Starting to exercise more can be tough, especially if you don't have the right workout clothes. Whether you're trying to find the perfect yoga pants or thinking about making your own, it's important to know what you need. Figuring out the best fabric for your workout gear is key. But what's the best fabric for yoga pants?
Finding the perfect fabric depends on a lot of things, like what you like and what kind of exercise you'll be doing. Good options include materials like nylon, polyester, bamboo, and Lycra because they're strong, stretchy, and keep you dry and comfy.
There are lots of fabrics made for workout clothes, each with its own good and bad points. What's best for one person might not be best for someone else. It's important to think about what you need and what activities you'll be doing in your pants. Going deeper into these details will help give you the best advice.
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Characteristics of Yoga Pants
Yoga pants are thicker and made for working out. They come in more styles while leggings mostly vary in length. Look out for the following characteristics when buying a pair.
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Breathable
During your workout, you want enough airflow to keep yourself feeling comfortable and prevent moisture buildup, helping you stay dry and refreshed.
Moisture-Wicking
You'll want pants crafted from a fabric that is moisture-wicking, letting your sweat evaporate through the fabric and keeping you feeling dry and comfortable during your activities.
Quick-Drying
When you're working out, it's important to avoid feeling weighed down, slippery, or damp from your sweat. That's why it's best to choose yoga pants made from a quick-drying fabric to keep you feeling fresh and comfortable throughout your practice.
Comfortable
If you plan to run in your yoga pants, you'll want a fabric that feels gentle on your skin to avoid chafing. It's important to prevent discomfort during your run. Additionally, think about whether you'll need pants with compression or extra support for your activity.
Non-See-Through
When doing squats or downward dogs in your yoga pants, check if they stretch too much and become see-through. Thin fabric could be a problem, so pick a thicker fabric suitable for your activities to avoid this issue.
Provides a Good Stretch
Good stretch means your pants can stretch fully without tearing, pulling, or losing shape. Your body must have complete mobility in yoga pants, especially if you intend to practice yoga in them. Make sure your pants are not restrictive, so they don't hinder your workout.
Durable
Yoga pants should be thick and durable to withstand stress and outdoor conditions. They need to resist wear, especially if they touch the ground. Some fabrics even have water resistance, which can be handy for hiking.
Lightweight
Even in cold weather, choose lighter yoga pants. Lighter pants won't weigh you down during exercise, allowing for maximum mobility.
Odor-Resistant
Does the fabric prevent odor? Some fabrics naturally resist odor-causing bacteria, keeping you fresh. If this is important to you, choose a fabric with antimicrobial properties.
Gives a Flattering Fit
Choose pants that fit snugly and look good on your body. They should also stay put while you exercise. Nobody wants to keep pulling up or adjusting their pants during a workout.
The Best Fabrics for Yoga Pants
Typically, the best yoga pants are crafted from a blend of various fabrics. Let's explore which fabrics work best for yoga pants and the ideal percentages of each to match your preferences.
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Lycra
Lycra and Spandex are essentially the same, with Lycra being a trademarked name owned by the DuPont Company. Unlike some patented fabrics that are hard to find or sold exclusively by their companies, Lycra is widely available at regular fabric stores.
The Freeleaf 27" Seamless High-Rise Leggings, from the Freeleaf collection, boast a remarkable 260% stretch accommodating diverse body types, with a 300% silicone stretch rate at the waistband providing a customized fit. Designed for both comfort and functionality, they feature a high-rise waist for an instant tummy tuck, buttock-lifting capability, and easy wear even during intense workouts, maintaining their shape with a 92% recovery rate and a 90% silicone recovery rate after extensive testing.
Polyester
Polyester is often a major component of yoga pants, and for good reason. It's lightweight yet incredibly durable, and its excellent sweat-wicking properties make it essential for yoga wear. However, as a standalone fabric, polyester is less breathable compared to others. That's why it's typically blended with other materials in yoga pants.
