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12 best yoga leggings and pants, tried and tested by a panel of yogis
Savasana in style with our expert-approved picks
Tested by Kim HawleySenior Health & Fitness Tester
The benefits of yoga are well documented, so it's no surprise that demand for the best yoga pants has surged.
“From boosting your mood and improving your quality of sleep to easing stress and relieving anxiety, yoga does wonders for your holistic health,” explains Liz Joy Oakley, head of wellness at MoreYoga. “It’s also great for building mental and physical resilience, supporting the cardiovascular system, building strength and much more.
“Yoga isn’t about the shapes you can make or how flexible you are; it’s about reconnecting with yourself, doing something good for your body and giving yourself a break from a busy pace of life.”
Best yoga leggings and pants 2026
But with so many styles to choose from, how do you know which yoga leggings are actually worth splashing out on? To give you a helping hand, our Good Housekeeping Institute experts rolled out their mats and got to work trialling a range of designs from top brands. Here are their top buys in a handy list, but keep scrolling for the full reviews.
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How we test yoga leggings
Our health and fitness pros, all of whom know their downward dog from their child’s pose, tried out a range of leggings from leading brands over the period of a few weeks to see how they performed.
They wore them for a variety of low-impact workouts, including yoga, barre and Pilates, before reporting back in detail on design, how good the fit was (did the roll down or stay put throughout?), comfort (how soft the fabric is, whether they provided the right level of support) and, most importantly, performance.
Back at the Good Housekeeping Institute, our expert carried out wash tests to check for any shrinkage or colour fading. We also analysed the quality of the design and fabric.
Once testing was complete, feedback was collated and overall scores were awarded.
Lululemon Align No Line High Rise Pant
Lululemon Align No Line High Rise Pant
Score: 94/100
Lululemon has made an already-loved style even better by creating the Align legging with no vertical front seam. Along with the classic high waist, our panel loved the ‘flattering fit’, which eliminated any ‘camel toe’ concerns and resulted in a smoother look and feel.
The yoga pants performed well, too, allowing for a good range of movement as our testers flowed through various yoga poses. Made with the brand’s weightless Nulu fabric (and available in 11 colourways), they provide a snug, smooth fit. “They were very comfortable, flexible and breathable during exercise and lounging,” said one panellist, who also appreciated the buttery-soft fabric.
They didn’t lose their shape either, even after multiple washes. At nearly £100, they’re an investment, but worth it for the fit and quality design.
We also tested the Lululemon Align HR Pant 25” , which also wicked away sweat quickly and was a pleasure to wear. They scored 92/100 in our tests.
Key specifications
| Sizes | 4 -16 |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Nylon, Lycra |
| Style | High-waisted |
Vuori Clean Elevation Legging
Vuori Clean Elevation Legging
Score: 93/100
These luxe leggings aren't cheap, but when it comes to quality, they’re tough to beat. Our testers found them super comfortable and couldn't get enough of the flattering high-waisted fit and blissfully soft material. One particularly enthusiastic panellist declared that she could “live in them all day and all year.”
But trendy SoCal brand Vuori doesn’t sacrifice practicality for comfort. These stayed in place during even the most energetic flows and allowed our testers to move freely. They did an excellent job of wicking away moisture as well, making them suitable for hot yoga sessions.
They’re also a dream if you like to live in activewear – our editors will be pairing them with oversized jumpers and trainers for the foreseeable future.
Key specifications
| Sizes | XXS – XXL |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Recycled polyester, elastane |
| Style | High waisted |
Vuori Halo Foldover Pant
Score: 87/100
Another Vuori pair and they are on the pricier side, but these buttery soft yoga pants are comfortable enough for all-day wear and stretchy enough for practising your sun salutations.
Made with the brand’s DreamKnit™ material, our panel of testers found them squat-proof and sweat-wicking, with one describing them as “extremely flattering”.
Another panellist did notice some bobbling – so it’s worth handling them gently in the wash – but the overall quality was rated highly. The foldover waist proved extremely comfortable, with our panel saying it doesn’t feel restrictive, while the fabric is “silky soft and lightweight on the skin”. With their flared style, these pants are smart enough for the office and still work for a fast-paced hot yoga class. Win, win.
