It’s a sad reality that 90% of all yoga pants/leggings sold in North America - and likely the world - are made from synthetic fibers. As is explored further in our article on the Environmental Impact of Yoga Clothes, conventional synthetic fibers take massive amounts of energy and chemicals to produce, and damage the environment during each phase of their lifecycle. Conventional synthetics are part of what makes the textile industry one of the most polluting in the world, and yoga clothes are contributing to the problem in a big way, with 83 million items sold yearly in the US alone.
The good news is that eco-friendly yoga pants and shorts for women and men are now more available than ever. Gone are the days when going sustainable meant paying a fortune and compromising on functionality and style. Many companies are producing eco-friendly products that won’t break the bank and often out-perform their synthetic competitors, and we have written this article to help you find them!
Over the last few months, we’ve been testing more sustainable alternatives to conventional yoga pants and have come up with a list of companies and products we think you would like to check out. Below, you will find brief company descriptions of the growing list of seven companies we recommend based on their eco-friendly yoga pants and leggings, along with featured men’s and women’s yoga pants that we have personally tested and feel good about endorsing to our fellow yogis. To help you make an educated decision, we provide a breakdown of each product based on style, comfort, material, country of manufacture, and affordability.
We truly hope that this list helps you make more sustainable decisions next time you set out for that perfect set of yoga pants, shorts, or leggings. If you would like to learn more about how you can make the yoga industry more sustainable, check out our Can You Practice Without Plastic? campaign.
All prices are in US$. The prices shown are as follows:
$: $40-$69
$$: $70-$99
$$$: $100-$129
$$$$: $130-$159
$$$$$: $160-$200
OUR FAVORITE ECO-FRIENDLY YOGA COMPANIES AND THEIR YOGA PANTS
Uranta Mindful Clothing
Uranta Mindful Clothing hand stitches a line of yoga-inspired active and leisure wear using all-upcycled fabrics in their workshop outside Guadalajara, Mexico. Since their beginnings in 2011 they have been dedicated to empowering single moms and give back through their Stitches That Matter program in projects that support sustainable communities.
Main Features We Like
In addition to their focus on environmental sustainability, we like that Uranta blends a strong focus on social sustainability by employing people who cannot otherwise work outside of their home, such as single moms. Their pants are made from “dead stock” fabrics which are left over from textile mills or other garment factories, and “upcycled” into high quality products. Both the Shakti and the Punjabi pants offer a flowy look with super soft fabric and ankle or calf cuffs that make them functional and incredibly comfortable for yoga. The longer Punjabi pant cuff can be worn at different lengths, shortening it to a bunched up ankle cuff, covering the toes for extra warmth, or wearing the cuff over the entire calf for a capri-style look.
Uranta uses deadstock fabrics - the cuttings from other companies that are normally added to the landfill, recovering that material for another use. Their pants are also, by far, the most affordable option in this list.
Cons or Things to Consider
The fibers that Uranta uses are all synthetic, which adds to the plastic pollution problem. Also, because Uranta works with deadstock fabrics, most of their colours are offered as “limited edition” each year so check their website to see what is available.
Specific Items We Tested
Material: PolyRayon (synthetic)
Made in: Mexico
Price: $
Uranta Women’s Punjabi Pants
Material: PolyRayon (synthetic)
Made in: Mexico
Price: $
Prana Vida
Prana Vida is a Canadian-made, women run and eco-friendly comfort apparel line. It was created in 2013 by Winnipeg yoga instructor and mom Amelia Barnes who saw a need for ethical and environmentally conscious clothing that would fit comfortably throughout maternity, postpartum and beyond. Prana Vida leggings are made with Lenzing Tencel from eucalyptus, which utilizes a closed loop zero-waste processing system, blended with GOTS certified organic cotton.
Main Features We Like
Prana Vida is one of our favorites because of the great sustainable fabrics they use, but equal to that they get gold stars in our books for great style and amazing comfort. As other reviews on their website attest, the Euphoria fleece-lined leggings are some of the coziest and softest we’ve tried, and they have a great array of colours to choose from for all of their leggings. Top marks from us is the fact that the Euphoria leggings are not at all see-through - a feature that can be hard to find in many natural fibers. The Breeze leggings are a lighter, breathable medium- weight option that come in a ⅞ length that are perfect for warmer climates of hotter yoga. Both leggings are a great design with a high, yet comfy waist that offers good coverage, and thoughtful features such as their diamond gusset and flatlock stitching means no camel toe, ladies!
