What to Look for In a Pair of Yoga Pants

Yogis, I'm sure you've been there before: you're at your favorite studio, five minutes into class, and you realize... "Sh*t. These yoga pants suck!"

Or maybe you're new to yoga and trying to decide where to shop.

Well, let me help you out a little bit 

:)

What makes a pair of yoga pants awesome?

To me, finding a wonderful pair of leggings to wear to yoga is about three things:

1. Comfort.

I like my yoga pants to fit snugly, but not so snug that they're uncomfortable. Yoga pants should be comfy enough that I can wear them for half the day, or more. 

2. Performance.

Do the yoga pants move around too much while I'm practicing, or do they stay put? Do I feel hot when I wear them, or is the material breathable, so if I start to sweat I don't feel stuffy or overheated? Consider how well your yoga wear will perform as you practice, especially if there's heat involved.

3. Fun design.

Let's be honest-- the new trends in yoga wear offer a variety of fun, creative print designs. Long gone are the days of boring yoga pants!

My new favorite yoga pants?

Ginger Orange

. I've been wearing my awesome

purple leggings

 a lot lately and I've noticed that they are super comfortable and they stay put when I practice. Plus, they're gorgeous!

On the Ginger Orange website it says that their brand offers "activewear for rebel yogis, urban nomads and barefoot hippies." Now that's an awesome approach for yoga pants, if you ask me!

Photos in this post by Ken Johnson of CKCImage.com, featuring

classic royal purple Ginger Orange leggings

What to Look for in a Pair of Yoga Pants: A Guide to Style, Comfort, and Functionality

Finding the perfect pair of yoga pants can feel like searching for the holy grail of activewear. They need to be comfortable, functional, and stylish—all while keeping up with your most dynamic moves. With countless options on the market, how do you choose the right pair for your practice?

Whether you're flowing through vinyasas, holding a warrior pose, or lounging post-practice, here’s a guide on what to look for in a pair of yoga pants.

1. Comfort Is Key

Comfort is non-negotiable when it comes to yoga pants. Since yoga often involves bending, stretching, and holding poses, your pants should move with you without causing irritation or restriction.

What to Consider:

• Soft, Breathable Fabric: Look for materials like cotton blends, bamboo, or high-quality synthetics that feel soft against your skin and allow airflow.

• Seam Placement: Flatlock seams prevent chafing and ensure that the pants feel smooth against your skin.

• Stretchability: Opt for fabrics with four-way stretch, which allow for maximum movement in all directions.

Pro Tip: Always try them on or check return policies if shopping online. Walk around, bend, and stretch to ensure they don’t dig in or feel restrictive.

2. A Flattering and Functional Fit

The fit of yoga pants plays a significant role in both your confidence and your performance. The right pair should hug your body without feeling too tight or too loose.

Types of Fits:

• High-Waisted: Provides tummy control, stays in place during movements, and offers a sleek silhouette.

• Mid-Waisted: A versatile option for those who prefer less coverage without risking slippage.

• Compression Fit: Great for high-intensity or power yoga, as they provide added support and muscle recovery.

• Relaxed Fit: Ideal for slower practices like yin or restorative yoga, offering more room for ease of movement.

Pro Tip: Avoid pants that feel overly tight at the waistband or around the knees. They should feel snug but never restrictive.

3. Fabric Matters

The fabric of your yoga pants determines how they perform, especially during sweaty sessions or challenging poses.

Key Features to Look For:

• Moisture-Wicking: Keeps sweat away from your skin, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable during intense practices like hot yoga.

• Breathability: Lightweight and breathable fabrics prevent overheating.

• Durability: High-quality fabrics maintain their shape and color, even after multiple washes and stretches.

Common Materials:

• Nylon-Polyester Blends: Known for their stretch, durability, and quick-drying properties.

• Cotton Blends: Soft and breathable but may lack moisture-wicking abilities.

• Eco-Friendly Options: Bamboo and recycled materials are excellent choices for sustainability-minded yogis.

Pro Tip: Check for a gusseted crotch (a triangular or diamond-shaped piece of fabric) to prevent tearing and enhance flexibility.

4. Length and Style for Your Practice

Yoga pants come in various lengths and styles, each suited to different preferences and types of yoga.

