It’s true: They’re back. Whether you call them yoga pants or flared leggings, these stretchy, bootcut bottoms are making the rounds again. Now, they offer the best of both worlds — supportive enough for Downward Dog, but cute and flattering enough for brunch. 

Made from technical performance fabric, today’s yoga pants are as functional as they are stylish. And we love that there are so many ways to style them, from days at the office to coffee runs to girls’ nights out. But as they gain popularity, dozens of brands are making new styles — so narrowing your options down can take days. To speed up the process, we’ve tested plenty of pairs and asked the experts to find the best yoga pants from brands like Lululemon, Athleta, and Aerie you can shop right now.

Best Overall

Spanx Booty Boost Flare Yoga Pant

What We Love: They’re ultra-sculpting, with a slight, subtle flare.
What We Don’t Love: They run small, so we recommend checking the size guide before buying to ensure the right fit.

These are our favorite yoga pants because they check all the right boxes: flattering, trendy, and perfect for class. The Spanx Booty Boost Flare Yoga Pant is designed to enhance your curves, with light compression around the waist, a subtle flare, and extra support to sculpt and lift your butt. Plus, they’re made with a performance fabric blend that’s breathable and sweat-wicking — and they have a four-way stretch that moves with you all day long.

The brand notes that these pants run on the smaller side, so you may want to order one size up for a more comfortable fit. But we like that Spanx offers sizes up to 3X in petite, regular, and tall inseams. With a hidden waistband pocket that can hold your phone and no center seam (goodbye, camel toe!), the Booty Boost Flare Yoga Pant is truly ready for anything.

Size: XS–3X| Material: Nylon, elastane | Colors: 3 | Inseam: 30, 32, or 35 inches

Best Budget

Old Navy Extra-High Waisted PowerChill Wide-Leg Yoga Pants

What We Love: They’re light and breathable, with an extra-high-rise waistband.
What We Don’t Love: They run large, so you may want to size down — especially if you’re between sizes.

Cute yoga pants on a budget? You bet. Old Navy’s wide-leg version is perfect for sun salutations or staying in. We love that they come in unique jewel tones as well as classic neutrals, with extensive sizes and three inseam lengths to choose from. The wide, extra-high-rise waistband provides comfort during your asanas, and the trendy wide-leg silhouette makes these pants perfect for everyday wear, too.

Sizing for these pants can be tricky since they tend to run large — we recommend sizing down if you’re on the fence. Made from breathable jersey fabric, we’ve found that these yoga pants are light and moisture-wicking, even during low- and medium-impact workouts. Oh, and did we mention they have a hidden pocket?

Size: XS–4X| Material: Polyester, spandex, TENCEL™ Modal, cotton | Colors: 5 | Inseam: 29, 31.5, or 35.5 inches

Best Splurge

Live the Process Flora Flare

What We Love: They have a zingy pattern and texture.
What We Don’t Love: We wish they came in more sizes and inseam lengths.

If you have the budget to splurge on your yoga pants, this pair gets our vote. Recommended by Danielle Prescod, a writer and editor with 15 years of fashion and beauty expertise, these Live the Process yoga pants are made of a soft, luxe knit that truly sets them apart.

The low-rise design and textured fabric are beautiful, but the blend of viscose and polyester-based PBT means the Flora Flare is just as functional as it is fashionable. The material is quick-drying, smooth, and stretchy, meaning these pants will hold their shape over time (especially important for an investment piece!). We love that the care instructions are low-maintenance — simply machine wash these pants on cold and hang them to dry. But we wish they came in extended sizes. That aside, we still think the stunning color range is worth splurging on. And if matching sets are your thing, you may want to pick up the matching Flora top, too.

Size: XS–XL| Material: Viscose, PBT (polyester) | Colors: 5 | Inseam: Not listed

Best on Amazon

UNISSU Flare Leggings

What We Love: They’re sleek and cozy, at a fraction of the cost of some other styles on our list.
What We Don’t Love: They’re not machine-washable. 

There are thousands of yoga pants available on Amazon, but these are our favorite for their ultra-soft material, flared silhouette, and budget-friendly price tag. UNISSU’s Flare Leggings are made from a blend of polyamide and elastane that has the ideal amount of stretch. You can certainly wear these for yoga, but Ramachandra notes that “they’re also great for running errands or hopping on a plane.” 

These leggings do run long, with only one inseam length that’s around 32 inches. It’s also worth noting that the brand recommends washing them by hand, to avoid pilling. Still, we like that you can stock up on pairs in multiple colors, for the price.

Size: XXS–XXL| Material: Polyamide, elastane | Colors: 5 | Inseam: 32 inches

Best Plus-Size

SuperFit Hero Pocket Flare Leggings

What We Love: With sizes ranging from L to 7X, finding the right fit has never been easier.
What We Don’t Love: We wish there were more inseam length and color options.

