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After a Month of Testing the Best Flare Yoga Pants, These 13 Pairs Won Out

We worked out in flared leggings from lululemon, Athleta, Amazon, and more for weeks to find our favorites

Group of people wearing different types of flared yoga pants

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples

Whether you call them flare yoga pants or flare leggings, this activewear essential is back and better than ever. Brands like lululemon and Beyond Yoga have brought back bell bottoms in stretchy, sweat-wicking fabrics we want to live in. But with so many pairs to choose from, starting the search for your next favorite pants can feel like a chore. 

To make shopping easier, we asked the experts what to look for: “The most important features of a good yoga pant are fit, function, and then fashion," says Diane Powell, a yoga instructor. She adds that it’s also important to find pants with a waistband that doesn’t slip or roll down, which can interrupt your flow during a good workout session. 

But we didn’t stop there. We wanted to compare the top flare yoga pants up close, so we brought 27 options into The Verywell Testing Lab. Our team of testers tried each pair on, checking to see how they fit. Then, we did a short workout, moving through squats to test the pants’ opacity and standing up and sitting down to see if the waistband stayed in place. 

Finally, we took each pair home to wear and wash them in our regular routines for one month. At the end of the test, we noted how the pants held up to determine which pairs were truly the best on the market. Another reason to trust our recommendations? We also had a certified personal trainer and yoga instructor from our Review Board review this article for accuracy and the best way to find comfortable flare yoga pants that fit well. Our top picks are soft, durable, and stylish—plus, some even have pockets.

Best Overall

lululemon High-Rise Split-Hem Flared Pant

Lululemon Groove High-Rise Split-Hem Flared Pant Nulu

lululemon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Opacity
    5/5
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Waistband pocket

  • Wash well

  • Ultra-comfortable

Cons
  • Expensive

  • May be too long for some

The only legging to receive a perfect 5 out of 5 score in every category, lululemon’s Groove High-Rise Split-Hem Flared Pant Nulu is our top overall pick. We couldn’t get enough of the stretchy fabric that felt comfortable and breathable, whether we were walking around New York City or powering through a 90-minute workout. We also love that the thick, high-rise waistband never slid down or bunched up. 

While squatting, we were pleased to find that the Groove Pant stayed completely opaque, without showing the color or pattern of our underwear. These were also some of the most durable yoga pants we tested: After wearing and washing them for a month, we didn’t notice any pilling or thinning, even between our thighs. 

We found this pair runs true to size, so go with your usual size for a legging that’s snug and compressive in all the right places. And unlike some other pairs on our list, these pants also have a hidden pocket in the waistband that’s large enough to hold your phone. From yoga to Pilates to running errands, these were our favorite pants—hands-down. 

Although our taller testers appreciated the 32.5-inch inseam, there aren’t any other length options for shorter wearers. It’s also worth noting that the Groove Flared Pant Nulu is one of the more expensive pairs of flare yoga pants on our list. However, we think they’re a worthy investment, given their high-quality construction and second-skin feel. 

Key Specs: 
Material:
Nylon, Lycra elastane | Rise: High | Inseam: 32.5 inches | Sizes: 0 to 20

Best Budget

Copyleaf Flare Yogo Pants

Copyleaf Flare Yogo Pants

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Opacity
    5/5
  • Fit
    4.9/5
  • Performance
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4.8/5
Pros
  • Flattering crossover waistband

  • Thick, comfortable material

  • Deep side pockets

Cons
  • Not ideal for high-impact workouts

  • Shows underwear lines

For a tenth of the price of some other pairs we tested, Copyleaf’s Flare Yogo Pants impressed us with their superior durability and comfort. When we tried them on, we immediately liked how compressive and supportive they felt. We also noticed that the high, crossover waistband never felt constrictive. Instead, it stretches with you as you move, providing a second-skin feel. 

