Reviewed by our Gear Geeks:
THE BEST YOGA SHORTS IN 2021
Our experts at work
We gave our Gear lovers one job:
Test 27 different Yoga Shorts and write reviews of the best.
The result is 16 of the best Yoga Shorts on the market today.
Anastasia Hamurari
Yoga Writer
An ambitious writer with a thirst for content creation through storytelling.
Bradley Axmith
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Vikingship building gear enthusiast and waterworld fanatic.
The only thing that’s more rewarding than nailing that crow pose you’ve been practicing for a while is wearing a comfortable pair of yoga shorts that allows you to see progress faster.
Switched to when yoga pants become too toasty, mens and womens yoga shorts are every yogi’s wardrobe staple. And yogis aren’t the only ones who can benefit from them. You can walk your dog, drop your kids off at school, or just lounge around the house with a pair of yoga shorts on.
To make sure your yoga shorts are breathable, lightweight and sturdy, check the following characteristics before getting yourself a pair:
- The material of yoga shorts (Polyester, Nylon, Spandex)
- Amount of compression
- The fit and the coverage of the shorts
- The durability of yoga shorts
- The availability of features like pockets
Read on to see our best yoga shorts picks – 11 womens yoga shorts and 5 mens yoga shorts – they will surely help you choose the pair that will meet your needs best.
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WOMENS YOGA SHORTS
The all-around high-quality pair of yoga shorts by BALEAF is a game-changer for every yogi-to-be. Made from a power couple material duo, – polyester and spandex – it offers just the right amount of breathability, flexibility and comfort for you to feel your best when attempting a challenging king pigeon or a firefly pose. The shorts feature a high-rise waist for a flattening tummy, a chafe-free flatlock seam and a gusseted crotch. This combination enables you to move freely and not worry about flashing others or failing at the pose you’ve been perfecting for weeks. The moisture-wicking properties ensure you remain dry when drenching in sweat – a handy feature to have when doing hot yoga. You can make use of the many pockets incorporated into the shorts too; they will be a lifesaver for those not willing to bring a wallet with keys and a smartphone with them to the yoga studio. For a universal pair of yoga shorts that don’t ride up, look into this model designed by ODODOS. Coming in 4 inseam sizes and over 20 color options, you’re guaranteed to find the pair that will make you feel secure and look good. The four-way stretch fabric composed of polyester and spandex enables the shorts to move with you as you interchange between the downward dog and a second warrior pose. It’s also in charge of wicking away any moisture that comes your way and keeping you dry at all times. The wide waistband – even without being compressive – facilitates good stretches that are not accompanied by flashing others. If you’re not a fan of high-rise construction, there are mid-rise options available to you as well. With large pockets that are able to fit hefty smartphones, you’ve got no issues bringing a yoga mat with you only when taking a yoga class. If you’re looking for a pair of yoga shorts you can wear to run errands and go hiking, ALWAYS has got you covered. Featuring polyester and spandex, they are as flexible and breathable as any other pair of good-quality yoga shorts but with the added bonus of versatility. According to plenty of customers, they are super soft (thanks to the fabric being brushed on both sides) and stretchy – just the way a pair of yoga shorts should be. This means that no environment is off the table when planning on doing yoga at 2 PM and going grocery shopping at 3 PM. The 4-way stretch and 2 pockets on the upper thighs make them even more appealing to those hopping from one place to another with as little as a wallet in their hands. The manufacturer offers a full refund for unsatisfied customers too; there’s no risk in trying out a pair or two right at this moment. Designed to accommodate women who have some loose skin as a result of a rapid weight loss, THE GYM PEOPLE high waist yoga shorts are the way to go. The wide waistband and a relatively high compression ensure your tummy and legs are supported no matter how intense your yoga session gets. The shorts have moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties, and they’re also breathable and stretchy. You can go about your day not worrying about getting too toasty or cold after a sweaty workout – the shorts will keep you feeling comfortable all day long. The two pockets are a nice bonus to have when you decide to jog for a couple of miles with your headphones on and a smartphone in one of them. Designed for not only yoga but also running, strength training and daily use, TYUIO yoga shorts with pockets are a real gem. They go down to the knees and come in over 10 color options and 6 sizes, which makes them a versatile piece of clothing that, in addition, won’t break