11 best yoga leggings in 2026, reviewed by Glamour's bendiest editors
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While training for my first half-marathon, I was repeatedly told to take up yoga. And while I followed that advice, yoga leggings weren't something I readily invested in. I (wrongly) assumed that my current rotation of gym leggings would do, not realising that their added thickness and intense compression might actually be limiting my flow.
But having since refreshed my rotation of gym-wear, I'll admit that I was naive — that the best leggings, ones tailored to low-impact workouts like yoga, barre or Pilates, actually do make a difference, sculpting without squashing to help you stretch further and bend deeper.
But in such an overcrowded market, how do you know which are worth your investment? Personally, it's been a case of trial and error. However, to save you from investing in the wrong style, length or size, I've rounded up my top-rated yoga pants below — high-rise leggings that feel buttery soft, almost like a second skin and have enough versatility to be worn to brunch too.
A reminder: practising yoga just a couple of times a week can have a marked difference on your mood and mental health — as can leggings that fold or fall down, concave in places you really don't want them to, or stretch to reveal what workout underwear you've got underneath.
So, before you grab your sports bra, yoga mat and yoga block, swot up on which yoga pants and flared leggings I've crowned the very best, as well as answers to common activewear FAQs.
How I test the best yoga leggings:
I, alongside our team of shopping editors – Sophie Cockett, Georgia Trodd, Mayola Fernandes and Shani Cohen – double as Glamour testers and so are constantly roadtesting the latest beauty, fashion and wellness releases to see which are really worth your cash. For this guide, the fitness keen were asked to test at least one pair of yoga leggings for two weeks.
When reviewing each style, we rated them against the following criteria:
| Design | Are they practical, fit for purpose and aesthetic? |
| Fit | Are they trust to size? Are there options in terms of length and style? |
| Support | Do they offer some compression without limiting our movement? Does the waistband roll or slide down? |
| Price point | Would we be willing to spend that much again? Are they good quality? Will they last, and do they wash well? |
| Delivery | How quickly did each pair arrive, and what were the associated costs? |
For those we haven't yet tested, we asked experts, including yoga instructors and my dedicated yogi mother, for their honest opinion, plus read countless customer reviews.
Why you can trust me:
FYI, I've been a shopping writer for over two years — that's 14 months at Glamour and a year elsewhere. In that time, I've reviewed everything, from new-in sexual wellness products to running trainers and menstrual products such as period pants, Essentially, I've tried thousands of products across hundreds of brands, meaning I'm more clued up on the subject of wellness than your average online shopper.
Over the last year, I've attended countless press days, spoken to various yoga instructors, activewear designers, women's health experts and sex therapists, plus keep up to date on the latest wellness research. But I also attend weekly yoga classes — my 2026 goal is to match my mum's flow — meaning I know what I want and need in a pair of leggings. So, read on for my honest reviews.
Ahead, our edit of the best yoga leggings and yoga pants for women in 2026, approved by Glamour editors.
Aptly named, these Adanola are my favourites — and my fellow shopping editors too. They're the best at smoothing without squashing, giving you a full range of motion to follow your instructor, while the lack of front seam also helped to prevent any concaving.
With 22 colour options and three choices when it comes to length, these should work for most shapes. Plus, with a pair — which will take you from yoga or Pilates to brunch, and even to the office when paired with knee-high boots — coming in at under £50, I'm already considering investing in a second.
- Sizes: XXS (UK 4-6) — 3XL (18-20).
- Inseam: 22.8", 24.8" or 28.7".
- Material: 70% polyamide, 30% elastane.
- Care: Machine wash cold.
Save when you shop for the best yoga leggings with these Adanola coupons at checkout.
A really good way to test leggings — AKA to check they won't roll down, twist or bag at the crotch? Wear them under your wedding guest dress at a winter wedding. I was warm all day and had no anxiety about how they'd perform at our first flow together. They didn't stick to my dress or cause it to go static, and fit like a glove — rather than feeling like compression leggings, they just moulded around my muscles. I loved the lack of front seam, but most of all the buttery material — they're almost velvet-like in nature. To summarise, a winner all round.
