7 Stylish Yoga Pants That Outshine Your Old Victoria’s Secret Favorites | 2025 Selections

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When it comes to yoga wear, flared pants might not be the first choice for everyone. However, Francine Delgado-Lugo, a certified personal trainer and cofounder of FORM Fitness Brooklyn, highlights the functional benefits they offer. She notes, “If you’re someone who lacks a little bit of mobility or needs help in class, you can grip the flare of the pants to assist with positioning.” This functional aspect adds value beyond just aesthetics.

Sizes: XXS to XXL | Material: Recycled polyamide, elastane | Inseam: 29, 31, and 33 inches

Best for Walking: Old Navy High-Waisted StudioSmooth Straight Legging

Old Navy

High-Waisted StudioSmooth Straight Legging

Pros

• Features a hidden pocket
• Budget-friendly, often on sale
• Available in tall and petite sizes

Cons

• Some reviewers indicate they may run small

A SELF tester has found these budget-friendly leggings surprisingly comparable to more expensive brands, exclaiming, “They feel like a Lululemon dupe! They’re high quality but priced for Old Navy.” She appreciates the smooth fabric and the level of support it provides, commenting on its comfort during her daily three-mile walks as well as for relaxing at home. “I love the versatility!” she declares, making them a great intermediate option if you’re hesitant about flared styles.

Sizes: XS to 4X | Material: Nylon, elastane | Inseam: 28, 30, and 33 inches

Best for Tall Folks: OFFLINE By Aerie Real Me High Waisted Crossover Flare Legging

Aerie

Real Me High Waisted Crossover Flare Legging

Pros

• Stylish crossover waistband
• Frequently discounted
• Diverse color options

Cons

• Some users report that the waistband tends to slide down

For taller individuals, these leggings are a game changer. One tester, at 6 feet tall, praised their length, expressing excitement over how they drape perfectly across her shoes. The ultra-soft fabric has made them a favorite for both casual wear and lounging. However, she warns that they may not be ideal for high-impact activities, as the waistband could roll down during movement.

Sizes: | Material: Nylon, elastane | Inseam: 30, 32, and 34 inches

Best for Short Folks: Athleta Elation Ultra High Rise Flare Pant

Athleta

Elation Ultra High Rise Flare Pants

Pros

• Ease of movement
• Available in both petite and tall sizes

Cons

One SELF editor, standing at 5’1”, was initially hesitant about trying flared leggings, fearing they would be too long. However, she was pleasantly surprised by the fit and comfort of Athleta’s petite sizes, noting that they looked flattering and felt great even after a full day of fitness demonstrations.

Sizes: XXS to 3X | Material: Nylon, elastane | Inseam: 29.5, 31.5, and 34.5 inches

Best for Travel: Topyogas Casual Bootleg Yoga Pants

Topyogas

Casual Bootleg Yoga Pants

Pros

• Comfortable waistband
• Highly stretchy
• Affordably priced

Cons

For lengthy train and bus journeys, these pants are a frequent go-to choice. Their seamless crossover band adapts well when seated, and the material does not cling or create discomfort during travel.

Sizes: XXS to XXL | Material: Nylon, elastane | Inseam: 29.5 to 32.5, depending on size

Best for Workouts: SPANX Booty Boost Yoga Pant

Spanx

Booty Boost Yoga Pant

Pros

• Maintains compression throughout the day
• Stays put during intense workouts
• Available in petite and tall sizes

Cons

• Higher price point
• Some reviewers report they may run small

For those seeking performance yoga pants, these SPANX leggings come highly recommended, and they received accolades in the 2023 SELF Activewear Awards. Their form-fitting style is designed to support demanding workouts, while a tester praised the legging version for its comfort and durability during high-intensity activities.

Sizes: XS to 3X | Material: Nylon, elastane | Inseam: 30, 32, and 35 inches

What to Consider Before Buying Yoga Pants

While any of the mentioned yoga pants would be a great addition to your wardrobe, certain factors should guide your decision-making process:

Most yoga pants are crafted from synthetic materials, typically a blend of nylon or polyester with elastane. While these materials are often criticized for being less environmentally friendly, they excel in sweat-wicking properties, effectively drawing moisture away from the skin. The stretchability associated with these fabrics is an added bonus.

While shopping, pay attention to the materials, as they don’t always convey the texture you can expect. For example, some leggings are designed with a shiny, athletic finish, while others feel soft and brushed against the skin. Factors like yarn type and weaving technique play significant roles in the overall feel, as noted by Preeti Arya, an assistant professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Yoga pants with enhanced compression are generally suited for high-impact exercises, providing the necessary support and fit. In contrast, those with less compression yield greater flexibility, making them more appropriate for activities like yoga or Pilates, as stated by Candace Harding, a physical therapist and registered yoga instructor.

Most brands tend to offer alpha sizing (small, medium, large, etc.), which may suffice for many due to the stretch of the fabrics. However, numeric sizing can be beneficial for those seeking a more tailored fit, especially when accommodating the hips and thighs.

In addition, several brands provide multiple inseam lengths. Know your measurements to find a suitable length and to avoid pants that are excessively long or awkwardly short.

Different rises also affect fit; pants can sit at various points on your waist, such as right on the hips or at the belly button. High-waisted styles tend to provide more coverage and security, making them ideal for those concerned about potential slippage during movement.

How We Tested Yoga Pants

Over the years, we’ve tested numerous yoga pants and leggings, including those recognized in our SELF Activewear Awards. To ensure we included the most recent and effective styles, we conducted thorough testing on a variety of pairs about a month ago. Testers wore the pants for diverse activities, including home lounging, dog outings, errands, travel, and sports like volleyball. Only those pairs we felt confident recommending to friends made it to our list.

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www.self.com