Sure, leggings seem to be the norm these days when it comes to activewear. And what's not to love about them? There are so many options to choose from, and many of them are compressive, supportive, flattering, and comfortable. You just throw them on and you just know you're going to feel good during your workout.
But if you're looking to mix things up with your activewear, might we suggest a pair of shorts? They'll keep you cool during your workout, and many are just as supportive and reliable as your favorite pair of leggings. And not to mention, the bike shorts or exercise shorts trend isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
You can wear them to just about any workout, but yoga is an especially optimal time to try them out. They'll keep you comfortable during your practice, there's no extra fabric that will get in the way as you're getting into poses, and if you're doing hot yoga, they'll provide some extra breathability that you won't get with full-length pants. Take a look at some of the best yoga shorts below.
This bike short had to be at the top of this list—it has over 65,000 ratings and 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon. The moisture-wicking and breathable shorts have a handy side pockets that are big enough to fit your phone and other essentials.
Girlfriend Collective's are just so soft and comfortable, perfect for an active practice. The fabric is made of 90% recycled bottles and 10% spandex.
These are the shorts version of Zella's cult-favorite Live In leggings. And like the leggings, they're comfy and supportive, plus they also feature side pockets.
Hanes's shorts are made of soft jersey fabric, so they might not be as compressive as some of the others on this list, but they're still perfect for yoga class because they're easy to move in.
The breathable and seamless design makes getting into even the hardest poses (a little bit) easier. They have a ribbing detail, too.
If you're looking for something that's mid-rise, here you go. These have a "second-skin" fit and are equipped with Nike's moisture-wicking Dri-Fit technology.
For a longer-length short, try this one from Lululemon. It's made with the brand's uber-soft Nulu fabric, which feels weight-less and is sweat-wicking, breathable, and stretchy.
These sit just below the belly button so you can consider them mid-rise. They have a longer length, wide waistband, and a hidden pocket.
Here's an option that's shorter in length. It's designed for yoga and studio classes and features a buttery soft fabric that's quick-drying and sweat-wicking.
These shorts feature a 7-inch inseam and a 5-inch waistband. And when I say these are crazy comfortable, I mean it—they literally have no seams on the outside so you don't have to worry about chafing.
Outdoor Voices's yoga shorts feature a high-waisted fold-over waistband that sits comfortably, aka it won't dig into your skin when you're deep in a pose. It's made with OV's soft FreeForm fabric.
These stretchy bike shorts have a high waist that's flattering and sculpting. Plus, the tie-dye looks cool, no?
FP Movement's slim-fit shorts have a waffled texture and are ultra stretchy and comfy. They're great for yoga and everyday wear.
You're going to want to wear these shorts if you want to go really short. They're made with a soft and stretchy fabric that's medium weight and squat-proof.
Attention hot yoga lovers, you're going to want to pay attention to these shorts. The fabric has cooling technology that's moisture-wicking and well-ventilated.
More Yoga Gear for Your Practice
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.