Length Options:

• Full-Length (Leggings): Great for cooler weather or providing full coverage during inversions.

• 7/8 Length: Hits just above the ankle, offering a modern and versatile look.

• Capri-Length: Perfect for warmer climates or more dynamic practices.

• Shorts: Ideal for hot yoga or when you want maximum breathability.

Style Features:

• Minimalistic Designs: Solid colors or subtle patterns work well for a classic, versatile look.

• Bold Prints and Patterns: Express your personality and add a playful vibe to your practice.

• Pockets: Functional for carrying essentials like your phone or keys (especially if you’re wearing them outside the studio).

5. Waistband Design and Stay-Put Power

A good waistband can make or break your yoga pants. It’s essential that the waistband stays in place, especially during inversions or flows.

Types of Waistbands:

• Elastic Waistbands: Lightweight but may dig in or roll down during movement.

• Wide Waistbands: Provide a secure, flattering fit and prevent rolling or slipping.

• Drawstring Waistbands: Allow for adjustability, though they may not be as sleek.

Pro Tip: Test the waistband by performing forward folds, backbends, and side stretches to ensure it stays put.

6. Transparency Test

No one wants to worry about see-through yoga pants during downward dog! Ensuring your pants are squat-proof is a must for confidence during practice.

How to Check for Transparency:

• Bright Lighting Test: Stand in bright light or natural sunlight and bend over to check for visibility.

• Fabric Thickness: Thicker, higher-quality fabrics tend to be more opaque.

• Double-Lined Material: Some yoga pants include an extra layer in key areas for added coverage.

7. Durability and Longevity

Yoga pants are an investment, so you’ll want a pair that lasts through countless sessions and washes.

What to Look For:

• Reinforced Seams: Ensure the pants won’t unravel or lose shape.

• Pilling Resistance: Choose fabrics that resist pilling, especially if you use a mat with a textured surface.

• Shape Retention: High-quality materials should snap back into shape after stretching.

Pro Tip: Read reviews to see how the pants hold up over time, particularly in high-use areas like the knees and waistband.

8. Sustainability and Ethical Practices

For eco-conscious yogis, choosing sustainable yoga pants aligns with the practice of ahimsa (non-harming). Many brands now offer options made from eco-friendly materials and ethical labor practices.

Sustainable Materials:

• Recycled Polyester: Made from post-consumer waste like plastic bottles.

• Organic Cotton: Produced without harmful chemicals or pesticides.

• Bamboo: A renewable resource that’s soft, breathable, and biodegradable.

Pro Tip: Look for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or Fair Trade labels to ensure ethical production.

9. Versatility Beyond the Mat

The best yoga pants transition seamlessly from the studio to your everyday life. Look for styles that pair well with casual tops or sweaters so you can go from class to errands with ease.

Versatile Features:

• Neutral colors like black, navy, or gray.

• Pockets for convenience.

• Stylish patterns or details that elevate their look.

10. Budget and Value

While premium yoga pants often come with a higher price tag, they’re usually worth the investment for their durability and performance. That said, there are affordable options that deliver great quality if you’re on a budget.

Budget Tips:

• Look for sales, discounts, or end-of-season deals from trusted brands.

• Consider multipurpose leggings that work for yoga, running, and lounging.

• Test affordable options but pay attention to transparency, durability, and fit.

11. Brands to Explore

While personal preference plays a big role, here are a few brands known for high-quality yoga pants:

• Lululemon: Famous for durability and sleek designs.

• Athleta: Offers inclusive sizing and eco-friendly options.

• Alo Yoga: Combines performance with high-fashion aesthetics.

• Girlfriend Collective: Sustainable and stylish, made from recycled materials.

• Old Navy Active: Affordable options with great performance.

Pro Tip: Read customer reviews to find the best pair for your body type and practice.

Conclusion: The Perfect Yoga Pants for You

Choosing the right pair of yoga pants comes down to your unique needs, preferences, and practice. Prioritize comfort, functionality, and durability, and don’t forget to test them in real-life movements before committing. The perfect pair will not only enhance your yoga practice but also make you feel confident and at ease, whether you’re on the mat or off.

Happy practicing—and happy pant hunting! 🧘‍♀️✨

Fun, Funky Shoes for Summer

Summer is here!