your bank. The 4-way-stretch fabric provides good support and is thus suitable for everyone with no exceptions. Add interlock seams and a gusseted crotch to the mix, and you have a highly-qualitative pair of yoga shorts that doesn’t allow for thighs chuffing or movement restrictions. The breathable combination of polyester and spandex in 88/12 proportion respectively means no bacteria will develop. This translates to a long life span of the shorts that ultimately justifies the purchase This affordable pair of yoga shorts by Homma is an ideal option for those who want to be their most comfortable when doing yoga or jogging around the block. Featuring a 4-way-stretch mix of nylon, polyester, and spandex, they offer the best of both worlds – compression and sweat-resistance. The thick medium-rise waistband sits perfectly well on everyone regardless of their physical proportions. We’re talking no fabric annoyingly digging into the skin and no tight compression that prevents you from breathing properly. The unique fabric dyeing process makes these shorts super soft to the touch and comfortable on the skin which reduces the possibility of chafing and irritation. If seamless yoga apparel sounds like something off of your wishlist, consider giving Homma yoga shorts a try. Feeling confident with your body? Then look no further than Kamo athletic yoga shorts. Available in 6 sizes and 6 colors, they’re the go-to option for those who don’t mind wearing shorts with little coverage. Built from durable nylon and spandex, Kamo shorts are as stretchy and breathable as yoga apparel can be. This, however, doesn’t come at a cost of being see-through – instead, they boast an opaque look that allows you to comfortably move from one yoga pose to another without worrying about flashing others. According to hundreds of reviews, the shorts are compressive too. Thanks to the uniquely-shaped waistband, you can expect your bottoms to keep your tummy in place even when standing in the downward dog pose. The polyamide/spandex blend makes KNEEDARKYEAR stretch yoga shorts some of the most comfortable shorts on this list. It also contributes to the moisture-wicking properties of the garment and the lightness felt when wearing a pair. There is an elastic waistband incorporated into the shorts for a secure fit and a short-ish inseam for unrestricted mobility. The gusseted crotch, in its turn, adds breathability to the rich mix of properties and eliminates any stress from wearing snug shorts for a prolonged period of time. The fabric is made to be water-resistant too; it’s vital to be wearing clothes that won’t absorb your sweat during intense physical activity. Pick the color you like best, choose your size, and get a pair of these yoga shorts for yourself you could use for your next workout. The Amazon-owned brand Core 10 that is known for successfully combining fashion and functionality didn’t disappoint with their Spectrum yoga shorts. Made from the buttery-soft mix of polyester and elastane, they provide you with optimal coverage that allows for deep stretches and lengthy pilates sessions. The high-rise built of the shorts enables you to perform a variety of poses without exposing your tummy. The same goes for the 5” inseam that prevents you from flashing others when going from a headstand back to the lotus pose. The fabric is made to be squat-proof – this is excellent news for those who like mixing in some muscle-building exercises and making the most of their workout sessions. Oh, and there is an added pocket for storing your smartphone in when hopping from errands running to a barre class. No need to bring a bag with you – the pocket is spacious enough to fit your essentials. Silinggy women yoga shorts have it all. The 3 inseam options, the moisture-wicking construction, the fabric with compression, and the 2 side pockets are all incorporated into them – there isn’t much they are short of. Offering a slimming look so many women aspire to get from a pair of yoga shorts, they contour your curves like no other. You can thus expect your tummy to stay flat thanks to the compression integrated into the shorts. The mesh design not only makes the shorts look unique but also gives you that breathability that results from the free inflow of air. Regardless of whether you’re planning on wearing your shorts for jogging or running errands, you can be confident in them providing you with great performance. These just-above-the-knee yoga shorts by Gaiam are a real deal. They’re compressive, they’re stretchy, and they keep you feeling fresh and dry at all times. What else is there to wish for? The high-rise yoga shorts are a common phenomenon in the world of yoga, but the ones from Gaiam. These are a completely different ball game because of their Dri-Motion moisture management fabric and a unique fit. High-endurance workouts quickly become everyone’s favorite when wearing a pair of Gaiam yoga shorts. They feature supportive compression, good back coverage, and sweat-resistant properties. With them on, fear no hot yoga or an hour-long indoor cycling class.
