Lots of movement and stretching is involved when you’re practising yoga, so you obviously want to be wearing comfortable pants that don’t chafe you when you’re in the zone.
To help you find the best plus size yoga pants to improve your workout game, I’ve reviewed a variety of pants that are both flexible and cozy.
Here is a a quick look at our top three picks…
What Are Yoga Pants?
Like their name suggests, yoga pants are designed for yoga or other types of exercise that involve a lot of movement.
They come in many different designs, including leggings, sweatpants, and trousers.
What Is the Difference Between Yoga Pants and Yoga Leggings?
Yoga pants are normally thicker and looser than yoga leggings, but both types are flexible and comfortable to wear.
They allow you to easily get into different poses and positions when you’re practising yoga.
Yoga leggings is a more universal term to describe stretchy and tight pants.
They’re usually made from a blend of lycra spandex, cotton, polyester, and sometimes wool.
Compared to yoga pants which have a matte finish, leggings often have a smooth and sleek appearance.
Should Yoga Pants Be Tight or Loose?
Your yoga pants should not be too tight and not too loose.
They should fit firmly over your legs with a little bit of give.
NOTE
If your pants have dimples in the legs when you wear them, then they are too tight. In contrast, if your pants bunch over your knees, then they are too loose.
Why Do My Yoga Leggings Roll Down at the Waist?
There are a number of reasons why your pants roll down at the waist. Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons why you might be getting this issue.
Loss of Elasticity
The elastic waistband in your pants gradually wears out over time or with regular use, which can make your pants a lot looser than before.
Wrong Size
You might have picked the incorrect pants for your body frame and might need a smaller size.
Poor Quality
Yoga pants made from poor quality materials are more prone to falling down at the waist, especially as they wear out quicker than pants made from high-quality fabrics.
Things to Consider when Choosing the Right Yoga Leggings
When you’re shopping for yoga leggings, there are a few things you need to consider to ensure you find the right match.
Here are some of the key factors you should keep in mind.
Comfort
As you’ll be moving around a lot, the leggings you work out in need to be comfortable.
You don’t want your motion to be restricted or the material digging into your waist as you stretch, so opt for a pair of leggings that feels good above all other aspects.
Durability
Using poor-quality leggings can be downright frustrating, especially if they tear after just a few washes.
Make sure the pants you use are heavy-duty and durable as this will save you money in the long run.
Compression
Pants that provide compression are hugely beneficial for a couple of reasons. Firstly, they reduce the recovery time after a workout.
And secondly, they help prevent soreness and muscle fatigue.
If you can afford to spend a little extra on a pair of leggings, ones that offer compression are definitely worth considering.
Length and Style
Yoga pants come in a lot of different styles, like high-waisted, 3/4-length, and loose-fit.
The style you go for is mostly down to personal preference, but high-waisted leggings give you ample room for big stretches, so they’re a particularly great option to go for.
Material
Yoga pants come in many different types of materials, like cotton, nylon, polyester, and elastane. Use a fabric that is breathable, lightweight, and stretchy. The material should also dry quickly or have moisture-wicking properties.
Features
Although not essential, yoga pants that provide features like compression, pockets, and moisture-wicking fabric are a great choice.
The latter, in particular, is ideal as it repels sweat and ensures you have a damp-free yoga session.
Best Plus Size Yoga Leggings Reviews
Best High-Waisted Leggings
Core 10 Women’s ‘Spectrum’ High Waist Yoga Full-Length Leggings
Made from a mixture of polyester, elastane, and polyamide They have a high-waisted fit and soft texture, making them incredibly comfortable to wear.
Core 10 Women’s ‘Spectrum’ High Waist Yoga Full-Length Leggings
This pair of leggings is made from a mixture of polyester, elastane, and polyamide, which makes them very stretchy.
They have a high-waisted fit and soft texture, so they’re also incredibly comfortable to wear.
Hidden Pocket Feature
A hidden pocket is sewn into the waistband, which is great for storing away keys, cards, or other small items while you’re practising yoga.
The material is squat-proof, too, so you can get into positions and poses with ease.
