Once you've picked out your class and go-to mat, your challenge is somehow to choose a pair of pants to wear for yoga.
Of course, you want them to be comfortable. But do you want bold colours or an edgy black-and-mesh combo? Are you looking for all the wicking, fancy seams, and key pockets you can get? Or are you after something more polished and brunch-worthy?
Seriously, these are some tough choices. But whether you're ready to master a headstand, take a few deep breaths in child's pose, or are just looking for something versatile, we've got you — and your legs — covered. Click through to find your next favourite pair. And check back as we continue to update this post with new faves!
The Solid Investment Ones
You know Lululemon is queen of the yoga world and these basic, second-skin leggings tick every box. They're high-waisted, the waistband doesn't dig in, they've got storage in the waistband for your card and, well, they look cool.
Wunder Under Tight Hi-Rise, Lululemon, £82
The Ones You'll Wear On The Weekend
Leggings that look as good as these Oysho ones deserve more outings than your once-a-week yoga class. They'll become your weekend staple in and out of the gym, thanks mainly to that oh-so-high waist that is going to leave you feeling hugged around the middle. Perfect for yoga or a hangover.
Oysho Fitness Tropical Abstract Leggings, ASOS, £35.99
The Eco Ones
Pama London are the new kids on the fast-growing green sportswear market. Their yoga clothes are made from recycled charcoal bamboo fabric. Bamboo is one of the most sustainable resources in the world; it’s also the fastest-growing grass in the world. Plus it’s antibacterial so that’s good after a sweaty rocket yoga class.
Pama London, Beverly Hills Leggings, £130
The Summer Ones
Are capri pants really that much cooler than long leggings? These Reebok ones are – they've got mesh panels to allow a little extra ventilation, "speedwick" technology to help dry sweat and keep you cool, and (this is the really sexy part) an "antimicrobial gusset" to "help prevent odours". Bikram yoga, anyone?
Reebok, Cardio Capri, £34.95
The Non-Slip Ones
During the summer weather especially, maintaining that downward dog on a sweaty yoga mat can be a tough ask. These H&M leggings come with a slip-on, slip-off non-slip foot piece (shall we say "slip" one more time?) to help you hold that pose.
H&M, Yoga Tights, £19.99
The Non-Leggings Leggings
If you're not ready to go full yoga (and hey, being comfortable should be your number-one priority when it comes to choosing workout gear), these adidas by Stella McCartney sweatpants make a good alternative. They've got a reassuringly thick waistband and are super-lightweight, making them ideal for yoga.
adidas by Stella McCartney, Yoga Lightweight Sweat Pants, £54.95
The "I Haven't Got Time For Laundry" Leggings
One thing recent converts to regular exercise will discover is the un-flipping-believable amount of laundry you've got to do now. Luckily, yoga can be a low-sweat sport so if you've got class two days in a row, no one's going to know you're recycling your leggings with these Sweaty Betty reversible numbers. Maybe don't stretch them to three classes, though.
Sweaty Betty Urdhva Reversible Yoga Leggings, £85
The Old Faithful Leggings
Everyone's got that favourite pair of leggings. Usually, it's because they fit well, have a high enough waist that you're not constantly pulling them up (SO ANNOYING), they won't feel too stretched across the bum (thus adequately concealing your rubbish pants), and have a little pocket for things like gym cards, keys or cash. These basic-but-functional leggings are those faithful friends.
Nike Power Legendary Mid-Rise Training Tights, £50
The Fun Ones
If you're bored of functional black workout clothes, yoga pants are pretty much the only area of fitness wear that's currently willing to go totally "out there" when it comes to fun patterns, colours and cuts. These Noli leggings are a good example but check out the other brands on Yoga Rebel, too, to find more fun designs.
Noli Sky Bird Legging, Yoga Rebel, £64.95
The On-A-Budget Leggings
These UniQlo yoga pants are, at £14.90, a total steal. Plus you can almost certainly wear them outside the studio, too. Perfect if you're not sure yoga is the sport for you but want to give it a try anyway.
UniQlo Airism Cropped Pants, £14.90
The Tough-But-Pretty Leggings
Don't let the flowers on these leggings from The Upside fool you. The material is snug, robust and feels very, very good next to your skin. Because they're silky, they're dead easy to put on and take off, too, meaning you don't have to do that undignified hopping-around-on-one-foot-while-your-other-foot's-still-stuck dance in the changing rooms afterwards.
The Upside Power Cropped Stretch Jersey Leggings, Net-A-Porter, £75
The Easy-To-Move Ones
These organic cotton leggings from Domyos are so soft and flexible they even work for pregnant women thanks to the turn-down waistband, which can snugly hold your belly if needed and stops the need for elastic, which could cause discomfort.
Domyos Yoga Organic Cotton Leggings, Decathlon, £8.99
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