We loved that the opaque material didn’t show any signs of pilling or sheering, even after multiple wears. However, we could see our underwear lines through the fabric, so we’d recommend wearing something lightweight and seamless underneath. We also found that, since Copyleaf’s pants are thicker than others we tried on, they’re not ideal for sweaty, high-impact workouts. 

The pair has a double-layered gusset, but one of our testers found that it tended to bunch up. Still, with two deep side pockets and a low cost price, we love this budget-friendly pick for walking and lounging. Choose from over 15 colors and styles, including a cropped option

Key Specs:
Material:
Nylon, spandex | Rise: High | Inseam: 29.5, 30, or 30.5 inches | Sizes: XS to XXL

Best Budget Runner Up

Uniqlo AIRism Soft Flare Leggings

Uniqlo AIRism Soft Flare Leggings

Uniqlo

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    3.8/5
  • Opacity
    4.7/5
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Performance
    4.9/5
  • Value
    4.4/5
Pros
  • Comfortable for a range of activities

  • UV protection

  • Waistband pockets

Cons
  • May pill

  • Threads may loosen over time

Slightly more expensive than Copyleaf’s Flare Yogo Pants, but still a solid buy, Uniqlo’s AIRism Soft Flare Leggings were our second favorite budget-friendly pair. We loved how stretchy they are, supporting us through runs, spin classes, and busy days at home. We also appreciated the close fit and hold—they stayed put even after long hours of wear. 

With fabric that protects your skin from the sun’s UV rays and pockets in the back of the waistband, these flare yoga pants are a great option for outdoor walks and workouts. However, we did notice that they’re not as durable as other pants we tested: After we washed them, we found a few loose threads and some pilling. 

Despite this, we were impressed by these leggings’ overall value, given their price. If you’re looking for budget-friendly flare yoga pants without a crossover waist, we highly recommend these. Wear them with Uniqlo’s AIRism Mesh UV Protection Full-Zip Hoodie for a look that easily transitions from the gym to your favorite brunch spot. 

Key Specs:
Material:
Polyester, spandex, nylon | Rise: Not listed | Inseam: Not listed | Sizes: XXS to XXL

Best with Pockets

Beyond Yoga Spacedye High Waisted All Day Flare Pant

Beyond Yoga Spacedye High Waisted All Day Flare Pant

REI

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Opacity
    5/5
  • Fit
    4/5
  • Performance
    3.8/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Long enough for tall wearers

  • Opaque material won’t show underwear lines

  • UV protection

Cons
  • Not ideal for high-impact workouts

A comfortable pair of flare yoga pants is great—but a pair with deep side pockets is even better. We love Beyond Yoga’s Spacedye All Day Flare High Waisted Pant because it combines high-performance features with large, convenient pockets. 

During testing, these leggings felt like a second skin—moving with us without sagging or pulling. We also love the fabric, a blend of spandex and polyester that’s supremely soft, stretchy, and opaque. And we noticed that this pair doesn’t show underwear lines, another plus. 

The Spacedye All Day Flare Pant also has UV protection for outdoor walks. But we don’t recommend them for more intense workouts because the thick fabric doesn’t wick away sweat as well as other pants we tested. And while we appreciated that the 32-inch inseam was long enough for tall wearers, they may be too long for some. Pick up the Spacedye Focus Cropped Tank for added UV protection and support on top. 

Key Specs:
Material:
Polyester, spandex | Rise: High | Inseam: 32 inches | Sizes: XS to 4X (2 to 14)

Best with Compression

Athleta Elation Flare Pant

Athleta Elation Flare Pant

Athleta

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.6/5
  • Opacity
    5/5
  • Fit
    4.7/5
  • Performance
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4/5
Pros
  • Wide range of sizes and inseam lengths

  • Triple-layered waistband

  • Rated UPF 50+

Cons
  • May run small

Athleta’s Elation Flare Pants deliver enough compression for everything from holding Downward Facing Dog to running on the treadmill. The silky material offered great support that didn’t waver during tough workouts. And the waistband’s three layers of fabric supported us without squeezing or pinching. 