Few yoga pants come in as wide of a size range as the Superfit Hero Pocket Flare Leggings. Choose from options between L and 7X, with a long, 30-inch inseam that will fully cover your ankles. The fabric is thick and completely squat-proof, while the wide, high-rise waistband is designed to support you and stay secure. There are even two side pockets for storage. Plus, the built-in gusset and flat-lock seams prevent chafing and irritation, so you can feel completely confident.

Compressive, quick-drying, and sweat-wicking, these yoga pants can handle everything from workouts to day trips. Although we wish they came in a few more colors and inseam lengths, we love that the brand offers free returns and exchanges, so you can try them before buying.

Size: L–7X| Material: Polyester, spandex | Colors: 2 | Inseam: 30 inches

Best Petite

Splits59 High Waist Raquel Crop

What We Love: The subtle flare and cropped length create the perfect proportions for petites.
What We Don’t Love: The size range is limited, and they don’t have any pockets.

These cropped yoga pants are trendy, flattering, and effortless. We can’t get enough of this early-2000s style (hello, nostalgia!), which provides the perfect amount of flare for petite frames. Depending on your height, they’ll hit anywhere from below your calf to your ankle. The downside? Sizing only goes up to XL, and there aren’t any pockets for your phone or keys.

The Splits59 High Waist Raquel Crop is another one of Prescod’s favorites, and we agree. The thick, opaque fabric ensures full coverage when you squat, lunge, or stretch. They’re tough enough to stand up to Crossfit, lifting, or high-intensity classes, as well as yoga — but we love that they also look polished enough to run errands in. The thick, high-rise waistband accentuates your curves without digging in or sliding down, and the shorter inseam shows off your favorite sneakers. Pair these with a zip-up hoodie or a cropped tee for maximum Y2K vibes.

Size: XS–XL| Material: Nylon, spandex | Colors: 4 | Inseam: 25.5 inches

Best Tall

American Tall Balance Open-Bottom Yoga Pants

What We Love: The extra-long inseam fits anyone up to 6 feet, 6 inches tall.
What We Don’t Love: They don’t have any side pockets.

If you struggle to find activewear with a long enough inseam, look no further. We love that the American Tall Balance Open-Bottom Yoga Pants look like any other pair. The proportions are just right, the high-rise waistband is secure and compressive, and the pants have a slight flare at the ankle.

The brand also offers free exchanges, to ensure you find the right fit. Even better, they don’t cost a fortune — in fact, these leggings cost less than half the price of some other yoga pants on our list. However, they only have one small, hidden pocket in the waistband. Still, the 35-inch inseam and sleek silhouette make them our favorite pair for tall frames by far.

Size: XS–2XL| Material: Polyester, spandex | Colors: 5 | Inseam: 35 inches 

Best Curvy

Aerie OFFLINE High Waisted Crossover Super Flare Legging

What We Love: The ultra-flared ankles balance curvy proportions in a super flattering way.
What We Don’t Love: They aren’t very compressive, so they’re best for lounging or casual wear.

Accentuate your curves with these modern, budget-friendly yoga pants from Aerie. New York City-based fashion and beauty creator Austen Tosone loves the OFFLINE High Waisted Crossover Super Flare Legging for its breathable fabric and contemporary crossover waistband. She recommends styling these with a cropped tank and high-top sneakers for a sporty moment.

We recommend these yoga pants for curvy bodies because the extreme flare helps balance and flatter your proportions. The crossover waistband also hits at your natural waist for even more definition. Made with Aerie’s lightest fabric, these aren’t the most compressive or supportive, and they only come in black. Still, the soft fabric and three inseam options make this pair one of our top picks for all-day casual wear.

Size: XXS–XXL| Material: Nylon, elastane | Colors: 1 | Inseam: 30, 32, or 34 inches 

Best Flare

lululemon High-Rise Split-Hem Flared Pant

What We Love: These pants are silky smooth and hold their shape over time.
What We Don’t Love: They only come in one inseam length, and it’s on the longer side. 

These Lululemon yoga pants are a tried and true InStyle favorite. We’ve tested them extensively, and they’ve exceeded our expectations — not to mention that the flared cut is incredibly on-trend. We love that you could pair them with a blazer for happy hour or throw on a sweatshirt while heading to a workout class. The material is buttery soft and stretchy, but it still holds its shape through endless wears and washes. No need to adjust the high-rise waistband — this pair stays put for hours without rolling down or riding up.

Fashion influencer Vidhya Ramachandra is also a huge fan of Lulu’s flared yoga pants: “I’ve styled these with everything from denim or bomber jackets to sports bras and crop tops,” she says. 

