Yoga pants do more than provide comfort; they can influence how we move, breathe, and feel during our yoga practice. They can also affect the environment and even our long-term health. With so many options on the market, understanding what makes a pair of yoga pants perfect is about more than style or stretch. It’s about choosing fabrics that align with your body’s needs and your values, and of course, they need to look good.
Fabric Matters: Natural vs. Synthetic
Natural Fabrics
If sustainability, breathability, and comfort are your priorities, natural fibers are the ideal choice. Materials like cotton, bamboo, hemp, and wool are biodegradable and have a smaller environmental impact than synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon.
Natural fabrics also offer benefits like:
- Excellent breathability
- Odor resistance
- A softer, more natural feel
- Greater eco-friendliness
In my own practice, I avoid synthetic fabrics when possible. That said, I do keep a few pairs of synthetic leggings for intense workouts when I know I’ll be sweating more.
Synthetic Fabrics
Synthetic materials like nylon and polyester are designed for durability, flexibility, and moisture-wicking, qualities that are particularly useful during high-intensity or sweat-heavy workouts. However, these fabrics come with environmental and health concerns. To reduce their impact, keep the following tips in mind:
- Choose recycled synthetic fabrics whenever possible.
- Change out of synthetic clothing soon after workouts to minimize skin exposure.
- Avoid garments with nanoparticle treatments (such as antimicrobial or UV protection), which may pose risks to health and ecosystems.¹
- Install a microplastic filter in your washing machine or use a Cora Ball to prevent microfibers from entering waterways during laundry.
Fit: Don’t Sacrifice Breath for Snatched Looks
The right yoga pants fit is about more than how it makes you look; it can affect your ability to breathe and move freely. Especially in yoga, where breath is central to the practice, your clothing should support and not restrict your natural breath and movement.
While some people prefer form-fitting leggings and others go for looser styles, one detail is essential: make sure your yoga pants aren’t too tight around the belly. You need space for your abdomen to expand comfortably with each breath, especially during mindful movement and breathwork.
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Best Yoga Pants
Free People Hot Shot Crossover Co-Ord
Available sizes: xs- xl
Colours: 22
Materials: 95% Cotton, 5% Elastane
Technically not yoga pants, but it’s a yoga pants set that comes with a tee. I have this set myself, and I love it. It is perfect for yoga but also for traveling and running errands, as the pants are so light and the top is structured and double-layered in the front, so you don’t need a sports bra underneath. Comes in 22 different colours.
Aerie Oh Snap! Barrel Sweatpant
Available sizes: xxs- xxl
Colours: 6
Materials: 86% Cotton, 14% Recycled Polyester
If you prefer baggier pants with a bit more thickness, these barrel yoga pants are amazing. They feature a beautiful rib detail on the side, making them unique and great for cozy winter practice.
prAna Mindful Movement Harem Pant
Available sizes: xs- xl
Colours: 2
Materials: 67% Organic Cotton, 30% TENCEL™ Lyocell, 3% Elastane
Great option for a more relaxed and breathable fit.
Buddha Pants Miami Solid Jogger Harem Pant
Available sizes: xs- xl
Colours: 7
Materials: 100% Cotton
Unisex and great for traveling, as these yoga pants pack into their pocket.
OFFLINE By Aerie OTT Fleece Super Wide Leg Foldover Pant
Available sizes: xxs- xxl (with short and long variations)
Colours: 4
Materials: 68% Modal, 27% Cotton, 5% Elastane
Very versatile and soft trousers that are perfect for yoga as well as lounging. They are also customizable as you can adjust the length by rolling the elastic waist band or simply cutting off some lenght if they are too long for you.
Best Sustanable Yoga Leggings
If you prefer to practise yoga in leggings rather than yoga pants, we’ve got you. Yes, most leggings are made from polyester, but there are a few natural fabrics or recycled synthetic options. If you worry about your hormonal health, I would recommend choosing leggings from natural fabrics, or at least wearing organic cotton underwear when exercising.
Pangaia Womens 99% Bio-Based Compressive Leggings
Available sizes: xxs- xxl
Colours: 3
Materials: 95% EVO® Nylon by Fulgar (100% biobased content), 5% regen™ BIO Max elastane by Hyosung (bio-based + bio-mass balanced 98%)
Pangaia is a leader in sustainable loungewear and sports wear, and their leggings are definitely worth the investment. They offer a stretchy and lightweight feel, an ultra-close fit, and a breathable, fast-drying finish.
Manduka Dhara Legging
Available sizes: xs- xl
Colours: 4
Materials: 88% Recycled Polyester, 12% Elastane
very comfortable and versatile leggings with a soft feel and four-way stretch made from recycled polyester.
