Yoga Pants vs Leggings: What's the Real Difference?

Key Takeaways

• What’s the difference between yoga pants and workout pants? Find out why yoga pants s are great for stretching, bending, and everything in between.
• Your legs are calling leggings their new best friend. See how these sexy pants can take you from the gym to the grocery store in style and comfort.
• Yoga pants vs leggings: They’re more than just stretchy fabrics. Find out 6 categories where they differ, the specifics and all, in this article!

What Are Yoga Pants?

Yoga pants are made for yoga exercise

So, yoga pants. Those comfy, stretchy pants that seem to be everywhere these days. As the name suggests, they’re a type of athletic wear designed with yoga practice in mind. They cover you from waist to ankle for full-coverage comfort so you can stretch and bend away!

What sets yoga pants apart is their unique combination of comfort and functionality. They're made with soft, breathable fabrics like spandex or lycra that feel great against your skin and are flexible. This means when you move, your yoga pants move with you, not against you. 

A cherry on top is that quality yoga pants are designed to remain non-see-through, even when stretched. You won’t have to worry about accidentally flashing others during different yoga positions.

Beyond their practical benefits, yoga pants can also be a source of motivation, believe it or not! What’s a better way to get in the right mindset for your practice than putting on a pair of comfortable, well-fitting yoga pants? When you feel good in what you're wearing, you're at least a few times more confident, and that’s the exact mental space Joyscore wants you to have.

All things considered, yoga pants help create the ideal state for you to focus on your movements, breathing, and overall well-being during this type of exercise. 

Types of Yoga Pants

Types of yoga pants

• Classic yoga pants: These are the OGs. A straight-leg style, a slight flare at the bottom, and a fold-over adjustable waistband make up this type.
• Yoga leggings: Think of these as the best of both worlds – the support of yoga pants combines with the sleek look of leggings. They're form-fitting, so those yoga-toned muscles have a space to shine!
• Capri yoga pants: These end mid-calf and are perfect for when you want a little more air on your legs. Great for hot yoga or summer practices!
• High-waisted yoga pants: If you love a little extra support around your core, the high waistband helps by keeping everything in place, even during those tricky inverted poses.
• Jogger-style yoga pants: Prefer a looser fit? These pants are roomier in the legs but taper at the ankle. They're great for gentler yoga styles or when you're in more of a meditation mood.
• Compression Yoga Pants: These are like a gentle hug for your muscles. They provide extra support and might even help with recovery after an intense session.
• Men's yoga pants: Because guys need to namaste in style too! These pants are designed with a straight leg or slightly tapered style. They've got a lower rise compared to women's yoga pants (no one needs a yoga wedgie) and may include features like a built-in liner or extra room in the crotch area.

What Are Leggings?

Fashion leggings

Are leggings and workout pants the same? Not quite.

Unlike yoga pants, leggings are a bit more multipurpose despite also being tight-fitting, stretchy pants that hug your legs from waist to ankle. It’s only natural that a lot of you might ask “what is the difference between yoga pants and leggings?” but we hope this guide comes in handy. 

One day, they're reliably accompanying you for a heart-pumping HIIT session. The next, they're already under an oversized sweater for a cozy coffee date. No zippers, no buttons – just pull them on, and you're hot to go!

The secret to leggings' comfort lies behind their stretchy materials. Most are made from fabric blends of spandex, nylon, polyester, or cotton. This mix allows for that on-point balance of stretch and recovery, meaning they snap right back into shape after being stretched out.

Some leggings come with extra treats like moisture-wicking or pockets (a huge bonus point for any type of womenswear!). This goes along with the basis of legging design, which is “comfort meets functionality.” Let's be honest, is there anything better than coming home and slipping into your favorite pair of leggings?

Types of Leggings

Types of leggings

• Athletic leggings: These performance-focused leggings are designed to keep up with your most intense gym sessions. They're usually made from moisture-wicking materials to keep you dry, comfortable, and focused on exercising.
• Compression leggings: This type of leggings offers muscle support intended for intense workouts or recovery days. They’re also renowned among athletes for helping improve blood flow and reduce muscle fatigue.
• Fashion leggings: Contrary to popular beliefs, comfort can be stylish. These leggings mostly focus on trends, hence their unique patterns or textures.
• Fleece-lined leggings: Also called thermal leggings, they’re the ones for chilly days when you need an extra layer of warmth. You can wear them for outdoor activities or just lounging at home when the temperature drops.
• High-rise leggings: These provide extra coverage and support around your midsection. They're a favorite for yoga, pilates, or any activity where you want to feel more secure around your core.
• Maternity leggings: This bump-friendly option is designed with extra stretch and support in the waistband. They grow with you throughout pregnancy and beyond.
• Men's leggings (aka "Meggings"): Yes, just like yoga pants, leggings can be inclusive.  They're usually made with thicker, more opaque fabrics than women's leggings and often feature a looser fit around the crotch area. Some designs are moisture-wicking as well because "sweaty betty" is not a good look for anyone, regardless of gender.