Key specifications
| Sizes | XXS-XXL |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Recycled polyester, elastane |
| Style | Full length, foldover waist |
BAM Breathable Cotton Gauze Wide Leg Yoga Pants
Score: 86/100
If you prefer wide-legged trousers (with pockets!), these super soft yoga pants from BAM should be on your radar. Made from organic cotton, our panel loved the relaxed fit for classes and ‘lazy days’ at home.
With an elasticated waistband and drawstring tie, our panellists were impressed with how secure they were, without feeling restrictive. “They were comfortable, yet also stretchy – which was ideal for me as I’m postpartum,” said one tester. The wide-leg style also offered plenty of room to move.
If you’re petite, make sure to size down, as they were slightly too long for some of our smaller testers. Available in three colours, including Mariner Navy, they’re smart enough to see you through from yoga to post-class drinks.
Key specifications
| Sizes | XS - XL |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Organic cotton |
| Style | Wide leg |
Gymshark Vital Seamless Leggings
Gymshark Vital Seamless Leggings
Score: 86/100
Although they’re not specifically designed for yoga, Gymshark’s popular Vital Seamless leggings are the dream for hot, sweaty flows. They’re made from high-tech, moisture-wicking fabric, with breathable mesh dots designed to keep sweat at bay. Sure enough, our testers confirmed they didn’t feel sticky or uncomfortable in these leggings, even during their most challenging workouts. “I never sweated through them, and they made feel confident,” said one panellist.
They’re on the compressive side, but we found they didn’t dig in or restrict movement. Plus, they didn’t need pulling up every five minutes (hurrah!). We recommend sizing up to ensure comfort.
Key specifications
| Sizes | XS-XXL |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Nylon, elastane |
| Style | High waisted |
Sweaty Betty Power UltraSculpt High Waisted Gym 7/8 Leggings
Sweaty Betty Power UltraSculpt High Waisted Gym 7/8 Leggings
Score: 86/100
Sweaty Betty’s leggings were praised for their flattering design – even testers who had previously avoided wearing yoga leggings said they felt happy wearing them to the shops or running errands.
They’re comfortable enough to wear all day and offer just the right amount of stretch for sun salutations, although the fabric is fairly thick, making them better suited to slower, more restorative classes.
The waistband also became tight after extended wear for some, while others said they fell down slightly. Despite these niggles, these leggings scored highly with both petite and plus size testers for low-impact exercise. Plus, they come with two pockets for ultimate convenience.
Key specifications
| Sizes | XXS - XXL |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Polyamide, elastane |
| Style | High-waisted 7/8s |
Adanola Ultimate Wrap Over Leggings
Adanola Ultimate Wrap Over Leggings
Score: 85/100
While performance is key, we’re also after a pair of leggings that look the business. Fortunately, Adanola understood the assignment. Our panel praised the wrap waist design, which was flattering on all body shapes, and everyone appreciated the seam-free panel at the front to prevent the dreaded ‘camel toe’ effect.
Although they’re not designed to wick away sweat, they did an impressive job of keeping everyone cool and comfy in dynamic yoga classes. The waistband wasn’t restrictive, and they were wonderfully soft and comfy to wear, both during yoga and for relaxing on the sofa. We found they came up a touch small, so size up for a comfortable fit.
Key specifications
| Sizes | XXS - XXXL |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Recycled polyamide, elastane |
| Style | High rise, wrap-over waist |
H&M Flared sports leggings with SoftMove™
H&M Flared sports leggings with SoftMove™
Score: 83/100
On the hunt for a pair of yoga flares that doesn’t cost a small fortune? Look no further. This H&M design– which comes in 10 different colourways and costs less than £30 – was a big hit with panellists, who scored them highly for style, comfort and performance.
Testers couldn’t get enough of the “super soft” and “stretchy, lightweight” fabric, saying the flares were a pleasure to wear for hours on end. They weren’t restrictive and everyone loved the high waistband, which didn’t roll down or need constant readjusting.