Well, not officially... but it sure feels like summer here in northern California :) 

Which for me means it's time to be barefoot or wearing comfortable, lightweight shoes. Recently I found the perfect pair from Iguaneye -- these little slip-ons are perfect for around the house, walking, hanging out on the beach, and kayaking (my favorite!).

I also like to wear them to and from the yoga studio, since they're perfect for on-the-go since they slip on. 

The other thing about Iguaneye that's rad is that these little shoes were inspired by the Amazonians. As the Iguaneye website reads, "Amazon Indians dipped their feet in the latex from hevea tree and smoked them in a fire to coagulate the rubber first tennis shoes...”

So cool!

Last weekend I wore these on our little kayak trip and was grateful to be comfortable during our walk on the trail down to the water.

These seamless slip-on shoes are lovely, and you can customize your order to pick any color combo for the sole and outer part of the shoe.

Plus, Iguaneye shoes feature little slits on the side for ventilation which means they don't get stinky and they dry out quickly. You can even opt to leave the sole part out.

Apparently the shoes are a big hit among minimalist runners, too, and are made from all recyclable material. 

I love my Iguaneye shoes and will definitely be rocking them all summer long!

What fun, funky summer shoes are you wearing?

Gratitude (Yogi Surprise November)

Photo by Tra Huynh of Two Twenty Photography.

My lovely yogis, how's November going for you? Are you staying grounded in gratitude?

I've been keeping the gratitude theme going around here at Alive in the Fire, and was excited to see that the team over at Yogi Surprise is doing the same :)

My box arrived this week and I did a little happy dance when I opened it up to find such amazing goodies. This box is my favorite box yet -- I loved absolutely every item in there. :) Thank you, Yogi Surprise team!

• A tree-pose shaped cookie cutter (!!!!) from Yummi Yogi. My holiday cookies will never be the same!
• Pumpkin spice macaroon cookies from Laughing Giraffe Organics. Delicious.
• Nasya oil from Banyan Botanicals. Great for opening up my nasal passageways so I can breathe deeply for the holiday season!

• Yogi Surprise yoga sequence series card. Loved the poses focused on self-acceptance, generosity, and serenity.
• Sibu Beauty sea buckthorn age defying eye cream. This stuff works great and helps make me feel pretty. Jess says, you're already pretty! haha ;)

Photo via Yuni.

• Yuni Beauty instant shower sheets. These things are genius...they're not standard size wipes - they're big! So it's actually like having a little mini shower. Highly recommend for any other yoga teachers who sweat a lot and need to run from class to class. Also, they're very reasonably priced if you need to buy more after the Yogi Surprise ones run out :)

• Breath Perception: A Daily Guide to Stress Relief, Mindfulness, and Inner Peace. This boko offers easy-to-read, helpful tools for mindfulness and meditation. Love it!

Feeling very grateful for the Yogi Surprise team for continually finding the best brands the health and wellness community has to offer!

If you haven't signed up yet, go get yourself set up for a mini vacation once a month. And if you need a gift idea for friends or family (or your favorite yoga teacher), this is the way to go!

XO

Eco-Friendly Yoga Wear

Photo via Balini Sportswear on Kickstarter.

As a yoga blogger, I'm always grateful to connect with other yogis who share an entrepreneurial spirit, and a giving heart.

Ada from Balini Sports is one such yogini. When she emailed me about her yoga wear company, I was immediately impressed by her passion for yoga and her generosity in sending me some sports bras to try out. It's a gift to be able to connect with people like Ada, and that's why today I'd love for you to check out her Kickstarter video. She's raising money so that she can continue to grow her business and generate awareness around the importance of creating environmentally friendly yoga wear.

Photos via Balini Sportswear.

The Balini Sports collection of yoga wear is incredibly comfortable, functional, and stylish, and made by a team who truly care about what they're doing. Ada is truly a gem, and I couldn't be happier for her and the incredible impact she's making in the yoga wear community. I hope you'll support her Kickstarter and check out the awesome clothes, too! Thanks, Ada, for all you do. Namaste.

PS The video features some incredible underwater yoga photography... and if you're into hot yoga, these clothes are perfect for you!

Yoga in Autumn

Fall is here!

I’m in love with this time of year.

