Tired of wearing old sweatpants to get your flow on? Same. That’s why when we finally decided it was time to upgrade our go-to gear, we reached out to professional yogis in three cities to get their top picks for yoga clothes that perform both on and off the mat. These women run some of the most popular studios in New York City, Milwaukee, and Denver, and they aren’t kidding when they say they live in yoga clothes.
Even if you’re just beginning your yoga practice, you’ve probably realized that there’s no such thing as too many pairs of leggings and that quality and fit vary widely from brand to brand. With that in mind, we’ll start our list with some familiar names and hopefully introduce you to a few newcomers in the fitness apparel space, too.
Whether you’re up for a stylish splurge or down to score a deal, the best yoga clothes are right this way.
1. LULULEMON
Joanna Sesny, operations manager at Yoga Shanti’s Tribeca studio, swears by Lululemon Athletica, affectionately known as Lulu by its scores of fans. “I’m obsessed with Lulu’s Align pants because they give me tons of mobility. These pants fit like a glove, but they’re breathable. I love them. They’re the only ones I wear.”
Kathryn Smith, area leader for CorePower Yoga in Denver, who also lives in the Align pants. She explains, “What CorePower does is an intense workout, usually with added heat in the room, and I find the need for something comfortable that wicks sweat without expanding or stretching. The Align pants are super soft. It feels like you’re wearing nothing, but they have a way of smoothing out your leg line that’s super flattering. I own every length and every color. I pick them first and build my outfit around them.”
Lululemon helps people live its tagline, “Less Stress, More Sweat,” with free in-store classes. No store in your area? No worries. Its website features online videos to help you find your zen without leaving home.
Still not convinced? This won’t be creepy at all: Next time you’re in a yoga studio, gym, or coffee shop, look around, and you’ll see the Lululemon logo on the waistband of fitness enthusiasts of all ages. (Fun fact: The curvy A stands for Athletically Hip, Lululemon’s former name.)
2. OUTDOOR VOICES
PHOTO: @OUTDOORVOICES
When it comes to picking a top, Sesny thinks outside the box with Outdoor Voices, a relative newcomer in the fitness/yoga game. OV is gaining popularity, especially among Instagram-obsessed millennials and Gen-Z workout enthusiasts.
Inspired by the brand’s motto, “Doing Things Is Better Than Not Doing Things,” OV fans and influencers post hiking, biking, workout, and dog-walking selfies with the obvious hashtag, #doingthings. Outdoor Voices encourages fun over competition and lets shoppers create outfits by building an OV “kit” with a bottom and a top.
3. ATHLETA
PHOTO: @ATHLETA
Believe it or not, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has a thriving yoga scene, and Suzy Weyenberg is a big part of it. Weyenberg, who owns three Empower Yoga studios with two more in the works, swears by Athleta. “I love the diversity. I delight in opening the catalog and seeing women of all shapes, sizes, and ages,” she explains.
Weyenberg pairs Athleta’s Chaturanga pants with Coaster sweatshirts, noting, “I enjoy the fit, and I also really like their fair-trade and sustainability initiatives.” Athleta is known for its “Power of the She” message which celebrates women and their ability to kick butt in studios, gyms, and boardrooms.
4. JOAH BROWN
PHOTO: @JOAHBROWN
Joah Brown is another rising brand in the yoga clothing market. Inspired by the no-fuss clothes in her husband’s closet, Brown started designing functional, comfortable clothes in 2014 that are, in her words, “adaptable and subtly sexy with a tomboyish flare.”
Smith agrees, adding, “Joah Brown has great basic pieces, crop tops, and cool fitted tank tops. They’ll take you from classes to out into the day. They can be used for a workout or for lifestyle wear.”
5. ALALA
PHOTO: @ALALA
Alala features chic and stylish activewear pieces for the fashion girl. Every piece is designed to fit right in with your wardrobe, so you can really wear these to the yoga studio and then out and about afterward.
6. ALO YOGA
PHOTO: @ALOYOGA
Alo Yoga encourages its followers to take their practice to the street (sometimes literally, as you can see on its colorful Instagram account) but, hey, in these sleek and supportive designs, there’s no reason not to!
Alo Yoga 7/8 High-Waist Airbrush Legging ($78)
Alo Yoga High-Waist Camo Vapor Legging ($128)
Alo Yoga Airlift Intrigue Bra ($54)
7. SWEATY BETTY
PHOTO: @SWEATYBETTY
Saying yes to leg day is easy in Sweaty Betty’s colorful line of sculpting leggings. This British athleisure brand has been a favorite across the pond for over 15 years, inspiring women to “find empowerment through fitness.”
Sweaty Betty Power 7/8 Workout Leggings ($100)
Sweaty Betty Super Sculpt High-Waisted Yoga Leggings ($108)
Sweaty Betty Mindful Seamless Yoga Bra ($48)
8. ZELLA
PHOTO: @NORDSTROM
When it’s time to take a break from basic designs, we look to Zella, Nordstrom’s cult-favorite house brand of stylish athletic apparel for women. Its collection of pretty, soft hues in solids or subtle patterns always sparks joy in the yoga studio.
Zella Live in High Waist Leggings ($59)
Zella Studio Lite High Waist Spray Dye Leggings ( $79) $47
Zella Tie Dye Seamless Sports Bra ( $49) $29
Zella Studio Lite Longline Bra ($39)
9. GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE
PHOTO: @GIRLFRIEND
There are two major reasons we love Girlfriend Collective: The first is that its products are legitimately amazing and come in a wide range of sizes. The second is that it uses recycled materials and supports safe, ethical working conditions (including 125% of the local minimum wage, free catered lunch, healthcare, and exercise programs) for its factory workers who sew these exceptional garments. You can learn more about its mission here.
Girlfriend Collective Black Unitard – 28.5 ($88)
Girlfriend Collective Ivory Topanga Bra – Xxs ($38)
Girlfriend Collective Moss High-Rise Bike Short ($48)
10. BEYOND YOGA
PHOTO: @BEYONDYOGA
Yogis love the multipurpose pieces from Beyond Yoga, including this sleek jumpsuit that can take you from the studio to the office to a night out. Just be sure to change up your outerwear and accessories in between.
Beyond Yoga Balanced Muscle Tank ($58)
Beyond Yoga Caught in the Midi High Waist Leggings ($97)
