The 6 Best Yoga Shorts for Men and Women
Comfortable and secure shorts for your stretching session.
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Quality yoga shorts belong in every collection of fitness attire, whether you prefer flowing or fitted shorts that can move between yoga, running, and other exercises. While a good pair of shorts can likely ensure cool, stylish comfort, a subpar pair can potentially result in irritating rubbing along the thighs and nether regions, constraints on your stretches, or even accidental exposure. To help you feel and look your best during downward dog, here are our picks for the best yoga shorts for women and men.
The Best Yoga Shorts of 2022
What to Consider
Materials
The type of material used to craft a pair of yoga shorts is perhaps the most key element in terms of comfort. While in other realms of fitness, it is often advisable to avoid cotton since it retains sweat and can result in a heavy chafing experience, yoga tends to be a slower, low-impact workout in which sweat isn’t as much of a concern—unless you’re into hot yoga, of course. This means that you have more options in terms of materials.
Well-fitted cotton shorts can make for a delightfully soft stretching session, whereas some of the loose polyester shorts that you would typically use for faster-paced sports might lead to flashing your fellow yogis when you find yourself in particularly vulnerable positions. Spandex and elastane are elements in many pairs of comfortable, stretchy yoga shorts, but some people find that those materials hug their body in too revealing a manner. In the end, choosing between the softness of cotton versus the silky smoothness of polyester and poly-blends largely depends on your own preferences and practices.
Inseam and Cut
The length of a pair of shorts is described by its inseam, which is measured in inches. The shorter the inseam, the shorter the shorts. In regards to yoga, the inseam is primarily a matter of personal taste, though men who normally would wear a shorter inseam for running might prefer something a bit longer for yoga simply to keep things…in place. Yoga shorts come in a variety of cuts that are made to suit different goals and styles. High-waisted compression shorts offer more of a tummy tuck, for example, while some people prefer looser, more traditionally cut shorts.
How We Evaluated
To find the best options among the many yoga shorts out there, we researched some of the most popular models available through Amazon, department stores, and retailers specializing in athletic gear. We then took into account price, materials, sizing, range of motion, and extra features like moisture wicking and storage. Finally, we consulted reviews written by people who’ve bought these models on sites like Amazon to settle on the yoga shorts for men and women you will find below.
Looking to refresh your practice? Check out our top picks for yoga mats.
Baleaf High Waist Compression Yoga Shorts
Pros
- Wide waistband ensures proper fit while stretching
- Gusseted crotch for more freedom of movement
Cons
- Some colors/patterns become sheer when you squat
Key Specs
- Inseam: 5, 7, and 8 inches
- Material: Polyester, spandex
- Pockets: Yes
While women’s yoga shorts come in a variety of styles, the current fashion tends to trend toward high-waisted cuts. Available in a range of inseam lengths, colors, and patterns, these shorts from Baleaf are among the most popular on the market thanks to their comfortable, attractive design that aficionados say can be worn in the yoga studio, at the gym, or even around town.
Pros
- Flattering fit
- Recycled materials
Cons
- May be too short for some people's preference
Key Specs
- Inseam: 2.5 inches
- Material: Recycled nylon, elastane
- Pockets: No
We love that PrAna is a sustainable brand, but even if they weren't, these shorts would still be a great choice for yogis. They have a super short 2.5-inch inseam, which is great for hot yoga, or anyone who wants a wide range of movement when they're working out. They come in three colors and are made from fast-drying recycled nylon.
Lululemon Align High-Rise Short
Lululemon Align High-Rise Short
Pros
- Super comfortable
- Lots of length options
Cons
- Pricey
Key Specs
- Inseam: 4, 6, 8, 10 inches
- Material: Nylon, elastane
- Pockets: No
Lululemon's Align line is one of their most sought after, and for good reason. They are super soft, flattering, and will make you want to wear them all day long. The short version comes in 4, 6, 8, and 10 inches, but the 6 inch is a great neutral length that is modest while still giving you maximum skin grip.
Yoga Crow Men’s Swerve Yoga Shorts
Yoga Crow Men’s Swerve Yoga Shorts
Pros
- Antimicrobial liner
- Versatile
Cons
- Some report that they’re a little heavy for hot yoga
Key Specs
- Inseam: 7 to 8.25 inches (in 0.25-inch increments)
- Material: Nylon, polyester
- Pockets: Yes
Some men prefer yoga shorts sans liner, but others won’t stretch without it. If you count yourself among the latter group, this pair not only features a liner that is supportive and comfortable, but it’s antimicrobial, too.
Lululemon Pace Breaker Linerless Short
Lululemon Pace Breaker Linerless Short
Pros
- Stylish colors
- Zippered pockets
Cons
- Slim fit might not suit larger thighs
Key Specs
- Inseam: 9 inches
- Material: Nylon, polyester, elastane
- Pockets: Yes
These shorts from Lululemon are super comfortable and durable, but they stand out most because they work well not only as yoga shorts, but as all-around workout shorts, too. The zippered pockets are also nice for keeping your phone and keys safe while exercising, and they have a stylish cut you will want to wear out of the house.
nike Dri-FIT x MMW Men's 3-in-1 Shorts
nike Dri-FIT x MMW Men's 3-in-1 Shorts
Pros
- Multiple wear options
- Great for hot yoga
Cons
- Only one colorway
- Very expensive
Key Specs
- Inseam: 9 inches
- Material: Polyester, spandex, nylon, cotton
- Pockets: Yes
While they are definitely pricey, these 3-in-1 shorts give you lots of options when it comes to your daily practice. They include a super soft knit bike short layer, a woven stretch top layer, and a belt that comes with a detachable cotton terry towel. All of these pieces can be worn independently or combined, depending on your needs that day.
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
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