Yoga Pants vs Leggings (2021): Top Picks from Lululemon, Nike, IUGA and More

Clothes play a big part in how comfortable and confident we feel. This is especially true when it comes to activities like yoga. The yoga pants or leggings you’re wearing have a huge impact on the way you stretch and hold poses. Over the years, brands like Lululemon and IUGA have been developing high-quality yoga wear for all kinds of yogis. Budget options are also available from the likes of Heathyoga and Dragon Fit.

In this review, we look at the difference between yoga pants and leggings. We also share the top yoga pants and yoga leggings worth adding to your workout gear.

Yoga Pants vs Leggings Comparison Chart

Key Difference

Not all yoga pants are leggings and not all leggings are yoga pants.

For most people, the difference between yoga pants and leggings seems nonexistent. After all, they look the same, so is it just a matter of semantics? Yoga pants are actually a general term that refers to bottoms for fitness activities — in this case, yoga. However, people can also wear them for other workouts, including Pilates, hot yoga, and even CrossFit. Leggings, on the other hand, describe the style of bottoms you’re wearing. These are close-fitting garments that stretch from the waist to the ankles.

Leggings serve different purposes. Although they are typically worn as casual wear — like tights or leg warmers — some are designed for fitness activities, too. Casual leggings are often made from breathable fabric and are thinner than most workout variants, including yoga leggings. Yoga pants, on the other hand, are thicker and more elastic. While some yoga pants are skintight (yoga leggings), other pants feature flared, straight, or bootcut styles.

Yoga pants and yoga leggings are made from blends of cotton, spandex, nylon, and polyester. They are opaque, too, so you won’t look naked wearing them. In contrast, non-athletic leggings use wool, cotton, or even faux leather. Since they are thinner, they’re also more transparent and typically worn under layers of other garments.

Aside from the right pants, you want the right mat. Check out our yoga mat comparisons.

Best Selling Yoga Pants and Leggings

The Lululemon Align Pants and IUGA High-Waist Yoga Pants are a favorite for a good reason.

Yogis often associate yoga with the experience of freedom in the mind, body, and spirit. However, it’s hard to be free when you’re overly conscious about your pants breaking at the seams as you stretch. Lululemon’s full-length Align yoga pants are designed to give yogis the confidence the move about. The high-waisted Align pants are made from soft Nulu fabric for comfort and breathability. Meanwhile, the addition of Lycra allows for stretch and improved shape retention.

With its high-rise design and interlocking construction, the Lululemon best-seller also offers zoned compression for support. The use of Nulu, on the other hand, means the pants feel weightless. Lululemon’s Align is available in several sizes, lengths, and colors. For a highly-rated product, however, you’ll be shelling out premium bucks.

For one-third of the Align’s price, you can get a similar combination of style, comfort, and performance from the IUGA high-waist yoga pants. This best-selling pair enjoys thousands of five-star reviews from yogis and fitness enthusiasts vouching for its quality. IUGA’s pants, after all, are designed by yogis for yogis. The leggings are made from a blend of four-way stretch fabric and feature four large pockets for stashing keys, cash, and more.

The IUGA High Waist Pants with Pockets are available in 7 size options. They come in a variety of colors and a reassuring 30-day money-back warranty.

Best Budget Yoga Pants and Leggings

Yogis on a budget will like the Heathyoga Bootcut Workout Pants and the Colorfulkoala Women’s High Waisted Yoga leggings.

If you’re already over budget after spending on yoga mats, consider these affordable pants instead. The Heathyoga Bootcut Workout pants, for instance, are a stylish option that doesn’t break the bank. The streamlined bottom is made from 80% polyester and 20% spandex, making for a sweat-wicking and stretchy product. According to Heathyoga, the pants also feature an innovative design at the cuffs that lend it a svelte silhouette. Yogis who want to highlight their figure will definitely appreciate this form.

Because of its bootcut style, the Heathyoga pants are ideal for both work and workouts. You even get two side pockets that can easily accommodate today’s large smartphones. The pants are available in 6 standard sizes, although Heathyoga shares, you can DIY-cut the pants themselves for a better fit.

The Colorfulkoala Women’s High Waisted Yoga leggings are another budget-friendly option. Unlike Heathyoga, Colorfulkoala’s pants are made of 75% polyester and 25% spandex. This makes for a high-stretch and smooth fabric that can accommodate a range of yoga poses. Its brushed finish, combined with a seamless waistband, evokes the fluidity of yoga asanas. There are side pockets, too, for keeping essentials within easy reach.

Best Fashionable Yoga Pants and Leggings

The sleek Nike Yoga Luxe Women’s Infinalon and the bold prints of the Dragon Fit High Waist Yoga Pants should appeal to the fashion-conscious.

When it comes to design, it’s either you like it subtle and minimalist or loud and proud. If you’re more of the former, you’ll probably take an interest in the Nike Yoga Luxe Women’s Infinalon. These tight-hugging yoga leggings sport a non-sheer design guaranteed to pass the squat test. It also comes with a sculpting waistband embellished with a discreet Nike logo, as well as metallic trims on the sides.

From afar, the simplicity of the Nike yoga leggings appears to be its greatest value. But it’s the buttery-soft Infinalon fabric — delivering gentle compressions along with breathability — that makes it a worthy investment.

Yogis who want something more vibrant will likely lean towards the Dragon Fit High Waist Yoga Leggings. Although these yoga pants are available in plain colors, its the printed designs that are a best-seller. From the luxe-looking Marble to the urban Graffiti, there’s a Dragon Fit workout leggings for you.

Similar to other yoga pants, the Dragon Fit uses interlocking fabric construction that blends polyamide with spandex. The stretchy fabric is great for yoga and a range of exercises but will look great even for lounging or casual wear. The leggings’ high waistband double as tummy control, too, emphasizing your body’s form while also supporting it.

Verdict

The Lululemon Align and Dragon Fit leggings are the best yoga pants to get.

Yoga pants, including yoga leggings, can often make or break how you train and practice. It’s essential you get one that’s comfortable, stretchy, and supportive. Among the yoga wear reviewed above, however, the Lululemon Align Pants and the Dragon Fit High Waist Yoga Leggings stand out the most.

Lululemon’s Align is a bit more expensive than the others on the list, but for a good reason. The brand’s yoga pants make use of an innovative Nulu fabric for a buttery-soft and weightless feel. The pants are also flattering to the figure, thanks to a supportive waistband that smooths the hips and tummy even during the most intense workouts.

The Dragon Fit High Waist Yoga Leggings, on the other hand, are a standout with their varied print designs. Aside from the styles, however, these yoga pants are a great buy for their affordability and quality. Like Lululemon’s best-seller, the Dragon Fit leggings deliver a sculpted fit that doesn’t compromise comfort. Plus, it’s a versatile garment that’s also perfect for running, dancing, and fitness routines.

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