How to (correctly) choose your yoga leggings in 2026?
When observing a yoga class, you notice that there are several types of attire. Among women, there are those who wear shorts, those who prefer loose pants, and there's the leggings team!
For those who have chosen this camp, here are some tips for choosing your yoga leggings with thought and elegance. To help you find leggings for your needs, here are some key features that will make them optimal for practicing yoga.
From fabric breathability to the comfort of the fit and style, or manufacturing characteristics, here are some elements that will allow you to choose your leggings wisely:
Happy reading!
Fit, comfort, and size of yoga leggings
Leggings are one of the most popular and comfortable workout clothes for women. In a few years, they have dethroned shapeless and inelegant 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 offering greater freedom of movement, increased breathability, and better support for your muscles and joints.
The advantages of leggings are that they are light and flexible so you can move freely without feeling restricted or uncomfortable. For the cut, there are two types of leggings: the classic one that comes below the ankles, and the Capri models whose leg length stops above the ankle. For this point, it's a simple matter of taste; the only difference is that the classic is warmer than Capri leggings.
The other essential subject when talking about cut is the waistband. This element is the elastic part at the waist. With a high waist, you will be well supported and your leggings will not slip. A high waist will allow your leggings to be close to your body so they can follow all your movements.
For those self-conscious about their stomach, a high waist helps to conceal it and even provides a shaping effect. This refines the silhouette, allowing you to practice in leggings and a bra without having your entire midriff exposed.
So, before choosing your yoga leggings, make sure the model has a high waist.
While you want good support at the top, you don't want to be too tight in the crotch and avoid the leggings being too form-fitting… a cameltoe, as Americans call it. The famous camel toe is due to a too slim-fit cut of the leggings. Check that your leggings have an extra piece in the crotch area. A cut with a triangular gusset will ensure more comfort… and avoid suspicious looks.
For choosing the size of leggings, it's important to feel neither too tight nor too loose. Often, yoga leggings are labeled with American sizes. Most brands offer models ranging from XS to XL. For some models at Yofe, we offer leggings from 2XS up to 6XL. There will definitely be a size for you.
You need to be careful when selecting your size, as there are differences in correspondence between Anglo-Saxon and French sizes depending on the brand. An S can be equivalent to 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 a good cut, yoga leggings will offer 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 (e.g., bamboo). Each material offers its own unique advantages that make it suitable for different types of activities. Spandex is very elastic and retains its shape well; polyester is durable and wicks away moisture; 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-based materials, they can be EKO-TEX certified, meaning the material is guaranteed free of harmful substances (for inks, for example).
Conversely, for plant-based materials, one 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 not only for comfort but also for the planet. There is a strong disparity between what is written on the label, what you imagine, and the ecological reality. So, be wary of overly eco-friendly promises! To learn more, discover our article on Yofe Yoga's eco-responsible leggings.
Style and color of yoga leggings
The choice of style and color for your yoga leggings is certainly personal. However, have you noticed that 95% of women wear black leggings? There is a phenomenon in fashion, architecture, or design in general, where color disappears (France Culture video):
It's a bit sad, so let's put some color back into our lives and onto our mats.
What color for yoga leggings?
Adding some color means adding a bit of life and joy to your practice. Without necessarily turning into a harlequin of the mats, there are increasingly more legging models 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:
- 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.
- To stand out: Black and neutral yoga leggings are very common, so by choosing a bright color or print, you can stand out from the crowd.
- It reminds you to have fun: Yoga can sometimes become serious and stressful, so by choosing a bright color or print, you can remember to have fun and practice with a smile.
- It allows you to 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 combination is dark and dense enough to prevent your underwear from showing during Uttanasana (standing forward bend). Even black leggings made from a material that is too thin can become transparent when stretched.
What prints for yoga leggings?
Often, models are monochromatic and without patterns. Choosing leggings with prints will give an original touch to your yoga outfit.
There are many different prints available for yoga leggings; here are some examples:
- Floral prints: 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 patterns…): 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 bring originality and boldness to your yoga outfit.
It's important to choose a print that you like and that reflects your personal style to feel comfortable during your practice.
How about a cat as a pattern?! meow?
Origin and production location of leggings
Made in France rarely, in Europe often, in Asia generally…
Once we say that, we've said nothing. Of course, the further away it's made, the higher the environmental cost. However, if we take the definition from the Ministry of Economy's website, for a company to be able to label a product Made in France, the product must:
- derive a significant part 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 Made in France leggings)
So, a 100% French legging probably exists, but still, be careful.
So, Europe?
Less impactful in terms of transport, it still doesn't prevent the raw material from generally coming from outside Europe. And then, one must be vigilant about the European country... For a few years now, we have all seen the promotion of products from Portugal, okay, but why? The cost of labor, which is much lower than in France; the minimum wage is 740 euros per month (2022). Since Portugal has a good image in the collective unconscious, it gives a responsible side to one's purchase.
The price of yoga leggings
The price of women's yoga leggings varies depending on many factors such as the brand, place of production, choice of materials, and cut. One 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, be wary of overly eco-friendly promises. We have already seen leggings sold for over 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 raise an alarm about the origin or working conditions of the laborers. With 20% VAT, transportation costs, operating expenses, a brand selling leggings for 30 euros must have obtained a purchase price between 5 and 10 euros due to the volumes purchased.
A quote from Philippe Starck summarizes it well: "a low price means someone else paid for you".
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In conclusion, choosing yoga leggings is not an easy task, but by taking into account 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, suitable for your height, with an elastic waistband, that you like, and that are easy to care for. 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, as it's important to choose yoga leggings that are comfortable and durable over time, and that are made from quality materials.
And most importantly, remember 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 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-toi
Do you practice different poses and wonder if shorts would be more suitable? Check out our guide: To each pose its shorts — tight or loose?