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MENS YOGA SHORTS
For a premium-quality pair of men’s yoga shorts that can accommodate everyone from a Crossfit guru to a Buddha monk, consider giving YOGA CROW Swerve shorts a try. Available in 6 go-to color options and a wide range of sizes from small to big, they are a wardrobe staple of every fitness enthusiast. You’ll feel comfortable wearing them all day because of the 4-way-stretch blend of nylon and polyester that offers great flexibility and breathability. The moisture-wicking properties of the fabrics are also a characteristic worth mentioning – the sweat developed during high-intensity workouts ought to be kept at bay. There is an interior lining of the boxer brief that protects the men’s thighs from abrasion too. Even though the shorts have side pockets that can potentially be a nuisance during workouts, their seamless construction turns them into a convenient feature instead. That is, whatever you might need to carry with you to the gym, rest assured it’ll fit in the built-in side pockets. If you’re looking for a pair of men’s yoga shorts that will serve you well during both yoga sessions and strength-building workouts, the ones from LODAY are your best bet. Created with 3 layers of high-quality Neoprene, they offer supreme compression to your abdominal area and your thighs that allows you to preserve body heat while working your ass off at the gym. The abs control plays a huge part in ensuring comfortable all-day wear (and in helping with your fat loss journey). It offers unparalleled support that is reinforced by a smart, mesh-like crotch construction and a high waistband. The shorts’ thick fabric means business. It helps accelerate sweating and lose those extra inches around your waist that aren’t necessarily benefiting your health. Add a zippered pocket on the right side of the leg and you’re set to conquer the world of fitness. What about a pair of yoga shorts that is designed to give men great support for deep stretches and demanding yoga poses? The one created by prAna is just that. Made from sustainably-sourced Polyester and a hint of spandex, it is guaranteed to elevate your yoga practice in a matter of a few sessions. It sure feels good to be wearing clothes that move and stretch with you, and that’s what these prAna shorts are all about. Featuring an elastic waistband and a medium inseam that fits most, they will support your every move without causing any chaffing or bunching along the way. You can do yoga, go running and attempt pilates while wearing these shorts and be confident in them performing well in all and every scenario. Compression and performance are at an all-time high when speaking about BALEAF men’s yoga shorts. Designed for yoga and gym use, they have premium-quality features that make them stand out from the deep pool of yoga apparel currently available on the market. One of them is the brand’s unique moisture management technology that keeps the shorts dry no matter how much you sweat. The other one is the 4-way-stretch construction with flatlock seams integrated into the shorts to reduce chafing which often occurs during intense workouts. There are also reflective elements incorporated into the shorts for increased visibility when it’s dark outside and side pockets for convenient storage of your essentials. If you’re looking for a pair of men’s yoga shorts that would be your go-to for calm yoga sessions at the yoga studio or at home, these ones designed by Manduka are the ones to invest in. Made with organic cotton, modal and spandex, they provide you with just enough coverage to feel confident when doing yoga in group settings and sufficient room for unrestricted movements. The 10” inseam means the shorts hit right above the knee; this length of shorts is proven to be the most popular among men. It ensures you’re not too tight or too loose in your clothes when switching from the first to the second warrior pose. The bonus point gets the elastic waistband with a drawstring and the deep-set pockets that can hold multiple things at once.
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BUYING GUIDE
An ideal pair of both men’s yoga shorts and women’s should be light enough to offer breathability, solid enough to stay put, and thick enough to not reveal your underwear. Besides, it should be as versatile as possible for you to get the most use out of it and get your money’s worth.
How do you make sure the yoga shorts you pick has it all (and then some more)? You evaluate characteristics down below and make sure your final choice has the optimum combination of the ones that matter to you the most.
Material
When it comes to choosing yoga shorts based on the material they’re made from, it’s important to know the difference between the most commonly used types. We’re talking about Polyester, Spandex, and Nylon in particular.
Being the most popular fabric used for manufacturing not only yoga shorts but all workout clothes, Polyester is the clear front runner. It’s lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, moisture-wicking, breathable and durable – what else is there to wish for? The only downside to this material is its relatively low resistance to odor which can cause bacteria to breed if you don’t properly wash it after every use.
Spandex is the type of material you’d often find in combination with Polyester in smaller amounts. Also known as Lycra, it is the fabric that makes your yoga shorts stretchy and enables them to move with you as you switch from one yoga flow to another. It has moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties to it which makes it a perfect addition to the not-so-quickly-drying Polyester.
Nylon fibers (constituting a part of the Polyamide family) are superior to Polyester ones because of their superb strength and elasticity. They’re distinguished by their abrasion-resistant properties and the ease of cleaning which, in turn, leads to higher longevity.