One type of polyester fabric, known as ITY (interlock twist yarn), offers added stretch and breathability. However, it can be challenging to work with when sewing. If you're considering making your own yoga pants, you might want to avoid this type of polyester to prevent complications. Most polyester-based yoga pants contain between 80 and 90% polyester, often combined with spandex or Lycra for added flexibility and comfort.
Achieve zen in our Laureate 32'' Crossover High-Rise Flared Pants made from 87% polyester and 13% Spandex for great stretch, wrinkle-free wear. Featuring a high-rise style with a V-shaped wide waistband, two side pockets, and a gusseted crotch for comfort and convenience, these yoga pants give the perfect fit for an awesome workout.
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Spandex
Spandex, also known as elastane, provides the stretch you need in yoga pants, bouncing back to its original form after stretching. While not as durable or flattering as polyester, it's often combined with other fabrics for optimal performance. The best yoga pants typically contain 10% to 15% spandex. A polyester-spandex blend offers a balance of stretch and durability, but consider other options if you plan on diverse activities.
Our Laureate 29'' Crossover High-Rise Flared Pants are made with 87% polyester and 13% Spandex, ensuring stretch and wrinkle-free comfort. They feature a high-rise style with a V-shaped wide waistband, two side pockets, a gusseted crotch, and flatlock seams for added comfort and convenience.
Modal
If you're considering new yoga pants, the modal fabric is worth a look. This eco-friendly, durable material is often used for yoga wear, as well as lingerie and pajamas. It's best washed by hand or in cold water in a delicates bag, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Modal, a type of eco-friendly rayon, shares properties with Tencel, making it perfect for yoga clothing due to its breathability. Micro-modal fiber, known for its softness and luxurious feel, is highly sought after.
Indulge in the luxurious softness of our Evergreen Modal Flared Pant, crafted with 94% modal and 6% Spandex for ultimate comfort. These yoga pants were designed to pass the squat test with their non-see-through fabric, ensuring a smooth feel against your skin while offering a high-rise style and wide waistband for maximum coverage and tummy control, gracefully flaring out from the knee to hem.
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Nylon
Nylon stands out as a robust and fast-drying fabric known for its elasticity, commonly found in tights, pantyhose, and athletic wear. While ideal for yoga pants due to their flexibility, premium fabric blends often incorporate only a small fraction of nylon to combat its tendency for color fading and altering. Going for nylon-spandex knits in yoga pants offers ample stretch, although they may lean toward thinner constructions, making them suitable only for lighter use.
The Flyleaf Pocketed Flared Pants, crafted from 69% nylon and 31% Spandex, supremely soft, non-see-through pants boast moisture-wicking capabilities and four-way stretch for optimal comfort during any activity. Featuring a high-rise style, two deep side pockets, and a flattering bootcut leg design, they offer a second-skin feel while incorporating a gusseted crotch design for enhanced freedom of movement during exercises.
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Cotton
Cotton is a widely used material in yoga pants because it feels comfortable and breathable against the skin, making it a preferred choice for everyday wear for both men and women. Its breathability makes it ideal for various activities, from workouts to leisure time, providing comfort whether you're on the go or relaxing at home. However, cotton pants may stretch out and become baggy over time, which is a drawback to consider.
Experience the luxurious softness and comfort of the Evergreen Cotton Pocketed Straight Leg Pants, crafted with 88% cotton and 12% Spandex featuring a micro-fleece interior and cotton exterior for a pill-resistant, stretchy, and moisture-wicking experience. Offering a loose fit, high-rise style, and elastic waistband with a drawstring for flexible wear, along with three pockets, including two side pockets and one back pocket, these pants give all the security and functionality you need, along with flatlock seams to prevent chafing.
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#wemovetogether To Achieve "Ohm"
Always prioritize function and comfort when selecting your next workout or yoga pants.
Explore our Women's Yoga and Men's Yoga collections for the trendiest yet comfortable options. When you're ready, go out and discover the perfect yoga pants to elevate your next yoga session and help you achieve zen.