Yoga pants and leggings look the same at first glance but, they have their differences. While they share similar activewear components and a laidback aesthetic, yoga pants and leggings are like sisters with different features. Whether you're preparing for yoga class, a run in the park or a movie night at home, there are reasons to choose one over the other.
Experts explain which features to look for when shopping for this particular athletic wear and expand on the type of compressions, fabrics and even silhouettes to look for.
Whether you're a yogi or not, the following advice will help determine which pants are best for you.
Yoga pants vs. leggings | Features to look for in leggings and yoga pants | Women leggings to shop | Yoga pants to shop | How we chose | Meet the experts
Yoga pants vs. leggings
You’ll find the waistband of yoga pants to be wider.
According to Kelly Stano, activewear expert at The LYCRA Company, all yoga pants are leggings, but not all leggings are yoga pants. "Yoga pants are a subset of leggings with performance attributes like moisture wicking, four-way stretch, etc."
The true difference centers around the level of compression and performance. “Yoga pants are designed with flexibility and moisture-wicking properties in mind, making them ideal for yoga and similar activities. The waistbands on yoga pants are also meant to stay in place and not roll down during these types of exercises,” adds Stano.
A money saver: Old Navy Extra High-Waisted PowerChill Slim Boot-Cur Pants
- Very stretchy
- Flattering fit
- No length sizes
Size: XS-4X | Colors: 2 | Material: 53% cotton, 22% polyester, 13% modal
Remember, thickness is what makes these true yoga pants. Not only is this pair budget-friendly but also a comfortable design for colder activities. They fit true to size, are not too tight and provide a relaxing fit. You can pair it with sneakers or boots thanks to its bootcut silhouette.
Leggings have a thinner waistband.
"Leggings are more general and lifestyle-centric. They may provide benefits like sculpting and be more fashion-forward with trims or accents,” explains Stano.
Award-winning legging: Aerie Real Me Xtra Crossover High Waisted Pocket Legging
- Buttery-soft material
- Big pockets
- Higher than expected
Size: XXS-XXL | Colors: 1 | Material: 83% nylon, 17% elastane
These leggings have a hint of compression and are designed to maximize comfort. Aside from being a Shop TODAY Wellness Award winner, this pair doesn’t roll down, holds big phones in place and is made from a soft nylon blend.
Features to look for in leggings and yoga pants
The first thing to consider when shopping for leggings or yoga pants is the material.
"Fabrics that provide a good balance of stretch and support to help the garment keep its shape. Materials that include high-quality elastic fiber, like LYCRA fiber, are known for offering enhanced comfort in motion, performance and durability," says activewear expert Melissa McGlynn.
Elastane helps maintain the fit and flexibility of yoga pants and leggings, plus they help to move comfortably during strenuous activities.
Women leggings approved by editors and experts
For tummy purposes: Ododos High-Waisted Tummy-Control Yoga Leggings
- Great value
- Flattering fit
- Not tight enough
Size: XS-XXL | Colors: 1 | Material: 72% polyamide, 28% elastane
Writer Katie Jackson previously shared a review for these Ododos leggings. These leggings received high praise from the writer and Amazon customers for their comfortable waistband, tummy control feature and price value. "The flatlock seams also ensure that I won’t experience chafing, even when doing Bikram yoga in a hot and humid room," says Jackson in the review.
Go for the fit: Yogalicious High Waist Ultra Soft Nude Tech Leggings
- Look more expensive
- Not see through
- Not thick enough
Size: XS-3X | Colors: 31 | Material: 86% polyester, 14% spandex
Associate editor Allie Wise feels secure when she wears this pair; plus the added not see-through fabric will give you confidence wherever you go. "I absolutely love these leggings! They are super soft and comfortable! I have worn leggings from $5 to $150 and these are my absolute favorite pair. Not only are they affordable, but they also are great for travel or lounging around the house," says Wise.
For lounging: Felina Shapebooster High Waisted 7/8 Legging
- Not constricting
- Feel soft
- Can roll down
Size: XS-2X | Colors: 1 | Material: 90% polyester, 10% elastane
I've been wearing this pair for months now and is my favorite one to don on lazy days. I love them for lounging or running easy errands. Plus, they feel soft, are super stretchy and feature a wide waistband, with tummy control. These leggings are easy to pair with sweatshirts, tank tops or T-shirts.
