The Best Yoga Shorts, According to Our Editors

The best women’s yoga shorts aren’t necessarily the most expensive. Our editors prefer the form and function of the Lululemon Align High-Rise Short for a modest splurge but also are more than satisfied with the fit and fabric of the Old Navy High-Waisted Jersey Biker Short and the moisture-wicking and sweat-hiding virtues of the All in Motion Everyday Soft Ultra High-Rise Biker Shorts.

There’s something no one talks about in yoga. Namely, the awful feeling of slogging home from a studio class in leggings that are drenched in sweat, the fabric clinging to your body anxious-attachment style. In those desperate and sorta disgusting moments, the idea of less fabric can feel like so much more.

So with temps tracking toward one of the hottest years on record, it’s no surprise that women’s yoga shorts—and biker shorts and short shorts and anything else you can conceivably call them—are having a moment.     

But wearing yoga shorts only brings relief if the shorts actually behave the way you want. So we’re divulging the styles of lopped-off leggings that are in our regular rotation, because the last thing you want is a waistband or hem that slides, rides, rolls, pinches, or otherwise distracts you from your practice. The following best yoga shorts prioritized form as well as function and satisfy us beyond our expectations.

3 Women’s Yoga Shorts That Are Our Must-Haves 

The Platonic ideal of yoga shorts varies pretty dramatically depending on who’s wearing them. These nail all of the requirements on our long list of must-haves.

Lululemon Align High-Rise Short 6-Inch

For Fashionistas, Perfectionists, and Anyone Who Likes to MOVE On The Mat

Sizes: 0-20
Material: Nylon, Lycra Elastene

Pros and Cons
+ Comfy AF
+ No-roll fit
+ Varying lengths
– Cost

Being new to the realm of yoga shorts—and, frankly, overwhelmed by the abundant options—I wanted familiarity in my first pair. So I sought out the yoga shorts rendition of the best-selling Lululemon Align leggings, lauded by thousands over the years. To my relief, everything that draws raves about the leggings also applies to the shorts.

The Nulu fabric is comfy, soft, and compressive but not to the point where you struggle to breathe. The waistband and hem stay put rather than roll down or ride up, refusing to budge even during twists, turns, and other lunge-like transitions.  And did I mention the stash waistband pocket? Essentially, the shorts quietly fade into the backdrop rather than create a distraction, making it easy to understand why customers write online comments such as, “Comfy. Perfect length. So happy.”

About that length. The Align shorts are also avail in a 2-inch or 4-inch version if you like your shorts short and an 8-inch rendition if you prefer more coverage. The 6-inch version falls mid-thigh on me. (I’m 5″5′.)  An array of hues across lengths adds to the decision overwhelm. (Note:  Lighter hues include a second layer of fabric for discretion’s sake, so if your objective is the most lightweight short, opt for darker shades.) Also, that fabric is not immune to snags, so handle with care and stay clear of paws.   —Renee Marie Schettler, Editor-in-Chief

Old Navy High-Waisted Jersey Biker Shorts—8-Inch Inseam

For Those Who Actually Don’t Like All That Compression, Thank You Very Much

$13 at Old Navy

Sizes: XS-4X
Material: Cotton, Spandex

Pros and Cons
+ Almost 100 percent cotton
+ Waistband stays put
+ Price
– Not much compression

It’s rare to find women’s yoga shorts that are mostly cotton, but these High-Waisted Jersey Biker Shorts are exactly that with only 4 percent spandex. That means the fabric lets my body breathe while I’m moving on the mat, running errands, or just hanging out. The waistband stays securely in place, so I don’t need to worry about hoisting them up in between poses. Similarly, the extra long inseams ensure the fabric doesn’t annoyingly ride up mid-transition.

If you’re wanting to feel “snatched” and are accustomed to a strong tummy panel, these might not be your favorite yoga shorts. I actually prefer that they’re only lightly compressive. And because they’re cotton, they’ll also feel a little looser on your body   than synthetic shorts by the end of the day. Still, my overall opinion? A lot of yoga goers are sleeping on Old Navy as one of the best yoga shorts options.  —Laura Harold, Digital Editor

All in Motion Everyday Soft Ultra High-Rise Biker Shorts 6″

For Those Who Drip Sweat (And Don’t Want to Flaunt It)

Sizes: XS-XXL
Material: Nylon, Spandex

Pros and Cons
+ Compressive but not clingy
+ Moisture-wicking
+ Price
– Slippery feel
–Hem rides up slightly

 

Lightly compressive without being restrictive, these All in Motion Biker Shorts are made from a moisture-wicking combo of nylon and spandex that’s lined with cotton. As someone who sweats quite a lot on the mat, I can confidently say these do a solid job of masking sweat splotches that appear during a workout. The 6-inch inseam feels like a comfortable length when I put them on, although the synthetic material is somewhat slippery and tends to ride up a bit. Still, the amount they sometimes slide feels forgivable in exchange for the price.  —Laura

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