‘Tis the season… for wearing cozy sweaters…

…holding the mug in my palms for a minute before I sip my coffee, so I can feel the warmth…

…wearing boots and scarves…

…reading with the window open on rainy days so I can hear the sound of it…

 

…enjoying fires in the fire pit…

…and of course, turning up the heat a little bit in my yoga practice.

How are you liking fall so far?

PS If you’re looking for lovely, comfy fall styles, try Cozy Orange. The teal pullover sweater and the rad patterned blue and black leggings I’m wearing here are from their shop. Bonus: their clothing is eco-friendly, and the company is taking steps to help end world poverty. Amazing!

Using a Block During Yoga

Photo by Justin Kral.

Using a block during yoga class can help you deepen your practice, whether you’re trying a balancing pose you've never done before, or feeling a posture in a new way by finding integrated alignment.

Photo via Boforbesyoga.

A block can also be used to build strength, like if you’re holding one during a warrior pose…

…or even to encourage the body to relax, the joints to open, and the muscles to release and lengthen, like in supported savasana.

Photo via Shop Half Moon.

I love using a block in Warrior III, and Balancing Half Moon.

You can even try standing on a block for Tree pose, to play with improving your balance.

Photo via The Daily Bandha.

Or placing a block under each shoulder during Chaturanga Dandasana, to feel the alignment in the shoulders. I also highly recommend using a strap around the upper arms, just above the elbows, when you’re learning this pose!

Photo via Hearts Expanding.

Photo via Pinterest.

If you’re looking for a block to use for your home practice or a sweaty vinyasa class, I highly recommend Kulae’s cork yoga block. The block has great traction and is eco-friendly.

Photo via Kulae.

If you’re doing a more relaxed, non-heated practice or a yin class, I recommend JBN Woodcraft’s handmade wood yoga block. These are so beautiful – handmade in a variety of types of wood, including maple, sappelle, and cherry. You can have a custom engraving made, like the “Bhakti” text seen here. These blocks are a bit heavier but perfect for keeping around your home in your own sacred space. They’d make a lovely gift for your favorite yogi friends and teachers, or even a nice piece to put on your at-home altar, if you have one!

Photo via JBN Woodcraft.

Do you have certain postures you’re working on with a block? 

Manduka Yoga Mats

Photos by Justin Kral of Kral Studios.

Yoga mats matter. Not only because they lay a foundation under our hands and feet when we practice, but because the way they’re produced can have a big impact on the environment.

I have a new favorite mat: Manduka’s LiveON yoga mat. Their team was kind enough to send me one to try out and I’m absolutely in love with it.

Here’s why:

• The no-slip grip is incredible, better than any other mat I’ve used before.
• The mat is lightweight but still provides a lot of comfort. It’s amazingly cushiony for only being 5mm in diameter.
• I love the color! So fun and spring-y.
• The mat is made out of 100% recyclable PLUSfoam material. After using this mat for a long time, I can send it in to PLUSfoam and they’ll make it into new products. As they say, they’re “putting landfills out of business.” Amazing! 

The LiveON yoga mat is perfect for my at-home practice and for when I do yoga in the park (it’s ideal for non-heated classes). I highly recommend checking out this mat as soon as it releases – you can sign up here to be in the loop when it goes on sale in June 2014.

Thanks, Manduka, for living up to your promises as a sustainable company – and for your generous sharing of this yoga mat! I’ll be practicing on it for years, I can already tell.

Manduka is more than eco-conscious yoga gear. Way more. We are joyology – a study in living. Our { mission } starts on the mat. --> I couldn't agree more! :)

Outdoor Adventures and Sports Gear for Yogis, Climbers and Hikers

With spring just around the corner, I'm starting to get excited for some adventures in the mountains. It's been far too long since I went camping, went hiking, or rock climbed outdoors!

I've always wanted to try mountain biking, too. Do you guys like going on outdoor adventures?

I recently discovered this awesome site called The Clymb, where you can find sports gear for a wide variety of activities -- everything from yoga clothes to cycling gear, camping supplies and running shoes. 