- Sizes: XS — 2XL.
- Inseam: 23".
- Material: 73% recycled polyamide, 27% elastane.
- Care: Machine wash cold.
I've got no shame in admitting that I, too, have made the fatal error — forgetting just how much stretch yoga leggings can have, and so being shocked to find my usual size is a little loose. Thankfully, this Sweaty Betty style comes fitted with a super high-waist and an internal drawcord, guaranteeing you a secure fit. Other perks include the fact that they're 90% squat-proof — opt for nude workout underwear, and you'll be fine — sweat-wicking and come fitted with a side slip pocket for your phone. Simply choose between two lengths (7/8 or full length) and five possible colourways pre-vinyasa flow.
- Sizes: XXS (UK 6) — XXL (18-20).
- Inseam: 24" or 27".
- Material: 69% polyamide, 31% elastane.
- Care: Machine wash.
Save when you shop for the best yoga leggings with these Sweaty Betty discount codes at checkout.
Softlyzero High Waisted Crossover Leggings
One thing I appreciate when shopping for leggings, whether they be Pilates leggings or gym leggings? Options. Halara's crossover leggings are both size-inclusive, but also available in 11 fun hues, including Fedora Red Purple (a hot pink) and Sunshine Orange. In terms of their effectiveness as yoga leggings, they have four-way stretch so as not to limit your range of motion and are sweat-absorbing. But the side pockets also came in super handy for stashing my keys, spare contact lenses and locker fob.
- Sizes: XXS — XXL.
- Inseam: 25".
- Material: 85% nylon, 15% elastane.
- Care: Machine wash cold.
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TALA may be our go-to for scrunch bum leggings, but the brand has a selection of low impact-friendly workout gear too. Take these yoga flares, available in this sweet lilac or a go-with-everything mocha brown. I was a big fan of the DayFlex airbrush fabric — essentially, these were some of the lightest leggings in our edit — but the sweetheart contouring back seam and wrap waist also meant these provided a super flattering fit. But this pair has eco-credentials, too, being crafted from 75% recycled materials.
- Sizes: XS — XL.
- Inseam: 30".
- Material: 75% recycled polyamide, 25% elastane.
- Care: Machine wash.
Essential High-Waisted Gym Leggings
There's no denying that activewear — and even yoga sessions — can be an investment. However, efficient leggings don't have to cost £100+. This affordable option from M&S's Good Move range is crafted from a blackout, squat-proof fabric that's also moisture-wicking, quick-drying and breathable. Best of all, though, is the in-built Cool Comfort technology which kept me feeling fresh — even after a 45-minute flow on my red light mat.
- Sizes: UK 6 — 24.
- Material: 79% polyester, 21% elastane.
- Care: Machine wash.
Save when you shop for the best yoga leggings with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.
I don't know a single person that doen't praise lululemon's Align Pant. The Nulu fabric feels almost weightless and sweat-wicking, making these a great option for hot yoga classes. But the added Lycra ensures a close fit — I didn't have to pull these up once during my class, no matter what position I got myself into. The designers have even added a hidden waistband pocket that fits a card or your keys that won't get in the way when moving in/out of Warrior 2.
- Sizes: 0 (UK 4) — 18 (UK 22).
- Inseam: 25", 28" or 31".
- Material: 81% nylon, 19% Lycra elastane.
- Care: Machine wash.
Save when you shop for the best yoga leggings with these lululemon discount codes at checkout.
Last summer saw the return of the capri, and while they've become a staple in our hot-weather wardrobe, there's good reason they should feature in our activewear rotation too. Just think of those hot yoga sessions where it's virtually impossible to cool down. But this pair are also buttery smooth and has four-way stretch, meaning they're comfortable pre- and post-period bloat, too. Size inclusive, fitted with a high and wide waistband, my only note is the lack of bright colour options.
- Sizes: XS (UK 4-6) — XL (20-22).
