The best yoga leggings for 2024, as recommended by the WH editors
A pair of yoga leggings or yoga pants (including plus size options) that won't bunch around your ankles or give you a camel toe in downward dog can be as hard to find as inner calm on a Monday morning. (We've been there, tried the mid-meeting meditation, can't necessarily recommend it.) But fear not, we've taken on the challenge to find the best yoga leggings or yoga pants for women.
They're the core piece of kit that underpins yoga and Pilates sessions, Netflix watching and strolling around the park to get some fresh air – so it's best to pick ones that really do the job and stay up while you're at it.
So, whether you're indulging in a stress-busting candlelit yoga sesh or sweating through a morning power-hour flow, here are the best of this season's styles for every type of practice. Scroll on for our in-depth reviews, plus we've answered some FAQs on yoga leggings further down.
Best yoga leggings to buy now
How we test yoga leggings
To find the best yoga leggings and yoga pants, our team of editors, writers and willing yogi testers tried out each and every pair of yoga leggings in this guide — including several that didn't make the cut.
Many of our recommendations come from years of use and familiarity with the products, while others we tested specifically for this piece over several months. In every case, each tester reported back on how they found the design and fit, as well as whether they performed well on the mat.
We also kept a close on eye on durability and longevity — many of the yoga leggings on this list have been editor favourites for years, and thus washed more times than we can count, so we've only recommended those that have held their shape and elasticity and haven't bobbled. We also carried out official wash tests in the WH lab to check that they will stay fresh after a spin in the washing machine.
12 best yoga leggings for 2024
lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 25"
Consider this your go ahead to buy those lululemons you’ve been lusting after because these leggings aced our testing with one of our panel describing them as the comfiest pair they’d ever worn — and our editors thoroughly agree.
Though the fit varied between our testers, everyone raved about the seamless design and luxuriously soft fabric. There’s a small slip pocket in the front of the waistband that will hold a card and a small phone at a push, but if you want more storage the brand to make a pair with pockets too.
If you’re after a pair for hot yoga, just make sure to pick a darker colour so they’re sweat-patch proof. Overall though, they’re star sun saluters.
FP Movement Never Better Leggings
Two of our editors rated these leggings their favourite item from Free People’s activewear collection, and that’s thanks in no small part to how insanely comfortable they are. With a high, panelled waistband they’re super sculpting without feeling too compressive, and once they’re on you almost forget you’re wearing them — dreamy.
The fit (described as 7/8 length) is slightly cropped, which suited us well but may look a tad short if you’re on the taller side, and there’s a small pocket on the inside of the waistband that fits a credit card — but bear in mind that’s about it.
We’re pleased to report the leggings are fully squat proof, even in lighter colours, and manage to maintain that gorgeous downy softness without being bulky — these are very lightweight. For total flexibility and freedom of movement, these are an absolute winner.
Adanola Ultimate Wrap Over Leggings
Adanola has reworked its classic gym leggings with a flattering wrap-over waist, which helps provide extra support around the tummy. The seamless panel at the front also means you can wave goodbye to the dreaded legging camel toe.
These leggings look and feel good, with multiple testers praising the super stretchy, soft feel of the fabric. Although they kept our panel cool, they don’t claim to be sweat-wicking, so save for low-impact activities such as Pilates, yoga and running to the shop, but do note that some testers found the material a little thin at full stretch — just make sure nobody’s behind you when you drop into yogi squat. Ideal for upper body blasts and post-yoga brunching.
Gymshark Elevate Leggings
Yes, it’s happened: our favourite go-to (and reasonably priced) strength training brand has forayed into yoga-specific gear, and we are here for it. These luxe-feeling leggings from Gymshark offer incredible moisture-wicking (as you’d expect from the brand) to help keep you cool while you bring the heat — or laze around in supine twist; you do you, baby.
Made from a soft recycled nylon blend, these leggings are super stretchy, with a flattering high waist that helps you feel held in but importantly not restricted, whether you’re breathing through downward dog or making your way through a monstrous post-class brunch. It’s all about balance, people.
But the absolute best part? There’s no front seam around the crotch, which means no dreaded camel toe. In. Love.
Alo Yoga High-Waist Airbrush Legging
Celebs can’t get enough of this LA-based yoga brand, and these leggings are a particular favourite for nailing the chic off-duty lewk — but thankfully they also perform brilliantly too.
Made from the brand’s Airbrush material — a cottony feel nylon elastane blend — these leggings smooth and sculpt in all the right places, while the medium compression feels like you’re wearing a supportive hug and helps you feel confident and comfortable on the mat.