Compression
Compression is not a must, but it’s a nice bonus for those who tend to do strenuous exercises that require pushing yourself extra hard. This is where it can help to alleviate muscle pain and reduce fatigue associated with prolonged physical activity.
Yoga shorts that have compression in them are usually denser in structure. This, luckily, doesn’t come at the cost of stretchiness. They still offer a good amount of flexibility but with a hint of joints support that allows you to work out for longer periods. For advancing yoga skills, compression in your yoga apparel is almost essential.
Fit
Traditionally speaking, yoga attire should be on the loose side. And while this can be applied to yoga tops and even yoga pants in some instances, this is hardly the case for women’s yoga shorts (men’s yoga shorts are often made in both loose and tight variations). A snug and comfortable fit should be your top priority when choosing what pair of yoga shorts to purchase.
Coverage
Depending on your personal preferences, the pick of yoga shorts of a specific length will vary from person to person. It doesn’t even pertain to gender – some just gravitate towards mid-thigh yoga shorts while others feel more secure in above-the-knee yoga shorts. There isn’t a one-coverage-fits-all type of yoga shorts.
While the yoga shorts length isn’t the prime concern for men, women tend to give it a little more thought. High-waisted yoga shorts, for instance, are often a go-to for many women who don’t want their bottoms to ride up while performing some demanding yoga poses.
Durability
This is a no-brainer – you want your yoga shorts investment to pay off. To make sure their life span is at least a few consecutive years, you need to pick the pair that’s built from tough materials that won’t fade or tear within a couple of washes.
If you’re an avid yogi who wears yoga shorts to every practice at the very least 3 times a week, you’ll want a pair that washes and dries quickly without deteriorating. And while the washing machine does a great job at keeping your yoga shorts clean and fresh and consequently prolonging their life, hand-washing is a much safer alternative from a durability standpoint.
Pockets
It’s not a surprise that both men and women like having pockets in their clothing (okay, perhaps men like it more). Manufacturers of yoga shorts considered this fact and came up with a variety of models that feature pockets for you to keep your keys and phone in a secure place.
Now, there is a remark that has to be made – you must take your items out of the pockets before you start doing downward-dog-type poses. This will ensure none of them fall out and get damaged in the process.
If you already have a yoga short or you just bought one, leave a comment in the comment section below and share your experience with it.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about yoga shorts
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What are the best yoga shorts?
For yoga shorts to serve their purpose, they have to be breathable, lightweight and stretchy. They also have to fit snugly but not tight.
Below, find our picks for the best yoga shorts on the market:
- BALEAF Women’s High Waist Yoga Shorts
- ODODOS Women’s Athletic Yoga Shorts
- ALWAYS Women Workout Yoga Shorts
- THE GYM PEOPLE High Waist Yoga Shorts
- TYUIO Yoga Shorts with Pockets
- YOGA CROW Men’s Swerve Yoga Shorts
- LODAY Neoprene Yoga Shorts
Read full reviews of each pair of yoga shorts on DIVEIN.COM by clicking the links above.
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What material should yoga shorts be made from?
While there are many types of materials used for the production of workout clothes, the most commonly used ones for making yoga shorts and yoga clothes, in general, include Nylon, Spandex and Polyester.
All of these fabrics have moisture-wicking properties and feel good on the skin when performing a variety of yoga poses.
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Are loose or tight yoga shorts better?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question – the choice of loose or tight yoga shorts is entirely up to you, the wearer. Some feel most confident in tight shorts, while others prefer to wear shorts that have some extra room.
The environment in which you’re planning on doing yoga can play a role too. You might want to wear yoga shorts with a little more coverage – to not distract others – if you’re doing yoga in the studio and tighter shorts when doing at-home stretches.
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Are cotton yoga shorts a good option?
Even though cotton is allegedly the most popular fabric out there, it’s not the most sought-after material when it comes to yoga shorts. This is because of the zero chafing properties and the lack of moisture-resistance it offers.
Wearing cotton can lead to discomfort when doing hot yoga too; keep that in mind when choosing what pair of yoga shorts to get.
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How to avoid buying see-through yoga shorts?
Bending’ and ‘yoga’ are sisters, which means that you’re likely to stretch in ways that could potentially reveal your undergarments. To avoid this sometimes-embarrassing scenario, it’s essential to choose yoga shorts that are made from thick fabric that stays opaque no matter how much you move.
P.S. Pay close attention to white and nude-colored yoga shorts – they might be more see-through than black- and dark-colored ones.
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