Buying guide for best yoga shorts for women
Yoga is such a popular form of exercise because it’s not only good for the body but the mind as well. Like any physical activity, you’ll need the right gear, though, and yoga shorts for women are an essential item for many people, particularly those who engage in hot yoga.
Yoga shorts are similar to yoga pants, though they obviously end above the knee. They’re designed to move with the body to allow for all of yoga’s poses and provide enough coverage so that they don’t become see-through when you bend over. Many women prefer yoga shorts to yoga pants when the weather gets warm, and some prefer them for hot yoga to prevent overheating.
Choosing the right yoga shorts for women can be tricky because there are so many options on the market. Our buying guide has all the tips you need to simplify your search.
Key considerations
Materials
Yoga shorts for women can be made of several different materials, which vary in how they feel and perform.
- Cotton isn’t usually used on its own for yoga shorts because it absorbs moisture easily. That can make it uncomfortable if you sweat heavily during a yoga session. Cotton is breathable, though, and as a natural material it’s less likely to irritate the skin. If you don’t sweat much during your yoga practice, it may be a good option.
- Polyester is a synthetic material often used for yoga shorts and other workout gear. It doesn’t readily absorb moisture, so it can keep you dry and comfortable during yoga. Polyester shorts aren’t likely to shrink when washed either, so they can last for years. They require frequent washing, though, because polyester can easily harbor bacteria.
- Nylon is another synthetic material used for yoga shorts. It doesn’t absorb moisture, dries quickly, and stretches well. It’s not typically used on its own, though.
- Spandex is another synthetic material often used for yoga shorts and other activewear. It’s extremely elastic, so it offers a snug fit that stretches well. It can be moisture-wicking, too. Like nylon, it’s generally used in fabric blends rather than on its own.
- Cotton/synthetic blends are popular since 100% cotton yoga shorts can get pretty uncomfortable when you sweat. Cotton can pill easily, too, so combining it with polyester, nylon, or spandex will help the shorts last longer.
Fit
To find the most comfortable yoga shorts, they have to fit properly. Always pay attention to the manufacturer’s sizing chart and measure yourself to find the correct size. The inseam is usually the measurement you want to pay the most attention to since it determines where the shorts hit on your legs. For most women, shorts that hit at mid-thigh to just above the knee are typically the best option.
Some shorts are designed to offer a slim fit, while others feature a more relaxed fit. Slim-fit shorts are snugger and meant to hug the body, while relaxed-fit shorts are looser. Tighter shorts typically work best for more active yoga sessions – think of those inverted poses – but you may prefer a relaxed fit if you do a restorative type of yoga.
Avoid white yoga shorts. When you bend over in light-colored shorts, they essentially become transparent.
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Features
Comfort
To power through all the stretching and bending that yoga entails, you need yoga shorts that are comfortable to wear. Comfortable shorts are lightweight and highly elastic so that they easily move with your body. Look for yoga shorts with flatlock seams as well. These seams are designed to limit friction, so your skin is less likely to become irritated. What you don’t want is a pair of shorts with a waistband that digs into the skin or rolls down during poses.
Compression
Some yoga shorts offer a compression effect, which means they’re tight enough to increase blood flow to the hips and thighs. This helps prevent fatigue and allows you to practice longer. Some women find they’re less likely to get injured when wearing compression yoga shorts, too.
Moisture-wicking
Breathable fabrics that wick moisture away from the skin are excellent for yoga shorts because they help keep you dry and comfortable even when you’re sweaty. This is an especially important feature if you practice hot yoga. Polyester- and nylon-blend yoga shorts are usually most effective at wicking away moisture and drying quickly when they get wet.
Color
Women’s yoga shorts are usually available in a wide range of colors. Neutrals like black, gray, and navy are the most common options, but you can find shorts in bolder shades like red, purple, pink, and yellow if you want to match the rest of your yoga gear. Some yoga shorts even come in fun patterns like animal print or tie-dye.
Ease of washing
You want yoga shorts that are easy to wash because you’ll be cleaning them often. Most are machine-washable, so you can just toss them in with your other laundry and tumble dry them as well. Others may require hand-washing or hanging up to dry, making cleaning them more of a task.
DID YOU KNOW?
If you find that the waistband of your yoga shorts keeps rolling down while you’re practicing, you may need a smaller size. Go down a size and see if the issue improves.
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Accessories
Yoga socks: Toesox Women’s Bellarina Half-Toe Grip Non-Slip Socks
If you find that you slip around on your yoga mat, yoga socks can provide better traction and stability. We love this pair from Toesox because they’re made of 90% organic cotton and feature open toes for increased breathability.
Yoga pants: 90 Degree By Reflex Women’s Power Flex Yoga Pants
When the weather’s cooler, you may want to swap your yoga shorts for yoga pants. These pants from 90 Degree By Reflex are a favorite because they’re available in fun, fashionable colors and made from comfortable, breathable fabric.
Yoga bras: Gaiam Women’s Strappy Wireless Bralette for Yoga
A yoga bra provides just the right amount of support while you’re practicing. We really like this one from Gaiam because it features a non-irritating polyester/spandex blend and a wide bottom band that won’t roll up.
Yoga mats: Manduka PRO Yoga Mat
You definitely need a high-quality yoga mat if you’re committed to the practice of yoga. This one from Manduka is excellent because it’s densely cushioned and features a slip-resistant surface to keep you from sliding out of poses.
Yoga shorts for women prices
Yoga shorts for women vary in price based on materials and other features. Most yoga shorts cost between $9 and $64.
The most affordable yoga shorts for women are usually made of cotton or cotton/synthetic blends. They aren’t as moisture-wicking as other shorts, but they’re comfortable and come in a wide range of colors. You’ll generally pay between $9 and $19 for these shorts.
Mid-range yoga shorts for women are typically made of polyester blends with spandex or other materials. They are highly moisture-wicking and stretchy enough for easy movement. You’ll usually pay between $15 and $39 for these shorts.
The most expensive yoga shorts for women are generally polyester blends with spandex or other materials. They’re extremely moisture-wicking and stretch easily. Some even offer a compression effect or special features like pockets. You’ll typically pay between $25 and $64.
To help them last longer, turn your yoga shorts inside out for cleaning in your washing machine.
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Tips
- Wash your yoga shorts after each session. Because you’ll likely sweat in them, you want to prevent bacteria from growing on the fabric.
- Always wash synthetic yoga shorts in cold water. Don’t throw them in with a load of towels, jeans, and other cotton items either because your shorts can pick up lint from the other laundry.
- It’s best to let your yoga shorts air dry since even the lowest dryer setting can affect the elasticity of synthetic materials.
- Pair yoga shorts with a comfortable fitted tank top or T-shirt. Make sure your top isn’t so tight that it restricts your movement, though.
FAQ
Q. How many pairs of yoga shorts do I need?
A. It depends on how often you practice yoga. If you only do yoga once or twice a week, a single pair is all you need. You’ll want at least two pairs if you practice several times a week, though, and at least three pairs if you practice daily. That ensures you’ll always have a clean pair to wear if you’re washing another pair or waiting for them to dry.
Q. What type of shorts are best for hot yoga?
A. Synthetic yoga shorts are always the best bet for hot yoga because they can wick away moisture when you start to sweat. Many women prefer fitted or compression shorts to loose styles for hot yoga, too.
Q. Can I wear yoga shorts for other activities?
A. Depending on the type you choose, you can usually wear yoga shorts for other types of workouts. Your yoga shorts can typically do double-duty for running, biking, cross-training, and more.