The stretch is impressive too, plus the leggings are fully squat-proof and the waistband is reassuringly wide so there’s no digging in. The material is on the thicker side so may not suit high-sweat work, and we found the regular length were very long — check the size guide and stick to the 7/8 length if you’re under 5’7”.
M&S Goodmove Go Balance Wrap Waist Yoga Leggings
If you’re not familiar with M&S’s activewear line Goodmove, get to know. They produce some seriously impressive performance pieces for very reasonable prices, and these yoga leggings (which might just be a very convincing alternative for a much more expensive brand…) are among our favourite items.
Why, you ask? Well, for starters: the leggings are super flexible and very comfortable, they’re totally squat-proof and the material has that soft-yet-smooth brushed quality that is usually reserved for more premium leggings. Other brilliant features include a reinforced ankle hem (so they don’t go slack over time — a pet peeve of ours), the flattering wrap waist, lightweight construction (despite complete opacity they’re not bulky) and an antibacterial finish to keep stink at bay. We’d say that’s pretty good for £25.
While they’re described as high-waisted, we found they were more on the mid-rise side, particularly at the point where the crossover waist dips, but this is a minor niggle. After years of use and multiple washes they’ve retained their shape and still look and perform well. Genuinely an incredible bargain and we can’t believe they haven’t raised the price yet.
Also available in a green pattern design, a cropped style and even a comfy maternity pair.
Sweaty Betty Super Soft Yoga Leggings
If you largely just wear yoga leggings to stroke your thighs and marvel at the softness, this is the pair for you. In case the name (and that bizarre statement) didn’t suggest, these are crazy soft — but of course, the good people at Sweaty Betty have ensured that doesn’t come at the cost of functionality and performance.
Supportive and sculpting, Sweaty Betty’s signature yoga leggings are reassuringly thick without restricting movement, and while they are a little more busy in the seam department than other leggings on this list, this all adds to the body contouring effect — plus there’s a handy side pocket that fits your phone.
While these are sweat-wicking, do bear in mind that they are on the thicker side — we personally prefer not to use them for hot yoga or dynamic work. Also available in full length.
Nike Zenvy Gentle-Support High-Waisted Leggings
Honestly, it takes a lot for a pair of yoga leggings to edge our favourites from a certain Canadian brand out of our rotation — but these Nike numbers are absolutely gorgeous, and have done just that. As well as feeling lovely to wear — they’re smooth, with no restrictions and gentle compression on the waist for a held in (but not Heimliched) feeling — they perform brilliantly too.
There’s simply no level of contortion you could force yourself into that these couldn’t handle — they are stretchy, people — plus they’re squat-proof and genuinely a joy to move in. We loved that there’s no seam on the ankle hem, so there’s no digging in or rolling.
And even better; the wide, double-lined waistband has a roomy pocket to the rear interior, so you can carry your phone without the shape of it on your thigh interrupting your smooth silhouette.
BAM Grace Bamboo Yoga Pants
Sold on BAM’s yoga leggings? Why not get yourself a pair of the brand's bamboo yoga pants while you’re at it? That way, you’ll be covered no matter the day, your desire for space or added support and the type of yoga you have in mind.
Despite their relaxed demeanour, these yoga pants will be hard at work keeping things dry and breezy (thanks to that naturally sweat-wicking bamboo), and once their job on the mat is done, they’ll allow you to transition from salutations to the sofa with ease. Wear for soft sequences, where gentle fabric and a loose fit will enhance the overall experience.
Prefer a wide leg? We also adore the brand’s Tulip Leg Yoga Pants. Being loose they will of course ride up during inversions, but they also flow right back down and are both silky soft and gorgeous to wear.
lululemon Groove Nulu Super-High-Rise Flared Pant
lululemon's much-loved classic has returned, and it’s just the addition our yoga (and brunch, barre, barely-doing-anything-on-the-sofa) wardrobe needs. Apart from giving us killer retro vibes, these flared pants are as yoga-friendly as their slimmer counterparts, thanks to the sweat-wicking, extra soft Nulu fabric lululemon has so kindly blessed us with.
With a phone-friendly pocket in the super-high rise waistband, you’ll be all set to take on both your studio yoga session and post-flow breakfast run. Don for slower, peaceful practices like hatha yoga where you can channel your inner hippie in spirit and style.
Also available in a cropped length.
Vuori AllTheFeels Legging
Trendy SoCal brand Vuori has some of the most comfortable waistbands around, and that’s thanks to their multi-panelled construction. Where most brands use two panels (one front and one back), for their AllTheFeels leggings the brand have used four — one across the front, one across the back, and one each on each hip. Not only does this prevent a flattened look (and incidentally aid breathwork as you can really expand in every direction), it’s far more comfortable, plus super flattering as you’re sculpted around your hips.
