The Sweaty Betty Gary Yoga Pants Are A Great Alternative To Leggings On Days When You Don’t Want To Feel Constricted
Pros: Comfortable, great for modesty
Cons: The thin material is not great for outdoor classes or colder climates
- Sizing: XXS XXL
While you may be questioning your decision to ever wear skin tight jeans after months of quarantine, the question about why we wear tight pants is especially relevant in yoga. When I went to India to study with my yoga school, they warned us Americans that our idea of “yoga pants” wouldn’t be acceptable attire there. Looser pants were the norm.
But the problem with baggy yoga pants can sometimes be that the fabric flies all around and makes movements clunkier. And in inversions, loose trousers may even succumb to gravity and fall down from your ankles to your hips.
I love Sweaty Betty’s Gary Yoga Pant because they’ve thought of all of that. These pants are loose, comfortable, and lightweight, but they also work well for practice. They’re tapered at the ankles, so they didn’t fall when I was upside down. Plus, the polyester/elastane blend fabric was roomy and stretchy enough that I could move into deep poses carefree. As Sweaty Betty advertises, they’re “100% squat proof.”
When in-person yoga becomes the norm again, I’ll probably mostly wear traditional leggings, but on days when I want to feel less constricted, these would be my go-to pants.
Comfort & Ease Of Movement
It’s self-explanatory, really. You should feel good in your yoga pants.
Good as:
- you shouldn’t stop in the middle of the yoga class to adjust the sliding waistband
- the fabric should be pleasant to skin and definitely not itchy
- the yoga pants shouldn’t drag you down in any of the postures
Regular sweatpants are comfy around the house or in the gym, but generally, don’t fit well in the yoga studio. They will usually be too loose and heavy, and maybe even too hot for some yoga styles.
Instead, both women’s and men’s yoga pants need to be lightweight, streamlined. They must not stay in the way of your postures, especially during fast-paced Power or Vinyasa yoga.
Adidas By Stella Mccartney Truestrength Yoga Leggings
How much?£75.00
Why? You may add these to the bag because theyre bright pink, but their yoga-specific features mean you wont have to worry about buyers remorse. Designed to see to it you can bend and stretch through handstands, wheels and the likes, the high-rise waistband will support you as you flow, and the stirrups will keep your leggings where you want them, even when you spend more time in inversions than not.
Wear for:Fast-paced flows where AEROREADY tech and mesh inserts can be put to work to keep you cool.
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Best With Pockets: Ododos Yoga Pants With Pockets
Hate carrying around your stuff as you travel or head to a workout? Opt for yoga pants that have roomy pockets, like this pair from Ododos. These high-waisted, cropped bottoms feature a four-way stretch material that contours to your body, crotch gussets for added mobility, and outer pockets for convenient storage. More than 10,000 Amazon customers are fans of the stretchy, flattering pants, with one writing, “These are the best yoga pants I have ever gotten. I LOVE the pockets! perfect place to store cell phone and keys when you are going to work out. These pants are so soft! I never expected to love these pants this much, but I absolutely do! Every time I wear them out in public, someone asks me where I got them.”
To buy: , from $22
Onzie High Waisted Yoga Leggings

£53.00 now £34.45
Why? Who better to trust to provide you with the ultimate pair of sun-salute-suited yoga leggings than a brand founded by a yogi herself? And, with the whole team getting involved in the testing process, their quality is pretty much assured. This bestseller has taken a walk on the wild side, and were all for it. A leopard print number with the power to keep you cool and comfortable through even the sweatiest of yoga situs, you won’t want to wait to be spotted in these yoga leggings.
Wear for:Hot yoga classes where sweat is pretty much guaranteed.
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Best Yoga Pants For Plus Sizes
I’ll be the first one to admit that loving your body the way it is can sometimes be a challenge. It’s especially hard when you’re surrounded by images of how society thinks you should look â or when you shop at stores that seem to specifically cater to that one “ideal” body shape. So what’s a curvy girl to do, right? Well, for one thing she can stop wishing her curves away and start shopping at stores that value every customer, no matter the size.
That’s why I love Lands’ End. When they design plus size clothing they actually take the time to adjust the proportions of the piece for a better fit on a plus size body instead of just adding more fabric to a size six legging. And we’ve all been in those leggings. Saggy bottoms, too-tight-thighs, not-so-elastic-waist bands. Don’t waste your time shopping yoga pants anywhere else. Check out my take on the best Lands’ End Yoga pants for plus size ladies and get your athleisure wardrobe set for whatever life throws at you.
Hush Thalia Stretch Leggings
How much?£59.00
Why? What better way to find some inner peace than with an after dark yoga session under a starry sky? Ok, before you get too excited, we havent found a way to teleport you from studio to star-lit field just yet, but we have found the next best thing: star-studded yoga leggings that rival the glory of the nights sky. Inhale, exhale and squint your eyes while your legs are somewhere in the vicinity of your head, and you may just believe you managed to teleport yourself to a countryside retreat after all.
Wear for: Those relaxing evening sessions where the essential oil spritzing is generous, and the number of candles present is greater than the number of blissed out bodies.
