Top 3 Features You Should Look for in Yoga Pants and Active Wear
With so many options for yoga pants and active wear out there it can be a little overwhelming to pick the right pair for you. Here are the 3 most important aspects of yoga pants that you should think about when choosing what to buy.
#1: Choosing the right fabric.
There are so many types of fabrics to choose from, how do you pick the one that is best for you? First it is important to know the options. There are many different synthetic fabrics as well as a great selection of natural eco-friendly ones. So first off you need to decide if you want to wear synthetics that may contain nasty chemicals or if you want to go the natural fabric route.
The benefit of the natural fabrics is that you know that you are getting a product made in a way that limits the use of harmful chemicals and leaves less impact on the environment. Synthetics like polyester, nylon and rayon, or anything that is wrinkle resistant are loaded with chemicals. The chemicals used in synthetic clothing have been linked to health problems including cancer, immune system damage, behavioral problems and hormone disruption. So I personally try to avoid these, I have enough problems without them!
One of the best natural fabrics for yoga pants is Bamboo. Bamboo is very eco friendly to produce. It requires no chemical or irrigation. Bamboo is a very comfortable fabric. It is breathable and acts as a thermal regulator as well. It will keep you warmer when it is cold and cooler when you are hot. This makes it great for active wear and yoga pants. Bamboo also is absorbent and will help keep you dry during your workout. Another wonderful thing about Bamboo is that is has antimicrobial properties. This means that it naturally is resistant to bacteria growth which can cause body odor. This is definitely a plus in work out clothing.
Organic Cotton is another great fabric for yoga pants. Cotton is comfortable, breathable and lightweight. When grown organically it is also great for the environment. Just make sure it is organic.
Hemp is a fabric that is gaining popularity as an eco-friendly fabric as well. It is easy to grow and renewable. Hemp makes a very durable fabric that will hold up to the toughest workout. Hemp is very similar to linen in texture and when mixed with other eco-friendly fibers it makes a soft, stretchy, durable fabric.
#2: Finding Your Style.
There are many different styles of yoga pants out there. From full length to capris and shorts deciding what type is best for you can be daunting. First think about the style of yoga you are doing. Do you prefer Hot Yoga or Bikram where you are in a hot room and sweating a lot? Or are you more of a Kundalini yogi, where you concentrate more of breathing with your movements? Choose your style based on how you practice and what the temperatures are like. I know that I get cold easily so I prefer long yoga pants and layers as well. Once I am warmed up I can take off my shrug, but as I cool down in Corpse Pose I like to be able to layer back up.
There are also different fits to the yoga pants as well. The pants with a roll-down waist that can be adjusted to sit any place on your waist or hip are great for versatility, while more legging style pants are nice because they stay in place. The shorts and skorts are great when doing hot yoga, while capris work nicely on those in between days.
#3: Cost versus Quality.
Unfortunately, nothing in life is free, so money is sometimes a factor in choosing the right product. To me, quality is very important. If it isn't made well it isn't worth it. So keep that in mind when you are looking at yoga pants. You usually get what you pay for. I'm not saying that the less expensive ones are cheaply made but check the quality before you buy it. If the material stretches out or falls apart after only a few uses and you have to replace that $20 pair of pants 3-4 times a year, it might be worth your while to get the $60 pair and be able to use them for several years. This is also better for the environment, as you are throwing away fewer items.