Available Options
The leggings are available in many plus sizes, as well as an array of designs.
No matter what your style, there’s bound to be a pair that suits you.
However, the material of the leggings is quite thin.
If you live in a cooler climate, then these pants might not provide enough warmth.
Specs
- Product Dimensions: 7.1” x 6.1” x 1.6”
- Style: High-Waisted
- Material: Polyester, Elastane, and Polyamide
- Color: Varied
Pros
- Very soft and cozy
- Hidden pocket
- Comes in many sizes and designs
Cons
- Quite thin material
Best Compression Leggings
Dragon Fit Compression Yoga Pants
Offers a lot of stretch and give. Designed to fit you snugly and have a tummy-control waistband that contours your body.
Dragon Fit Compression Yoga Pants
Dragon Fit’s compression pants are made from nylon and spandex, so they offer a lot of stretch and give.
They are designed to fit you snugly and have a tummy-control waistband that contours your body.
There’s a hidden pocket in the waistband, which is handy for stashing away small items.
Comfortable Material
The fabric is breathable and has moisture-wicking properties that rapidly repels sweat.
You can get the pants in an assortment of colors and plus sizes, so you shouldn’t have any issue selecting a pair that suits your body frame and style.
The main downside of this pair of leggings is their durability.
Unfortunately, the pants are prone to wearing out fairly quickly.
Specs
- Product Dimensions: 10” x 7.3” x 1.2”
- Style: Compression Fit
- Material: Nylon and Spandex
- Color: Varied
Pros
- Snug and comfortable fit
- Hidden pocket
- Moisture-wicking
- Tummy-control waistband
Cons
- Can wear out quickly
Best Capri Leggings
Champion Absolute Eco Knee Tight Plus Size
Made from polyester and spandex. The pants is flexible but soft, so you don’t need to worry about it chafing or rubbing your body.
Champion Absolute Eco Knee Tight Plus Size
Made from polyester and spandex, C9 Champion’s capri leggings are a good option for yoga.
Stay Dry
They provide fast-drying and moisture-wicking abilities to ensure you have a smooth workout.
The fabric is flexible but soft, so you don’t need to worry about it chafing or rubbing your body.
Hidden Pocket
There’s a handy hidden pocket in the waistband, too.
Unfortunately, these leggings do have a habit of sliding down, but this seems to be more prominent in exercises that involve running or jogging.
The stitching on the pants can also unravel after a short period of time, which could affect their durability.
Specs
- Product Dimensions: 11” x 8.5” x 0.25”
- Style: Capri
- Material: Nylon and Spandex
- Color: Black
Pros
- Dries quickly
- Moisture-wicking
- Flexible and soft material
- Hidden pocket
Cons
- Can slide down during exercise
- Stitching can unravel after a short time
Best Ankle Leggings
NIRLON Leggings with Pockets
Made from cotton, polyester, and spandex for a tight but soft fit.. The material is thick and squat-proof so you can work out without your movement being restricted.
NIRLON Leggings with Pockets
Next up are the NIRLON yoga ankle leggings made from cotton, polyester, and spandex for a tight but soft fit.
The material is thick and squat-proof so you can work out without your movement being restricted.
Compression
To increase your blood flow circulation and support your muscles to reduce fatigue, the pants provide compression.
This speeds up the recovery time after a big yoga session and helps prevent injury.
The leggings have pockets, which is convenient for holding your phone, keys, or cards.
You can get the pants in many colors like black, grey, and blue.
Size Options
They’re also available in a lot of sizes.
For the most part, the leggings work very well for yoga.
However, they can be prone to wearing out fairly quickly. In addition to this, the material can lose its softness a little after a couple of washes.
Specs
- Product Dimensions: 8.03” x 7.6” x 1.1”
- Style: Ankle-Length
- Material: Spandex, Cotton, and Polyester
- Color: Varied
Pros
- Snug and comfortable fit
- Offers compression
- Includes pockets
- Soft material
Cons
- Can wear out quickly
- Can lose softness after a couple of washes
Editor’s Choice
Calvin Klein Women’s Premium Performance Legging
The quality is excellent, so you won’t have to worry about needing to replace these pants constantly like with cheaper brands.