The nylon and Lycra blend isn’t just sweat-wicking and quick-drying—it’s also rated UPF 50+, which means it blocks over 98% of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. It’s opaque, too, and resisted pilling after multiple washes. Other thoughtful design elements, like a lack of side seams and a pocket in the back, make these yoga pants just as practical as they are easy to wear. 

The Elation Flare Pants come in a wide range of sizes and inseam lengths, including petite and tall options. But some wearers have found that they run small, so you may want to size up (especially since they’re compressive). Although we didn’t test it, a matching Elation V-Neck Longline Bra is also available. 

Key Specs:
Material:
Nylon, Lycra | Rise: Ultra high-rise | Inseam: 29.5, 31.5, or 34.5 inches | Sizes: XXS to 3X (00 to 26)

Best Plus Size

SuperFit Hero Pocket Flare Leggings

SuperFit Hero Pocket Flare Leggings

SuperFit Hero

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Opacity
    5/5
  • Fit
    4.4/5
  • Performance
    4.2/5
  • Value
    3.8/5
Pros
  • Very compressive and supportive

  • Ideal for short wearers

  • Opaque material

Cons
  • Waistband may roll down

If you’re searching for flare yoga pants that come in plus sizes and don’t sheer out when you squat, we recommend SuperFit Hero’s Pocket Flare Leggings. We loved how these fit, with just the right amount of compression. And the opaque, sweat-wicking fabric was soft and thick, with a luxurious feel. 

With a high waistband that holds everything in, we’d recommend these leggings for low-impact exercise. We found them to be a bit too restrictive for cardio workouts, like running. (Instead, we recommend Athleta’s Elation Flare Pants.) One of our two testers did find that the waistband rolled down, but only on occasion. 

These pants have a 30-inch inseam that’s ideal for shorter wearers. If you tend to have issues with tripping on long, flared hems, SuperFit Hero’s Pocket Flare Leggings might be your new go-to. For a matching top, we like the brand’s Shelf Bra Tank Top, which has removable inserts for customizable coverage. 

Key Specs:
Material:
Polyester, spandex | Rise: High | Inseam: 30 inches | Sizes: L to 7X (16 to 44)

Best Super High-Rise

lululemon Groove Super-High-Rise Flared Pant Nulu

lululemon Groove Super-High-Rise Flared Pant Nulu

lululemon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Opacity
    4.9/5
  • Fit
    4.2/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Buttery soft fabric

  • Waistband won’t roll down

  • Lightweight and breathable

Cons
  • May be too long for some

  • Expensive

With a different silhouette that sets it apart from our best overall pick, lululemon’s Groove Super-High-Rise Flared Pant Nulu is the best super-high-rise pant we tested. The thick waistband is one of the widest on our list, providing additional support as you move and exercise throughout the day. We also love that it never rolled down. Plus, it has a drop-in pocket in the back for your phone or keys. 

lululemon’s Nulu material is stretchy, lightweight, and silky soft. Although it’s thin (especially in lighter colors), it’s also ultra-comfortable and breathable for all-day wear. And it has great hold, seeing as we never had to readjust them. 

These yoga pants are only available in a 32.5-inch length, meaning they may be too long for some wearers. (Fortunately, you can get your leggings hemmed for free at any lululemon store.) And while this is one of the most expensive pairs on our list, we think the high-quality fabric and overall comfort is well worth the high price.

Wondering what to pair with super-high-rise pants? lululemon’s All It Takes Short-Sleeve Shirt Nulu and Ribbed Nulu Asymmetrical Yoga Bra are made from the same buttery soft material, in styles that compliment a taller waistband. 

