Wide Range of Sizes
Athleta Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket Tight
Wide Range of Sizes
Athleta Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket Tight
Now 66% Off
Pros
- Three inseam lengths
- Large, lie-flat side pockets
- Super soft fabric
Cons
- Waistband tends to roll
Key Specs
- Sizes: XXS–3XL in regular, tall, and petite
- Material: Nylon and Lycra
- Number of Pockets: 2
Made with a soft-brushed nylon blend, these high-rise tights provide light-to-mid compression and are comfortable enough to wear all day. The three-layer, mesh-lined waistband wicks sweat during a high-output practice without pinching. What’s more, the Salutation comes in a wide range of sizes with your choice of inseam: 25, 27, or 30 inches. These tights do tend to roll more than some of the options on this list, and the softer fabric can feel thinner than others in Athleta’s line. However, many people appreciate a lighter feel at the expense of some fabric density.
Most Affordable
90 Degree By Reflex 90 Degree By Reflex Power Flex Yoga Pants
Most Affordable
90 Degree By Reflex 90 Degree By Reflex Power Flex Yoga Pants
Pros
- Retains its shape
- Affordable
- Light compression
Cons
- Not as soft as brushed leggings
Key Specs
- Sizes: XS–XL
- Material: 76% polyester and 24% spandex
- Number of Pockets: 2
The Power Flex is one of the most reliable, durable, well-made tights for the price. It has the same high-waist styling, wicking materials, and deep side pockets of pricier leggings. The waistband is a generous 4.5 inches, and at 25 inches, the inseam provides partial coverage for most people. The Power Flex also comes in a variety of fun colors and performs equally well on the mat and around town as everyday wear.
Best for Running and Yoga
Brooks Brooks Method 7/8 Tight
Best for Running and Yoga
Brooks Brooks Method 7/8 Tight
Pros
- Stays in place without rolling
- Convenient side pockets
- Perforated panels for breathability
Cons
- Not as soft as others
Key Specs
- Sizes: XS–2XL
- Material: 72% polyester and 28% spandex
- Number of Pockets: 4
Like other running tights, the Brooks Method has a higher percentage of spandex than many yoga pants, which lends more support during higher impact activities and classes. Accordingly, this pair doesn’t roll or sag. The smooth finish resists pilling and abrasions for good long-term durability. The Method is also highly breathable and wicks moisture incredibly well. Credit to the technical fabrics and the perforated panels along the sides that allow for more air flow. And these tights feature four pockets: deep pockets on each side, and two along the waistband.
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Most Durable
Janji Janji Groundwork Tight
Most Durable
Janji Janji Groundwork Tight
Now 71% Off
Pros
- Thicker, supportive material that keeps its shape
- Drawcord waist for no sagging
- Highly durable
Cons
- Some people might prefer less compression
Key Specs
- Sizes: XS–XL
- Material: 68% nylon and 32% spandex
- Number of Pockets: 3
These tough athletic tights fit like a glove and will withstand full days outside on a trail and active yoga classes, all without sagging or bunching. They sit high on the waist and are made with a greater percentage of spandex than many yoga-specific pants for more robust compression. The tights have a back pocket, deep side pockets, and an internal drawcord so they stay put no matter what. We love the diagonal cuff on the 7/8-length, which helps them lie flat against your ankles and can fit a wider range of inseams. Janji’s thick Groundwork fabric is breathable, durable, retains its shape during heavy use, and is incredibly odor resistant (I wore them for 200 miles without a single wash).
Softest Material
Alo Yoga Alo 7/8 High-Waist Airbrush Legging
Softest Material
Alo Yoga Alo 7/8 High-Waist Airbrush Legging
Pros
- Soft material with cotton-like feel
- Fewer seams for maximum comfort
Cons
- Can sag at the knees during wear
- Top tends to roll
Key Specs
- Sizes: XXS–XL
- Material: Nylon and spandex
- Number of Pockets: 0
This is the slightly cropped version of Alo’s popular full-length Airbrush Legging. What’s the advantage of the 7/8 length? Less potential for ankle bunching, especially for shorter folks. The blend of technical fabrics has a brushed finish for a soft, cotton-like feel. Minimal flat-lock seams—only at the waist, crotch, and ankle, not the pant sides—create a smoother silhouette and reduce twisting and chafing. Despite the high waistband, these tights have a tendency to roll down and are slightly harder to keep in place than others on this list.
