When it comes to workout clothes for women, Pilates and yoga pants (same thing) can be a big challenge. Form fitting pants are best so that you and/or your teacher can see what you body is doing. But that puts demand on you to find a style that both looks good and feels comfortable.
Read more: What to Wear for Pilates.
Read more: What to Wear for Pilates.
As much as it isn't fair to generalize too much about a brand, women need help knowing where to start shopping for their style and body type. Below you will find 5 things women often want in Pilates and yoga pants along with suggestions for which brands might fit those needs.
You are Completely Sick of Basic Black:
Black is generally flattering, but lately, people are saying the color choices out there are too dull - black, navy, gray, blah. If you are ready to stretch beyond the colorful fold-over waist bands out there, try
Margarita Activewear. They do have a lot of black backgrounds, but bold, colorful graphic designs make this a top choice for those looking to put a little wild in their workouts. Also, the Divine pant from Hyde comes in a bunch of great colors and Beckons yoga pants line has a bright blue and a searing red.
You Need Figure Friendly Pants:
This is a two part category. Some companies make pants with a more forgiving fabric and looser cuts, and some make shapewear-like exercise clothes, otherwise known as "toning".
To find somewhat looser cuts and lines that go with curves, I would look to Fila, Lucy's Everyday Pant, and Danskin. Fila also has a toning workout pant and Lucy's toning Perfect Core line is flattering and shaping as well.
You Want Organic Cotton and "Green" Workout Clothes:
Organic cotton may hold moisture more than certain tech fabrics, but it still feels wonderful. The new, recycled fabrics are surprisingly comfortable as well. be present has a small line of Pilates yoga pants made entirely from a recycled polyester jersey/spandex blend. It's called the Renew Elite. As for organic cotton, be present carries some organic as well as bamboo. Also, Hyde is a also good source as are Beckons and Gaiam.
You Like a Practical, Not-Too-Trendy but Fashionable Pant:
Lululemon has been the leader in this category for a long time, which makes them trendy though I think their clothes are fairly conservative. Other companies I would look to would be Lucy, again, and PrAna - both of which do a great job with their cross-over - studio to street - styling.
You Want to Comparison Shop:
You are wise to get an overview of what is available before spending your hard-earned cash. You might start with the workout clothing reviews here at pilates.about.com. If you would like to know what is working well for others, take a look at our 2011 Readers' Choice Awards finalists for best workout clothes. You can also get some great Pilates and yoga pant comparison shopping done at pricegrabber.com.
