Yoga is a trifecta of physical, spiritual, and mental disciplines. For thousands of years, people across the globe have been engaging in yoga sessions with certified yogis. The rise in popularity of yoga in the U.S and around the world has led to a clothing revolution.
Yoga pants are a lucrative business. Beginning in the 1990s activewear was welcomed into wardrobes everywhere.
Today, more than 48 billion dollars is spent in the U.S every year on yoga pants and activewear. There are over 11,000 kinds of yoga pants on the market today and no signs of declining sales.
The popularity of yoga pants directly links to their marketability. People are looking for specific attributes in their activewear. This popularity leads us to ask, what are yoga pants made of?
Contents
The Rise of the Yoga Pant
Yoga pants had their debut in 1998 when Lululemon came on the scene. This company began manufacturing and selling yoga pants made of luon. Developers created this fabric from a high proportion of nylon microfiber. Along the way, Lululemon has developed other types of fabrics for their popular activewear lines.
The popularity of Lululemon led companies like Nike to offer items other than a jogger or sweatpants. Amazon saw a surge of people buying yoga leggings and yoga capris along with their yoga mats.
People were also enjoying pants made from a stretch fabric, rather than denim, and began wearing them to places other than the gym. Because of this, the development of athleisure clothing happened.
Athleisure is a hybrid garment you can wear in an athletic event or at work. People continue to enjoy the comfy nature of athleisure clothing at home or in the office.
The best yoga pants and workout clothes derive from a blend of fabrics. You can find combinations of cotton, spandex, nylon, and polyester in almost all workout clothes. Some pants have a high waistband for better tummy control, and all are using a flatlock seam to prevent chafing while you’re at the yoga studio.
A pair of yoga pants is now an essential garment in one’s wardrobe.
You might also be interested in our round-up of the best yoga backpacks.
Materials Used in the Making of Yoga Pants
Consumers are always looking for the best fabrics in their activewear. In the case of yoga pants, this is no different. Certain fabrics equal better comfort.
Let’s take a closer look at the fabrics used in the making of yoga pants.
Cotton
A lot of people like a 100% cotton fabric. It is light and breathable, but for a workout, it may not be the best choice. As your body cools itself, you sweat.
The fabric absorbs your sweat into it, and cotton doesn’t dry very quickly.
While it is a breathable fabric, it is not moisture-wicking and tends to feel heavy as your workout continues.
Spandex
Spandex is a synthetic fabric used in many types of garments such as underwear and socks. You can find spandex listed as lycra or elastane on garment tags. Clothing designers like this material because of its elasticity and breathability.
You will find spandex in a blend of fabrics such as cotton or wool. Rarely is a garment 100% spandex.
The popularity of spandex connects directly with the fact that it can stretch five to eight times its original size. For a yoga instructor or student, this quality allows them to transition through a sequence of yoga poses comfortably.
Polyester
Polyester is a top product in the making of activewear. This fabric is durable, breathable, and lightweight. The moisture-wicking nature of polyester will never leave you wet and sticky after your yoga class.
It is also a good insulator, so you can continue a yoga class or personal routine outdoors as temperatures get colder.
You might also be interested in our explainer on why yoga clothes are so expensive.
Nylon
This fabric is mostly used in pantyhose but is an excellent fabric for yoga pants. Nylon is best known for its super stretchy quality and moisture-wicking capabilities.
Sweat evaporates rather quickly from nylon because it can quickly get from the skin to the material’s surface.
Nylon is a soft material that yoga students find comfortable to wear and feels good on the skin. It also has a mold and mildew resistant quality.
Our Top Recommendations For Yoga Pants
Men and women need quality yoga pants, and with a little research, we found a few pairs we would recommend.
Men
1. Yoga Addict
Yoga Addict has designed this pair with the help of yogis and yoga students. They are super stretchy made from a combination of cotton and spandex. A wide elastic, waistband and drawstring keep them in place no matter what form of yoga you enjoy.
2. Baleaf
These yoga pants are designed like a legging and made from a combination of nylon and spandex. They are moisture-wicking, stretchy, and breathable. You can carry your mobile phone in the wide pockets of these fantastic yoga leggings.
Women
1. Heathyoga
Women will love these high-waisted, boot-cut, full-length yoga pants. They are made from a combination of polyester and spandex which makes them stretchy and moisture-wicking. Pockets are also included in the design to carry your phone or keys.
2. Ewedoos
Ewedoos yoga pants with pockets are in the style of leggings. These yoga leggings are high-waisted and come in a plethora of colors. Made from a combination of polyester and spandex, they are ultra-soft and not see-through.
The Final Word: What are Yoga Pants Made Of?
There is a need for clothing in any yoga practice that allows you to stretch and go through the poses comfortably. So, what are yoga pants made of? Yoga pants have evolved over the decades. Blends of high-quality fabric like spandex, cotton, nylon, and polyester are what companies traditionally use.
Today we are learning new methods to create workout clothes and yoga pants. These sustainable methods can create boot cut yoga pants or casual wear made from corn or bamboo.
The best yoga pants consist of a blend of fabrics. Our advice is to begin shopping and try a few different fabrics on for size, and remember, there is something out there for everybody.
