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11 best yoga leggings and pants, tried and tested by a panel of yogis
Savasana in style with our expert-approved picks
Tested by Kim HawleyHealth and Fitness Tester
The benefits of yoga are well documented, so it's no wonder the popularity of classes and demand for the best yoga leggings has surged.
“From boosting your mood and improving your quality of sleep to easing stress and relieving anxiety, it does wonders for your holistic health,” explains Liz Joy Oakley, head of wellness at MoreYoga. “It’s also great for building mental and physical resilience, supporting the cardiovascular system, building strength and much more.
“Yoga isn’t about the shapes you can make or how flexible you are, it’s about reconnecting with yourself, doing something good for your body and giving yourself a break from a busy pace of life.”
Best yoga leggings 2025
But with so many styles to choose from, how do you know which are actually worth splashing out on? To give you a helping hand, our Good Housekeeping Institute experts rolled out their mats and got to work trialling a range of leggings from top brands. Here are their top buys in a handy list, but keep scrolling for the full reviews.
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Best yoga leggings with pockets
Sweaty Betty Power UltraSculpt High Waisted Gym 7/8 Leggings
Read review
Our experts test yoga leggings by wearing them for a range of workouts over a few weeks, paying attention to design, fit comfort, breathability and overall performance. We're looking to the ones that don't sag, provide the support you need and allow you to flow from pose to pose with ease. You’ll find a full breakdown of how we test below, along with advice on how to choose the right style for you.
Score: 94/100
BAM is renowned for its practical yet comfy yoga wear and after trialling the brand’s signature palazzo pants, we understand the hype. Our testers were huge fans of the stylish wide-leg design, saying they’d received plenty of compliments from fellow yogis. “I’ve already ordered more pairs in different colours!” one satisfied panellist told us, while another said: “I’ve recommended them to my friends and family.”
They were a dream for restorative yoga classes, stretch sessions and meditation. Testers felt free and unrestricted as they flowed between poses, and found the fabric extremely cool and comfy, even when it was hot outside. The wide stretchy waistband and roomy pockets were the icing on the cake.
Due to the wide-leg style and length, testers felt these pants wouldn’t be suitable for dynamic yoga or more vigorous workouts. You can happily wear them when running errands or lounging around at home, though.
Key specifications
| Sizes | 8-16 |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 68% Bamboo Viscose, 28% Organic Cotton, 4% Elastane |
| Style | High waisted, wide-leg |
Score: 93/100
These luxe leggings aren't cheap, but when it comes to quality, they’re tough to beat. Our testers found them super comfortable and couldn't get enough of the flattering high-waisted fit and blissfully soft material. One particularly enthusiastic panellist declared that she could “live in them all day and all year.”
But trendy SoCal brand Vuori doesn’t sacrifice practicality for comfort. These stayed in place during even the most energetic flows and allowed our testers to move freely. They did an excellent job of wicking away moisture as well, making them suitable for hot yoga sessions.
They’re also a dream if you like to live in activewear – our editors will be pairing them with oversized jumpers and trainers for the foreseeable future.
| Sizes | XXS – XXL |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Recycled polyester, elastane |
| Style | High waisted |
Score: 92/100
We had high hopes when Lululemon’s legendary Align pants arrived in our test lab, and they didn’t disappoint. They really are as buttery soft as everyone says, with our panel raving about their “premium” feel. One tester even told us: “These are the best leggings I’ve ever worn!”
Yoga may look easy, but after a few fiery vinyasa flows, things can get hot and sweaty. That’s not something you’ll need to worry about with these Lulus – they wicked away moisture in an instant. Post-yoga, you can get on with your day, without feeling damp or uncomfortable in these high-quality leggings. Granted, they are an investment, but if you have the money to spend, we think they’re worth it.
They washed well and dried quickly, with no shrinkage noted. As a bonus, they come in a range of gorgeous shades, to keep you looking and feeling fresh.
Key specifications
| Sizes | 4 – 24 |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Nylon, Lycra elastane |
| Style | High waisted |
Score: 86/100
Although they’re not specifically designed for yoga, Gymshark’s popular Vital Seamless leggings are the dream for hot, sweaty flows. They’re made from high-tech, moisture-wicking fabric, with breathable mesh dots designed to keep sweat at bay. Sure enough, our testers confirmed they didn’t feel sticky or uncomfortable in these leggings, even during their most challenging workouts. “I never sweated through them, and they made feel confident,” said one panellist.