Differences Between Yoga Pants and Leggings

From humble beginnings as specialized athletic wear, yoga pants and leggings have stretched their way into our everyday wardrobes. Yoga pants made their appearance in the late 1990s, while leggings trace their roots back to the 1960s as a fashion statement. Over time, both have evolved beyond their original purposes, blending functionality with style.

Now, let’s discuss the difference between leggings and yoga pants to make your perfect choice. Ready or not, we are unrolling the details!

Material and Composition Variety

This is the first key factor that sprung to mind when comparing the difference between yoga pants and leggings. While both are designed for comfort and flexibility, they often differ in fabric choices to suit their primary purposes.

Yoga pants are usually made from thicker, more durable materials to withstand the demands of yoga practice.

These wonder-pants typically feature a blend of synthetic (polyester, nylon, spandex) playing nice with natural fibers (cotton or bamboo). This combination provides the necessary stretch for any yoga pose you can think of while remaining breathable and moisture-wicking. 

Plus, they're thick enough to keep your downward dog from going public, as we’ve discussed above.

On the other hand, leggings come in a wider variety of materials, depending on their intended use.

Athletic leggings may use similar synthetic blends to yoga pants, focusing on performance features like moisture-wicking and compression. However, fashion leggings might be made of materials like cotton, rayon, or even leather-look fabrics for style purposes (talk about identity crisis!).

This variety in composition allows leggings to serve multiple functions, from workout wear to casual fashion.

The difference becomes even more apparent in their weight and texture. Yoga pants, oftentimes, have a slightly heavier feel and a matte finish, while leggings can range from ultra-light and silky to thick and textured, depending on their design and purpose. Choose wisely, and may the stretch be with you!

Style

What's the difference between leggings and yoga pants style

Comparing leggings vs yoga pants in this department is similar to comparing apples and… slightly different, more whimsical apples.

Yoga pants have a more structured appearance due to their primary use as a fitness item. They have a straight-leg design or a slight flare at the bottom, which gives them a classic, put-together look.

Color-wise, you'll find yoga pants in solid, calming shades like black, navy, or gray. These neutral tones are great for helping you focus on your movements without distractions (to yourself and others).

Leggings, on the other hand, offer a world of style options. You can find leggings in just about any color, pattern, or outfit you can imagine. High-waisted, low-rise, cropped, stirrup (hello 80s!), or even faux leather, the list goes on.

The key to style choice is simply a decision of what kind of personality you want to show on your way to wellness. But even that’s much to think about.

Waistband Features

Waistband difference between pants and leggings

Yoga pants likely come with wider, sturdier 3-4 inches waistbands for support. It helps the pants stay intact as you move. 

Its counterparts, while similar in some aspects, also have more variety in their waistband designs like in other elements. That isn’t to say yoga pants can’t be customizable, as we have a smart solution called fold-over waistbands to let you control how much torso you want to cover.

You'll find options ranging from high-waisted to low-rise to fit different bodies and styles. The width can vary like some match the supportive width of yoga pants, while others are slimmer. Many leggings incorporate elastic into their waistbands for a secure yet flexible fit.

The perfect waistband is the one that makes you forget you're wearing it and still stays on your body every time you check.

Comfort

When it comes to comfort, both yoga pants and leggings aim to please. Both have flat seams to prevent chafing and breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics. But let's break down each one's snuggle factor and see how they stack up.

Yoga pants lead the comfort race of the active world as every aspect intends to serve your high-level exercises.

They offer a bit more room in the legs for unrestricted motion during poses and stretches. The fabric is soft and breathable, great for wicking away sweat to keep you comfortable during the hottest yoga sessions. Even the waistband, like we’ve just previously talked about, provides gentle support without digging in.

Leggings frequently prioritize a snug, body-hugging fit rather than the fitness kind of comfort. Some leggings hug you so tight, they know your body better than your significant other. However, this snug fit might feel restrictive to some, especially during activities that require a wide range of motion.

