Can you wear yoga pants without underwear?

Whether or not you wear underwear with yoga pants is a personal choice. You’ll want to be mindful of wear seams sit on your body from a comfort perspective. And make sure the fabric is opaque so that when you bend over, you can’t see through the pants.

What is the best underwear for yoga?

Enright recommends wearing sweat-wicking underwear, especially if you’re in a heated room. This can help reduce any potential bacteria buildup as well as increase comfort during and after class — especially if you’re not headed straight home. “I prefer thongs so that they don’t show panty lines, but I know a lot of people who find thongs uncomfortable and would prefer wearing nothing underneath. It’s definitely a personal preference,” says Enright.

What is the difference between yoga pants and leggings?

“Leggings are any type of stretch pants, while yoga pants provide more function for movement,” says Enright. Yes, you can wear any kind of legging for yoga, but they are often less comfortable, especially if they don’t stay in place well. Also, “if you wear leggings made out of cotton, they tend to absorb (versus wick) sweat, which can not only be uncomfortable but may become a breeding ground for bacteria,” adds Enright.

How tight should yoga pants fit?

Yoga pants should be fitted, but not so tight that they cut off circulation at your waist or ankles. “I often give my pants a ‘squat’ test to make sure I can comfortably squat and that the pants don’t restrict movement or feel like they might rip at the seam,” says Enright. Essentially, you want to be able to move freely and not have to think about your pants falling down, moving around too much, or restricting movement.

The Best Yoga Pants for Women of 2021

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

Once reserved for seasoned yogis, yoga pants are no longer exclusively used for Bikram and sun salutations. Today yoga pants are considered a fashion trend and dozens of brands offer a variety of styles for your every need—whether that's working out or lounging around the house. When picking out a pair, you want to pay attention to the fabric, fit, length, color, waistband style, and design features like pockets.

While it may seem like any pair of leggings will do, there are drastic differences in the quality, function, and longevity of the brands and styles of yoga pants. That's why first and foremost, you need to determine how and when you'll be wearing them.

Here are the best yoga pants for women on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation Tight at Gap.com

Made with moisture-wicking Powervita fabric, these tights can transition from the studio to the street with ease.

Best Budget:

BALEAF High Waist Yoga Leggings at Amazon

They offer a flattering fit and the convenience of high-end yoga pants without the price tag.

Best Cropped:

Beyond Yoga Walk and Talk High Waisted Capri at Amazon

Made with four-way stretch material, these cropped leggings move with you in any studio session.

Best Maternity:

Lorna Jane Maternity Ankle Biter Leggings at Lornajane.com

Eight-way stretch material provides support and compression during pregnancy or post-partum.

Best Sustainable:

prAna Becksa 7/8 Legging at Amazon

Designed with a recycled polyester blend, these leggings keep their shape over time.

Best Plus Size:

Girlfriend Collective High-Rise Legging at Girlfriend.com

Sheer-proof yoga pants offered in inclusive sizing provide coverage and support to any body shape.

Best for Hot Yoga:

K-DEER Legging at K-deer.com

Produced with a single layer of moisture-wicking fabric, these leggings stay cool and breathable in any class.

Best for Lounging:

Lululemon Align Pant at Lululemon

Lululemon's Nulu fabric keeps these pants light and moisture free while holding their shape over time.

Best with Pockets:

Athleta Salutation Stash II Tight at Gap.com

Smartphone-sized pockets mean these yoga pants can take you from the studio to the street seamlessly.

Best Flare Pants:

Alo Airbrush High Waist Flutter Legging at Aloyoga.com

A slit-front flare leg offers a more relaxed and flattering fit.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
Why Trust Verywell Fit?

Pros

Sculpting, wide waistband
UPF 50+ protection
Multiple sizes and lengths
Versatile style

Cons

Small pocket only
Limited colors

The Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation Tight provides support, comfort, and style thanks to the buttery-soft fabric and the butt-sculpting design. They transition perfectly from the yoga studio to the street, and thanks to the moisture-wicking fabric, you don't have to worry about discomfort.

Crafted with the brand's signature Powervita material, these leggings are designed for breathability. They also have a high-rise waistband that doesn't roll down when you move around.

