Yoga leggings are not like other leggings. That’s to say, the requirements are rather specific.
Unlike a pair of leggings you might want for running or weight training, yoga leggings need to be soft, easy to move in, and lightweight. Fabric is much more important for yoga leggings than it is for any other kind.
This is largely because you won’t necessarily be sweating as much in a yoga class as you would in, say, a HIIT workout, which means you don’t need to be squeezing into sweat-proof materials, like lycra. It’s a good thing, because those kinds of leggings can be rather uncomfortable.
For yoga, comfort is key. You need to be able to stretch your limbs without fabric riding up or down, and you want thick, good quality material to avoid any awkward moments between you and the person behind you in class.
However, as yoga has become increasingly popular, the clothes you wear to do it have become an entire industry. Introducing athleisure, a broad term applied to any kind of workout gear but, for whatever reason, one most often attached to yoga and the lifestyle it has become synonymous with.
As a result, much of today’s yoga clothing is geared towards a very specific demographic: wealthy, fashion-conscious, and wellness-obsessed. Hence why it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between good yoga leggings for people who actually practice yoga and overpriced ones for people who just want to look like they do.
Try to ignore all of that when looking for the right pair of yoga leggings. That’s not to say you shouldn’t consider stylish options, but there aren’t that many brands out there combining practicality and longevity with fashion.
A devoted yogi will want all of these things - so, here’s our pick of the best leggings worth investing in now.
Shop the best yoga leggings below
Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 28”
These leggings from the cult American label have an excellent reputation; they are practically Lululemon’s most famous product -and for good reason. The Align leggings are as comfortable as they come.
Soft, lightweight, and flattering, they manage to stay in the perfect position with every pose, making them ideal for all types of yoga. They come in a wide range of colours to suit all tastes but you’re best opting for the classic black pair for a simple and sophisticated look.
Buy now £88.00, Lululemon
Sweaty Betty Super soft ⅞ yoga leggings
These leggings do what they say on the tin: provide super soft comfort for all your yoga needs. They’re made from sweat-wicking fabric that is a little thicker than some of the other options listed here, making them good for classes during the colder months.
The high waist and carefully placed seamlines offer a flattering fit that elongate the legs and keep you snug in all the right places. They barely move at all when you move between poses, which is exactly what you want.
Plus, there is a side slip pocket for your phone in case you want to wear these out and about.
Buy now £85.00, Sweaty Betty
Tala Dayflex wrap high waisted legging
The brainchild of influencer-turned-entrepreneur Grace Beverley, Tala delivers when it comes to its leggings.
This pair, made from the brand’s signature DayFlex fabric, is particularly comfortable to the point where it almost feels like you’re wearing nothing at all. This makes them ideal for yoga, with nothing riding up or stretching where it shouldn’t be as you move.
There’s a secret pocket on the inside in case you want to wear them out and about but the key selling point to these is really the design. With a wrap waistband, it’s a very flattering fit on all body shapes.
Buy now £59.00, Tala
Girlfriend Collective Float ultralight legging
This is another pair of leggings designed to make you feel as if you’re not wearing anything - and it works. The American brand’s signature leggings offer the perfect amount of stretch and are completely sheer-proof. The lightweight fabric is sweat-wicking and quick-drying but feels buttery and soft to touch. There’s also a small hidden pocket in the back big enough to fit your keys and your credit card. The biggest plus, though, is that these leggings are very sustainable, made from 90 per cent recycled plastic bottles and 10 per cent spandex. You’d never know.
Buy now £63.00, Girlfriend Collective
Damart Climatyl Dynamic leggings
These leggings are a bargain for those looking to spend a little less on their workout wardrobe.
Not only do they offer a flattering high-waisted fit, but they also offer sun protection and have a fast-drying time of less than 10 minutes. They’re a good option for those to tend to sweat in even the most relaxing of yoga classes (or those looking to practice hot yoga) given that they are made with a 92 per cent odour neutralisation. Plus, they’re partly made from recycled materials.
As for how they feel to wear, they’re not quite as comfortable as some of the softer options listed here as they’re more similar in terms of fabric to traditional workout leggings. But do the job just fine and offer full, supportive coverage in every pose.
Buy now £25.00, Damart Climatyl
Adanola Ultimate leggings
Adanola is quickly becoming a go-to among dedicated yoga fans who want quality clothing without breaking the bank. The brand’s ultimate leggings are a good choice for those looking for something reliable.
The waist is a little higher than most of the options here, which will suit some people better than others, but the fabric is up there with the softest options around. There’s also no front seam, which means there’s never a risk of having a dreaded camel toe in these leggings.
Despite the lack of seams, they offer a compressed, sculpted fit. Plus, they’re “anti-bobble” meaning you can wash them as many times as you like without fear of compromising the quality.
Buy now £39.99, Adanola
Lorna Jane Lotus ankle biter leggings
Lorna Jane might be better known for its dynamic crop tops and sports bras but its leggings are just as worthy of attention.
There are plenty of styles on offer but we prefer the brand’s classic Lotus ankle biter leggings for yoga. The material is soft but feels firm and supportive at the same time. Its design is completely squat proof, which also means it’s ideal for more athletic yoga poses.
The high rise waistband and four-way stretch material offers a comfortable but not restrictive fit. These also come in a wide-range of colours and with matching sports bras if you’re after a complete look.
Buy now £70.00, Lorna Jane
Beyond Yoga Spacedye caught in the midi high waisted leggings
If you haven’t already heard of Beyond Yoga, you’ll want to check out its offering immediately. The American label is a favourite among regular yoga practitioners thanks to its discrete but high quality clothing.
There are plenty of leggings to choose from but we love these high waisted ones thanks to their super soft fabric. There are also no seams, meaning that the leggings shape themselves to your figure and feel very easy to move in.
What’s even better, though, is that they come in a wide range of sizes, going all the way from XXS to 4X, which is fleetingly rare when it comes to workout brands. They’re expensive but these leggings, a customer favourite, will stand the test of time.
Buy now £50.00, Liberty
Verdict
It has to be Lululemon’s Align leggings. These super soft, flattering leggings deserve all the praise they get on social media and beyond. They feel great to do many types of yoga in and their quality doesn’t weaken after washes. They’re a worthwhile investment.
