How to (correctly) choose your yoga leggings in 2025?

When you watch a yoga class, you'll notice that there are several different types of outfits. For women , there are those who wear shorts, those who prefer loose pants, and then there's the leggings team !

For those who have chosen this camp, here are some tips for choosing your yoga leggings thoughtfully and elegantly . To help you find leggings that suit your needs, here are some key features that will make them optimal for practicing yoga. From the breathability of the fabrics to the comfort of the fit and style or the manufacturing characteristics, here are elements that will help you choose your leggings well:

Happy reading!

Fit, comfort and size of yoga leggings

Leggings are one of the most popular and comfortable workout clothes for women. In just a few years, they've replaced the shapeless and unstylish jogging bottoms. Beyond their looks, they also offer a range of benefits that make them ideal for activities such as yoga, running, and other forms of exercise. Wearing yoga leggings during your practice can help improve your performance by providing greater freedom of movement, increased breathability, and better support for your muscles and joints.

The advantages of leggings are that they are lightweight and flexible so you can move freely without feeling restricted or uncomfortable. There are two types of leggings when it comes to fit: classic leggings that sit below the ankles, and Capri leggings that sit above the ankles. This is a simple matter of taste; the only difference is that classic leggings are warmer than capri leggings.

The other key issue when it comes to fit is the waistband . This element is the elastic part at the waist. With a high-waisted waistband, you'll be well supported and your leggings won't slip. A high waistband will allow your leggings to fit close to your body so they can follow all your movements.

For those with stomach embarrassment, a high-waisted top helps hide it and even give you a shaping effect. This slims your silhouette, allowing you to exercise in leggings and a sports bra without your entire stomach showing.

So be careful before choosing your yoga leggings, check that the model has a high waist.

If you're well supported at the top, you shouldn't be too tight at the crotch and avoid leggings that are too tight... a cameltoe as the Americans say. The famous camel toe is due to a cut of the leggings that is too slimfit. Check that your leggings have an extra piece at the crotch . A cut with a triangle-shaped gusset will guarantee you more comfort... and avoid suspicious looks .

When choosing the right size for your leggings, it's important to ensure they feel neither too tight nor too loose. Yoga leggings are often labeled with US sizes. Most brands offer styles ranging from XS to XL. For some styles at Yofe, we offer leggings in sizes 2XS and up to 6XL. There's bound to be a size for you.

You have to be careful to choose your size correctly, because depending on the brand, there are differences in the correspondence between Anglo-Saxon and French sizes. A S can be the equivalent of a size 34 or a 36. Arm yourself with a tape measure and take the time to carefully check the centimeter correspondence with the equivalent size announced by the brand.

The material of yoga leggings

With the right size and fit, yoga leggings will provide comfort, flexibility, and breathability when performing asanas or stretching exercises. The type of material used in leggings is also essential to ensure maximum comfort and durability.

The most popular materials used for yoga leggings are spandex, polyester, cotton, or plant fibers (such as bamboo). Each material offers its own unique benefits that make it suitable for different types of activities. Spandex is very stretchy and holds its shape well; polyester is durable and moisture-wicking; and cotton is soft and breathable. With so many options available, you can choose the best material based on your activity level and personal preferences.

For non-plant materials, they can be EKO-TEX certified, which means that the material is guaranteed to be free from harmful substances (for inks, for example).

Conversely, for plant materials , you should not believe that they are 100% eco-responsible. For example, bamboo pulp is mixed with synthetic and chemical materials to guarantee the strength of the thread (hydrogen sulfide or carbon disulfide). The choice of materials is important for comfort but also for the planet. Between what is written on the label, what you imagine and the ecological reality , there is a strong disparity. So be careful of promises that are too eco-friendly!

Style and color of yoga leggings

Choosing the style and color of your yoga leggings is definitely a personal thing. On the other hand, have you noticed that 95% of women wear black leggings ? There is a phenomenon in fashion, architecture or design in general, which is that color is disappearing ( France Culture video) :

It's a little sad, so we might as well bring a little color back into our lives and onto our carpets .

What color for yoga leggings?

Adding a little color is adding a little life and joy to your practice. Without necessarily turning into a harlequin of the mats, there are more and more models of leggings that offer a touch of originality.

