Are leggings and yoga pants the same thing?

Though it may seem like leggings and yoga pants are two names for the same product, that's not quite true. Typically, leggings are made of thinner, more translucent material and are intended for wear under other articles of clothing (especially for men). Yoga pants are made of sturdier material intended to withstand the strain of exercise. Yoga pants may also be more loose-fitting, especially in the leg, whereas leggings are snug from waist to hem.

How tight should yoga pants fit?

Tightness is, to a degree, a matter of personal preference—but if you can't comfortably perform yoga in yoga pants, it's a clear sign they're too snug. You should be able to move freely without pinching or pain. On the other hand, pants that are too loose could fall down or sag. Before purchasing a pair of yoga pants, try a few broad-range movements in them, such as squats or lunges, to see how they feel.

What is the best way to clean yoga pants?

Because of their fabrics, yoga pants don't always do well in a regular wash cycle. For best results, follow label instructions for washing your yoga pants. Or, if your pants don't have instructions, start by turning them inside-out. Then hand wash them or run them through a cold water or gentle cycle in your washer. After washing, hang yoga pants to dry, rather than put them in the dryer. Too much heat could reduce their elasticity over time.

How long do yoga pants last?

The lifespan of yoga pants will vary, depending on their quality and how often you wear them. You can expect to get at least a few months of use out of even inexpensive pants, while higher-quality choices could last up to several years. It's time to get rid of yoga pants when they tear, become transparent, or don't hold their shape.

The 9 Best Yoga Pants for Men of 2023 for Comfort and Fit

The 10 Best Yoga Pants for Men of 2022 — Verywell / Chloe Jeong

Practicing yoga regularly provides a host of benefits, including lowered stress, improved sleep quality, and reduced injury risk. Wearing the proper clothing will ensure that you get the most out of your practice, whether you are a rookie or a veteran yogi.

When looking for yoga pants, make sure the material is comfortable and was designed to accommodate the full range of motion required for complex yoga poses. We researched dozens of yoga pants and evaluated them for comfort, support, materials, and price. A certified Vinyasa yoga instructor from our Review Board also reviewed the contents of this article to ensure its accuracy surrounding elasticity versus compression as well as lengths associated with different settings.

Here are the best men's yoga pants on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

KÜHL FREEFLEX Pant at Backcountry.com

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Best Comfortable:

Vuori Men's Ponto Performance Yoga Pants at Nordstrom

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Best Style:

ALO Moto Jogger Pant at Amazon

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Best Wide Leg:

prAna Men's Vaha Yoga Pant at Moosejaw.com

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Best Capri:

HDE Men's 3/4 Workout Joggers Yoga Capri Pants at Amazon

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Best Shorts:

YOGA CROW Men's Swerve Shorts at Amazon

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Best for Hot Yoga:

prAna JD Short at Amazon

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Best Jersey:

Nike Dri-FIT Men's Yoga Pants at Dick's

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Best Business Casual:

Gaiam Men's Travelers Pants at Kohls.com

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQs
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.9

Courtesy of KÜHL

View On Backcountry.com View On Kuhl.com

The KÜHL FREEFLEX Pants are comfortable and hold their shape throughout the day and won’t sag or bag over time, even after multiple washes, earning its spot as our top pick. Made with KÜHL’s signature FREEFLEX fabric, they're stretchy, lightweight, and moisture-wicking, ensuring a breathable, restriction-free yoga session. They’re also treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish.

Complete with a wide, adjustable waistband, these slim-fit pants offer the freedom of a flexible fit and taper at the ankle. They come with four pockets—two zip pockets along the hip, one in the back, and one stealth cell phone pocket. As an added bonus, the pants feature a gusseted crotch, providing more room and flexibility. Plus, they're machine washable.

The FREEFLEX Pant is available in sizes 30 through 41 with inseam options of 30 to 34 inches and comes in five colors—Metal, Desert Khaki, Indigo, Koal, and Dark Storm.

Price at time of publication: $89

Courtesy of REI

View On Nordstrom View On Vuoriclothing.com

The Ponto Performance Pant is the pair you’ll wear five days in a row. These pants are so comfy, they’ll take you from yoga class to the grocery store, and they even serve as a stellar travel outfit.

