The Yoga Pant and Your Behind

Some may be perturbed by a discussion of clothes related to yoga, as yoga has nothing to do with what you wear. In fact, some choose to practice yoga naked. However, for most people, no matter how present in your practice you may be, when you can clearly see your neighbors butt-cheeks in class, you can't help but be distracted. Pants that appear to be comfortable and well covering in a dimly lit store room, may turn out to be shear when bending over in day light. Three components of yoga pants lend to this dilemma- the size, color, and fabric. It may be of interest to you purchase yoga pants that actually cover your behind when doing yoga. Here are some tips for choosing a pair of pants that will not betray you in the studio: (adapted from Emily Leaman)

Size

Simply put, pants that are too small are see-through. If you bend over and the pants get that sheen, it means they’re stretching too much. When the fabric gets pulled beyond its limits, the weave gets wider than it’s supposed to—giving everyone around you a view of your backside. Solution: Go up a size.

Color

Black’s your best bet if see-through’s a concern. Stay away from grays, which tend to show more, and leave your pastels for lounging only: “They’re not the most flattering.”

Fabric

Paying attention to the fabric is key. Plain ol’ cotton is not the best choice because as you move and stretch, it gets thinner and thinner—and eventually won’t bounce back. You want reinforced compression fabric (i.e. lycra or lycra-nylon blends) that feels thicker to the touch, especially around the butt area. This stuff’s intended to stretch over and over (and over and over), and return to its original shape. Athleta’s brand-name fabric is called Supplex; the Lululemon version is called Luon. Both stretch in several directions—up, down, diagonal, side-to-side—and are meant to endure serious wear-and-tear. Which means, with proper care, your behind will be covered for years to come.

What to Do at the Store

When you’re shopping for yoga pants, don’t be afraid to hit the floor and do some stretches in front of the mirror. Notice how the fabric pulls and stretches, and ask an honest friend to pay attention to your behind. If you’re shopping alone, ask a staffer to do it—hey, it’s their job. 

And remember to check them out in good daylight!