The level of compression can vary, with some athletic leggings offering muscle support that may help reduce fatigue during workouts. Then, there are the casual leggings, which prioritize softness over performance. They feel more like your favorite pajamas than workout gear.

In the end, no matter who wins in the yoga pants vs leggings battle, remember this: they're both infinitely more comfortable than trying to squeeze into those jeans you've had since college. You just have to think about what type of activities you’ll do more in those pants.

Durability

How long can your favorite stretchy pants hang in there? In this category, there's definitely a gap between yoga pants vs leggings.

Yoga pants are built to withstand the wear and tear of countless stretches and bends. Thanks to thicker fabric and reinforced seams, this type of pants is less likely to give up on you mid-pose. This also means they can keep their shape so that you won't end up with saggy knees after a few washes.

On the other side of the spectrum, we have leggings. To be exact, their quality varies significantly. Some athletic leggings can really take on your most intense workouts. But those cute fashion leggings? They aren’t always in it for the long haul.

The difference gets even clearer when you look at how they handle everyday wear. Yoga pants tend to use abrasion-resistant fabrics that can take on rough surfaces without pilling or tearing. Leggings, especially thinner ones, might start to show wear more quickly, especially in high-friction areas.

But don't count leggings out just yet! Many high-quality leggings are stepping up their game, using durable materials that can keep pace with their yoga pant cousins. Just carefully examine each pair before buying, and it’ll be okay.

Caring Approaches

Check the care label beforehand

Apart from each item’s distinctive durability, proper care plays a huge part in how long you’ll be strutting around wearing them. They have some common points as all types of clothing:

• Rotate wears to not exhaust one item too much
• Turn them inside out and wash with cold water
• Air dry all the way, or low heat setting if you must use a dryer
• Fold and store them away from direct sunlight

But here are the differences:

• Washing frequency: Yoga pants can chill for 2-3 wears thanks to better absorbance, while leggings are high-maintenance and need washing after each wear.
• Washing method: Yoga pants prefer a gentle touch (delicate cycle or hand wash). Leggings? They're up for any setting.
• Water temperature: This is where things heat up (or cool down). Yoga pants are strictly cold water, but leggings are fine to take a warm dip now and then.
• Drying: We strongly recommend air-drying yoga pants for the best-preserved results. Meanwhile, leggings are more flexible. They can stand low-heat tumble drying.
• Ironing: To iron or not to iron? That is the question. For yoga pants, that's not even a question. It's a hard no. Some fancy leggings, though, might appreciate a quick, low-heat press to look their best.
• Detergent: Yoga pants might need special soap for their delicate fibers, while leggings thrive on sport-specific suds to kick odors to the curb.
• Piling prevention: In the battle against pilling, yoga pants need your TLC with gentle brushing, but leggings only need an occasional de-fuzz to stay smooth.
• Storage: Yoga pants prefer to lay flat or roll with the punches. On the contrary, leggings are happy to hang around or get folded up without throwing a fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Leggings The Same As Yoga Pants?

They might look and feel mostly the same, but they’re not. They’re the equivalent of a Swiss Army knife and a butter knife – both useful, but one's a bit more specialized!

Yoga pants are specifically made for (you guessed it!) yoga, with details like a wider waistband, more opaque fabric, and sometimes a looser fit around the legs. Leggings are more versatile and can be worn for various activities or as everyday wear. They do have a tighter fit throughout and may come in a wider range of materials and styles.

Why Are All Yoga Pants High Waisted?

Not all yoga pants are high-waisted, but many are designed this way for good reasons. The high rise keeps everything in place when you're trying to touch your toes or folding yourself in half. And you can actually breathe when wearing them. And that’s not to mention how high-waisted is the latest trend!

Which Is Better For Your Lifestyle?

This depends on… your lifestyle. If your idea of a wild time is regular yoga sessions or you prefer a slightly looser fit, you know where to swing. Leggings, being more versatile, are excellent for high-intensity workouts, layering under dresses or tunics, or as a fashionable bottom for casual outfits.

The bottom line, consider your comfort needs, the activities you do most often, and your personal aesthetic when making your choice.

What Role Do Leggings Play In Modern And Everyday Wear?

Leggings in modern wear? No longer just workout gear, they've become the "yes, and" of your wardrobe. Yes, you can wear them to the gym, to the grocery store, to brunch, and to a casual Friday at work (if your boss is cool, that is).