All about the pockets: Halara SoCinched High Waisted Leggings
- Strong compression
- Soft fabric
- Waist can roll down
Size: XS-XL | Colors: 23 | Material: 68% nylon, 32% elastane
Editor Rebecca Brown gave these leggings five stars for their compression level and pocket features. "I’m shocked at how these leggings have held up. Since getting them, they’ve quickly become my go-to pair for runs. Even after a dozen washes, they’re as snug as ever. I love how high up they come, it really prevents any slippage during runs," says Brown.
Feel lighter: Splits59 Airweight High Waist Legging
- Flattering
- Breathable
- Feels lightweight
- Not many plus sizes
Size: XS-XXL | Colors: 8 | Material: 81% nylon, 19% spandex
Editor Vivien Moon loves this style for its non-restrictive and breathable composition. She notes how much she loves this pair when looking for a mix of yoga pants and leggings. "I don't feel restricted in them which is what most leggings I find offer. I also love how lightweight and buttery soft they are. While I’ve tried a lot of leggings in my time, these are in my top 5 of all-time favorites," she notes.
Laidback luxury: Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant
- Multiple lengths
- Hidden pocket
- Some colors are see-through
Size: 0-20 | Colors: 15 | Material: 81% nylon, 19% Lycra elastane
These leggings are designed for comfort and light workouts. I own a pair and I enjoy wearing them for walks, errands and lounging. Associate editor Kamari Stewart also reviewed this pair and says they feel buttery soft. "I can’t rave enough about how soft these are. Not only that, the stretchy fabric allows me to move as quickly as I need to (I’m a natural speedwalker) without feeling restricted," says Stewart.
Yoga pants approved by editors and experts
Off-duty style: Aerie High Waisted Crossover Flare Legging
- Available in different lengths
- Flattering fit
- Comfortable
- Size up for comfort
Size: XXS-XXL | Colors: 11 | Material: 88% nylon, 12% elastane
Senior editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil loves the affordability and color availability of this style. "I’m a millennial so I refuse to call these flare leggings. They’re yoga pants through and through! I adore how flattering they are, the soft material and the on-trend criss-cross waistband," she adds.
Dressy loungewear: Promover Wide Lef Yoga Pants
- Very comfortable
- Feel lightweight
- Not enough compression
Size: XS-3X | Colors: 24 | Material: 81% polyester, 19% spandex
While this pair doesn't have enough compression, the pants offer enough coverage and a flattering fit. The material is thicker than shown in the pictures, which makes these ideal for light workouts. Also, it features a wide-leg design and deep pockets to keep your essentials nearby.
Uncomplicated comfort: Lands' End Active Yoga Pants
- Wrinkle-free fabric
- Lightweight material
- No side pockets
Size: XS-3X | Colors: 2 | Material: 88% polyester, 12% spandex
Here's another pair if you want something that holds its shape. The material is wrinkle-free and ideal for days when you need to look put together, effortlessly. Whether you're doing a tree pose or running errands, you can easily dress up or down these pants. It comes in petite and plus sizes, and is currently 40% off.
Fit for leisure: Beyond Yoga Spacedye At Your Leisure Bootcut Pant
- Breathable fabric
- Comfortable and stretchy
- Waist design can feel small
Size: XS-XL | Colors: 2 | Material: 87% polyester, 13% elastane
Moon also loves a pair of yoga pants and these are breathable enough for leisure time. "This pair of yoga pants has become my go-to travel pants on top of being an everyday activity pant that isn’t just for yoga. I turn to them constantly because they’re so comfortable and soft making them an easy pair to throw on with anything. They’re flattering and are comfortable during any time of the month which is probably why I love them so much," says Moon.
Frequently Asked Questions
While you can wash both in the washing machine, McGlynn recommends checking the care label for specifics. "Most leggings and yoga pants can be washed in the washing machine with cold or lukewarm water. Do not dry your leggings on high heat or use any type of fabric softener or dryer sheets, as this can take away the garment's moisture-wicking properties," says McGlynn.
"When it comes to both leggings and yoga pants, fit is a central concern (and sometimes a challenge!" shares Stano. You want to look for fiber knitted into the fabric, that can stretch. Also, you want to make sure the waistband doesn't roll over and stays in place while you move.
How we chose
We selected yoga pants and leggings based on expert recommendations. Also, we asked the editors of Shop TODAY for their most trusted pairs while considering stretch, support and comfort.
Meet the experts
- Melissa McGlynn is the activewear expert at the LYCRA Company.
- Kelly Stano is the activewear expert at the LYCRA Company and has a PhD in Fiber and Polymer Science.
