10 Best Yoga Pants for Women UK 2024

The first decision to make is whether you want skin-hugging, streamlined leggings or wafty, free-flowing pants. Both have their upsides, so it really depends on you and your yoga practice. Skin-tight leggings may be better for high-intensity yoga types such as Ashtanga, while looser-fitting pants will be super comfy for restorative classes such as a Yin yoga session.

The best bit about figure-skimming leggings is that they give you lots of freedom to be flexible and move your body unhindered. Also, they often come in special fabrics designed for strenuous physical activity. Loose yoga pants are great if you practice gentle yoga to relax or don’t fancy showing your body off to the whole class.

On the other hand, cropped or capri leggings give your legs that extra breath of fresh air; great for summer and outdoor workouts. If you prefer not to be all wrapped up with longer-length trousers, these will probably suit you best.

Low cut leggings can sometimes fall down when you get more zealous with your yoga moves, and high-waisted pants can sometimes be less comfortable around the stomach, especially as maternity wear. In hot weather, high-waisted leggings aren’t the best if you want to free your skin from layers. It’s a very personal decision but one worth thinking about when picking new yoga pants!

Black and navy blue yoga pants do a great job of hiding sweat marks, while grey pairs are usually best avoided if you don’t want visible patches during a tougher yoga session. Colourful leggings, as well as ones with bright designs and patterns can give you that extra burst of enthusiasm for your workout session.

Spandex, Lycra and elastane are all names for the same highly elastic synthetic fiber used in sportswear. They all have the potential to wick away moisture if treated, so check the label or eCommerce page when buying a pair. These fabrics are also superbly stretchy. Spandex – an anagram of ‘expands’ can reach up to five times its length when stretched; ideal for ambitious yogis.

Loose pockets give room for a few essentials, but are probably too distracting for a focused yoga session. Close-fitting pockets are great for slipping in a lip balm, key or smartphone (as much as we all try to resist taking them to yoga class!)

They also help you avoid zips and extra bulk, keeping you streamlined as you move through your yoga routine. Yoga pants with pockets generally don’t cost too much more than regular ones, so you should be able to find cheap yoga bottoms that are practical and affordable.