Key Specs:
Material:
Nylon, Lycra elastane, polyester | Rise: Super-high | Inseam: 32.5 inches | Sizes: 0 to 20

Best Opaque

Beyond Yoga Spacedye Make The Cut Split Ankle Pant

Amazon Beyond Yoga Make the Cut Pants

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Opacity
    5/5
  • Fit
    4.5/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Ultra-comfortable

  • Won’t pill

  • Stylish details

Cons
  • May be too short for some

  • No pockets

During testing, we found that plenty of yoga pants on our list were squat-proof. But Beyond Yoga’s Make the Cut Split Ankle Pant is our pick for the most opaque pair because the thick fabric also hides underwear lines. Soft and comfortable, we loved wearing these UV-protective leggings for everything from lounging to core exercises at the gym. 

Made from polyester and elastane, the Make the Cut Pant is durable—after weeks of wear and washes, we didn’t find any pilling or thinning (even between our thighs). We also liked the silhouette: Featuring front seams and a split at the ankle, they had a stylish edge over other pairs we tested. But they don’t have any pockets, unlike Copyleaf’s Flare Yogo Pants.

While the 26-inch inseam length is ideal for shorter wearers, it may be too short for some. (Plenty of our other picks come in 30-, 32-, and 34-inch lengths if you’re looking for something longer.) We recommend pairing it with the brands Lift Your Spirits Bra, which is made from the same thick, UV-protective fabric.

Key Specs:
Material:
Polyester, elastane | Rise: Not listed | Inseam: 26 inches | Sizes: XXS to XL (0 to 16)

Best with Crossover Waistband

Aerie High Waisted Crossover Flare Legging

OFFLINE By Aerie Real Me High Waisted Crossover Flare Legging

AE

Pros
  • Lightweight material

  • Flattering silhouette

  • Comes in three inseam lengths

Cons
  • Lighter colors may be too thin for some

Similar to Copyleaf’s Flare Yogo Pants, Aerie’s Flare Legging has a flattering, crossover waistband that we love. We picked them over Copyleaf’s for this category because Aerie’s fabric is thinner and more lightweight, making these pants a breathable option that’s better for working out in. 

We recommend Aerie’s Flare Leggings for cardio or running errands—soft and smooth, the fabric offered gentle support with barely-there compression. But we found the lighter colors a little too thin for weightlifting because they showed texture and lines. However, they were still opaque, providing full coverage  while we worked out. 

We love that this pair comes in three inseam lengths (30, 32, or 34 inches), so finding the right fit is easy. Made from the same material, the OFFLINE by Aerie Real Me Tank Top is our recommendation for a matching top—we like that it has a built-in shelf bra and removable pads. 

Key Specs:
Material:
Nylon, elastane | Rise: High | Inseam: 30, 32, or 34 inches | Sizes: XXS to XXL (000 to 20)

Best Sustainable

GapFit Sky High Rise Recycled Power Flare Leggings

GapFit Sky High-Rise Recycled Power Flare Leggings

Gap

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Opacity
    4.6/5
  • Fit
    4.2/5
  • Performance
    4.7/5
  • Value
    4/5
Pros
  • Opaque material won’t show underwear lines

  • Comes in tall and petite sizes

  • Flatlock seams prevent chafing

Cons
  • May be too long for some

  • No pockets

Expand your wardrobe while cutting back on waste with these Power Flare Leggings from GapFit. Made with 79% recycled polyester, they’re a sustainable choice that also has plenty of performance features we love. 

Although the fabric is mostly recycled, we found that it was thick enough to hide underwear lines during testing. They also washed incredibly well, holding their shape and elasticity even after multiple wears. And we liked the comfortable, flatlock seams on the sides of the legs, which helped prevent chafing

Both of our testers noticed different issues with the fit—on one person, the waistband wasn’t actually high-rise, while someone else found that they were too long. Still, we like that these pants are available in a wide range of sizes, as well as Petite, Regular, and Tall inseams, to fit a variety of bodies. But it’s worth noting that, unlike lululemon Groove Super-High-Rise Flared Pant Nulu, these leggings don’t have any pockets.

We also recommend GapFit’s Eclipse Cropped Brami. While we didn’t test it, we think the sweat-wicking, four-way stretch material pairs perfectly with these pants. 