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Best Cropped Option: Lululemon Align Wide Leg Super
How cute are these cropped yoga pants from Lululemon? Not only are they incredibly lightweight, soft, and flowy, but they also have a stretchy elastic waistband that won’t dig into your skin. The machine-washable yoga pants are made from a four-way stretch material that’s both breathable and moisture-wicking. Even better, they come in six stylish colors and range in size from 0 to 20.
To buy: lululemon.com, $98
Places To Buy Yoga Gear That Aren’t Lululemon
Love it or hate it, yoga is one exercise trend that is here to stay. But while many people are fanatical about the low-impact workout, fewer are happy about the price tag that comes with it. Classes alone can cost a small fortune, and when you factor in all the requisite gear, you had better start saving.
That’s especially true if you shop at the likes of Lululemon. But we’re of the belief that there’s no need to spend upwards of $100 on yoga pants . There are loads of great spots to stock up on yoga pants — and you most likely already frequent a few of them. Forever21 offers insanely cheap spandex shorts, while Nike carries well-made, supportive bras.
To help you find some new yoga stores, we’ve rounded up 11 of our our favorite Lululemon alternatives.
Nancy Rose Performance: Nancy Rose, the brains behind this line, is a former elite gymnast and really understands what athletes need when they’re working out. Her pieces are not only fashion-forward but also very easy to move in.
The Scoop Bra, $48 Crop Pants, $82 Handkerchief Tank Top, $76 .
Sweaty Betty: This site, which caters especially to women, sells activewear based on the type of workout you’re interested in. Yogis can find a big selection of tanks, pants and bras designed especially with their exercise in mind.
Virasana Padded Yoga Bra, $65 Namaska Padded Yoga Tank, $75 Chandrasana Reversible Yoga Leggings, $115 .
Mid-Rise Yoga Slim Bootcut Pants, $20 Go-Dry Racerback Tank, $17 Yoga Capris, $18.
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Lululemon Groove Pant Super High
£88.00 now £69.00
Why? Lululemon’s much-loved classic has returned, and its just the addition our yoga wardrobe needs. Apart from giving us killer retro vibes, these wide leg yoga pants are as yoga-friendly as their slimmer counterparts, thanks to the sweat-wicking, extra soft Nulu Fabric Lululemon has so kindly blessed us with. With a phone-friendly pocket in the super-high rise waistband, youll be all set to take on both your studio yoga session and post-flow breakfast run.
Wear for: Slower peaceful practices like Hatha yoga where you can channel you inner hippie in spirit and style.
Liverpool Jeans Company Kelsey Ponte Knit Trousers
If youre searching for a Betabrand alternative, look no further than these Kelsey Ponte Knit Trousers from Liverpool Jeans Company. Words used to describe these pants include comfortable,polished, and work-wardrobe staple. All of that sounds perfect. Side note: Nordstrom has carried this style for years, which leads me to believe they are a favorite among their customers! Theyre available in both traditional and plus sizes.
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Are Yoga Pants And Leggings The Same Thing
Answer: pretty much.
Yoga pants canbe a thicker, looser fit than yoga leggings, which are usually tighter, stretchier and more high-waisted, but in our experience the terms are interchangeable.
Best practice would most likely be to find a pair of technical yoga leggings or yoga pants that are designed to thermoregulate, breathe, stretch and flow with you, without billowing fabric getting in the way while you’re at it.
That said, while harem pants might not be the best for some people’s yoga practice, if they’re what gets you down to your yoga mat, and you like the extra room, we’re not here to stop you.
How Can I Make My Yoga Pants Go The Distance

Always check the washing instructions before you go and chuck your yoga pants in the machine – some fabrics might require a cold or a hand wash. But either way, its always a good idea to give your activewear a quick hand wash in cold water first which will prevent colour bleed and shrinkage. And its usually a good idea to skip the dryer and opt for air-drying.
Any products featured in this article are selected by our editors, who dont play favourites. If you buy something, we may get a cut of the sale. Learn more.
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Best Workout Clothes In Calgary
Hemm in Calgary
Sweat Society
Find it: Their athletic wear can be found at LIV Yoga + Wellness , Calgary Pilates , Barre Body Studio , Lagree YYC , Bedrock Crossfit and more, sweatsociety.caThe vibe: You can find activewear from this Calgary-based company at one of their pop-ups or at any of the citys studios listed above.What youll find: Ethically-sourced and -produced apparelfrom almost 30 activewear designers. Everything here is breathable, comfy and on-trend, from graphic tees to printed leggings and a few gems from their own line.Average cost: $50 to $100Brands: Alo Yoga, Daub + Design, Tonic Active, Alea Active, Sweat Society and more
Hemm
Find it: 819 49 Ave. SW, hemm.caThe vibe: From the cozy faux fur rugs to the rustic unfinished tiled floors, this trendy concept store, located in Britannia Village, offers a chic backdrop for your next activewear shopping venture.What youll find: Yogi-approved pieces, like breathable tanks, supportive sports bras and high-waisted bottoms, that can take you from the studio to brunch by just throwing on one of their trendy toppers .Average cost: $100 to $200Brands: Michi, Splits59, Beyond Yoga, Body Language, Onzie, Alo Yoga and more
Nordstrom Chinook Centre
Best Overall: Zella Live In High Waist Leggings
A quick scroll through Nordstrom’s website will bring you an overwhelming number of yoga pants to choose from, but this pair by Zella is by far the most popular option. Besides boasting a non-slip waistband, the comfy bottoms also have moisture-wicking capabilities to keep you cool and dry. With details like this, it’s no wonder more than 7,200 shoppers have given the pants an impressive 4.5-star rating, with one customer raving, “So comfortable and supportive. I absolutely love these!”