The Vuori pants are made from a light, breathable four-way stretch jersey fabric that will keep you comfy and cool throughout a workout. The moisture-wicking, buttery soft fabric withstands sweat and dries quickly. Three pockets—two in front and one back zip pocket—add flexibility for storing valuables during yoga class.

This straight-leg pant hits just below the ankle and comes in sizes 28 to 40 with a 30-inch inseam. It’s available in three colors—Black, Navy Heather, and Charcoal Heather.

Price at time of publication: $98

Courtesy of Nordstrom

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom

Be the best dressed in the studio with ALO’s Technical Moto Jogger. Yielding both fashion and function, this pant features a relaxed fit and tapered leg. Moto-inspired paneling down the knees and ribbed ankle cuffs give the traditional jogger some edge.

Ultra-soft, moisture-wicking double knit terry fabric provides breathability and all-day comfort. Additionally, three zip pockets add to the aesthetic and versatility of the pant—including two in the front and one in the back.

The ALO Technical Moto Jogger features a relaxed rise and an inseam range of 27.5 to 29.5 inches. It comes in Black or Jungle.

Price at time of publication: $88

Courtesy of Moosejaw

View On Moosejaw.com View On Prana.com

This yoga pant has it all—it’s sustainable, features a relaxed, roomy fit for full range of motion, and has a secure waistband for zero slippage. It’s also soft and stretchy enough to endure deep stretches and yoga poses.

The wide-leg fit is perfect for both studio wear and casual weekend attire, and the pant is made from a sustainable woven hemp blend that’s both breathable and durable. The prAna yoga pant comes in six colors—Atlantic, Black, Gravel, Slate Green, Russet, and Dark Ginger. It’s available in sizes 28 through 39 with inseam options of 30 to 34 inches.

Price at time of publication: $79

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon

Amp up your activewear game with the HDE capri pant. This slim, three-quarter length yoga pant hits below the knee and features a lightweight, breathable fabric that helps keep sweat from pooling on the mat.

Made with 95% cotton and 5% spandex, these breathable, sweat-wicking crops are fitted but not too tight, and they are flexible enough to move with you in any yoga pose. The adjustable waistband provides comfort and security, and there are two side pockets for increased functionality. Get them in Black or Charcoal in sizes 30 through 43 with inseams of 17 through 18 inches.

Price at time of publication: $22

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Yogacrow.com

Hate when shorts ride up and bunch around the thighs? Yoga Crow Swerve Shorts are designed to stay in place. Made with soft and flexible nylon and polyester blend, these performance shorts offer a four-way stretch that moves with the body. This means no more exposing the thighs during inversions, as these structured shorts are sure to stay put.

Complete with an odor-resistant, antimicrobial boxer brief lining, the shorts don’t dig in, and they keep everything secure during your workout. Yoga Crow Swerve Shorts come in sizes 27 through 42 and are available in six colors—Heather Grey, Light Grey, Heather Green, Madrone, Heather Navy, and Black. The inseam ranges between 7 and 8.25 inches, depending on pant size.

Best of all, Yoga Crow makes Swerve Shorts with and without pockets to fit the needs of every type of yogi.

Price at time of publication: $60

Courtesy of PrAna

View On Amazon View On Prana.com

These shorts are a sought-after staple for hot yoga enthusiasts. Designed specifically for intense yoga practice, the JD Short is a fitted stretch performance short made from a recycled polyester blend.

The classic design hits mid-thigh and features a thick elastic waistband. Articulated side seams offer visual contrast and flatter the thigh. The prAna JD Short comes in sizes 30 through 36. Size medium shorts have an inseam of 6 inches.

Price at time of publication: $50

4.9

Courtesy of Nike

View On Dick's View On Academy.com View On Nike.com

These jersey fabric yoga pants provide the optimal mix of stretch and softness. With a tapered leg, the sleek Nike yoga pants are the perfect addition to any fashion-forward athlete’s wardrobe.

