How to (properly) choose your yoga leggings in 2024?

When you watch a yoga class, you'll notice that there are several types of outfits. On the women 's side, there are those who wear shorts, those who prefer loose pants, and then there's the legging 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 for 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 some elements that will help you choose your leggings:

Happy reading!

Cut, 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 have dethroned the shapeless and unstylish jogging bottoms. Beyond the look, 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, 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. For the cut, there are two types of leggings, the classic ones whose bottoms reach below the ankles, and the Capri models whose leg length stops above the ankle. For this point, it is simply a matter of taste, the only difference is that the classic ones are warmer than a Capri legging.

The other important topic when talking about cut is the waistband . This element is the elastic part at the waist. With a high-waisted waistband, you will be well supported and your leggings will not slip. A high waist will allow your leggings to be close to your body in order to follow all your movements.

For those with stomach complexes, a high waist allows you to hide it and even enjoy a shaping effect. This refines the silhouette and you can practice in leggings and a bra without having your entire stomach on display.

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

If you are well supported at the top, you should not be too tight at the crotch and avoid the leggings being too tight... a cameltoe as the Americans say. The famous camel toe is due to a cut that is too slimfit of the leggings. 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 questionable glances .

When choosing the size of the leggings, it is therefore important to feel neither too tight nor too loose. Often, yoga leggings are labeled with American sizes. Most brands offer models that range from Xs to XL. For some models at Yofe, we offer leggings in 2Xs and up to 6XL. There will necessarily 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. An 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 equivalence of the size announced by the brand.

The material of yoga leggings

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

The most popular materials used for yoga leggings are spandex, polyester, cotton, or plant fibers (like 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-vegetable materials, they can be EKO-TEX certified, which means that the material is guaranteed to be free of harmful substances (for example, inks).

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 with promises that are too eco-friendly!

Style and color of yoga leggings

Choosing the style and color of your yoga leggings is necessarily something personal. 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, it is that color is disappearing ( France culture video) :

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

What color for yoga leggings?

Adding a little color means 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 yoga leggings with color 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 yoga leggings with color can be beneficial:

1. It can help you feel more comfortable : Colors can impact our mood and state of mind. Choosing colors that you like 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 get serious and stressful at times, so by choosing a bright color or print, you can remind yourself to have fun and practice with a smile.
4. It 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 models are monochromatic and without pattern. Choosing leggings with a print will give an original side to your yoga outfit.

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 bring 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 is important to choose a print that you like and that reflects your personal style to be 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 haven't said anything. 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 its 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 careful 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 place of production, the choice of materials and the cut. We can imagine that ethical yoga leggings designed in an eco-responsible way obviously cost more than women's yoga leggings made in China. Conversely, a very high price does not guarantee that the leggings meet all or part of the points mentioned. Once again, beware of promises that are too eco-friendly. We have already seen leggings sold for more than 100 euros when they can be found on wholesale platforms for 10 euros excluding tax...

A price that is too low can also be an indicator and should alert on the origin or the working conditions of the workers. With 20% VAT, the cost of transport, operating costs, a brand that sells leggings for 30 euros must have obtained a purchase price between 5 and 10 euros thanks to the volumes purchased.

A quote from Philippe Starck sums it up 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 is important to choose a pair of leggings that are comfortable, well-fitting, suitable for your height, with an elastic waistband, that you like, and easy to maintain. You can add a touch of style to your outfit by choosing a print, or by opting for original details or patterns.

Don't neglect quality either, because it is 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 couldn't be stylish even during Trikonasana !

At YOFE we like to explain things, if you want to know the differences between cottons in 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