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9
Softest

Quince Ultra-Soft High-Rise Legging

Ultra-Soft High-Rise Legging
Credit: Quince

Pros

  • Buttery-soft feel
  • All testers reported the fabric felt comfortable and the leggings were flattering
  • Stay-in place waistband

Cons

  • Material pilled during tests

These Quince leggings are insanely soft. The polyester and spandex blend has a brushed finish for a soft and cozy feel that stretches with you. While most leggings retail for around $100, this pair costs less than half that at just $40.

All testers agreed that these leggings felt comfortable and looked flattering. "They didn't slide down during my workouts and remained tight," said one tester. Another shared, "These leggings honestly felt like butter and I will recommend to everyone!"

They maintained their shape during in-Lab stretch recovery tests and showed minimal shrinkage or changes in appearance after laundering. The material did show substantial pilling during our abrasion resistance tests though.

Sizing: XS–XL | Material: 86% polyester, 14% spandex | Inseam: 25", 28"

How we test yoga pants

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The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab is comprised of fiber scientists who are experts in all types of workout gear, including yoga pants, workout leggings, sports bras and sneakers. Our testing involves using specialized methods and equipment to evaluate gear in our Lab combined with consumer feedback based on real-life use. Before making these recommendations, we tested 35 pairs of yoga pants and leggings and considered these factors.

✔️ Consumer feedback comes from yogis who wear these yoga pants during their yoga practice to provide feedback on fit, comfort, breathability and more.

✔️ Stretch recovery testing involves stretching a swatch of legging fabric to a standard length for two hours. We measure a benchmarked length after one minute and then again after one hour to see how well the fabric returned to its original shape.

✔️ Pilling resistance testing uses a Martindale abrasion machine which rubs two swatches of the same fabric together to see if tiny balls of fibers (pills) form on the surface.

✔️ To evaluate washability, GH pros wash each pair five times to analyze changes in appearance and shrinkage after laundering.

✔️ Opacity evaluations occur under standard lighting. GH pros wear each pair of pants and squat to rate if it's see-through at all.

✔️ For moisture management testing, we place drops of water on the inside of the fabric to rate how quickly the material wicks away moisture.

✔️ Construction scores involve GH pros analyzing each pair to rate included features like flat seams and a gusset.

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Why trust Good Housekeeping?

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Emma Seymour is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab where she has overseen in-Lab and consumer testing for a variety of workout products. She personally tested dozens of pairs of yoga pants and leggings for this story. With a degree in fiber science from Cornell University, Seymour is a product quality expert, evaluating workout leggings, sports bras and walking sneakers.

Headshot of Emma Seymour
Emma Seymour
Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director

Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance. 

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