The Great Yoga Pants Debate

Amidst the latest political debates and drama, it might be time to delve into another debate, albeit perhaps a lighter one: The Great Yoga Pants Debate. Are you on Team “Supporting and Sporting” those yoga pants or leggings (they are basically in the same clothing family, right?) being worn whenever and wherever, or Team “Yoga pants are just for a yoga class?”

Should this even be a debate? Probably not. But nowadays, many things can turn really fast into a matter of “Is this okay?” and hinge strongly upon personal preferences. And ready or not, these yoga pants and leggings will be in full effect with colder temperatures arriving.

Over the years, especially since the pandemic, yoga pants have evolved and migrated from the yoga studio to the mainstream. We have witnessed the rise of athleisurewear due to shifts in our culture/mindset, the strong presence of the fashion industry, and the influx of social media influencers who constantly showcase leggings of all types, further promoting the everyday use and normalcy of leggings.

Recently, I heard a local radio host express his absolute opposition to women wearing yoga pants unless they are at home or in a yoga class. He said these pants were not even appropriate for a short stint at Kroger. The bottom line (pun intended): Yoga pants are for yoga class.

The host also kept it a fair playing field by saying men definitely could/should not wear sweatpants to the hardware store or anywhere really, except at home. Ultimately, that morning, the popular radio anchor went from talking about politics and education to somehow weaving in society’s dress code, but I loved it. It was a break from the chaos of the world, and it made me giggle to think of how many times I’ve made a grocery store run in my yoga pants. It spurred my curiosity about how often I have witnessed grown men wearing sweatpants at the store, local events, and even church (gasp!).

Personally, I adore yoga pants and leggings because they are so comfortable. And I think that’s why many women wear them anywhere and everywhere. They can be activewear, fanwear, bougie wear (when paired with the right top or sweater), fancy, not-so-fancy, and more, all while maintaining their brilliance and resilience! They are the pants that just keep giving and giving (and forgiving) a woman’s ever-changing body.

Maybe there’s a yoga pants code that should be intact, a compromise, if you will, between the dividing teams…

Cover up.

With great stretchiness comes great responsibility, right? Yoga pants or leggings can indeed be revealing or even see-through (beware when you bend over). It’s definitely okay to be transparent about loving yoga pants and leggings, but transparent pants need to perhaps be covered by a long top, at least while out in public and not in the gym or yoga class.

Be mindful of the dreaded “VPL.”

If your underwear lines are showing through your pants, you might want to reconsider your look for the day. Yoga pants and leggings can definitely feel unrestricted, and they can successfully eliminate the guessing game of jeans/pant sizes/lengths and the crazy dance to get them on. Yet, they can also reveal a little too much if you are not careful or mindful of how you choose to wear them.

Don’t expect to not be looked at.

You know those looks you can get if you are out and about in leggings, the judgy ones. Or the creepy ones. Or the looks where they are trying not to look, but they’re definitely looking? Yeah, all of the above. Perhaps you can run errands without a bat of an eye from others, but if you do get some looks, don’t be shocked. To some people, yoga pants out in public truly give the ick factor. Look at it as though you are embracing the consequences of comfort; is it a price you are willing to pay?

Use and care for them wisely.

Wear what you want to wear, absolutely, my fellow yoga pants friends. Yoga pants and leggings can feel so good that you don’t ever want to take them off. But you need to. Often. And wash them.

Agree to disagree.

Just like with anything else: politics, religion, parenting styles, and personal preferences in general, you can choose the amicable path and agree to disagree about the validity of yoga pants. This is the end of the story.

Yoga pants have been there for women through thick and thin, with their stretchy brilliance, flattering fit, practicality, and comfort. If yoga pants are wrong, I don’t want to be right. Let’s all head on out to run errands or grab some groceries (in yoga pants or leggings, of course)!