Material: Nylon, elastane | Length: 25, 27, and 30 inches | Rise: High | Sizes: XXS-3XL | Pockets: Yes, on waistband

Pros

Budget-friendly
Multiple patterns available
Two lengths available
Smartphone-sized pockets

Cons

Thin fabric
Fabric may be loose at ankles

The BALEAF Women’s High-Waisted Yoga Pants are affordable, comfortable, and flattering. Featuring a high-waist design that doesn't slip down, they're perfect for both workouts or running errands around town.

They have smartphone-sized pockets to hold all of your essentials, and they're crafted with moisture-wicking, breathable fabric to keep you cool all day. The compressive design also makes them sculpting and practical.

Material: Polyester, spandex | Length: 25 and 28 inches | Rise: High | Sizes: XS-XXL | Pockets: Yes - Two on sides, one on waistband

Pros

Moisture-wicking fabric
No outside seams
Four-way stretch material
Wide waistband

Cons

No pockets
Not very compressive

For ultimate comfort and style on warmer days, grab a pair of the Beyond Yoga Spacedye Walk And Talk High Waisted Capri leggings. The incredibly soft, yet sturdy, moisture-wicking fabric with minimal seams gives them just enough structure to hold you in.

The five-inch wide waistband keeps these pants in place in downward dog and while you're out and about. Plus, four-way stretch material is designed specifically to move with you so you don’t have to worry about adjusting them mid-pose.

Material: Polyester, lycra | Length: 21 inches | Rise: High | Sizes: XXS-XXL | Pockets: No

Lorna Jane Maternity Ankle Biter Leggings

Pros

Supportive design
Soft, moisture-wicking fabric
Few seams
Eight-way stretch fabric

Cons

No pockets
Few colors

Whether you're rocking a new bump, you're far into pregnancy, or you're newly postpartum, the Lorna jane Ankle Biter Leggings provide the support and comfort you need. They’re made with the brand's eight-way stretch Bare Minimum material that provides the compression comfort you want for a growing belly.

The moisture-wicking fabric makes them perfect for workouts or just wearing around town (you know, to keep you dry with that extra pregnancy glow.)

Material: Nylon, elastane | Length: 22.8 and 25.5 inches | Rise: High | Sizes: XXS-XXL | Pockets: No

Pros

Compression fabric for structure
Smartphone-sized pockets
Made in a fair trade facility
Flatlock seam construction

Cons

Requires delicate care
Some colors may fade

PrAna is a pioneer in terms of sustainably made clothing, so it's no surprise that they offer high-quality eco-friendly yoga pants. Made with their recycled polyester blend with highly elastic compression, they won’t lose their shape with multiple wears. The double leg pocket can fit your phone, keys, and more, making these perfect for going from your mat to brunch without the need to carry a purse.

The narrow ribbed leg design paired with several color options make this ultra-comfortable legging stand out among the crowded yoga pants market for both fit and design.

Material: Recycled polyester blend | Length: Varies | Rise: High | Sizes: XS-XL | Pockets: Yes, on sides

Pros

Light, breathable fabric
Multiple colors available
Wide range of sizes
Sustainably made

Cons

Little compression

For a barely-there feel that still offers coverage and support, put on a pair of Girlfriend Collective’s Float High Rise Leggings. These lightweight, quick-drying pants are equally perfect for a workout or lounging. But unlike some other lightweight leggings, they're sheer-proof—meaning the person behind you in class won't see through them.

The Fern FLOAT seamless leggings are inclusive with sizes to fit every body type. They're also crafted with 90 percent recycled plastic bottles making them both comfortable and eco-friendly.

Material: Recycled plastic bottles, spandex | Length: 23.75 and 28.5 inches | Rise: High | Sizes: XS-6XL | Pockets: Yes, on waistband

Pros

Light, single layer design
Moisture-wicking fabric
Four-way stretch material
Multiple colors available

Cons

Requires delicate care
Long inseam with only one length

If you love bold colors and designs, slip into one of the many K-Deer leggings for your next class. They’re made with a single layer of moisture-wicking fabric, making them cool and breathable—a necessity for hot yoga. The high waist and flat front seam make them equally as flattering as they are comfortable, meaning you can count on them staying in place while you sweat.