The subtle split hem detail is a nice touch that helps show off your go-to sneakers or boots. Although these pants only come in one extra-long 32.5-inch inseam length, we like that you can get them hemmed for free at any Lululemon store (score!). Whether you’re doing Sun Salutations or racing through the airport, the Lululemon Groove High-Rise Split-Hem Flared Pant Nulu has you covered.

Size: 0–20| Material: Nylon, LYCRA® | Colors: 1 | Inseam: 32.5 inches

Best Bootcut

Alo Yoga Airbrush High-Waist Bootcut Legging

What We Love: The fabric smooths and sculpts, for a body-contouring fit.
What We Don’t Love: We wish they came in more sizes.

Designed for medium-intensity workouts, the Alo Airbrush High-Waist Bootcut Legging almost looks too stylish to sweat in. The moderate compression and wide waistband help sculpt and smooth your curves. Stylist Taline Guzelian says this pair is her go-to for running errands in crisp, cool weather. Although these leggings offer a bit more support, they don’t compromise on softness — the fabric contains nylon and elastane, creating a silky weave that also performs well under pressure. 

These leggings run long, with only a 32.25- or 32.75-inch inseam to choose from. If you’re 5 feet, 5 inches tall, or shorter, Alo offers a 7/8 length with shorter options. But we wish they came in sizes above an XL.

Size: XXS–XL| Material: Nylon, elastane | Colors: 4 | Inseam: 32.25 or 32.75 inches

Best Maternity

Nike One (M) High-Waisted Leggings

What We Love: The wide waistband has only a few seams and can be rolled down to create your ideal level of support.
What We Don’t Love: The compression is great for working out, but not so great for lounging around.

For yoga pants that you can wear before, during, and after pregnancy, we love the Nike One (M) High-Waisted Leggings. The wide waistband provides moderate compression and can be folded down for additional support without any slipping, sliding, or bunching. Plus, there are just a few seams to prevent chafing and irritation.

These leggings aren’t quite relaxed enough for lounging — for that, we’d recommend pants that aren’t as compressive. But we love that they’re made with recycled plastic bottles. Whether you’re stretching it out in class or going for a walk around the block, the sweat-wicking Nike One Leggings dry quickly, to keep you feeling comfortable.

Size: XS–XXL| Material: Recycled polyester, spandex | Colors: 2 | Inseam: Not listed 

Best with Pockets

Beyond Yoga Spacedye Everyday Pant

What We Love: The four-way stretch and UV protection.
What We Don’t Love: The size range is limited.

For the fit of a jogger with the feel of yoga pants, we love the Beyond Yoga Spacedye Everyday Pant. As the name suggests, they’re polished enough for everyday wear — but a four-way stretch ensures they’ll still move with you throughout your favorite poses. Yoga instructor Beth Cooke loves Beyond Yoga’s Spacedye fabric, noting that it’s incredibly cozy and comfortable to wear. 

We love that these pants go the extra mile: the cuffed hems, slanted pockets, and tailored cut make them perfect for meetings or girls’ nights out. The drapey fit is a breath of fresh air when you don’t feel like wearing form-fitting leggings. We wish this one came in more sizes, but we love that the fabric protects your skin from the sun’s UV rays. Note that this pant has a cropped fit, meaning it will hit petite frames near the ankle, but will likely hit the middle of your shin if you’re taller.

Size: XS–XL| Material: Polyester, elastane | Colors: 2 | Inseam: 26 inches

Best Cotton

BALEAF Women’s Joggers Yoga Pants

What We Love: They’re also made with a little spandex, so they stretch nicely.
What We Don’t Love: The waistband is thick.

Breathable cotton with a hint of spandex earns these lightweight BALEAF joggers a spot on our list. Not only are they less expensive than many of our other top picks, but they’re also available in a wide range of colors and sizes. Note that these pants are best for lounging, travel, or yoga rather than intense exercise since cotton tends to hold onto moisture. But we like that you can wear them long or hike the ankle cuffs up for a capri-length style. 

Two side pockets, a back pocket, and a wide waistband with a drawstring make these sweat-wicking pants an asset to any wardrobe. The waistband is a little thick compared to the rest of the joggers, but we like that it’s more mid-rise compared to most of the other yoga pants on our list. For restorative yoga or rest days, these joggers are a must-have.

Size: XS–3XL| Material: Cotton, spandex | Colors: 12 | Inseam: 26.6–29 inches

Best High-Waisted

Bandier Center Stage Rib Legging

What We Love: The high-rise, double-layer waistband is flattering and compressive.
What We Don’t Love: The ribbed fabric may not be as comfortable to sit in.

