Wide Range of Sizes
Athleta Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket Tight
Pros
Add Lipsy Mini Frill Stripe Dress to your favourites
Large, lie-flat side pockets
Cropped shorts Drawstring for adjusting waist Side pockets Label with logo
Cons
cotton pleated maxi-dress Nero
Key Specs
- Sizes: XXS–3XL in regular, tall, and petite
- Material: Nylon and Lycra
- Number of Pockets: 2
Made with a soft-brushed nylon blend, these high-rise tights provide light-to-mid compression and are comfortable enough to wear all day. The three-layer, mesh-lined waistband wicks sweat during a high-output practice without pinching. What’s more, the Salutation comes in a wide range of sizes with your choice of inseam: 25, 27, or 30 inches. These tights do tend to roll more than some of the options on this list, and the softer fabric can feel thinner than others in Athleta’s line. However, many people appreciate a lighter feel at the expense of some fabric density.
Most Affordable
90 Degree By Reflex 90 Degree By Reflex Power Flex Yoga Pants
Pros
Carhartt WIP Double Knee Denim Light Wash Jeans
Affordable
Light compression
Cons
Not as soft as brushed leggings
Key Specs
- Sizes: XS–XL
- Material: 76% Campus II Long Pants
- Number of Pockets: 2
The Power Flex is one of the most reliable, durable, well-made tights for the price. It has the same high-waist styling, wicking materials, and deep side pockets of pricier leggings. The waistband is a generous 4.5 inches, and at 25 inches, the inseam provides partial coverage for most people. The Power Flex also comes in a variety of fun colors and performs equally well on the mat and around town as everyday wear.
Best for Running and Yoga
Brooks Brooks Method 7/8 Tight
Pros
Sandale PEPE JEANS March Zass PLS90450 Acid Orange 112
Convenient side pockets
Perforated panels for breathability
Cons
Not as soft as others
Key Specs
- Sizes: XS–2XL
- Material: 72% polyester and 28% spandex
- Number of Pockets: 4
Like other running tights, the Brooks Method has a higher percentage of spandex than many yoga pants, which lends more support during higher impact activities and classes. Accordingly, this pair doesn’t roll or sag. The smooth finish resists pilling and abrasions for good long-term durability. The Method is also highly breathable and wicks moisture incredibly well. Credit to the technical fabrics and the perforated panels along the sides that allow for more air flow. And these tights feature four pockets: deep pockets on each side, and two along the waistband.
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Most Durable
Janji Janji Groundwork Tight
Pros
Thicker, supportive material that keeps its shape
Drawcord waist for no sagging
Highly durable
Cons
Some people might prefer less compression
Key Specs
- Sizes: XS–XL
- Material: 68% Girls Monsoon Embroidered Dress
- Number of Pockets: 3
These tough athletic tights fit like a glove and will withstand full days outside on a trail and active yoga classes, all without sagging or bunching. They sit high on the waist and are made with a greater percentage of spandex than many yoga-specific pants for more robust compression. The tights have a back pocket, deep side pockets, and an internal drawcord so they stay put no matter what. We love the diagonal cuff on the 7/8-length, which helps them lie flat against your ankles and can fit a wider range of inseams. Janji’s thick Groundwork fabric is breathable, durable, retains its shape during heavy use, and is incredibly odor resistant (I wore them for 200 miles without a single wash).
Softest Material
Alo Yoga Alo 7/8 High-Waist Airbrush Legging
Pros
Soft material with cotton-like feel
Fewer seams for maximum comfort
Cons
Long dress with narrow straps
Top tends to roll
Key Specs
- Sizes: XXS–XL
- Material: Nylon and spandex
- Number of Pockets: 0
This is the slightly cropped version of Alo’s popular River Island Petite Mom-Jeans in verwaschenem Blau. What’s the advantage of the 7/8 length? Less potential for ankle bunching, especially for shorter folks. The blend of technical fabrics has a brushed finish for a soft, cotton-like feel. Minimal flat-lock seams—only at the waist, crotch, and ankle, not the pant sides—create a smoother Velvet and reduce twisting and chafing. Despite the high waistband, these tights have a tendency to roll down and are slightly harder to keep in place than others on this list.