A lightly brushed lining provides maximum comfort along with Nike's signature Dri-FIT technology to keep you cool and dry, no matter how sweaty you get during your workout. The roomy crotch area is ideal for yoga as it lets athletes move freely and change positions without discomfort.

One of the highlights of this pant is the wide range of color and size options. They come in sizes 29 through 57, plus tall sizes, and come in six heathered colors—Rust Factor, Deep Royal Blue, Battle Blue, Galactic Jade, Gunsmoke, and Black. The inseam ranges from 29 to 33 inches.

Price at time of publication: $68

Courtesy of Kohl's

View On Kohls.com

From the studio to the streets, these athletic slacks are the perfect transition pant. Made with a smooth, flexible fabric, the tapered pant gives a flattering, slim fit that’s ideal for commuting to yoga class or hitting the town. The super stretch, moisture-wicking material feels just like activewear.

Gaiam Travelers Pants are 100% polyester and feature a five-pocket design, along with a zip fly and button closure. Best of all, the pants are machine washable. They’re available in Ebony and Black, in sizes 28 through 46.

Price at time of publication: $45

What to Look for in Yoga Pants for Men

Material

When it comes to the perfect material for yoga pants, there are several elements to consider. Two major factors for staying comfortable and cool include breathability and moisture-wicking. Pants made of 100% cotton, for example, may feel cozy, but don’t do much to wick away sweat. A polyester-cotton blend or Lycra fabric is a better choice for staying dry.

Then, of course, there’s the question of aesthetics. If you like to stand out in a crowd, you can always opt for brightly patterned pants—or, if your style is more understated, go with classic, monochromatic pants.

Length

Different lengths of yoga pants serve different purposes. For hot yoga, you might prefer yoga shorts that fall above the knee, while long yoga pants are more suitable for outdoor yoga in cooler temperatures. Three-quarter length pants, on the other hand, are a happy medium for all sorts of activities.

Fit

The last thing you want during a calming or invigorating yoga sequence is to have to constantly adjust your clothing. Well-fitting pants are essential for getting the most out of your practice. Whenever possible, try on yoga pants before purchasing. This allows you to ensure your pants won’t ride up, bunch, or sag.

Compression

Everyone loves the smoothing look of snug-fitting yoga pants, but it's definitely possible overdo it on tightness. Too much compression can end up making you uncomfortable as you attempt to get into yoga poses (or, worse, cause chafing). Look for yoga pants that have a good balance of elasticity and compression.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are leggings and yoga pants the same thing?

Though it may seem like leggings and yoga pants are two names for the same product, that's not quite true. Typically, leggings are made of thinner, more translucent material and are intended for wear under other articles of clothing (especially for men). Yoga pants are made of sturdier material intended to withstand the strain of exercise. Yoga pants may also be more loose-fitting, especially in the leg, whereas leggings are snug from waist to hem.
How tight should yoga pants fit?

Tightness is, to a degree, a matter of personal preference—but if you can't comfortably perform yoga in yoga pants, it's a clear sign they're too snug. You should be able to move freely without pinching or pain. On the other hand, pants that are too loose could fall down or sag. Before purchasing a pair of yoga pants, try a few broad-range movements in them, such as squats or lunges, to see how they feel.
What is the best way to clean yoga pants?

Because of their fabrics, yoga pants don't always do well in a regular wash cycle. For best results, follow label instructions for washing your yoga pants. Or, if your pants don't have instructions, start by turning them inside-out. Then hand wash them or run them through a cold water or gentle cycle in your washer. After washing, hang yoga pants to dry, rather than put them in the dryer. Too much heat could reduce their elasticity over time.
How long do yoga pants last?

The lifespan of yoga pants will vary, depending on their quality and how often you wear them. You can expect to get at least a few months of use out of even inexpensive pants, while higher-quality choices could last up to several years. It's time to get rid of yoga pants when they tear, become transparent, or don't hold their shape.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As an active yoga pants wearer, Emily Stone has ample experience researching and reviewing the best yoga pants on the market. She knows that the ideal men’s yoga pant prioritizes comfort and fit and is specifically designed to offer support where men need it most.