The Bandier Center Stage Rib Legging is Cooke’s all-time favorite for teaching yoga. “I love how it fits nice and high on my waist and stays put,” she says. “It’s been my go-to legging for years.” These leggings are pricier, but we like that they deliver a flattering fit with all-way stretch. The ribbed fabric is lightweight but contains a performance blend of nylon and spandex that make them ideal for low- or medium-impact workouts. And if you’re into matching sets, the Rib Tempo Crop Bra goes with these yoga pants perfectly.

Mid-weight and machine-washable, these are great everyday leggings. Pick up the basic black for coffee runs, or try a bright color that will stand out in your next workout class.

Size: XXS–2XL| Material: Nylon, spandex | Colors: 4 | Inseam: 26.25 inches

Best Compression

Girlfriend Collective High-Rise Legging

What We Love: They’re sweat-wicking and squat-proof, for high-impact workouts.
What We Don’t Love: The fabric tends to pill slightly in the long run.

Girlfriend Collective has long been an InStyle go-to for its wide size range and high-performance pieces. We especially love the Compressive High-Rise Legging because it comes in three inseam lengths and is made from recycled plastic bottles. Soft, sweat-wicking, and basically squat-proof (in other words, opaque), these yoga pants have a four-way stretch for whatever comes your way. A hidden pocket in the waistband has enough room for your cards, keys, or other small essentials.

Compression leggings are ultra-supportive with a very snug fit, so we’d recommend these for working out over days spent on the couch. It’s worth noting that, in testing, we found that they may pill over time — but with so many other reasons to love these leggings, we still feel they’re a worthy (dare we say necessary?) investment. 

Size: XXS–6XL| Material: Recycled plastic bottles, spandex | Colors: 10 | Inseam: 19.5–28.5 inches

Best for Travel

Athleta Elation Wide Leg Pant

What We Love: The flowy wide-leg silhouette turns your outfit travel-ready in a flash.
What We Don’t Love: On occasion, these pants run into wedgie territory.

No more second-guessing what you’re wearing to the airport, thanks to the Athleta Elation Wide Leg Pant. These yoga pants will look put together with an oversized cardigan or denim jacket when you’re on the go. But the nylon and LYCRA® fabric blend is also sweat-wicking and quick-drying enough for a tough workout. With compression right where you need it the most and breathable fabric that boosts airflow, you’ll stay cool and comfortable through flight delays, road trips, and more.

Sometimes, these leggings tend to ride up — but the waistband is made of three layers of fabric, meaning it’ll stay in place all day long. We like that these pants come in three lengths and extended sizes. You’ll love the UPF 50+ sun protection and lack of side seams equally for long travel days and just lounging around.

Size: XXS–3X| Material: Nylon, LYCRA® | Colors: 2 | Inseam: 29.5–34.5 inches

What to Keep in Mind

Flare

The flare of a yoga pant, or how wide the bottom of each pant leg is, can range from mild (like the Spanx Booty Boost Flare Yoga Pant) to extreme (like the Aerie OFFLINE High Waisted Crossover Super Flare Legging). Some don’t have any flare at all, in case the extra fabric gets in your way during Warrior 1. For a flare-free fit, we like the Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Legging. All are great for yoga flows — and flattering, to boot.

Stretch

While shopping, look for yoga pants with a good amount of stretch, but not so much that they’ll lose their shape. Most high-quality yoga pants are made with some spandex or elastane. These performance fabrics help prevent sagging or drooping and keep your garments looking brand-new, even after heavy wear and regular washes.

Activity

Yoga pants today can be worn for a variety of activities beyond just yoga. Many of our top picks feature fabric blends that are supportive and moisture-wicking enough for high-impact exercises, like cardio workouts. For full confidence during more intense movement, avoid overly soft fabrics, sheer material, or cotton. These pants are best for lounging or casual wear, whether you’re running errands or grabbing coffee with a friend.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the best underwear to wear with yoga pants?

The type of underwear you wear with yoga pants depends on your comfort level. If you prefer wearing something underneath, you may want yoga pants made from thicker fabric or a pair with a looser fit, like the Old Navy Extra-High Waisted PowerChill Wide-Leg Yoga Pants. Going bare? Make sure your yoga pants are completely opaque. Some pairs also have a gusset for even better coverage.

What is the difference between yoga pants and leggings?

Today’s yoga pants and leggings are very similar. Many pairs have similar silhouettes and are made with identical materials. Just know that some yoga pants, like Beyond Yoga’s Spacedye Everyday Pant, have a roomier fit that feels more like a jogger — not leggings. Even so, many of our top picks boast performance fabrics and designs that can take you from the mat to CrossFit to the airport.

Why Shop With Us

Kirby Kelly is a Denver-based copywriter with over eight years of experience writing for outlets like NYLON, crafting blog content for lifestyle brands, and developing winning advertising and web copy for global corporations. She researched and tested yoga pants and leggings for this piece, and in addition, consulted five fashion and fitness experts.