Prana Vida is one of our favorites because of the great sustainable fabrics they use, but equal to that they get gold stars in our books for great style and amazing comfort. As other reviews on their website attest, the Euphoria fleece-lined leggings are some of the coziest and softest we’ve tried, and they have a great array of colours to choose from for all of their leggings. Top marks from us is the fact that the Euphoria leggings are not at all see-through - a feature that can be hard to find in many natural fibers. The Breeze leggings are a lighter, breathable medium- weight option that come in a ⅞ length that are perfect for warmer climates of hotter yoga. Both leggings are a great design with a high, yet comfy waist that offers good coverage, and thoughtful features such as their diamond gusset and flatlock stitching means no camel toe, ladies!
Cons or Things to Consider
After days in a row of wearing the Euphoria leggings (I didn’t want to take them off they were so cozy!) I did find they stretched out a little - so as recommended on their site, it might be wise to consider sizing down with this stretchy fabric. They are nice and stretchy so if you are after a tighter fabric to keep your tummy tucked, this might not be the best for you, though the comfort really can’t be beat. The fleece-lining is amazing, however, it is quite warm, so likely not the best for warmer climates or practices.
The lighter Breeze leggings are a tiny bit see-through when doing forward-folds, so if this is a concern, you might want to stick with the Euphoria leggings.
Specific Items We Tested
Material: 66% lyocell from eucalyptus, 28% GOTS certified organic cotton, 6% Spandex
Made in: Vancouver, Canada
Price: $$
Icebreaker
Icebreaker is a Global Leader in Natural Performance Apparel. Since inception, sustainability has been at Icebreaker’s core,sourcing top quality renewable merino fiber direct from New Zealand farmers and creating premium apparel for consumers within the outdoor, training and lifestyle channels. This is where the company’s ethos begins and leads to its complete Transparency of ethical processes – please check out “Our Story” for more information about Icebreaker’s commitment to transparency and sustainability.
Main Features We Like
The first time I discovered the moisture-wicking, odor-suppressing, thermal-regulating magic of Icebreaker’s superfine merino wool on a long hiking trip, I never looked back. We love Icebreaker for their values and commitment to helping to move the needle on sustainability and transparency in the active apparel industry. On top of all that, they make incredible, high quality clothes that are made to last (I have classic Icebreaker pieces that are over 10 years old and still holding strong.)
Hip hip hooray for Icebreaker’s Cool-Lite fabric which combines two natural performance fibers - merino wool and TENCEL - for a breathable, soft and cooler option than straight-up merino. We love the weight of this lightweight fabric - it keeps you cooler in hotter conditions while still being stretchy, odor-resistant and comfy. Though not technically part of this review, Icebreaker’s Cool-Lite tank tops and Cool-Lite t-shirts are a perfect complement to these or other yoga pants.
We tested Icebreaker’s Women's Solace Yoga Leggings because of the higher natural fiber content, compared to some of Icebreaker’s other performance tights and leggings. They are a good, versatile basic slim-fitting legging that provides all the benefits of merino wool mentioned above. We liked the amount of stretch and gusseted design.
If you are after super cozy, warm and breathable sweat pants for a restorative or gentle practice, Icebreaker’s Men’s and Women's TABI RealFLEECE® Sweat Pants are divine. Soft on the inside, with a smooth, resilient feel on the outside, they have great stretch for yoga. The pleated front panel and back pockets make these pants a stylish option to throw on to keep warm after class.
Cons or Things to Consider
Icebreaker’s Women's Solace Yoga Leggings are a pretty basic legging so if you are looking for more technical yoga pants, you might want to check out some of Icebreaker’s other options. Despite the “no itch” claims, I found these slightly itchy, though imagine this would lessen with washing over time.
The Icebreaker Women's Cool-Lite™ Momentum 3Q Pants are on the more relaxed, looser-fitting side, so may work best for layering up or pre/post yoga, depending on the look you are after. If you are looking for slimmer fitting pants or leggings, keep an eye on Icebreaker’s latest options in the Cool-lite fabric.
While merino wool is known to be thermo-regulating, Icebreaker’s Women's TABI RealFLEECE® Sweat Pant are definitely on the warm side, so not ideal for all types of yoga. The legs are also a tad on the short side, so might be a consideration for taller yogis.