Although they’re on the compressive side, we found they didn’t dig in or restrict movement. Plus, they didn’t need pulling up every five minutes (hurrah!). We recommend sizing up to ensure comfort.
Key specifications
| Sizes | XS-XXL |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Nylon, elastane |
| Style | High waisted |
Sweaty Betty Power UltraSculpt High Waisted Gym 7/8 Leggings
Score: 86/100
Sweaty Betty’s leggings were praised for their flattering design – even testers who had previously avoided wearing yoga leggings said they felt happy wearing them to the shops or running errands.
They’re comfortable enough to wear all day and offer just the right amount of stretch for sun salutations, although the fabric is fairly thick, making them better suited to slower, more restorative classes.
The waistband also became tight after extended wear for some, while others said they fell down slightly. Despite these niggles, these leggings scored highly with both petite and plus size testers for low-impact exercise. Plus, they come with two pockets for ultimate convenience.
Key specifications
| Sizes | XXS - XXL |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Polyamide, elastane |
| Style | High-waisted 7/8s |
Score: 85/100
While performance is key, we’re also after a pair of leggings that look the business. Fortunately, Adanola understood the assignment. Our panel praised the wrap waist design, which was flattering on all body shapes, and everyone appreciated the seam-free panel at the front to prevent the dreaded ‘camel toe’ effect.
Although they’re not designed to wick away sweat, they did an impressive job of keeping everyone cool and comfy in dynamic yoga classes. The waistband wasn’t restrictive, and they were wonderfully soft and comfy to wear, both during yoga and for relaxing on the sofa. We found they came up a touch small, so size up for a comfortable fit.
Key specifications
| Sizes | XXS - XXXL |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Recycled polyamide, elastane |
| Style | High rise, wrap-over waist |
Score: 85/100
As one of the world’s leading sportswear brands, Nike's products come with high expectations, and its cropped black leggings didn’t disappoint. Made with ‘Dri-Fit’ technology, they’re designed to increase airflow and stop you drowning in sweat – just what you need in a hot yoga class.
Our testers confirmed they kept them cool and dry when things got hot and steamy mid-workout, and they liked the secure waistband and thick fabric. The fact that the style is size inclusive – it ranges from UK 4 to 32 – is the cherry on the cake.
Overall, a worthy choice for navigating the ebb and flow of any yoga class effortlessly.
Key specifications
| Sizes | XS - XXL |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Polyester, elastane |
| Style | Cropped |
Score: 83/100
On the hunt for a pair of yoga flares that doesn’t cost a small fortune? Look no further. This H&M design– which comes in 10 different colourways and costs less than £30 – was a big hit with panellists, who scored them highly for style, comfort and performance.
Testers couldn’t get enough of the “super soft” and “stretchy, lightweight” fabric, saying the flares were a pleasure to wear for hours on end. They weren’t restrictive and everyone loved the high waistband, which didn’t roll down or need constant readjusting.
Whether you’re into fiery Vinyasa flows, reformer Pilates or barres, they’ll do the job. Thanks to the simple yet stylish design, you could easily wear them outside class, too.
Just note, they may be a little too long for petite yogis.
Key specifications
| Sizes | XS – XXL |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Polyester, elastane |
| Style | High-waisted flares |
Score: 79/100
One for lovers of bright colours and bold patterns, CRZ certainly knows how to combine style and performance. These leggings are brimming with impressive features, including “luxurious” velvety soft fabric, excellent moisture wicking capabilities and a hidden pocket in the waistband. Additionally, they strike the perfect balance between comfortable and compressive.
The shorter testers among our panel found them too long, but they’re an ideal length for those with long limbs. Coming in at under £30, they’re more proof that you don’t have to spend over the odds for an effective pair of yoga leggings.
Key specifications
| Size | 6-16 |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Polyamide, Spandex |
| Style | High waisted |
Score: 78/100
Like the sound of the H&M flares above but prefer regular leggings? Consider these, which are made from the same high-performance materials.
Our testers felt they had a real "luxury" feel thanks to the extra-soft fabric. They scored highly for comfort and one tester even likened them to their pricier Lululemon leggings. You’ll be glad to know that they still come at high-street prices though, punching well above their modest price tag.