Whether you’re into fiery Vinyasa flows, reformer Pilates or barres, they’ll do the job. Thanks to the simple yet stylish design, you could easily wear them outside class, too. Just note, they may be a little too long for petite yogis.
Key specifications
| Sizes | XS – XXL |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Polyester, elastane |
| Style | High-waisted flares |
BAM Tulip Yoga Pants
BAM Tulip Yoga Pants
Score: 82/100
A comfy pair of yoga pants from the experts at BAM, these are the dream for yin yoga, meditation and lazy days at home. The cotton fabric is incredibly soft, the elasticated waistband is comfortable on the stomach, and the casual wide-leg style means you could happily wear them from the yoga studio to the school run.
They washed well, remaining soft and supple after several goes in the washing machine, and they didn’t take long to dry, either. “I found these flattering, comfortable and versatile,” commented one tester, while another said: “I’ve been wearing them non-stop since I got them.”
Just note, due to the thick jogger-like fabric, these pants wouldn’t be suitable for dynamic yoga or more vigorous workouts.
Key specifications
| Sizes | 8 – 16 |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Organic cotton |
| Style | Wide leg |
CRZ YOGA Women's Naked Feeling Gym Leggings
CRZ YOGA Women's Naked Feeling Gym Leggings
Score: 79/100
One for lovers of bright colours and bold patterns, CRZ certainly knows how to combine style and performance. These leggings are brimming with impressive features, including “luxurious” velvety soft fabric, excellent moisture wicking capabilities and a hidden pocket in the waistband. Additionally, they strike the perfect balance between comfortable and compressive.
The shorter testers among our panel found them too long, but they’re an ideal length for those with long limbs. Coming in at under £30, they’re more proof that you don’t have to spend over the odds for an effective pair of yoga leggings.
Key specifications
| Size | 6-16 |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Polyamide, Spandex |
| Style | High waisted |
Score: 78/100
Like the sound of the H&M flares above but prefer regular leggings? Consider these, which are made from the same high-performance materials but offer a more streamlined fit from ankles to waist.
Our testers felt they had a real "luxury" feel thanks to the extra-soft fabric. They scored highly for comfort and one tester even likened them to their pricier Lululemon leggings, so you can happily wear them from workouts to weekend strolls and everything in between. You’ll be glad to know that they still come at high-street prices though, punching well above their modest price tag.
Key specifications
| Sizes | XS-XXL |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 81% polyamide and 18% elastane |
| Style | High-waisted |
Alo Yoga 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging
Alo Yoga 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging
Score: 76/100
Even if you can’t touch your toes, or your downward dog is a little wonky, if you’re wearing Alo Yoga leggings, you can fake it till you make it. Rosie Huntington-Whitley, Halle Berry and Kendall and Kylie Jenner have all been photographed in its stylish sets, so rest assured they’ll look just as good on the street as they do in the studio. “I totally get the hype around them,” said one tester.
Many panel members commented on how versatile they were, thanks to their squat-proof and sweatproof capabilities. They all also praised the comfort and compression, which one told us wasn’t too tight but still made them feel supported, and “snatched”.
Key specifications
| Sizes | XXS-XL |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 82% polyester and 18% elastane |
| Style | High waisted |
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
We’ve been testing products at the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 100 years, so we know what to look for in a truly great buy. This includes analysing the latest beauty launches in our lab, conducting blind taste tests in the GH Kitchen and running on treadmills in our state-of-the-art gym. Where relevant, we also send products to our panel of consumers to try at home.
Our senior sleep & wellness tester, Kim Hawley, led our yoga legging reviews. She's worked in the health and fitness industry for over 30 years and has a level 4 personal training qualification, so knows exactly what to look for in the best gym kit. She developed the strict protocols we measured each pair of leggings against, collating and reviewing all the feedback once testing was complete.
Our sleep and wellness editor, Priyankaa Joshi, is an avid gym-goer and yogi. She tested many of the leggings that feature in this round-up, trialling each pair during multiple workouts to check if they live up to their claims. She's currently completing her level 2 personal training qualification and in her three years at the Good Housekeeping Institute, she's tested everything from sports bras and waterproof jackets to walking boots and wetsuits.