Key Specs:
Material:
Recycled polyester, spandex | Rise: High | Inseam: 29, 31.5, or 35.5 inches | Sizes: XXS to XXL (000 to 22)

Best Petite

Yogipace Bootcut Yoga Pants

Yogipace Bootcut Yoga Pants

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.4/5
  • Opacity
    5/5
  • Fit
    3.5/5
  • Performance
    3.6/5
  • Value
    3.8/5
Pros
  • Budget-friendly

  • Thick, opaque material

  • Wash well

Cons
  • Best for lounging, not workouts

  • Gusset may shift

With ten inseam options to choose from (and four lengths shorter than 30 inches), Yogipace’s Bootcut Yoga Pants are our pick for the best petite pair. They’re made from a thick blend of nylon and spandex that washes well—we didn’t notice any pilling or sheering during our test. 

We also love that they’re opaque, hiding underwear lines. However, we found that the material wasn’t as stretchy as others we tested—making these pants better for lounging than for intense workouts. This also led to some minor fit issues, as the gusset tended to shift around while we wore them. 

Even so, we think these are a great value for the price. Supportive and cozy, they’re ideal for hanging out on the couch or running errands on the weekend.

Key Specs:
Material:
Nylon, spandex | Rise: Not listed | Inseam: 25 to 37 inches | Sizes: XS  to XXL

Best Tall

BUBBLELIME High Waist Bootcut Yoga Pants

BUBBLELIME High Waist Bootcut Yoga Pants

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.1/5
  • Opacity
    5/5
  • Fit
    4.3/5
  • Performance
    4.4/5
  • Value
    4.6/5
Pros
  • Budget-friendly

  • Sweat-wicking

  • Waistband won’t slide or roll down

Cons
  • No pockets

  • May stretch out over time

If you struggle with finding flare yoga pants that are actually long enough to cover your ankles, we recommend this pair from BUBBLELIME. You can choose from five inseams, all the way up to 37 inches, to find the right fit. 

We love that they’re some of the most budget-friendly leggings on our list, but don’t skimp on quality or design. The fabric is thick and opaque, and we love the wide waistband that didn’t slip or roll down once during testing. 

They’re also sweat-wicking: After a hot yoga class, we still felt comfortable in these lightweight pants. However, we did notice that they started to stretch out slightly after a few washes. And they don’t have pockets, unlike many of our other top picks. 

The brand also offers a Compression Racerback Tank Top for even less, if you’re looking to expand your athleisure wardrobe further. 

Key Specs:
Material:
Nylon, spandex | Rise: High | Inseam: 29 to 37 inches | Sizes: XS to XXL

Best for Cold Weather

Outdoor Voices FrostKnit Flare Pant

Outdoor Voices FrostKnit Flare Pant

Outdoor Voices 

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.8/5
  • Opacity
    5/5
  • Fit
    4.8/5
  • Performance
    4.8/5
  • Value
    4.8/5
Pros
  • Compressive and supportive

  • Wide range of sizes

  • Quick-drying

Cons
  • Expensive

  • May be too long for some

Outdoor Voices’ FrostKnit Flare Pant is our top pick for walking or running in cold weather. While they aren’t fleece-lined, these thick leggings repel wind on cool days, keeping you warm and comfortable. The fabric also offers medium compression and support, which we enjoyed both in and out of the gym.

We also like that these pants are quick-drying: One of our testers, a mom, noted how well these wicked away moisture from spills and messes. And we like that they didn’t show any signs of pilling or wear during our testing period. However, the 31-inch inseam may be too long for shorter wearers.

Although these are one of our more expensive recommendations, we feel their superior design and high-quality fabric makes them a solid investment. They’re also available in a wide range of sizes, from XXS to XXXL, to help you find the right fit.  

The matching FrostKnit Longsleeve makes a great base layer. Or, try Outdoor Voices’ FrostKnit Hoodie for a matching, monochromatic look. 