They’re made with a four-way stretch material that moves with you without bunching or rolling down. And when you purchase any of the signature stripe leggings, 5 percent of the sale goes to one of the several charity organizations that K-Deer supports.

Material: Spandex, nylon | Length: 29 inches | Rise: High | Sizes: XS-4XL | Pockets: No

Pros

Soft fabric for comfort
Versatile style
Multiple colors and designs
Won't lose shape over time

Cons

Little compression
Can pill between legs

With fabric so soft and light it feels like you’re barely wearing pants, the Lululemon Align Pant is perfect for all-day lounging. While comfortable, they're also great for running to the store or meeting someone out for coffee.

Made with the brand's signature buttery-soft Nulu fabric, they’re light and sweat-wicking, not restrictive, and hold their shape incredibly well. So well in fact that many women wear these pants throughout their pregnancy and then the shape returns postpartum.

Material: Nylon, lycra elastane | Length: 25, 28, and 31 inches | Rise: High | Sizes: 0 to 20 | Pockets: Yes, on waistband

Pros

Good compression for sculpting
Quick-drying
Breathable material

Cons

Limited colors

The Athleta Salutation Stash II Tight provides the perfect mix of soft, lightweight fabric with sculpting features that ensure that they're both comfortable and flattering. The quick-drying breathable material makes them great for sweating, but you can also wear them around town. They also feature smartphone-sized pockets that lay flat against your skin.

Unlike many other yoga pants, they are machine washable and dryer-friendly and can be laundered with the rest of your clothes.

Material: Nylon, lycra | Length: 25, 27, and 30 inches | Rise: High | Sizes: XXS-3XL | Pockets: Yes, on sides

Pros

Sculpts and smoothes
Odor-resistant material
Great for curves
Elongating

Cons

Runs long
Narrow waistband

If the skinny leg design isn’t your thing, slip on a pair of the Alo Airbrush High Waist Flutter Leggings for a flattering and more relaxed fit. They feature a forward flare with a slit in the front, so you don’t end up with that huge bell-bottom look while still benefiting from a flared leg. The signature Airbrush fabric sculpts and smoothes while remaining extremely comfortable.

They run long, so shorter women may need to get them hemmed, but they also pair well with a platform sneaker for a fashion-forward look.

Material: Sculpting signature Airbrush | Length: 32.25 and 32.75 inches | Rise: Mid to high | Sizes: XXS-L | Pockets: No

Pros

Flat high waistband
Cooling material
Slick, low-friction support
Compressive support

Cons

Thick fabric
Limited colors

From the brand's slick, low-friction Luxtreme fabric to the sculpting, belly-flattening waistband, it’s no wonder that the Wunder Under High Rise Tight is such a fan favorite. Made to move with you, the four-way stretch fabric is designed to stay in place whether you’re on a yoga mat, riding a spin bike, or plié squatting at the barre.

The ultra-high waistband lays flat like a second skin that stays in place—offering moderate compressive support and a smooth, flattering look.

Material: Nylon, lycra elastane | Length: 25, 28, and 31 inches | Rise: High | Sizes: 0 to 20 | Pockets: Waistband

What Our Editors Say

"These leggings have a cult following for a reason—they flatter your shape, provide snug compression, and are a staple in my wardrobe regardless of whether I'm in the studio or not. Since introducing the Wunder Unders in their signature Luon fabric, Lululemon has expanded the popular style to include versions in its Luxtreme material. I personally find Luon to be better for cooler months (I find they're too warm for summer or high-temperature workouts), and I love the Luxtreme for sweatier workouts and warmer months." — Ashleigh Morley, Editorial Director, Commerce

Pros

Center-seam free
Tummy shaping and butt sculpting
Contoured power waistband
Versatile design

Cons

Runs small
Requires delicate care

For those days that you want to lounge in leggings all day but need something a little dressier, slide on a pair of Spanx Faux Leather Leggings. Equally comfortable and flattering, these pants feature the Spanx contoured Power Waistband designed to flatter and contour your body shape.

