It doesn’t matter if you’re a next-level yogi or an athleisure aficionado, we’re all searching for the same thing: the perfect yoga pants. You know—the ones that hug you in all the right places but feel completely comfortable. The ones that stay put during sun salutations and handstands but also give a little should you want to eat ice cream in bed. Well, good news: we’ve found your pants—seven of ‘em, to be exact. Whether you need something more fitted for your morning flow or a WFH pant for these #stayhome times, we’ve got you covered.
Beyond Yoga Spacedye Caught in the Midi Highwaisted Legging
Unlike a lot of high-waisted leggings, these hold everything in without squeezing your belly to death, so you can wear them all day without ever feeling the need to slip into something more comfortable. And why would you ever want to change out of them? They check all the yoga-pant boxes—ridiculously soft fabric, extra-wide waistband, the perfect ankle crop—and come in a full range of on-trend colors (aqua mint/sea glass, tinted rose/pink quartz), plus basic black. No wonder reviewers call them the “best leggings ever made.”
If you prefer a looser, loungier fit, slip into this soft cotton pair from indie brand Ripple. They’re like your favorite sweatpants, only way more flattering—and more functional. Everything Ripple makes is tested by actual yoga teachers, so they can stand up to even the most intense class. But the breathable, eco-dyed fabric and wide, comfortable waistband are equally suited for binge-watching Schitt’s Creek (again).
90 Degree by Reflex Power Flex Classic Waist Legging
The internet has gone wild for these budget-friendly leggings—and for good reason: They fit nearly every body type, never fall down, and are soft and stretchy enough to wear from a.m. flow to Zoom happy hour. At less than $30 a pop, they’re much cheaper than similar styles from spendier brands, but most agree they’re just as awesome.
Zella Live-In High Waist Legging
This Nordstrom best-seller has the perfect amount of thickness—not so thin you can see through them when you’re in downward dog, but not so thick they feel like they’re suffocating you. The no-slip waistband ensures you won’t constantly be tugging them up, while the flat seams eliminate any pinching or rubbing. They’re sure to become a staple in your workout—and work-from-home—wardrobe.
Girlfriend Collective Compression High-Rise Legging
Okay, we know “compression legging” doesn’t exactly scream comfort, but hear us out. These do fit snugly, but they’re not at all restrictive. In other words, they suck everything in that you want sucked in but also let you move freely (even if you’re just migrating from your kitchen workstation to your couch). Oh, and the fabric, which is made from recycled water bottles, is suuuuper soft.
Sweaty Betty Garudasana Cropped Yoga Pants
These cropped joggers feel like a breath of fresh air in a sea full of skin-fitting tights. But that doesn’t mean they’re any less practical. The silky-soft fabric stretches and bends as you stretch and bend, and the calf length and extra-long cuffs ensure the pants never get in the way of your flow. At the same time, they can almost pass for real pants, thanks to the chic, slouchy trouser-like cut. Lest you think that means you’ll be hoisting them up every two seconds, rest assured they’re “100% squat proof.”
What would a list of leggings be without a pair of Lululemons? For real, though, these stretchy, buttery-soft tights deserve a spot regardless of the name on their tag. The cult-favorite leggings are renowned for being so comfortable, you can easily forget you have them on. That’s mostly due to the brand’s proprietary Nulu fabric, which feels like a second skin, and the wide waistband, which lies flat, stretches yet retains its shape, and never ever pinches or constricts. Dream!
