Yoga pants are among the most beloved garments of our time. What began as a niche article of athletic wear for women quickly became a certified fashion sensation, just in the span of a few short years!
Now, literally everyone and their mother is wearing yoga pants with pride, whether it’s at the gym, in the park, walking downtown, or just lounging around at home.
But aside from the flattering appearance, yoga pants offer several benefits for our overall health and wellbeing. If you haven’t yet jumped on the yoga pants bandwagon, we’re here to make a convincing case, once and for all.
This article will walk you through the many benefits that yoga pants provide and talk about avoiding some of the health and hygiene concerns that come with the territory.
We’ll also discuss the best way to build up a collection of quality, stylish yoga pants that will give you the health and happiness boost you’ve been looking for. Let’s dive in!
Athletic Performance
Before yoga pants were considered a global fashion phenomenon, they were worn specifically for athletic pursuits. They offer a few key performance advantages and remain the most popular pick for women at the gym, in the yoga studio, and beyond.
Here are a few reasons why yoga pants are so ideal for physical activity of any type.
Stretch
How the heck did anyone work out before the crucial invention of yoga pants? Okay, that’s an exaggeration, but it’s certainly true that yoga pants are the superior bottoms for working out.
The first and most obvious advantage is stretch. Yoga pants are crafted with super-stretchy materials so that you can perform a maximum range of movement without any restrictions.
Even the comfiest pair of shorts has its limits when it comes to flexibility. Whether you’re in the squat rack, on the yoga mat, or busting out some dance moves in a group class, the amazing stretchiness of yoga pants is simply unparalleled.
Yes, sweats and joggers might offer you a bit more durability and warmth if you’re jogging outside or doing some low-key aerobics, but you’ll want that 4-way stretch to max out your flexibility and make the most of your workouts.
Breathability
Your skin needs to breathe, too, believe it or not! Yoga pants are far more breathable than nearly every other type of workout bottoms.
The secret is in materials like elastane, polyester, and high-quality cotton blends. This construction allows air to flow freely through the fabric, keeping you cool and dry during the most intense workouts of your week.
If you’ve ever endured hot-house yoga or a hardcore aerobics or spin class, you’ll know how important that extra ventilation can be.
Moisture-wicking technology goes hand-in-hand with breathable fabric, and the best yoga pants will feature all of these capabilities for the best possible performance.
Coverage
Don’t underestimate the benefits of full-length coverage that yoga pants provide.
We sometimes have to learn the hard way that shorts are not optimal for yoga – our legs become sweaty and slip around the mat during technical poses. That’s a recipe for injury or at least embarrassment.
It’s a counterintuitive idea at first, but full-length yoga pants are actually better for grueling workouts and yoga sessions that require grip and coordination on the mat.
With long yoga pants, you get a performance and comfort advantage compared to shorts, and this may protect you from taking a dangerous fall.
Compression
You may have heard terms like “core stability” and “shaping” when reading up about yoga pants. These are more than just marketing methods. They refer to the compression effect that is built into many yoga pants, a feature that has many proven health benefits.
Just a bit of gentle compression is all you need to experience improved blood flow, stronger muscle contractions, and extra support when you’re pushing your athletic limits. Some women simply enjoy reduced inflammation and comfort, especially when pregnant.
Since no two yoga pants are exactly alike, the degree and location of the compression will vary among products. Some will contain more pressure on the mid-thigh, while others focus on the waistband, the butt, or even the calves.
It might be a strange feeling at first, but you’ll quickly see how some light, targeted compression can help take your workouts to the next level.
Motivation
There’s something to be said for the burst of motivation you receive from slipping on a pair of quality yoga pants. It immediately puts you in the mental zone for working out, getting in touch with your body, and simply leading a healthier lifestyle overall.
When wearing yoga pants, you’re more aware of your each and every move, and it creates a more mindful experience in your daily routine.
Plus, you can easily stretch, take a walk, or attend a yoga class whenever you see fit. Health and fitness just become so much easier when you make yoga pants a part of your daily wardrobe!
Versatile Style
Performance is one thing, but you’ve got to look good while working out and living life, too. That’s exactly what yoga pants do best, creating a flattering appearance for your lower body and emphasizing your curves in all the right places.
The Athleisure Effect
Unless you’re totally out of the loop, you’ve likely noticed the athleisure trend sweeping the world of casual fashion.
Log onto any website or celebrity social media account to see athleisure in full effect, with yoga pants forming the foundation of many forward-thinking casual outfits.
Yoga pants aren’t just on the fringes of fashion anymore – they’re front and center no matter where you look! Wear them with slim-fitting tanks, oversized t-shirts, or chunky sweaters to create interesting silhouettes from top to bottom.
There are really no rules in the world of athleisure, and that’s what makes it such an accessible trend for everyone to enjoy.
Everyday Comfort
We don’t really need to state the obvious, but yoga pants are incomparably comfortable as daily-wear bottoms for any kind of lifestyle.
Alright, maybe you won’t be wearing yoga pants to the office, but they can be worn to the store, to the park, to the mall, or just driving the kids around town.
As we mentioned, you don’t need to sacrifice style when wearing yoga pants. Dress them up or down, and love every minute of life in clothes that actually feel great.
Downsides to Consider
The pros of yoga pants far outweigh the cons, but you should be aware of some possible issues that can arise. Here are a few to keep on your radar and some ways to prevent them.
Moisture and Chafing
We know it’s tempting to wear yoga pants every day and experience the benefits we’ve discussed so far, but moisture buildup can be a problem after extended wear.
You might want to wear yoga pants during every waking hour (or even as pajamas), but it’s crucial that you take some time to air out your legs and other regions that really need that extra bit of ventilation.
Chafing, discomfort, and even infection can happen if you aren’t diligent about removing and washing your yoga pants after a few hours of use, especially if you’ve worked out.
Yoga pants are different – it’s not like a pair of jeans that can be worn for a few days without a wash! Make sure you have a set of fresh yoga pants ready to rock so you don’t run out.
Overreliance on Compression
If you become too accustomed to yoga pants, you might be missing out on developing some of your natural strength due to over-compression.
To combat this, keep a diverse array of yoga pants in your rotation that compress various parts of the lower body. That way, you’ll stay strong throughout the hips, thighs, and calves no matter what.
Keep Your Collection Fresh
Maybe you are running low on yoga pants or you just can’t seem to find a pair that suits your style and workout preferences. Maybe your athletic wear wardrobe is just looking a little sparse and needs a refreshment.
A yoga clothes subscription box is the most time- and cost-effective way to boost your yoga pants collection, as well as other athletic wear essentials in your collection.
Just fill out a quiz with your preferences, and a professional stylist hand-selects outfits based exactly on your needs – it’s that easy! All you have to do is sit back and wait for your monthly delivery of a sleek new yoga outfit with quality, long-lasting pants.
Conclusion
The benefits of yoga pants are undeniable, from the gym and the studio to the city streets and fashion shows.
You owe it to yourself to fill your wardrobe with quality yoga pants that will last a long time, both in terms of material durability and relevant styles!
Sources:
6 Benefits Of Yoga Pants, aka Your Beloved Second Skin | Elite Daily
How to choose the best yoga pants: Benefits, risks, and more | Medical News Today
When You Wear Leggings Every Day, This Is What Happens To Your Body | The List
