Real Review: 17 of the Best and Worst Yoga and Workout Pants

For a big name brand workout legging, the Leg-A-See styles are extreeeeemely well priced. But note that they are printed cotton. Why does that matter? Because cotton stretches in a different way than some of the polyesters do, which means that when the print stretches you see a lot of the fabric base color, like white. Other than the printing issue, the pants are extremely comfortable, although a little warm. In general cotton is better for cooler workouts, whether indoor or outdoor. Although cotton breathes well, the fabric tends to be little thicker and sweat-wicking capabilities are limited, which means the heat can stay with you.

The Nike Epic comes in a variety of lengths, but the signature is the high spandex content in the fabric, which allows even more room for mobility for various activities. This pant has a back zip pocket for your smart phone and keys, an internal drawstring at the waistband and reflective details for late night running. I have a love/hate relationship with the drawstring waistband, on the one hand, they are probably my most supportive durable pair of workout pants, but on the flip side sometimes that cord just adds slight unnecessary bulk. Although I would never say these are my most flattering pair of pants, they are the most reliable and the easiest to wash, and the more intense fabric makes you feel like you are actually wearing pants, no see-through slip ups here.

The Pro Cool Capris are another simple style for the fitness junkie who wants performance on a budget. No special pockets or seams here, just an easy elastic waistband and Dri-FIT fabric for sweat wicking and easy of movement. These definitely have a more cross training or gym type vibe, as they mean business and thats it. I also feel that these run a bit large and loose workout pants are definitely not cool, so size down where possible.

This is your easy, everyday basic legging, with ease of comfort and movement. I appreciate that after years of washes and wears there hasn’t been any stretching out or fading out in the black pair which I own, which is difficult in a cotton blend fabric, so durability is top notch. If you are going for a no-frills basic pant, this is your girl. My only recommendation would be to go for the high waist pair, as I find the regular waist pair to have a slightly unflattering dip in the front waistband, which makes me think I have a maternity belly. No maternity judgement here, but since I’m not, you know… pregnant, it’s not my favorite look.

Probably my favorite of all of the LuLuLemon styles, this versatile style comes in different lengths, fabrics and colors. Although the colors may vary, the flattering seam lines stay the same, meant to highlight the right curves and deemphasize the wrong ones. The back waist zip pocket and thigh pocket are practical but still remain flattering, as many iPhone and key pockets do not. These pants are multi-use for sure, as the sweat-wicking fabric works for high and low intensity workouts.

These are ‘easy like sunday morning’ pants if I’ve ever seen them. The cotton is comfortable and breathable, and the relatively simple construction makes them easy to wear to exercise or for errands and casual outings. I do like the high waist but feel that with the cotton fabric it feels a bit more like maternity leggings. No problem though since anything that sucks you in is always a hit. The cropped length runs a little more on the 7/8 length on me (I am 5’5”) which is great if you want a more transitional style. I would probably not wear these to a highly sweaty fitness activity, as I can only imagine the unsightly sweat stains on some of the lighter styles in this cotton fabric.

I’ve owned this compression tight for about 8 months, and although I only reach for them on ‘skinny’ days, damn do they make your legs look good! You can get you workout just by shimmying into them, as the seamless construction and tight fit works to keep your muscles warm and provide zero chafing. I do love the high waist of these pants, as the thick-knit construction really really works to hold you in for yoga, barre, or lunch with friends. I would not recommend these for running or cross training however, as the knot material does not provide for a lot of breathability.

I have one pair of workout leggings from Target and other than the ones I design myself, these get the most questions and compliments. The fit is great, Champion/Target is definitely getting more courageous with patterns and bold colors, and the price is right. When it comes to what you need, Tarjé has you covered. While I wish the fabric had slightly increased shine so the legs look a little thinner, I still can’t help but throw a pair in my cart everytime I’m in Target because buying affordable fitness wear has GOT to be the most guilt-free guilty pleasure out there right?