Specific Items We Tested
Material: Body: 97% Merino Wool, 3% LYCRA®
Made in: China
Last Posted Price: $$$
Material: Body: 44% TENCEL®, 43% Merino Wool, 7% LYCRA®, 6% Nylon
Made in: China
Last Posted Price: $$$
Material: Body: 87% Merino Wool, 10% Nylon, 3% LYCRA® Rib: 96% Merino
Made in: China
Last Posted Price: $$$$$
Material: Body: 87% Merino Wool, 10% Nylon, 3% LYCRA® Rib: 96% Merino
Made in: China
Last Posted Price: $$$$$
Prana
Prana creates men’s and women’s everyday basics, travel-ready styles, and activewear, made sustainably with the ultimate respect for the planet and its people.
Main Features We Like
We like to see heavy hitters in the apparel and yoga wear industry like Prana take leadership by modelling environmental responsibility, transparency, and pushing change with respect to how our clothes are made. We are particularly excited by Prana’s pants that blend hemp and organic cotton with a bit of spandex for stretch (note that Prana updates their styles seasonally, so check their website for the latest styles). This blend is soft, stretchy and not at all see-through for all those downward dogs. Prana’s Momento Legging, while not made of natural fibres, offers an environmentally-conscious choice with their recycled nylon blend. These leggings, offered in ⅞ and capri lengths, are a great all-around yoga legging that are super light and comfortable. The wide waistband gives lots of coverage and little features like the hidden key pocket make these easy go-to leggings.
Prana’s Men’s Vaha and Sutra Yoga Pants are two of the best pairs of men’s yoga pants we have discovered. They would be too much in a hot environment, but are perfect for a more gentle hatha yoga class or practice in a cooler space. They feel surprisingly light, considering they’re made from hemp, they rest comfortably on the legs and have enough stretch to allow for easy movement. The Vaha Pant, has an elastic waste-band and a drawstring while the Sutra Pant simply has a drawstring.
Cons or Things to Consider
While recycled materials such as those in the Momento yoga legging are a step in the right direction, we have to confess our bias for natural fibres.
Specific Items We Tested
Material: 76% Recycled Nylon / 24% Lycra ® Elastane
Made in: Vietnam
Last Posted Price: $$
Material: 76% Recycled Nylon / 24% Lycra ® Elastane
Made in: Vietnam
Price: $$
Prana Men’s Vaha PantMaterial: 53% Hemp / 44% Recycled Polyester / 3% Spandex
Made in: China
Price: $$
Material: 53% Hemp / 44% Recycled Polyester / 3% Spandex
Made in: China
Price: $$
Free Label
Free Label is an independent, ethical and sustainable clothing brand. They sew each garment by hand in Vancouver, Canada and custom mill and dye many of their fabrics in Toronto. In keeping design and production close to home, they take a hands-on approach to fashion to ensure comfortable garments which are high quality and made by happy hands.
Main Features We Like
We love Free Label’s small batch production, stylish design and the amazing quality of their clothes. Their commitment to making shapes and silhouettes for a variety of body types is refreshing, and is demonstrated by the diversity models on their website. For a looser-fitting, more flowy yoga look, both the Sunday (drapey, narrow leg with unique ruching on inner calf) and Friday (wide-leg with flattering drape) pants have become two of my all-time favorite pants, both for yoga and lounge-wear (and paired with a good pair of boots, even streetwear!) The weight of their breathable bamboo rayon- spandex blend for both of these pants is dreamy and silky, yet has more structure than many other bamboo rayon blends on the market. We love the classic front pleats and the extra- high waist band which can be left up for extra coverage, or rolled down. Though not technically part of this review, Free Label also makes great reversible bras that pair beautifully with both of these pants as a stand alone crop top. As if that all weren’t enough to make these pants some of our faves...pockets, did we mention they have pockets?!
Cons or Things to Consider
Because of their small batch approach, Free Label has limited quantities of their products available, so you sometimes have to act fast before they run out.
Specific Items We Tested
Material: 85% Bamboo Rayon, 15% Spandex
Made in: Vancouver, Canada
Price: $$
Material: 85% Bamboo Rayon, 15% Spandex
Made in: Vancouver, Canada
Price: $$
Movement Global
Movement Global is a Canadian company whose motto is “ Buy Less, Wear It Longer, Wear It In More Ways.” Each piece is either modular, reversible or both, and made in Canada from the highest quality bamboo and organic cotton. "Less is More" doesn't just mean less clothing, their clothing is designed to make it as easy as possible for you to get dressed quickly, with minimal fuss, and look great whether you are going to a meeting, travelling on a plane, or hitting a mid day yoga class.