But that’s not all — hidden inside one waistband hip section is a pocket, ideal for stashing a phone or cards. Add to this genius the fact that the leggings are crazy soft and comfortable, with a barely-there feel and despite their thin construction and squat-proof too. We are in love.
BAM Mallea Yoga Bodysuit
We breathed a sigh of relief when onesies entered the activewear scene. Doing away with any effort when it comes to dressing (hallelujah) they also look super cute, thanks to criss-cross back patterns, and mean you never have to worry about loose fabric distracting you as you hang out in downward dog.
Made from a thick, opaque material, the Mallea bodysuit from bamboo clothing specialists BAM is squat-proof, super comfortable and very easy to move in. Natural moisture-wicking ensures you’re kept cool and the open, latticed back looks even better IRL, as well as offering some extra ventilation.
Stretchy and easy to get in and out of (not always the case with onesies), it’s hard to find fault with this — our only niggle was that on our short-torsoed tester the back gaped a little.
What to consider when buying yoga leggings
Material
The most important factor in yoga leggings is that they have great stretch without being restrictive, so opt for flexible fabrics like nylon, polyester and elastane. Moisture-wicking should also be a consideration, particularly if you’re a dynamic flow kinda gal, as well as breathability and the general feel of the material — the best yoga leggings tend to use soft fabrics that feel smooth against the skin, rather than more technical feeling fabrics you might find on gym leggings.
Waistband
Most yoga leggings have high waistbands which offer extra support and pair well with longline bras so you don’t have to wear a top if you find the extra fabric a distraction. But if you don’t love that held-infeeling, opt for mid-rise or wrap waists (which also happen to look super flattering), or you might prefer yoga pants with a less structured waist.
Style
It goes without saying that your yoga leggings should look great and help you feel confident on the mat — and all the styles we’ve recommended we feel do just that. If you prefer the look of loose yoga pants over leggings, just make sure you’ve considered whether you’ll find a flared leg riding up in three-legged dog annoying or not.
Compression
Yoga leggings don’t tend to offer as much compression as gym leggings, but you may prefer a gentle compression to help you feel supported and enhance muscle recovery.
Seams
Ideally your yoga leggings will have flat seams to reduce chafing, or possibly be completely seamless for a sleek, undisturbed flow (and to make camel toe a problem of the past). Some yoga leggings use seams to enhance sculpting features — Sweaty Betty is a good example of this — so really it comes down to personal preference.
Fit and length
You want a snug but comfortable fit that allows for free movement. If your waistband feels like it’s cutting you in half, size up or try a different style. Length-wise we tend to go for a 7/8 fit to ensure there’s no loose fabric to roll up around the ankles, but taller women may want to choose a regular or long leg. Many brands offer a range of lengths, so check the individual size guides to determine the best fit for you.
Are yoga pants and leggings the same thing?
Answer: pretty much.
Yoga pants can be a thicker, looser fit than yoga leggings, which are usually tighter, stretchier and more high-waisted, but in our experience the terms are interchangeable.
Best practice would most likely be to find a pair of technical yoga leggings or yoga pants that are designed to wick sweat, breathe, stretch and flow with you, without billowing fabric getting in the way while you're at it.
That said, while harem pants might not be the best for some people's yoga practice, if they're what gets you down to your yoga mat, and you like the extra room, we're not here to stop you.
How do I keep my leggings from falling down?
Look for a high and wide waistband that lies flat on your torso, as well as making sure they have an adjustable drawstring to keep the leggings up.
As with most clothing, yoga leggings will stretch incrementally over time. It's far better to get the size that fits well now rather than one that's too big solely for comfort.
Phew – so with that out the way, you'll find the best yoga pants and yoga leggings to buy now below. Whether you’re flowing with dynamic yoga, recharging with yin or sweating it out with vinyasa, there’s a pair here for you.
What are the best yoga leggings?
Women’s Health UK found the lululemon Align High-Rise Pant the best yoga leggings overall. Comfortable, flexible and allowing for total free movement, they tick all the boxes while offering a minimal, no-fuss design — so they pair easily with the rest of your workout wardrobe. Not to mention they’re luxuriously soft, squat-proof and a total joy to wear.
For a more budget option we recommend M&S’ Goodmove Go Balance Wrap Waist Yoga Leggings. Packed with features you expect from more premium brands — we’re talking soft, stretchy construction, reinforced seams and complete opacity — they’re incredible value and last a long time too.
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