Fauves Flutter Sleeve Dress
Lululemon Lululemon Align High-Rise Crop 21-Inch
Pros
Ultra-soft fabric
Sacoche TOMMY JEANS Tjm Essential Reporter AM0AM08208 C87
Cons
Not best for outdoor exercise
Lighter colors might not be totally opaque
Key Specs
- Sizes: 0–20
- Material: 81% nylon and 19% Lycra
- Number of Pockets: 1
These capri-length yoga pants were designed specifically for low-impact, indoor workouts. Made with Lululemon’s proprietary fabric, the Align is buttery soft against your skin and won’t bind or hinder movement. Although the Lycra adds an element of sturdiness, these are really made for low-impact activity and won’t hold up to hardcore outdoor adventures. Jury’s out on whether the lighter colors are opaque enough—it depends on the fit, your skin tone, and what you’re wearing underneath. They also have a tendency to pill more than others on this list.
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Jeans MEG nero denim
Prana Prana Layna 7/8 Legging
Pros
Ergonomic Tapered Jeans Grau Baumwolle
Four-way stretch
Alexander McQueen Swim Shorts for Men
Cons
Long dress with safari pockets
Key Specs
- Sizes: XS–XL
- Material: 76% Womens Abstract Maxi Dress
- Number of Pockets: 1
These lightweight tights were built with high-output classes in mind. The Layna is made with a recycled nylon blend that’s super soft and moisture-wicking. It has a high-waisted design with lighter compression than others on this list, which makes them comfortable for all-day wear, but they do have a tendency to sag.
Worker Cotton-blend Shorts Mens Black
Outdoor Voices Outdoor Voices Move Free 7/8 Legging
Pros
Soft and lightweight
Non-restrictive waistband
Cons
Not as supportive as some options
Lighter colors show sweat lines
Key Specs
- Sizes: XS–2XL
- Material: 72% nylon, 17% Lycra, and 11% polyester
- Number of Pockets: 1
On a hot summer day or for a barely there feel, reach for the Move Free from Outdoor Voices. The lightweight leggings are soft and have one of the least-constricting waistbands on this list. Given the construction, they aren’t the most versatile. But you’ll love them on the mat, and they are equipped for high-intensity yoga classes. Just be aware that the lighter colorways have a tendency to show sweat marks.
Best Plus-Size Yoga Pants
Uoohal Uoohal Active Leggings
Pros
Affordable
Made for large bodies
Built to prevent bunching and chafing
Cons
Geantă de mână TOMMY JEANS Tjm Essential Duffle AM0AM08559 C87
Key Specs
- Sizes: XL–4X
- Material: 87% nylon and 13% spandex
- Number of Pockets: 1
The plus-size specific Active leggings are built for movement. The high-rise design, multiple seams, and a gently compressive knit pattern creates the support you need during all the poses and stretches a yoga class will throw at you. Flatlock seams prevent chafing, and the midsection that won’t ride up or bunch. For the most part, these are thick and opaque enough, but some people have noticed that the material feels thin at the spots where the tights are most stretched.
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Eco-Friendly Leggings
Allbirds Allbirds Natural Leggings
Pros
Superdry Blue Mid Rise Shorts
Sustainable sourcing and manufacturing
Cons
Fabric can snag
Expensive
Key Specs
- Sizes: XS–3XL
- Material: 43% Tencel, 30% recycled nylon, 18% Merino wool, and 9% elastane
- Number of Pockets: 1
The AllBirds Natural Leggings are carbon-neutral, thanks to the recycled and natural fiber content and the company’s purchase of carbon offsets. Tencel provides a next-to-skin softness and wicks moisture, which makes these leggings comfortable and quick-drying. They have light compression, and the high, wide waistband offers a solid fit and support without feeling constricting. These tights are best worn inside, given that the fabric is less durable and might snag or pill under heavy wear and tear.
![Headshot of Maggie NA Slepian Headshot of Maggie NA Slepian](https://hips.hearstapps.com/rover/profile_photos/3ff3f0e6-5d3c-4fd8-823f-547078da2c82_1634675214.jpg?fill=1:1&resize=120:*)
Maggie Slepian is a full-time freelance writer in the outdoor industry and has tested gear professionally for almost ten years—she is an avid backpacker, trail runner, bikepacker, and horseback rider and has thru-hiked thousands of miles on the Appalachian, Colorado, and Ouachita trails, along with backcountry travel on terrain including coastal trails, the desert, and high alpine peaks. Maggie has written for New York Magazine, Huffington Post, REI, and Outside. She is a columnist with Backpacker Magazine and is the co-founder of BackpackingRoutes.com. Contact her at MaggieSlepian.com.
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