Main Features We Like
I have been on a quest for the perfect natural-fibre yoga legging for years, and Movement’s pants made of their incredible Bamboo- Organic Cotton “Hold” 4-way stretch fabric are some of the best I have come across. The offer great, simple design, and are magically slimming while still being breathable, comfortable and versatile. This fabric and their well-made pieces last for years, and we love Movement’s overall ethos of building a modular “less is more” wardrobe for yoga and beyond. My New Skinny and Cropped Skinny leggings are my go-to for almost every yoga class - both gentle and active. In addition to the leggings we tested, Movement offers many other styles of pants in the same great fabric, so check out their website for other options if you want to go beyond basic yoga leggings. The Paula Reversible legging is made of their lighter “core” fabric which feels silky and stretch while providing two pants in one with great color options to choose from.
Cons or Things to Consider
Over time I have noticed some slight color fading in my black “Skinny” Leggings, though they still hold up well. The lighter “core” fabric option can be slightly see-through on its own with some of their pants and leggings, however, the double layer of the Paula Reversible pant prevents this (though also makes these pants on the warmer side)
Specific Items We Tested
Material: 66% Bamboo, 28% Organic cotton, 6% Spandex
Made in: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Price: $$
Material: 66% Bamboo, 28% Organic cotton, 6% Spandex
Made in: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Price: $$
Material: 66% Bamboo, 28% Organic cotton, 6% Spandex
Made in: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Price: $$
Ripple Yoga-Wear
Ripple was founded in Israel in 2015 by fashion designer Adva Bruner, with the aspiration of incorporating yogi principles and teaching into yoga-wear. Made of natural, sustainable fabrics in an ethical production process, Ripple yoga-wear is designed to support movement and breathing, feel incredibly comfortable even in tricky inversions, and look amazing on and off the mat.
Main Features We Like
We recently discovered Ripple and have fallen in love with their incredible organic cotton pants and yoga jumpsuits. It is clear that Ripple’s clothing is designed and tested by yogis for yogis, and they have hit the sweet spot of functional, fashionable, comfortable and original. I’ll confess I was uncertain about the yoga jumpsuit before trying it, but am now a total convert. Ripple has combined their best selling criss-cross tank with slouchy yoga capris ( also available in longer lengths) and created this piece that looks flattering on a wide range of body types. This jumpsuit features a wide fabric waistband to make sure the top stays in place, deep warm pockets, and a bottom cuff to make sure the pants stay put while you perform complex poses. I love that I don’t have to constantly adjust my clothing during a practice with this well-designed jumpsuit, and really like the high-quality, organic cotton fabric.
Equally awesome are Ripple’s organic cotton slouchy pants which we tried in capri and extra long lengths. Both have a wide elastic waistband to prevent sagging or slipping, and comfortable pockets. We like that they are slouchy, but not too slouchy copared to many looser fitting yoga pants. The capris have a nice bottom cuff, and the extra long feature a fun,slim legwarmer style bottom. These pants really are the best of both worlds with a slightly slouchy top, and more classic legging style bottom. You can pull the extra fabric over your toes when you’re cold, or gather them for the dancer vibe.
Cons or Things to Consider
If you are trying to decide between two sizes for the jumpsuit, consider sizing down as the fabric does stretch a bit with wear.
Specific Items We Tested
Material: 92% Organic Cotton, 8% elastin
Made in: Israel
Price: $$$
Material: 92% Organic Cotton, 8% elastin
Made in: Israel
Price: $$$
Material: 92% Organic Cotton, 8% elastin
Made in: Israel
Price: $$$
SALT
SALT is a Canadian company that is passionate about connection, community, and ocean conservation. They design each piece to create meaningful conversation around minimizing their environmental impact, in your home and on the go. Their tag line: Born from the Ocean. Canadian Made + Designed to Last.
Main Features We Like
Hello coziness! The Tidal pant is a dressy jogger that works well for a restorative or gentle practice, as well as your casual day about town. Made of an amazingly soft blend of Tencel and organic cotton, they also have enough spandex to make these stretchy and easy to move in, while providing a flattering fit and design for all shapes. We might be a little biased towards their “ocean-minded” clothing here on the West Coast of Canada, but we love what Salt stands for and the quality of their goods!
Cons or Things to Consider
The Tidal Pant is a bit on the short side so taller yogis may want to check measurements. These are probably too heavy for a more active, hotter practice, though Tencel does offer great cooling properties, so it depends on your personal temperature.
Specific Items We Tested
Material: 66% Tencel™ | 28% Organic Cotton | 6% Spandex
Made in: Vancouver, Canada
Price: $$$
We hope that this article helps you better understand your choices so that the next time you need a new pair of yoga pants, you will feel know where to look. We need this shift to happen now if we are going to slow down the plastic that is (sadly) going into our landfills, sensitive oceans and water ways.