If I could pick any outfit for my next yoga in the park session, I'd have to go with this sexy top and sweet pair of leggings:

 

And for hiking and biking:

 

The site carries a lot of high-quality brands like Patagonia, PrAna, Lucy, Columbia and Adidas, but with discounts of up to 70% off retail prices. Very helpful for someone like me who would rather spend a reasonable amount on gear, and have more of my budget for traveling to cool locations to enjoy nature! :)

I'm thinking a trip to Tahoe is in order in the near future... and eventually I'd like to plan to take a few vacation days for a trip down to Yosemite, Death Valley or the coast up near Mendocino. I haven't gone exploring in forever, and it would feel really good to be away from the city and in a place where it's quiet enough to hear the wind through the trees, and dark enough at night to see the stars :)

Since I was a little girl, I've always loved being outdoors and traveling. When I was a kid, my dad would always take my brother, sister and me camping. I loved having no set schedule, and the way we'd let our days be determined by the sunrise and sunset rather than any specific plans. We'd wander on the trails and listen to him tell stories. We'd search for animal tracks and unusual birds. We were always on the look out for bears and poison oak, and we didn't mind when the red dirt got on our shoes.

Nothing quite compares to being away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and free from cars and noise and screen time :)

A few trips that are on my list for sure:

• climb in Moab with my friend who's grown up in Utah
• do a bicycle tour (1-2 weeks cycling and camping)
• hike in Alaska
• see the Grand Canyon
• explore the beaches in Thailand
• climb Half Dome
• teach yoga abroad as a guest teacher (at a studio or retreat center)

What excursions do you want to take this year?

PS What's the coolest place you've practiced yoga outdoors?

Yoga Mat Straps

Photos via The Apron Shop.

I've discovered my favorite yoga mat carrying strap: the yoga sling via The Apron Shop on Etsy. The shop's owner, Carmen, was kind enough to donate straps for me and my sponsored yogis, and we love them!

The strap makes it super easy to carry my mat to and from the studio, and I love that it's lightweight, durable, and compact. 

 

The shop also features mat carrying bags, and all the items are very reasonably priced.

As my sponsored yogi Justin said when he received the mat sling: "Look who's ready for class!" :)

I highly recommend checking out The Apron Shop!

Introducing Jena, A Sponsored Yogi

Today I am excited to introduce you guys to Jena, one of this year's sponsored yogis. Jena is a beautiful, vibrant yogini with a passion for health, wellness, yoga, dance, and psychology.

She is in graduate school for Marriage and Family Therapy and has studied mental health, bioenergetics, biofeedback, somatic psychology, and mindfulness. Jena has been dancing for 20 years, including three years professionally, and she's been teaching dance for 10 years.

I recently had the privilege of taking a vinyasa flow class with Jena , and it was wonderful to connect and hear the enthusiasm in her voice when she speaks about practicing yoga, living life in balance, and pursuing her dreams.

 

Here are Jena's reflections on some lovely donations from sponsors.

Camelback Water Bottle from Alicia Beam

This is such cute idea for Camelbak bottles: Alicia adds a dishwasher safe OM sign to the regular Camelbak bottles. It makes my water bottle stand out among the sea of other Camelbaks and would be unlikely to get lost!

 

Grapefruit Clove Dynamic Deodorant from Stone Body Products

This stuff was a godsend! I don’t like wearing deodorant (natural or not) because whenever I do, it makes me start sweating. The Dynamic Deo just covers odor. I put it under my armpits in the morning and didn't sweat all day, plus whiff of Grapefruit and Clove every now and then is energizing. 

Best of all is when you put it on your feet. I have stinky, stinky feet. So stinky that at a sleepover when I was 10, the other girls made me wash my feet in the sink because they smelled so bad.  A little bit between my toes and at the end of the day my feet didn’t smell their usual fierce foulness. It was a miracle.  I will be buying this for my Dad for Father’s Day! :)

Tea Forte Set

Tea Forte has a very cute collection of individually packaged loose teas. It was the perfect thing to come home to after having the first session with my first therapy client ever.  I tried the African Solstice with my favorite teapot. It has a comforting harvest-like taste that warmed my soul.

Thanks, Jena, for your reflections on these lovely products. Stay tuned for more posts about her yoga journey!

A Book for Yoga Beginners

Photos courtesy of Meagan McCrary.

When you’re new to the practice, the world of yoga can feel overwhelming.

