Quick answer
The best leggings for yoga are high rise with a wide band that stays put, four way stretch, a gusset for deep lunges and opaque fabric that passes the squat test. At U of Yoga, we wear Playground, a Los Angeles activewear brand: the Jump Track Legging for flow classes, the Pocket Power Legging for everyday and the Dreamy Dye Bike Short for hot yoga.
| Look for | High rise, wide band, four way stretch, gusset, squat proof |
|---|---|
| Best for flow | Playground Jump Track Legging |
| Best with pockets | Playground Black Pocket Power Legging |
| Best for hot yoga | Playground Dreamy Dye Bike Short |
| Best top | Playground Luxury Sport Tank |
| Best gift | The Playground Active Playbook |
Our founder partners with Playground and may earn a commission.
Our founder, Jessica Bernstein, has practiced since 2010, much of it in 105 degree hot rooms, where leggings that slide down or go see through get noticed fast. The brand she wears to class now is Playground, and she modeled for their 2024 photoshoot. We are proud to feature them as U of Yoga’s featured activewear brand.
What Makes the Best Leggings for Yoga?
- High rise, high band. A wide waistband that sits at or above the belly button stays put in forward folds and inversions.
- Four way stretch. Fabric that stretches both lengthwise and crosswise lets you move into Warrior, splits and wheel without pulling.
- A gusset. A triangle panel in the crotch adds range of motion and durability.
- Squat proof. Bend over in good light before your first class. If you can see through it, return it.
- The right length. Full length for cooler studios, cropped or bike shorts for hot yoga.
Our Playground Picks for Yoga
Playground is a Los Angeles designed activewear brand founded by friends Jill and Amy. Here is what we wear and why. Sign up on their site for 15% off your first order, and orders over $75 ship free in the US.
Jump Track Legging
Playground’s number one bestseller. Navy in front, black in back with white side tracks, a high band and high rise, and butter soft second skin fabric with a 26 inch inseam. Our pick for vinyasa and everyday wear.
Price: about $118 at publication.
Black Pocket Power Legging
Lux compression, eco friendly fabric with stone grey contrast panels and pockets for your phone and keys. Great when you want support for power yoga, hikes and errands.
Price: about $108 at publication.
Soho Floral High Rise Legging
A playful print in Playground’s best performance fabric with four way stretch and a triangle gusset, so it moves with you in deep lunges and splits. Made by hand in Los Angeles.
Price: about $110 at publication.
Dreamy Dye Bike Short
An 8 inch, high rise bike short in a soft neutral tie dye. Our hot yoga choice: less fabric in a 105 degree room with a high rise, high band fit.
Price: about $58 at publication.
Luxury Sport Tank
A snug, slightly cropped tank with wide straps, made from 75% recycled polyester. It stays put when you fold forward.
Price: about $58 at publication.
The Playground Active Playbook
A starter bundle of bestsellers, including a Luxury Sport Tank and two Jump Track Leggings. A great gift for the yogi in your life.
Price: about $220 at publication.
What Should You Wear to Hot Yoga?
In Bikram and other hot yoga classes, choose a high rise bike short and a fitted tank or sports bra. Bring a non slip towel for your mat. More ideas in our guide on what to wear to yoga.
How Do You Care for Yoga Leggings?
- Wash cold and inside out to protect prints and fabric.
- Skip fabric softener, which can coat performance fabric and trap odor.
- Hang dry. Heat breaks down spandex over time.
- Wash soon after hot yoga so sweat does not sit in the fabric.
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Key Takeaways
- Choose high rise, four way stretch leggings with a gusset that pass the squat test.
- Playground’s Jump Track Legging is our everyday flow favorite.
- For hot yoga, wear bike shorts and a fitted tank.
- Wash cold, inside out and hang dry to make leggings last.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best leggings for yoga?
The best yoga leggings are high rise with a wide waistband that stays put, four way stretch fabric, a gusset for deep lunges and an opaque, squat proof finish. We wear Playground’s Jump Track and Pocket Power leggings for most classes and their bike shorts for hot yoga.
Should yoga leggings be high waisted?
Yes for most people. A high rise, high band waist stays in place in forward folds and inversions and does not dig in when you twist.
What should I wear to hot yoga?
Bike shorts or cropped leggings and a fitted tank or sports bra in quick drying fabric. Less fabric is more comfortable in a 105 degree room.
What is a gusset in leggings?
A gusset is a small triangle or diamond panel of fabric sewn into the crotch. It adds freedom of movement and durability, which matters in lunges, splits and wide legged poses.
Where is Playground activewear made?
Playground is a Los Angeles designed women’s activewear brand, and many of its leggings are made in Los Angeles.