Calvin Klein Women’s Premium Performance Legging
My personal favorite leggings to use for yoga are the Calvin Klein full-length pants.
They’re a little pricier than some of the other leggings I’ve reviewed but for good reason.
The quality is excellent, so you won’t have to worry about needing to replace these pants constantly like with cheaper brands.
Minimalist Design
The pants also come in other designs, I prefer the simplistic black style.
They feature ribbed cuffs, which is a nice bit of detail.
Just by touching the fabric on these pants, you can tell they are built to last.
They’re made from rayon, nylon, and spandex, which gives them a silky but stretchy feel.
Repels Sweat
To help repel sweat and keep you dry while you’re performing yoga, the pants have moisture-wicking properties.
They also come with pockets so you can stash away small items.
The leggings don’t fit as tightly as some other yoga pants, especially in comparison to compression pants.
However, this isn’t a huge concern unless you prefer a more snug fit.
Specs
- Style: Full-Length
- Material: Cotton and Spandex
- Color: Black
Pros
- Flexible material
- Includes pockets
- Very durable
- Moisture-wicking
Cons
- Not as tight-fitting as some other yoga pants
Woman Within Plus Size Stretch Cotton Capri Leggings
Constructed with polyester, cotton, and spandex for a soft but flexible feel. They sport a wide elastic waistband that stretches with your movement, so you don’t need to worry about them rubbing or digging into your skin.
Woman Within Plus Size Stretch Cotton Capri Leggings
Another great pair of leggings for yoga are the Woman Within plus size capri pants
The regular fit has an 18-inch inseam to allow for ample room and space during a yoga session.
Comfortable To Wear
The pants are constructed with polyester, cotton, and spandex for a soft but flexible feel.
They sport a wide elastic waistband that stretches with your movement, so you don’t need to worry about them rubbing or digging into your skin.
Color Options
You can get the pants in a lot of simple but vibrant colors like pink, navy, and black. Each pair features stylish slit hems for a sporty look, which I particularly like.
My only gripe with this pair of leggings is the thin fabric they’re made from.
This can make them a little see-through, especially the lighter colors.
Specs
- Product Dimensions: 18” x 14” x 3”
- Style: Capri
- Material: Cotton, Polyester, and Spandex
- Color: Varied
Pros
- Wide waistband
- Soft and stretchy material
- Simple but stylish design
Cons
- Material is a little thin
Lola Getts Hi-Rise Legging
Constructed with flat-locked interior seams, the pants feel comfortable and flattering to wear.
Lola Getts Hi-Rise Legging
These plus size leggings from Lola Getts are another good option for yoga.
They’re made from a Supplex-Lycra blend that’s both soft and quick-drying.
Durable Build
The material is resistant to wind, moisture, and tear thanks to its ultra durability.
Additionally, the fabric retains its shape and color even after multiple washes.
Constructed with flat-locked interior seams, the pants feel comfortable and flattering to wear.
Comfy & Stylish
They’re designed to hug curves due to their supportive front panel, which allows you to move easily and look great doing so!
However, these leggings can be a little see-through as the material is a bit on the thin side.
Specs
- Product Dimensions: 18” x 14” x 3”
- Style: Capri
- Material: Cotton, Polyester, and Spandex
- Color: Varied
Pros
- Wide waistband
- Soft and stretchy material
- Simple but stylish design
Cons
- Material is a little thin
Danskin Women’s Sleek-Fit Yoga Pant
If you prefer your pants more loose fitting, then these Danskin workout pants are well worth considering. They’re made from a mixture of cotton, spandex, and polyester for a velvety but flexible sensation.
Danskin Women’s Sleek-Fit Yoga Pant
If you prefer your pants more loose fitting, then these Danskin workout pants are well worth considering.
They’re made from a mixture of cotton, spandex, and polyester for a velvety but flexible sensation.
Extra Support
The pants feature an elastic waistband to give you extra support while you’re working out.
This also helps prevent the pants from sliding down when you’re stretching and posing.