Best Capri-Length Yoga Pants
Lululemon Lululemon Align High-Rise Crop 21-Inch
Best Capri-Length Yoga Pants
Lululemon Lululemon Align High-Rise Crop 21-Inch
Pros
- Ultra-soft fabric
- Good shape retention
Cons
- Not best for outdoor exercise
- Lighter colors might not be totally opaque
Key Specs
- Sizes: 0–20
- Material: 81% nylon and 19% Lycra
- Number of Pockets: 1
These capri-length yoga pants were designed specifically for low-impact, indoor workouts. Made with Lululemon’s proprietary fabric, the Align is buttery soft against your skin and won’t bind or hinder movement. Although the Lycra adds an element of sturdiness, these are really made for low-impact activity and won’t hold up to hardcore outdoor adventures. Jury’s out on whether the lighter colors are opaque enough—it depends on the fit, your skin tone, and what you’re wearing underneath. They also have a tendency to pill more than others on this list.
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Best for Sweaty Classes
Prana Prana Layna 7/8 Legging
Best for Sweaty Classes
Prana Prana Layna 7/8 Legging
Pros
- Sustainable, recycled materials
- Four-way stretch
- Very light compression
Cons
- Has a tendency to sag
Key Specs
- Sizes: XS–XL
- Material: 76% recycled nylon and 24% Lycra
- Number of Pockets: 1
These lightweight tights were built with high-output classes in mind. The Layna is made with a recycled nylon blend that’s super soft and moisture-wicking. It has a high-waisted design with lighter compression than others on this list, which makes them comfortable for all-day wear, but they do have a tendency to sag.
Best Lightweight Yoga Pants
Outdoor Voices Outdoor Voices Move Free 7/8 Legging
Best Lightweight Yoga Pants
Outdoor Voices Outdoor Voices Move Free 7/8 Legging
Pros
- Soft and lightweight
- Non-restrictive waistband
Cons
- Not as supportive as some options
- Lighter colors show sweat lines
Key Specs
- Sizes: XS–2XL
- Material: 72% nylon, 17% Lycra, and 11% polyester
- Number of Pockets: 1
On a hot summer day or for a barely there feel, reach for the Move Free from Outdoor Voices. The lightweight leggings are soft and have one of the least-constricting waistbands on this list. Given the construction, they aren’t the most versatile. But you’ll love them on the mat, and they are equipped for high-intensity yoga classes. Just be aware that the lighter colorways have a tendency to show sweat marks.
Best Plus-Size Yoga Pants
Uoohal Uoohal Active Leggings
Best Plus-Size Yoga Pants
Uoohal Uoohal Active Leggings
Now 35% Off
Pros
- Affordable
- Made for large bodies
- Built to prevent bunching and chafing
Cons
- Material might feel thin at stretch points
Key Specs
- Sizes: XL–4X
- Material: 87% nylon and 13% spandex
- Number of Pockets: 1
The plus-size specific Active leggings are built for movement. The high-rise design, multiple seams, and a gently compressive knit pattern creates the support you need during all the poses and stretches a yoga class will throw at you. Flatlock seams prevent chafing, and the midsection that won’t ride up or bunch. For the most part, these are thick and opaque enough, but some people have noticed that the material feels thin at the spots where the tights are most stretched.
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Eco-Friendly Leggings
Allbirds Allbirds Natural Leggings
Eco-Friendly Leggings
Allbirds Allbirds Natural Leggings
Pros
- Soft, wicking material combination
- Sustainable sourcing and manufacturing
Cons
- Fabric can snag
- Expensive
Key Specs
- Sizes: XS–3XL
- Material: 43% Tencel, 30% recycled nylon, 18% Merino wool, and 9% elastane
- Number of Pockets: 1
The AllBirds Natural Leggings are carbon-neutral, thanks to the recycled and natural fiber content and the company’s purchase of carbon offsets. Tencel provides a next-to-skin softness and wicks moisture, which makes these leggings comfortable and quick-drying. They have light compression, and the high, wide waistband offers a solid fit and support without feeling constricting. These tights are best worn inside, given that the fabric is less durable and might snag or pill under heavy wear and tear.
Maggie Slepian is a full-time freelance writer in the outdoor industry and has tested gear professionally for almost ten years—she is an avid backpacker, trail runner, bikepacker, and horseback rider and has thru-hiked thousands of miles on the Appalachian, Colorado, and Ouachita trails, along with backcountry travel on terrain including coastal trails, the desert, and high alpine peaks. Maggie has written for New York Magazine, Huffington Post, REI, and Outside. She is a columnist with Backpacker Magazine and is the co-founder of BackpackingRoutes.com. Contact her at MaggieSlepian.com.
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