Key Specs:
Material:
Lycra, nylon, polyester | Rise: High | Inseam: 31 inches | Sizes: XXS to XXXL

How We Rated the Flare Yoga Pants

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best flare yoga pants we tested. We recommend them without reservation.

4.5 to 4.7 stars: These flare yoga pants are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.

4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great flare yoga pants, but others are better.

3.5 to 3.9 stars: These flare yoga pants are just average.

3.4 and below: We don't recommend flare yoga pants with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

We Also Tested

Although we tested 27 pairs of flare yoga pants, not all of them made it onto our list. We felt these leggings didn’t quite measure up to the competition: 

  • Skims’ Outdoor Split Hem Legging was thick and opaque. But we didn’t like the scratchy texture of the fabric, and the waistband wasn’t compressive enough to provide any support.
  • While we liked the flattering, cropped silhouette of Adidas’ Adicolor Classics 3-Stripes 7/8 Flare Leggings, they were fairly see-through. We also found that they weren’t breathable enough to wear in hot weather or during sweaty workouts. 
  • Madewell’s MWL Flex Flare Leggings were comfortable, but the thin fabric clearly showed underwear lines. We also weren’t fans of the waistband, which wasn’t tall or supportive enough and slid down throughout the day. 

How We Selected and Tested the Best Flare Yoga Pants

First, we asked Nichelle Mesa, customer experience manager at Girlfriend Collective, for her expert opinion on which features are most important in a high-quality pair of flare yoga pants. We also spoke with Jennifer Chevchek, vice president of design at Fabletics, Gracie Kovo, Design Director at Beyond Yoga, and Diane Powell, a yoga instructor, to learn more about how flare yoga pants are designed to fit and feel. 

Next, we researched the top activewear brands on the market and chose 27 pairs of flare yoga pants to test in The Verywell Testing Lab. Our team of testers tried each pant on, noting how easy it was to pull on and how it fit. We assessed how comfortable, compressive, and supportive the pairs were, checking to make sure they weren’t too big or too small. 

Then, we walked around in the yoga pants for five minutes. We paid close attention to whether the waistband moved around and how the fabric felt—was it soft and comfortable, or scratchy and tight? We completed a short circuit workout to test the pants’ opacity: While doing ten lunges, ten squats, and sitting down on a plyometric box, we looked in a mirror to make sure we couldn’t see our underwear lines, color, or pattern through the fabric. We also made sure the waistband stayed up without pinching, bunching, or sagging. 

After testing each pair in the Lab, we took the leggings home for four weeks. We wore them to the gym, to work, to restaurants, while running errands, and more. We also washed them multiple times according to the manufacturer’s instructions and examined how they held up. 

At the end of the testing period, we rated each pair of flare yoga pants on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (would recommend) in five key categories: quality, opacity, fit, performance, and value. We then averaged these scores together to create our final list of recommendations. 

What to Look For in Flare Yoga Pants

Material

The flare yoga pants we tested are made from a variety of performance fabrics, including nylon, polyester, Lycra, spandex, and elastane. Most leggings contain at least one or more of these materials, which makes them sweat-wicking and durable. 


Which materials or blends are best is up to your personal preference—the thickness and feel can vary. Compression is also important: Powell notes that some people prefer more shaping, while others will want a pant that’s softer and stretchier. lululemon’s Groove Super-High-Rise Flared Pant Nulu is made with a thin, silky blend of nylon, two kinds of polyester, and Lycra elastane. But SuperFit Hero’s Pocket Flare Leggings are made from spandex and polyester, making them thicker and more compressive. 


When deciding which fabric or blend is right for you, consider when you’ll be wearing them and what type of workouts you like to do. For high-impact activities like running or cardio, we recommend a smooth, lightweight pant that will quickly wick away sweat. If you’ll be walking, lounging, or running errands in your yoga pants, a thicker fabric may be warmer and more comfortable. Just steer clear of cotton or cotton blends, which aren’t as breathable and tend to hold onto moisture. 