Reduces Sweat
They even have moisture-wicking properties to reduce sweat, giving you a dry and hassle-free workout.
However, the length of the pants is a little long, so they might need some minor adjustments to ensure they don’t trip you up.
Specs
- Product Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 0.7 inches
- Style: Bootcut
- Material: Cotton, Spandex, and Polyester
- Color: Grey
Pros
- Very cozy and comfortable
- Moisture-wicking
- Elastic waistband with drawstring for extra support
Cons
- Length is a little long
Core 10 Women’s Icon Series Reflective Leggings
They’re high-waisted for comfort, allowing you to easily move and stretch without being restricted. There’s a drop-in pocket sewn into the waistband, which is convenient for storing away valuables.
Core 10 Women’s Icon Series Reflective Leggings
Constructed from nylon and spandex, these reflective leggings by Core 10 offer 4-way stretch and moisture-wicking capabilities.
Comfortable To Wear
They’re high-waisted for comfort, allowing you to easily move and stretch without being restricted.
There’s a drop-in pocket sewn into the waistband, which is convenient for storing away valuables.
Design
The pants have an allover celestial reflective pattern to increase your visibility in low-light conditions.
This is especially useful if you exercise in the evenings.
I really like the design of these pants as they look lovely.
They’d go great paired with any color vest or top thanks to their simple style.
Unfortunately, the pants can lose flexibility after a few washes, which can cause them to slide down during particularly active yoga sessions.
Specs
- Product Dimensions: 11.3” x 7.3” x 1.1”
- Style: High-Waisted
- Material: Nylon and Spandex
- Color: Black
Pros
- Moisture-wicking
- 4-way stretch
- Features pockets
- Reflective design
Cons
- Can lose flexibility after a few washes
NIRLON Straight Leg Yoga Pants
They’re designed using polyester, cotton, and spandex to offer flexibility and comfort.
NIRLON Straight Leg Yoga Pants
The last pair of leggings I recommend for yoga are the NIRLON straight leg pants.
They’re designed using polyester, cotton, and spandex to offer flexibility and comfort.
With a high-waisted fit, the pants provide support to your workout and help smooth out your body.
Flexible But Tough
They’re also squat-proof and breathable to stop you from getting overly sweaty.
I like how flattering these pants are as they hug your curves, which helps you feel and look great during yoga practice. There’s also a handy back pocket you can store your valuables inside.
Many Options To Choose From
The pants are available in many sizes and colors, including black, grey, and navy.
While not as eye-catching as some other pant designs, they’re sleek nonetheless.
Unfortunately, the waistband on these pants can be a little on the tight side, even on larger sizes.
Specs
- Product Dimensions: 9.84” x 9.53” x 0.94”
- Style: Straight Leg
- Material: Cotton, Spandex, and Polyester
- Color: Varied
Pros
- Squat-proof
- Cozy and flattering to wear
- Breathable fabric
- Flexible material
Cons
- Waistband can be a little tight
Conclusion
Here’s a quick recap of all our top picks for the best plus size yoga pants…
Best High-Waisted Leggings
Overall, I think the best plus size yoga leggings are the Core 10 Women’s ‘Spectrum’ High Waist Yoga Full-Length Leggings. They’re constructed from polyester and polyamide for a tight and flexible fit.
I really like how comfortable these pants are to wear without lacking in stretch.
They even have a hidden pocket sewn into the waistband for you to store your valuables inside.
The pants come in a variety of plus sizes and colors, which is great as you’ll be able to find a pair that fits your frame and style.
However, the material of the pants is a little thin, so they might be unsuitable for use in cooler climates.
Great Alternatives
I also think the Dragon Fit Compression Yoga Pants and Calvin Klein Women’s Plus Size Full Length Leggings are great options if you don’t think Core 10’s pants are for you. The former is the best for compression, while the latter is the best for durability and overall quality.
Thanks For Reading
Thank you for reading this article, I hope that you enjoyed it and found it helpful. If you’re looking for other workout stuff, check out this “Best Yoga DVD for Weight Loss” article or this “Best Crossfit Shorts For Women” article.