Incredibly versatile, they can be dressed up with a sweater or blazer or dressed down with a sweatshirt, for stylish pants that can go anywhere.

Material: Faux leather | Length: 34 inches | Rise: High | Sizes: XS-3XL | Pockets: No

Final Verdict

For the most versatile, comfortable, and leg-sculpting yoga pants that can easily transition from studio to street, we recommend the Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation Tights (view at Athleta). Made with the brand's signature Powervita™ material, they are soft, buttery, and move with you throughout your practice.

What to Look for When Buying Yoga Pants

Material

There are a number of things to consider when it comes to material, including wicking capabilities, breathability, opacity, and type of stretch. Breathable pants that wick sweat not only limit sweat lines (especially on lighter colored pants) but also reduce the chance of bacteria buildup.

“Four-way stretch is key. You want your yoga pants to stay in place during class and to move and stretch with you,” says Mandy Enright, MS, RDN, RYT-500, certified yoga coach and founder of The Food+Movemnt Dietitian coaching service. If you’re constantly focused on adjusting your pants you can lose out on some of the benefits of decompressing during yoga.

Fit and Rise

Most yoga pants are high rise so you don’t have to worry about adjusting them as you move through your practice. “There's nothing worse than being self-conscious about your pants shifting around during class,” says Enright. However, you’ll want to find a rise and waistband that is comfortable for you.

Amount of Compression

While you may love that sucked-in smoothed-out look, too much compression can restrict movement in a yoga class, where your body wants to be able to move freely. Also, waistbands that offer too much compression may dig into your waist and feel uncomfortable in certain poses. That said, a little compression does often help pants stay in place, so look for the right balance.

Length

“Length is definitely a personal preference,” says Enright. While you don’t want pants that are too long and getting in your way, “some people prefer capris or ankle length, while others may like something slightly longer,” adds Enright.

Bottom Style

While bottom style is up to personal preference, there are some expert recommendations to keep in mind. “I don’t recommend loose bottoms when practicing yoga. Loose bottoms can become a hazard to potentially trip or have your opposite leg get caught up in the loose fabric. Plus, I find it uncomfortable if my pants are constantly sliding around on me, especially if I’m doing inversions or raising my legs into the air,” says Enright.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wear yoga pants without underwear?

Whether or not you wear underwear with yoga pants is a personal choice. You’ll want to be mindful of wear seams sit on your body from a comfort perspective. And make sure the fabric is opaque so that when you bend over, you can’t see through the pants.
What is the best underwear for yoga?

Enright recommends wearing sweat-wicking underwear, especially if you’re in a heated room. This can help reduce any potential bacteria buildup as well as increase comfort during and after class — especially if you’re not headed straight home. “I prefer thongs so that they don’t show panty lines, but I know a lot of people who find thongs uncomfortable and would prefer wearing nothing underneath. It’s definitely a personal preference,” says Enright.
What is the difference between yoga pants and leggings?

“Leggings are any type of stretch pants, while yoga pants provide more function for movement,” says Enright. Yes, you can wear any kind of legging for yoga, but they are often less comfortable, especially if they don’t stay in place well. Also, “if you wear leggings made out of cotton, they tend to absorb (versus wick) sweat, which can not only be uncomfortable but may become a breeding ground for bacteria,” adds Enright.
How tight should yoga pants fit?

Yoga pants should be fitted, but not so tight that they cut off circulation at your waist or ankles. “I often give my pants a ‘squat’ test to make sure I can comfortably squat and that the pants don’t restrict movement or feel like they might rip at the seam,” says Enright. Essentially, you want to be able to move freely and not have to think about your pants falling down, moving around too much, or restricting movement.

Why Trust Verywell Fit?

Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RD, LDN is a registered dietitian, runner, indoor cycling instructor, and yoga enthusiast. She practically lives in yoga pants most days of the year and has an entire dresser drawer dedicated to her yoga pants. Some of her favorites include the Athleta Salutation Stash II Tight (view at Athleta), Lululemon Align High Rise Tights (view at Lululemon), and (during both of her pregnancies) the Lorna Jane Ankle Biter (view at Lorna Jane).

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