The Blossom legging is a fully constructed knit pant, which means no seams, as the knitting machine is able to shape them as it works. This allows for very cool knit details, like the signature ‘blossoms’ on the thighs. Let me address something here: in design school we learned that diagonal lines are extremely flattering on people, especially in tight fitted silhouettes. This is one of the reasons you see so many diagonal lines in the fitness industry, and especially the pros like Nike and Adidas. Therefore the diagonal lines on these pants make your leg muscles look perfectly sculpted, and I don’t know anyone at work who doesn’t look sexy as hell in these pants. The downside? The knit fabric can cause some serious camel toe, and the waistband can stretch out. I still love them, but note that repeated wear will eternally shape them, like the knees and heels in your tights/stockings that never go back to the original shape.

ohhhhh baby these are the softest leggings you will ever buy. The spacedye fabric is seriously baby soft, and the heathered bright colors are a nice alternative for those who typically steer clear of bright color and pattern. While these were the best pants I purchased at first, they definitely stretch out over time, however not losing any bit of the cozy softness. Although I only wear them when I want to wear something that feels like sweatpants to work, I would definitely buy them again because of the comfort/cute factor. I can also imagine that they would be fantastic to wear under ski and snowboard pants, as a cozy warmer layer.

The fit and price of these pants is unparalleled, and like all cotton pants, comfortable for yoga, travel and errands. However, as stated before, cotton can be a tough fabric for higher intensity activities, as the sweat-wicking capabilities are poor. I also have to say I love the waist height on these capris, as they are not too high but high enough to smooth out muffin tops. If you go this route, stick to darker colors to avoid sweat lines.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, if you are looking for a great pair of yoga and workout pants that don’t break the bank, GapFit has got you covered. Overall, these are one of my favorite pairs of yoga and workout pants available. While I don’t think the patterns or colors are groundbreaking, the fit is consistent, the fabric is soft and breathable, they are easy to wash, and I always feel the cuts are slimming and flattering. I have 3 pairs of the Sprint Tech Leggings and know that they are a consistently great purchase for the price and I look forward to wearing them. The pants have reflective features and hidden pockets for running practicality, and are great for any workout, low to high intensity, as the fabric always manages to keep you cool. My only issue is that the designs and colors are stale. Gap, you looking for a designer collaboration? I’m here!

I am so excited to have finally got my hands on a pair of these because they are currently one of my favorite pairs. Not only do I loooove the striking stripe pattern that the brand is known for, but the fabric simultaneously sucks you in and gives you room to breathe. My favorite feature? The innovative seam lines where there are no crotch or side leg seams, instead one big panel is cut and wrapped to have a seam along the center back. This actually prevents camel toe and allows the stripes to flow nicely around your leg instead of being chopped up. Instead of a center front seam there is a long skinny gusset running on the inner thighs of the legs giving mobility without ruining any lines. These run ver very long, which is great for my tall girls or those who wrap the leggings under their heels for barre or yoga like me.

I own two pairs of Stella McCartney for Adidas tights and to get to the point…. I love the designs but the fit is only ok. The simple elastic waistband is great, and the fitted ankle and hem details are always a great detail to keep the legging in place. However, although the poly stretch fabric has a nice sheen, texture and feel to it, they absolutely stretch out after a few washes. Both my pairs are a little loose now, and I had to bag the lighter color because loose light leggings are no bueno. The best part is for sure the designs, they always utilize unique mixed fabric combos with floral or textural panels, which I don’t really see any other brand doing out there. In the end, I will probably still buy another pair in the future, however I will wear them strictly for running, spin and gym activities as opposed to yoga and barre, where I think the stretching tends to wear them out a bit more.

15. Lucas Hugh Color Bolt Leggings $225

If you are looking for fun printed yoga and workout pants for your next Wanderlust festival, marathon, or just to break up the monotony of basic black and grey, then do I (!) have the designs for you! I have designed quite a few leggings by now, and the placement of the patterns and colors are quite flattering, if I do say so myself. What about the quality? Actually, for $39 you would be shocked at how good the quality is. They function really well as both yoga and workout pants. I love the feel of the fabric, as it has a slight sheen to it which glides over the leg muscles and highlights the best parts, and the double thickness high waistband pulls in for the support you need. I have over 10 pairs and people are constantly complementing me on them at Barre, at the gym, and ESPECIALLY at Whole Foods. No really, there is a checkout girl there who has complimented every pair I have. There are almost always artist specials for 10% off, and a tiny, microscopic amount of the sales from those leggings come back to yours truly to help pay for this site. So why not treat yourself, and you sister, your best friend, your coworker, you neighbor, and your inlaws to them? Sounds like a great birthday/christmass/hannukah/kwanza/st.patricks/valentines/laborday gift to me!

17. Vimmia Adagio Legging $123