Length

Flared yoga pant styles range from cropped to full-length cuts. If you intend to wear flare yoga pants in the gym, the size and length of the flare should be tailored to your height and body to ensure a safe workout. Many of the pants on our list come in multiple inseams, so you can find the right length. 

Waistband

Yoga pant waistbands range from low- to super-high-rise, with varying styles and levels of compression. The height and style of the waistband is a personal preference. Some styles and fits will stay in place better than others—it’s a trial and error process to find what waistband design and rise caters feels the best.

To ensure the proper fit, Kovo suggests giving the pants a practical test. “Move around, see how it feels while standing, sitting, and moving,” she says. “Make sure that the waistband is tight enough that it feels secure, but not so tight that it will lead to rolling or digging.” For additional coverage and support, Athleta’s Elation Flare Pants have a waistband that’s made with three layers of stretchy fabric. 

Gusset

A gusset is an extra piece of fabric that sits where the crotch meets the inseam. It strengthens the pants to prolong their lifespan while also enabling your full range of motion. Kovo says this extra piece of material also helps eliminate the dreaded camel toe, “by providing a flat layer that smooths out contours in that area.” If you’re planning on wearing your leggings without underwear, we recommend choosing a pair with a thick, layered gusset for more coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the difference between yoga pants and leggings?

    While the two terms are often mistakenly used interchangeably, they are technically different. Chevchek explains that yoga pants are designed for movement and performance. They should be made from fabric that promotes your full range of motion with added technical benefits, like antimicrobial and sweat-wicking properties. “Leggings may not have these ‘hidden’ functional features, which make a big difference when working out,” she says.

  • Do you wear underwear under yoga pants?

    It comes down to personal preference and whatever feels best for you. If you wear underwear under your yoga pants, you may want to opt for a pair with opaque fabric that hides underwear lines, like Beyond Yoga’s Spacedye All Day Flare High Waisted Pant. And remember to throw extra underwear into your gym bag, so you have a fresh pair on hand after every workout. 

    For those who prefer the freedom of going bare, opt for yoga pants with a built-in gusset, like Copyleaf’s Flare Yogo Pants. This extra piece of fabric can help absorb moisture and provide better coverage. Whatever you choose to wear underneath your yoga pants, remember that yeast and bacteria thrive in moist environments, so don't linger in sweaty gear after your workout ends.

  • Can you wear flare pants to yoga?

    Yes, as long as they are the correct length. “A large flare can look super cute and trendy, but I can't tell you the number of times I've seen someone trip either just walking into the studio or moving into or out of a pose—it has happened to me as well,” Powell says. For yoga classes, she recommends a bootcut that barely brushes the ground, to avoid potential mishaps.

  • How long should flare yoga pants be?

    Flare yoga pants should barely skim the floor when you are barefoot to avoid tripping, especially when taking a yoga or studio class. Some brands offer multiple length and inseam options for a more custom fit.

  • What is the difference between flare and super flare yoga pants?

    The only difference is how dramatic the pants’ silhouette is. Super flare yoga pants will have a wider opening at the ankle, compared to regular flare yoga pants.

  • How do you style flare yoga pants?

    Chevchek says that yoga pants are versatile enough to wear to the gym or the office. “You should be able to dress them up or down, so you can wear them with your favorite sneakers or boots for a street style look or a dressier shoe and blouse for a post-work get-together with friends,” she says.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Emily Stone is a Chicago-based journalist specializing in fitness and lifestyle content. As an athlete and fitness enthusiast, Emily practically lives in yoga pants and has tried almost every brand on the market. Athleta’s Elation Flare Pant is one of her favorites, although she’s always searching for new brands that fit her height and active lifestyle.

Additional reporting contributed by Sarah Felbin

With over two decades of dance experience, Sarah Felbin loves diving into the latest wellness research. As a health and fitness writer, she's passionate about finding products that are of great value and make life easier. She tested Beyond Yoga’s Make the Cut Split Ankle Pant for this story, which have become her go-to pair for lounging, running errands, and yoga classes.