I often hear a lot of questions from beginner yogis:

·         
- Which kind of yoga should I try?
- Can I practice if I’m not flexible?
- Will I be able to keep up?
- What’s the difference between vinyasa and yin?
- Should I try a hot class?
- Will other people notice that I don’t know what I’m doing?

A new student of mine put it this way when she was thinking about going to her first class: “I’m going to be such a mess!”

She was nervous about walking into a studio because she didn't know what to expect.

If you’re a new yogi looking for resources on what kind of yoga would be a good fit for you, I highly recommend checking out this book:

Pick Your Yoga Practice by Meagan McCrary.

Here's a quote from the book I loved... it really speaks to how as you grow deeper in the experience of yoga, it begins to translate from the mat into your everyday life:

You may also notice that your yoga practice is a microcosm for your life. The way you are on your mat — how you respond to challenges, handle disappointment, and relate to yourself, how present you are, how willing you are to try new things — is the way you’ll be off your mat as well. In yoga, you get to “practice” being the way you want to be in a safe, contained environment. (After all, yoga practice is just that, practice.)*

If you've found yoga but you feel like you don't know where to start, pick up a copy of Meagan's book. Explore your options. And be patient with yourself -- you're at the beginning. And it's a great place to be.

*Excerpted from the book Pick Your Yoga Practice© 2013 by Meagan McCrary. Printed with permission of New World Library www.newworldlibrary.com 

Gifts from the Heart: For Yoga Beginners

Photo via Pinterest.

First up in the Gifts from the Heart series is a guide to finding gifts for newbie yogis. Here are some ideas for what to buy any beginner so that they feel prepared for class.

Yoga Gifts for Beginners

Pick Your Yoga Practice by Meagan McCrary, a guide to exploring and understanding different styles of yoga (so they can figure out which classes to try).

A class pass to their favorite studio (because helping them learn from an experienced teacher is really the best yoga gift you can give!). Try Groupon or the Yoga Journal Directory to find local studios.

A handmade yoga block from JBN WoodCraft Design (to stay safe when trying new poses).

A mat strap from The Apron Shop (so it's not awkward carrying a mat around).

Mat spray from AromaZen (to keep so fresh and so clean).

An album of relaxing yoga music by Adam Lees or Neil Middleton (so they can drop into their practice while at home. Check out my review of First Light or my review of Sunrise Music.

Next up in the series: gift ideas for yoga dudes!

Free Shipping at Sweaty Betty

 

Are you shopping for new yoga gear this weekend?

Maybe some winter apparel? I'm looking at you, all you yogis who ski, snowboard and snowshoe! :)

 

I highly recommend checking out Sweaty Betty. They're offering FREE shipping on everything until the 21st, and they've got so many cute options of warm, cozy outerwear that's functional and stylish!

Use this code at checkout: FREESHIP 

Happy shopping, lovelies!

Get Free Delivery with code FREESHIP at SweatyBetty.com

Free Shipping All Summer at Sweaty Betty

Summer has started and the heat is here to stay. 

It's a great time to shop for new yoga or swimwear. I recommend checking out Sweaty Betty... they have an amazing deal going on all summer where you can get free shipping on orders over $100!

Just use the code USAFREESHIP when you check out. Ooh la la!

 

Sweaty Betty Mid-Season Sale

Photos via Sweaty Betty.

Starting tomorrow, Sweaty Betty is launching their mid-season sale. Some of their best sellers will be featured with savings up to 50% off.

 

Check out some of their featured sale products, which include sports bras, yoga tees, outerwear, dresses, yoga pants and more.

 

Their sales will be expiring on 3/25/13, so get shopping, yogis!

 

Peeled, a Juice Bar in Evanston

Hey Evanston yogis: are you looking for a healthy detox? I highly recommend Peeled, a juice bar that offers delicious smoothies, fresh juices, nut milks, and gelato. They also do custom juice cleanses.

Every time I go in, I'm stunned by the wide selection of choices, the friendly staffers, and how tasty the food is. My favorites so far are the beet/apple/ginger juice and the berry gelato. Delicious.

Check out their online store and use the promo code aliveinthefire to save 40% on your order! (Offer good until November 9th.)

You can also connect with Evanston Peeled on Facebook for more offers. For more info on the benefits of juicing, check out my posts here and here. (It will transform your body, inside and out!)