Try On Some New Pants: 10 Alternatives to…

Even some of the most dedicated fans of yoga-wear giant Lululemon have been given ample reasons to want to diversify their wardrobes. Maybe it’s the decline in quality, the high prices, or the tendency of founder Chip Wilson to run off at the mouth. Or maybe you just want to look different from the herd. The marketplace has exploded with options for great looking, functional yoga clothes. We’re going to take a look at a few brands that are widely available in the U.S., but be sure to stop in your local yoga studio’s boutique for more indie options. Or if you’re truly over the whole thing, try your asanas with no pants at all. Whatever gets you on the mat.

1. Athleta

Athleta, which has been owned by The Gap since 2008, specializes in clothing for active women. If you’re looking for a basic legging or bootcut pant, there are plenty to choose from here. Their range of sizes is kind of amazing. Some styles come in regular, tall, petite, and plus up to 2X. With stand-alone stores in more than 25 U.S. states, you can try before you buy, though the size selection in-store is more limited. More »

2. Lolë

Keep things Canadian with women’s active-wear company Lolë. Many of their yoga clothes are made from a blend of natural fabrics like cotton and Tencel (made from wood pulp) which is a nice alternative to synthetic fabrics. The designs are cute and colorful and easily double as street clothing. More »

3. Sweaty Betty

This is a very popular brand across the pond in the U.K. that is just making its first forays into the U.S. marketplace. They have some great designs for yoga that take things beyond the ubiquitous legging, though those are on offer as well. Some pants come in three lengths to accommodate yoginis of various heights. More »

4. Prana

Prana has been making clothing for yoga since 1992 and is still turning out well-cut pants and hippy-trippy tops as well as a full range of jackets, pants, skirts, everything really. You could get your whole wardrobe here if you wanted to.  More »

5. Old Navy

Old Navy is a great place to find your yoga pants on a budget. Cute, functional basics are the name of the game here. Through their online plus store, you can buy work-out wear up to a size 4X. Petites are also available online for the vertically challenged. More »

6. Hardtail

Take it back to the original booty hugging pants with Hardtail. Although they don’t have an online store, you can find them at Nordstrom stores and in many yoga studio boutiques. Hardtail is known for vibrant colors, tie-dye patterns, and fold over waistbands. More »

7. Lucy

Among Lucy’s many offerings are a true gem: high waisted yoga pants. These are amazing for avoiding both muffin top and crotch creep, the bane of curvy women with small waists. Look for the Perfect Core line. More »

8. KiraGrace

KiraGrace is doing some creative, fun things with basic leggings, like adding cut-outs, ruching, mesh, and bright colors. They also offer a bunch of strappy tanks. More »

9. be present

Be Present’s yoga pants are completely distinctive for both their cuts and the nature of their fabric, which is woven, light-weight and stretchy. With their strong colors and loose fits, it’s a total departure from the cookie-cutter black tights look. Here’s a run down of three Be Present styles.  More »

10. Beyond Yoga

Beyond Yoga has a body-positive philosophy and a reputation for great-fitting, high-quality pants. They also offer maternity styles online.   More »