- Inseam: 19".
- Material: 79% nylon, 21% elastane.
- Care: Machine wash cold.
Save when you shop for the best yoga leggings with these Free People discount codes at checkout.
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Rather than activewear, Vouri offers up ‘performance apparel’, designed to take you from yoga to brunch, and these ribbed leggings are primed for those with packed schedules. Yep, I've worn these with a sweatshirt and white trainers while running errands, as well as to countless yoga classes.
I love the four-inch turn-back waistband, which, arguably, felt the most supportive of all the yoga leggings in this edit, as well as the form-fitting material — essentially, these sculpt without any squeezing. They also kept their shape really well after multiple washes. Yes, they're an investment, but considering they still look brand new three-months in, I'd say it's a justifiable one.
- Sizes: XXS (UK 000) — XXL (18-20).
- Inseam: 24.5".
- Material: 82% recycled polyester, 18% elastane.
- Care: Machine wash.
A new activewear brand on my radar and one I'm sad to have slept on for so long. But the female-founded Sisterly Tribe specialise in minimalist pieces that offer a flattering, feminine fit — think ballet-style wrap cardigans, double-layer bras and leggings finished in pretty pastel hues. This butter-yellow pair are designed without a front seam, limiting the risk of a camel toe, but also a higher waist for extra core support. Quick-drying and sweat-wicking, they also kept me comfortable during even the sweatiest of sessions.
- Sizes: XS (6-8) — XL (16).
- Inseam: 25".
- Material: 73% recycled polyester, 27% spandex.
- Care: Machine wash.
7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging
In another life (two years ago), I played it safe and only stuffed my gymwear drawer with black leggings for fear of colourful options showing my sweatmarks. However, activewear has come a long way, and I can confirm, after multiple hot yoga sessions, that this subtly-sheeny pair from Alo gave nothing away. With 23 colour options, you can match or clash your ‘fit, but I’ve loudly praised the double-layered waistband that offers plenty of core support. My only note? If you're between sizes, size down.
- Sizes: XXS (UK 4) — 2XL (16-18).
- Inseam: 24-25" or 28-29".
- Material: 82% polyester, 18% elastane.
- Care: Machine wash.
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Yoga leggings FAQs, answered:
What's the difference between yoga pants and workout leggings?
While yoga leggings and gym leggings should both have high waists and moisture-wicking properties, there are key differences. Yoga leggings tend to be thinner and softer than running pants, while the latter are more compressive to support your muscles.
Both our shopping writers and industry experts agree that it's best to spend your money on a pair of leggings that have been specifically designed with yoga in mind, because they’ll be breathable, moisture-wicking and able to flow with you.
To feel supported and comfortable, I recommend looking for a pair with a high and wide waistband that lies flat on your torso, doesn’t cut in, and, if possible, has a drawstring so you can tailor the fit. It’s also worth remembering that yoga leggings, as with most activewear, will stretch over time, so avoid sizing up in anticipation of some loosening later down the line.
What fabric is best for yoga leggings?
“Look for fabrics that contain lycra or elastane blended with nylon,” suggests Holly. "This combination gives you the stretch you need while maintaining shape and support.
“The material should feel soft against the skin but still hold you securely especially through dynamic sequences. Breathability is also key as you want moisture-wicking properties that keep you comfortable in a heated class, stronger vinyasa flow or rocket class!”
She continues: “Performance matters, but so does how it makes you feel! Feeling comfortable and confident is key when moving on our mats.”
Are high-waisted leggings better for yoga?
“For most people, yes,” says Holly. “High-waisted leggings provide added stability and coverage, which allows you to move freely without distraction. As a practitioner, not having to pull your leggings up means you can stay focused on your breath and the internal aspects of the practice.
“Yoga is about pratyahara — withdrawing the senses and tuning inward, and the right clothing supports that sense of ease and inner focus.”
Meet the expert:
| Holly Evans | Yoga Instructor & Teacher Training Manager at MoreYoga. |