Key specifications
| Sizes | XS-XXL |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 81% polyamide and 18% elastane |
| Style | High-waisted |
Score: 76/100
Even if you can’t touch your toes, or your downward dog is a little wonky, if you’re wearing Alo Yoga leggings, you can fake it till you make it. Rosie Huntington-Whitley, Halle Berry and Kendall and Kylie Jenner have all been photographed in its stylish sets, so rest assured they’ll look just as good on the street as they do in the studio. “I totally get the hype around them,” said one tester.
Many panel members commented on how versatile they were, thanks to their squat-proof and sweatproof capabilities. They all also praised the comfort and compression, which one told us wasn’t too tight but still made them feel supported, and “snatched”.
Key specifications
| Sizes | XXS-XL |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 82% polyester and 18% elastane |
| Style | High waisted |
How we test yoga leggings
Our health and fitness pros, all of whom know their downward dog from their child’s pose, tried out a range of leggings from leading brands over the period of a few weeks.
They wore them for a variety of low-impact workouts, including yoga, barre and Pilates, before reporting back in detail on design, fit, comfort and, most importantly, performance.
Back at the Good Housekeeping Institute, we also carried out wash tests to check for any shrinkage or colour fading. Once testing was complete, feedback was collated and overall scores were awarded.
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
We’ve been testing products at the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 100 years, so we know what to look for in a truly great buy. This includes analysing the latest beauty launches in our lab, conducting blind taste tests in the GH Kitchen and running on treadmills in our state-of-the-art gym. Where relevant, we also send products to our panel of consumers to try at home.
Our senior sleep & wellness tester, Kim Hawley, led our yoga legging reviews. She's worked in the health and fitness industry for over 30 years and has a level 4 personal training qualification, so knows exactly what to look for in the best gym kit. She developed the strict protocols we measured each pair of leggings against, collating and reviewing all the feedback once testing was complete.
Our sleep and wellness editor, Priyankaa Joshi, is an avid gym-goer and yogi. She tested many of the leggings that feature in this round-up, trialling each pair during multiple workouts to check if they live up to their claims. She's currently completing her level 2 personal training qualification and in her three years at the Good Housekeeping Institute, she's tested everything from sports bras and waterproof jackets to walking boots and wetsuits.
How to choose yoga leggings
According to Oakley, there are a few things to consider when it comes to choosing the perfect yoga leggings.
Comfort: First up, choosing a pair of leggings that fits you well and feels comfortable is key, so you can give the class your full attention. “I like my leggings to feel like a second skin, rather than cutting into me and making me feel self-conscious or uncomfortable,” says Oakley.
Fit: Yoga leggings are generally less compressive than standard gym leggings. While some people prefer compressive fabric to help them feel supported and cinched in, it’s a good idea to opt for yoga leggings that are flexible and won’t restrict your movement too much.
Quality: Oakley says it’s also important to prioritise quality – after all, you want to invest in a pair that will be with you for the long run. Our Good Housekeeping Institute experts have put every pair of leggings below through rigorous testing in the lab and sent them out for real-world testing, so you can be sure they won’t fall apart or change colour after a few wears.
Sweat wicking: If you plan on wearing your leggings for hot yoga or energetic vinyasa flows, then it’s worth choosing a breathable, sweat-wicking pair. They will stop you from feeling damp, sticky and uncomfortable as you pick up the pace.
The verdict on yoga leggings
If you're after a pair of comfortable yoga pants for gentle, restorative sessions and daily wear, our winner, the BAM Horizon Yoga Palazzo Pants is an excellent choice.
For more vigorous sessions, and if you're more of a legging fan, the Vuori Clean Elevation Legging should be on your radar, and if you're on a budget, we love these CRZ Yoga Leggings for under £30.
Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Kim Hawley is our health and fitness product tester. Her career in fitness has spanned over 30 years. Prior to joining the Good Housekeeping Institute, she worked as a personal trainer, writer and fitness instructor for some of London’s most prestigious health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Passionate about women’s health and fitness, especially in pre/post menopause, she is also a Level 4 PT and holds a professional nutritional qualification. Kim is responsible for rigorously testing everything from cross trainers to smart watches.
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