Sweat Tested: The Best Leggings For Yoga (And Hot Yoga)

You’ve finally done it. You’ve found the perfect pair of workout leggings with seams that don’t chafe: the holy grail of versatile athleisure aesthetics. Just as you turn to see how the snug fit complements your bum, your worst nightmare flashes across the paneled mirrors—your favorite pair of black workout leggings have deceived you in the form of see-through material! If this struggle sounds all too familiar, I’m here to help. Searching for the perfect pair of workout leggings can often feel like a daunting task due to the number of options available. With various brands claiming to offer the best product, it can be hard to decipher which pair of pants will actually deliver during a legitimate sweat sesh like a 60-minute vinyasa flow.

Best Leggings for Yoga

Stress no more, my friends! I’ve taken the time to personally test five different pairs of popular workout leggings to determine which options are the best fit for your yoga practice. To help you save time and your hard-earned money, I put these workout leggings to the ultimate yogi challenge by attending one hot, one power, and two vinyasa yoga classes with each pair. Following each class, I logged my insights on factors including breathability, comfort, the integrity of the waistband, athleisure applications, and the integrity of the material. Read on for my honest opinions regarding which pants you should consider adding to your yoga practice and which workout leggings are best left on the shelf.

Pros

Stranded in a town far from home without your favorite LBL (Little Black Leggings) and desperate for an easy yoga flow? This pair will get the job done in a pinch, without leaving a worrisome dent in your wallet.

Cons

While I may pick them up in the above scenario, they would live in my dresser drawers thereafter. Ultimately, the C9 legging doesn’t offer the stretch, tailoring, or technicality that many women (including myself) search for in the quest for the perfect pair of yoga leggings. The thin black material is prone to pilling and the extra seam of piping down the leg makes the legging a bit itchy and uncomfortable for everyday wear. By the end of a full flow, the legging’s shape and fit were noticeably looser on my body. Bottom line? This one is a pass. Reminds me of: A traditional cotton legging—not necessarily a yoga-friendly pair

Pros

These yoga leggings feature a waistband pocket that’s useful for non-clunky items like cards, cash, or a loose key. Walking into my local yoga studio, I was pleased to find that the side pockets easily accommodated my iPhone 6s during the quick commute. Once class began, it was clear that the Salutation Tight was made of a perfectly breathable material: The light, thin fabric ensured sweat wasn’t lingering in any curves or crevices during class, and I didn’t notice any visible sweat spots despite the heat. The fit is very comfortable: no chafing or compression along the seams of these yoga pants (I didn’t even have lines or indentations after taking them off!). Athleta’s mesh is softer and far more flexible than what you’ll find in many other pairs. Throughout my yoga flow, the high-rise waistband resisted rolling and folding. It lays flat and didn’t show through my lululemon Cool Racerback. All this plus minimal clinging, a hardly noticeable cameltoe, and no feeling of being held in (which means no compression—ladies, these will not hide cellulite) equates to maximum comfort. I’m happy to say the Salutation Tight is commando-friendly. All my queens rejoice!

Cons

As I mentioned, if you’re looking for cellulite-concealing compression, this won’t be your go-to pair of yoga pants. Also note that after class, the sweat I’d worked up left a noticeably moist feeling, and I needed to change into my breezy romper before heading out to my favorite coffee shop. These yoga leggings feature great breathability, but given the mild clamminess typical of a matte-finished workout legging after a sweaty class, they aren’t ideal for a quick transition from the studio to your next activity. Reminds me of: The lululemon Align Pant

Pros

The lululemon Align Pant is similar to the Athleta Meshblock Pocket Salutation Tight in terms of moisture wicking and breathability. There is no feeling of thickness or super tight compression to these pants, and the shape holds well when worn as suggested. The waistband on these workout leggings is easily my favorite out of the various pairs I tested. It sits just above the belly button, slightly higher than the Athleta Meshblock Pocket Salutation Tight and lays completely flat with no rolling or adjusting needed.  

Cons

Although these pants were airy and comfortable during hot yoga, the moisture was noticeable once the flow stopped. While the sweat spots weren’t visible, I would still recommend removing these pants shortly after a heated class since they are not entirely moisture-wicking. If you’re looking for a workout legging that can help disguise cellulite, the lack of compression in these pants may not be a feature you’re looking for. Reminds me of: Dancing around in nothing but my underwear (or the Athleta Meshblock Pocket Salutation Tight)

Pros

These workout leggings had comfortable seams and didn’t chafe during my hot and vinyasa practices—or core circuits! The waistband hit at the belly button and stayed in place, only requiring one adjustment during my 60-minute yoga flow. These pants have decent compression, but no excessive squeezing that would limit breathing, moving, or eating.

Cons

Unfortunately, these workout leggings were not comfortable for hot yoga as I began feeling clammy and restricted as class continued. These pants also did not dry quickly after class. Overall, I would only recommend them for room temp flows. The fabric was slightly see-through, which made me feel a bit self-conscious during my practice. Unfortunately, this nagging distraction is the last thing you want during a centering movement meditation. In my opinion, these workout leggings were not worth the price tag. Reminds me of: A traditional cotton legging

Pros

I got to to do some hip-opening, root chakra–grounding binds while sporting these leggings and was pleasantly surprised by their flexibility. No chafing and no cutting in, even as I was breathing through my flying lizard lunge! The Live In High Waist is true to its description, sitting just above the belly button. The leggings stayed in place throughout my yoga flow—no adjustments necessary. The crotch is also comfortable with or without underwear, which is great for poses like bird of paradise and happy baby. I would gladly wear these out and about, which means these yoga leggings stay true to their name.

Cons

Some will love the thickness and compression of the Live In Legging, but for those who break a serious sweat, a quick change after class (or a more moisture-wicking pair of leggings, like the Nike Pro HyperCool Training Tight) will be welcome since the material can feel a bit clammy. If you already love the ZELLA Live In Legging but are looking for something for hot yoga, opt for ZELLA’s Lightweight High Waist Midi Leggings or their High Waist Mesh Crop. These yoga pants are prone to clinging and are likely to pill if not handled carefully. Also, if you’re petite and bothered by scrunching at the ankle or want yoga pants with a pocket that can hold more than a card, cash, or a loose key, opt for the Athleta Up For Anything ⅞ Tight. Reminds me of: A long, warm hug