437 The V Legging
Available sizes: xs- xl
Colours: 5
Materials: 82% Recycled Polyester, 18% Spandex
Free of PFAs
Icebreaker Women’s Merino Blend 260 ZoneKnit™ Seamless 25″ Tights
Available sizes: xs- xl
Colours: 2
Materials: 38% merino wool, 38% TENCEL™ Lyocell, 18% nylon, 6% elastane
Quince Power-Up High-Rise Training Legging
Available sizes: xs- xl
Colours: 5
Materials: 77% recycled nylon, 23% spandex
Pact On the Go-To Legging
Available sizes: xs- 2xl
Colours: 6
Materials: 90% Organic Cotton, 10% Elastane
Mate Organic Stretch Midi Legging with Pockets
Available sizes: xs- xl
Colours: 2
Materials: 92% Organic Cotton, 8% Spandex
Organic Basics Active Leggings
Available sizes: xxs- xxxl
Colours: 4
Materials: 60% Recycled Nylon, 40% Elastane
Tentree Fernie Brushed Legging
Available sizes: xs- xl
Colours: 1
Materials: 79% Recycled Polyester, 21% Elastane
Wolven Threads Onyx Crossover Pocket Legging
Available sizes: xs- xl
Colours: 1
Materials: 84% rPET (recycled polyester), 16% spandex
prAna Luxara™ Rib 7/8 Legging
Available sizes: xxs- xxl
Colours: 4
Materials: 64% Recycled Nylon, 36% Elastane
Girlfriend Collective Laguna Luxe Legging
Available sizes: xs- 4xl
Colours: 3
Materials: 77% Rpet (recycled polyester), 23% spandex
Mate Organic Stretch Full Length Legging
Available sizes: xs- xl
Colours: 2
Materials: 92% Organic Cotton, 8% Spandex
Best Yoga Straight Leg and Flare Pants
Adanola Flared Yoga Pant
Available sizes: xxs- xxxl
Colours: 3
Materials: 70% Recycled Polyamide, 30% Elastane
FP movement Go To Smooth Straight Leg Pants
Available sizes: xs/s- xl
Colours: 4
Materials: 72% Modal, 21% Polyamide, 7% Elastane
Mate Organic Stretch Bootcut Pant
Available sizes: xs-xl
Colours: 2
Materials: 92% Organic Cotton, 8% Spandex
Organic Basics Active Flare Leggings
Available sizes: xxs-xxxl
Colours: 4
Materials: 60% Recycled Nylon, 40% Elastane
Pact On the Go-To Bootcut Legging
Available sizes: xs-2xl
Colours: 6
Materials: 90% Organic Cotton, 10% Elastane
Wolven Threads Ruby Flare
Available sizes: xs Petite-xxl Regular
Colours: 12
Materials: 84% rPET (recycled polyester), 16% spandex
prAna Heavana™ Bootcut Pant
Available sizes: xxs-xxl
Colours: 2
Materials: 87% Recycled Polyester, 13% Elastane
Yoga Democracy Anywhere Flare
Available sizes: xs-xxxl
Colours: many unique prints
Materials: 78% recycled polyester (from PET bottles), 22% LYCRA® XTRALIFE
For those who love loud prints and colours. Materials are made of recycled plastic bottles and fishing nets. Yoga Democracy use a no-water dyeing process that cuts down on waste. They also take every scrap of material and turn it into something of use and beauty.
How We Selected The Best Yoga Pants
Materials: we only listed yoga pants and leggings made from sustainable materials, including recycled synthetic fabrics, modal, organic cotton, merino wool, and other innovative sustainable fabrics.
Fit and feel: We have chosen the best mnodesl that makes your yoga flow effortless and makes you feel comfortable.
Brand Reputation: We have not listed any fast fashion brands, but focused on reputable brands that like to innovate and are transparent.
Price and Quality ratio: We have included options for all budgets and chose the best value for money yoga pants.
FAQ about Yoga Pants
Which yoga pants are best for hot yoga sessions?
As you will be sweating more in a hot yoga session, I would recommend choosing fast-drying, moisture-wicking fabric yoga pants, including recycled polyester, merino wool. I would recommend leggings, straight or flare pants, instead of very loose fits that might become sticky and uncomfortable while sweating. I would also suggest colourways that do not show sweat as much, for example, black.
What is the difference between yoga pants and leggings?
There are two main differences between yoga pants and leggings: fit and materials.
1. Fit.
Yoga pants are looser and come in different shapes, including harem, barrel, straight, and wide leg, while leggings are more figure-fitting. You can find both leggings and pants that have flared legs, and they both mean the same thing, really.
2. Materials
Because yoga pants are more loose-fitting, they can be made from more sustainable materials. Of course, it is not always the case, but in this list we tried to list ones with more sustainable, natural materials. Yoga leggings are figure-hugging and, most of the time, are made from synthetic materials for moisture-wicking properties. In this list, we have only listed leggings that consist of a majority of recycled synthetic materials, and also some options for natural moisture-wicking materials like merino wool.
This is a list of the best yoga pants that are sustainable and comfortable, and will last you a lifetime. Have we missed any sustainable yoga pants brands? Comment below your favorites.
You might also like:
The Best Yoga Mats for Sustainability And Durability (2025),
The Best Yoga YouTube channels for all levels and needs
Silvija Meilunaite, PN1-NC, CSMC, is a certified nutrition and menopause coaching specialist who writes about midlife health, nutrition, and evidence-based wellness. She focuses on research-driven approaches to feeling better in your 40s and beyond, with a special interest in low-tox living and supportive daily habits.