To buy: nordstrom.com, $59
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Travel Yoga Dress Pants
Frequent travelers are going to LOVE BetaBrands travel-friendly dress pant yoga pants! The Journey Pants will take you straight from the airplane to the boardroom. They feature SIX fully functional pockets, including four front pockets, two of them with zippers, and two back pockets! Theyre still wrinkle-resistant and feature the classic four-way stretch, but these pants have the benefit of also being microbial, which is awesome because you never know whats hiding on an airplane.
What stores carry BetaBrand? Youre pretty limited. You can get , although this is one time Im not sure shopping at Amazon makes sense. BetaBrand frequently has sales and coupons, which you wont find at Amazon.
BetaBrands Return Policy: If youre wary of purchasing online, BetaBrands return policy is amazing! Domestic orders can be shipped back for free. Items can be returned for 110 percent store credit or a full refund to your credit card. You have 60 days to return items and items must be unworn.
How To Wash & Care For Your Yoga Pants: 5 Tips
The first rule of caring for your yoga pants is to love your yoga pants.
Sometimes it means that you have to go the extra mile to increase their longevity, prevent pilling, or get rid of the stinky after-workout smell.
Also, always check the manufacturer’s instructions before tossing your pants into the washing machine. Some yoga pants made of bamboo or modal can be gentler and need hand-washing.
Air-drying your yoga pants not only saves energy but also protects the fabric from wear and tear.
Here are some general cleaning rules that apply in every case.
1. If your yoga pants are made of synthetic material, invest in a Guppyfriend washing bag .
The thing is that all synthetic garments shed microplastics into our waterways, causing massive pollution. Guppyfriend not only captures these fibers but protects your clothes too.
It’s a simple step to become a more eco-conscious consumer.
2. Wash your workout pants and leggings in cold water. It will prevent color bleed, shrinkage, and fabric breakdown. Do not use the drier, as it can weaken the material. Instead, air-dry your yoga pants.
3. Wash the yoga pants made of natural material inside out. It will reduce friction with other clothes. Skip on the jeans and other harsh fabrics and load your washing machine with garments made of similar material.
5. Choose high-quality detergent. Synthetic fabrics, in particular, are very prone to smelling funny after a sweaty workout, and the regular wash often doesn’t help.
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Best Workout Clothes In Winnipeg
MPG in Winnipeg
LBS Yoga & Athletic Wear
Find it: This homegrown athleticwear brand sells its gear at local events, via its website and at Home Run Sports , lbswear.comThe vibe: The Winnipeg-based retailer has mastered the athleisure trend with a top-of-the-line selection of activewear from Canadian designers.What youll find: Minimalist meets modern pieces, like breathable, flowy tees, textured leggings and even eco-conscious garments made out of bamboo, that can easily be transitioned into your current daytime wardrobe.Average cost: $50 to $100Brands: LBS Yoga & Athletic Wear, Free Label and more
Sacred Tusk
Find it: 91 Albert St., Suite 2A, sacredtusk.comThe vibe: Located in the Exchange District, this brand new showroom is an under-the-radar gem. Between the chic rose-coloured couch, fresh foliage and neon Girl Power sign, there are tons photo-ops around the space. Theyre open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays or you can book an appointment if you want to shop at another time during the week.What youll find: A seriously dreamy mix of bold separates, psychedelic prints and wearable basics that will look just as good on your feed as it will in the yoga studio. Peep their for an endless amount of #fitspo and aesthetically-pleasing pics.Average cost: $75 to $150Brands: Sacred Tusk, Free People, Beyond Yoga, DYI, Tonic, Zobha and more
MPG Sport
Girls Best Place To Get Yoga Pants/tights
Updates:
- Xper 6+1 y Ivy park Beyoncés line from top shop or puma do some really cute stuff too. The obvious examples are Nike and adidas React
- GFEDATY+1 y
yes I know about and have looked at nike, adidas and under armour, but there must be others. Thanks
- GFEDATY+1 y
yes I have but like the one in the pic some girls have these amazing tights that you never see anywhere – I have no idea where they buy them
- Show All Show Less
- mahaim1234+1 y
those look like the type you get in an actual sports shop I’m not sure where you’re from but in the UK we go to JD and decathlon for stuff like that
but from what site! I love the ones int he photo – they sort of look like you are wearing a thong
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