How to choose yoga leggings
According to Oakley, there are a few things to consider when it comes to choosing the perfect yoga leggings.
Comfort: First up, choosing a pair of leggings that fits you well and feels comfortable is key, so you can give the class your full attention. “I like my leggings to feel like a second skin, rather than cutting into me and making me feel self-conscious or uncomfortable,” says Oakley.
Fit: Yoga leggings are generally less compressive than standard gym leggings. While some people prefer compressive fabric to help them feel supported and cinched in, it’s a good idea to opt for yoga leggings that are flexible and won’t restrict your movement too much.
Quality: Oakley says it’s also important to prioritise quality – after all, you want to invest in a pair that will be with you for the long run. Our Good Housekeeping Institute experts have put every pair of leggings below through rigorous lab testing and sent them out for real-world testing, so you can be sure they won’t fall apart or change colour after a few wears.
Material: If you plan to wear your leggings for hot yoga or energetic vinyasa flows, it’s worth choosing a breathable, sweat-wicking pair. These will be made from materials such as nylon or polyester, which will also be more durable and flexible. They will stop you from feeling damp, sticky and uncomfortable as you pick up the pace during your yoga class.
Are yoga pants and leggings the same thing?
They’re similar, but not exactly the same. Yoga pants often have a slightly looser fit through the legs or a flared shape, allowing for enhanced airflow and ease of movement.
In contrast, yoga leggings are designed with a second-skin fit from the ankles to the waist, offering more support and stability during workouts. While both styles are suitable for exercise, yoga leggings are better for fast-paced, dynamic sessions, while yoga pants are ideal for less intense classes.
How do I keep my leggings from falling down?
Choose higher-waisted leggings with quality elastic around the waist, as these are more likely to stay in place as you move. Make sure you’re wearing the right size, too – leggings that are too big can roll down or slip mid-downward dog.
You could also opt for leggings with a drawstring or built-in compression for extra support. Rest assured, all the styles we’ve tested stayed firmly in place through a range of movements, so you shouldn’t have to worry about constant readjustments.
The verdict on yoga leggings
Our winning yoga leggings, the Lululemon Align No Line High-Rise Pant, excelled when it came to performance and comfort. The buttery soft pants are perfect for yoga poses or just when you want something cosy for a lazy day.
If you want a pair of comfortable, flattering yoga pants which will stay put during energetic flows, or you simply want to live in your activewear, as our editor does, the Vuori Clean Elevation Legging came in at a close second.
Prefer a flared design? Opt for the H&M Flared Sports Leggings, which are affordable and use super soft fabric. We also love the CRZ Yoga Leggings, which are under £30 if you're on a budget.
Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Sarah is our wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. She can be regularly found on a yoga mat or training for a run, so she knows what to look for when it comes to the best yoga leggings, hydration vests or running trainers. From fitness trackers to the best supplements, she also has extensive experience writing about the latest products and writing detailed honest reviews.
Prior to joining the GHI, Sarah was a freelance journalist for 10 years, specialising in health, fitness and travel for national newspapers and magazine. During her time at Women’s Health, she interviewed celebrities about their fitness routines, for the Telegraph she investigated the health risks of Lime Bikes and visited Thailand to look at the trend of longevity travel - while for the London Standard she wrote about topics including AI powered PTs and smart ice baths.
When she isn’t testing out the latest smart watches, lifting weights at the gym, or hopping on a flight, Sarah can be found running around South London or devouring the latest trending TV show.
Kim Hawley is the Senior Health & Fitness Tester at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she leads the independent testing of health, fitness, wellness and sleep products using evidence-led protocols and her extensive industry expertise.
With more than 30 years' experience in the health and fitness industry, Kim has worked as a lead personal trainer, fitness instructor and health writer, teaching at some of London's leading health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Kim has a particular interest in women's health, especially pre-, peri- and post-menopause, and combines hands-on industry experience with rigorous product evaluation. From fitness trackers and smartwatches to home gym equipment, recovery devices, wellness tech, supplements and sleep solutions, she oversees comprehensive testing to help consumers make confident, informed purchasing decisions they can trust.