Choosing colorful yoga leggings can add a touch of personality to your outfit and make you feel more confident and happy during your yoga session. Here are some reasons why choosing colorful yoga leggings can be beneficial:

1. It can help you feel more comfortable : Colors can affect our mood and state of mind. Choosing colors that appeal to you can help you feel more comfortable during your yoga sessions.
2. To stand out : Black and neutral yoga leggings are very common, so choosing a bright color or print can help you stand out from the crowd.
3. It reminds you to have fun : Yoga can sometimes get serious and stressful, so by choosing a bright color or print, you can remind yourself to have fun and practice with a smile.
4. This helps you remember your goal : Colors have different meanings and symbols, so by choosing a color that matches your goal, you can remember it during your practice.

Here are some examples of colors and their symbolic meanings:

• Purple: It is often associated with spirituality, meditation and inner peace.
• Blue: It is often associated with tranquility, serenity and communication.
• Green: It is often associated with nature, balance and growth.
• Red: It is often associated with energy, passion and strength.
• Yellow: It is often associated with joy, creativity and wisdom.

In any case, remember to choose leggings whose material/color combo is dark and dense enough to prevent your panties from being seen during Uttanasana (standing forward bend). Even leggings that are black but made of too thin a material become transparent when stretched.

What prints for yoga leggings?

Often, the styles are monochrome and patternless. Choosing leggings with a print will give your yoga outfit a unique look.

There are many different prints available for yoga leggings, here are some examples:

• Floral prints: they are often associated with nature and inner peace, they can bring softness and femininity.
• Geometric prints: Often associated with balance and harmony, they can add a touch of modernity and energy to your yoga outfit.
• Ethnic prints: Often associated with culture and adventure, they can bring diversity and open-mindedness to your yoga outfit.
• Spiritual prints (mandala, chakra pattern, etc.): they are often associated with meditation and spirituality, they can bring depth and wisdom to your yoga look.
• Graphic prints: Often associated with creativity and self-expression, they can add originality and boldness to your yoga outfit.

It's important to choose a print that you like and that reflects your personal style so you can feel comfortable during your practice.

And why not a cat as a motif?! Meow?

Origin and place of production of leggings

Made in France, rarely, in Europe often, in Asia generally...

Once you say that, you've said nothing. Of course, the further away you manufacture, the higher the environmental cost. Except that if we take the definition from the Ministry of Economy website, for a company to be able to put a Made in France label, the product must:

• derive a significant portion of its value from one or more manufacturing stages located in France (a fabric from Asia transformed into leggings in France can be labeled made in France)
• have undergone their last substantial transformation in France. (leggings made in China, but to which a seam or a small element is added, will also become leggings Made in France)

So 100% French leggings certainly exist, but be careful all the same.

So, Europe?

Less impactful in terms of transport, the fact remains that the raw material generally comes from outside Europe. And then, you have to be vigilant about the European country... For a few years now, we have all seen the promotion of products from Portugal, ok but why? The cost of labor, which is much lower than in France, the minimum wage is 740 euros per month (2022). As Portugal has a good image in the collective unconscious, it gives a responsible side to its purchase.

The price of yoga leggings

The price of women's yoga leggings varies depending on many factors, such as the brand, the production location, the choice of materials, and the cut. It's easy to imagine that ethical yoga leggings designed in an eco-friendly manner will obviously cost more than women's yoga leggings made in China. Conversely, a very high price doesn't guarantee that the leggings meet all or some of the points mentioned. Once again, beware of overly eco-friendly promises . We've already seen leggings sold for more than €100 when they can be found on wholesale platforms for €10 excluding tax...

A price that's too low can also be an indicator and should raise concerns about the origin or working conditions of the workers. With 20% VAT, transport costs, and operating expenses, a brand selling leggings for €30 must have achieved a purchase price between €5 and €10 thanks to the volume purchased.

A quote from Philippe Starck sums up the point well: “ a low price means someone has to pay for you .”

In conclusion, choosing yoga leggings is not an easy task, but by considering a few key factors, you can be sure to find the perfect leggings for you.

It's important to choose leggings that are comfortable, well-fitting, fit your height, have an elastic waistband, are comfortable, and are easy to care for. You can add a touch of style to your outfit by choosing a print or opting for unique details or patterns.

Don't neglect quality either, as it's important to choose yoga leggings that are comfortable and durable over time, and that are made from quality materials.

And above all, don't forget to treat yourself and choose leggings that flatter you. Who said you can't be stylish even during Trikonasana !

At YOFE we like to explain things, if you want to know the differences between cottons when choosing a T-shirt, this article will interest you https://yofeyoga.com/blogs/blog-yofe-yoga/ton-t-shirt-naura-plus-de-secret-pour-to i