Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Super Comfortable and Flattering Yoga Pants for Women

I finally discovered the joy of wearing comfortable yoga pants and workout leggings as an alternative to jeans or pants after beginning a successful ketogenic diet journey that culminated in a nearly 60–pound weight loss. After purchasing several different styles and sizes of yoga pants over the past 21 months, there have been three (so far) that I can recommend highly, each for different reasons. The pair I've chosen to feature in this product review, the IUGA high-waisted workout leggings, are by far the most comfortable yoga pants for women I've tried. 

They not only feel wonderful and are available in a choice of several, they're also flattering, even on those of us who aren't blessed with model-perfect bodies. 

IUGA yoga pants - The Most Comfortable Yoga Pants, Super Soft Fabric That Doesn't Bag or Bind for a Flattering Fit
There's no bunching, bagging, or binding with these ultra-soft, ultra-comfy workout leggings! 

Yoga Pants and Workout Leggings Have Become Wardrobe Staples

The fashion experts at Vogue magazine just released this year's Vogue Wardrobe Essentials Guide. and black workout leggings are one of the editors' 34 wardrobe staples for 2021. (Who knew?)

Originally, yoga pants and workout leggings were made specifically for yoga practice and working out, respectively, and had different fabric and design features. But as they have evolved from fitness-only to fashion, those distinctions have gradually eroded, and now the terms "yoga pants" and "leggings" are often used either together or interchangeably in product descriptions.

Yoga Pants Provide Greater Comfort and Freedom of Movement Than Pants or Jeans

My first time buying a pair of yoga pants wasn't until shortly after my 65th birthday, when I began a health-driven weight loss journey and switched to a clean, ketogenic approach to eating. I completely eliminated sugars, grains, and highly processed foods from my diet, and between May 2019 and August 2020, I lost 59 pounds and went from a size 16-18 to a size 6-8. Every two to three months (even less, at the beginning), I was dropping a size, and boxing up my almost-new clothing to donate. Having to buy them again in a smaller size every few months meant limiting my clothing purchases to a few, basic wardrobe staples—underwear, jeans, black pants, shorts, and a couple of tops—until I reached my weight loss goal.

As you may have noticed, neither yoga pants nor leggings were on my initial list of wardrobe staples. I had always associated them with much younger, slimmer women and girls, with taut, toned bodies and cute figures, so they weren't even on my radar at that point! However, my attitude toward this type of clothing changed significantly once I accepted that my commitment to healthier living would require becoming more active, in addition to nourishing my body better.  

One of the most important benefits of losing weight and follow a clean, ketogenic diet was the amelioration, and eventual elimination, of the chronic, acute pain in my knees, hips, back, and feet that I had been living with for decades. Being able to go for a walk or a Segway ride with my husband  without being in agony was not just liberating, but life-changing! As I was searching online for a new, smaller pair of classic, high-waisted, basic black pants (which I wore more often than anything else I owned), I was surprised to see more high-waisted leggings and yoga pants than regular pants in the search results. It occurred to me that it might be a good idea to expand my list of wardrobe staples to include a couple of pieces of activewear, to support and encourage my efforts to make physical activity part of my new, healthy lifestyle. In fact, it might even be time for me to consider a pair of workout leggings a try.

Of course, I could wear them...but should I? Would it be possible for yoga pants to look attractive (or, at least, not unattractive) and age-appropriate, on this out-of-shape senior? I debated with myself for a while, but finally acknowledged that I couldn't see myself objectively, and decided to ask my husband what he thought, knowing he would give me his honest opinion. He encouraged me to order a pair and try them on. 

When I did, I was surprised and delighted at his reaction, which was more positive than I could have imagined! You could have knocked me down with a feather. I also was thrilled to discover how much more comfortable and less restrictive those yoga pants felt, compared to the jeans and tailored pants I had always worn, Before long, I found myself wearing them several days a week, not only for walks and Segway rides, but also for routine, everyday activities, like working, reading, cooking, or watching a movie. They quickly went from being completely off my radar to becoming a staple in my new wardrobe. 

Woman wearing IUGA yoga pants and stretching her leg
I'm pulling my hamstring and calf muscles together as far as I can, the fabric doesn't bind or cut into them, it simply conforms to the compression I'm creating

Since that first pair, I have purchased other pairs from different brands and with slightly different features, and my IUGA high-waisted workout leggings have been the most comfortable yoga pants I've owned to date. 

What I Love Most About My IUGA High-Waisted Leggings

Ultra-Soft, Opaque Fabric

  • The first thing I noticed about these yoga pants was the extremely soft, silky, luxurious fabric, which gave these a totally different feel than any of my other leggings. The best word I can think of to describe it is "touchable," with a lovely, tactile quality similar to that of microfiber. 
  • The "non see through" fabric is completely opaque. 

Flattering Fit

Woman wearing IUGA yoga pants
  • The fiber content blends polyester for shape retention with spandex for excellent stretch and recovery, as well as abrasion-resistance.*
  • The 4-way stretch provides good compression and support. 
  • The high-waisted silhouette, seamed front and back yoke construction, and increased compression around the lower torso are designed to "contour your curves" and "pull in your tum and bum." 
  • They are made in six sizes, ranging from XS to XXL, and there's a size chart to help you determine which one will fit you best. (I followed the size chart when I ordered mine, and they fit me perfectly.)
* Note: The description on the Amazon product page states that the fiber content of these workout leggings is 80% polyester and 20% spandex. However, the fiber content printed inside my light blue IUGA yoga pants is 87% polyester and 13% spandex. Sometimes, a product's fiber content may vary slightly different from one color to another, which is one possible explanation for the discrepancy, but your guess is as good as mine.

Extremely Comfortable

  • The smooth, soft, supple polyester and spandex fabric also wicks moisture away from the body to keep you dry and comfortable while working out.
  • These yoga pants provide less compression around the the legs than around the lower torso, so they don't bind or cut into your legs, but also enough to remain conformed to your legs and prevent the fabric from bunching or sagging as you move, bend, and stretch. 

Waistband Pocket

Built-in pocket in the waistband of the IUGA workout leggings/yoga pants
  • The built-in pocket is completely hidden, and remains undetectable unless or until you decide to place something inside it.
  • Although I haven't had to use it very often, I'd guess it could easily hold a couple of keys, a lip balm, and a few tissues, for example.  
    • According to the product description, "You will be able to stash your phones and keys safely." Keys? Probably. But unless your phone is quite small, I wouldn't consider the waistband pocket a secure place to stash it. 
  • Access is easy and convenient.

Excellent Quality

  • I purchased my IUGA High Waisted Leggings three months ago, and I machine wash and then hang them over a clothes drying rack to dry. After having laundered them quite a few times so far, there appears to have been no fading, pilling, or changes in the fit or performance of these yoga pants. 
  • At the time this post was published, they had more than 5,400 5-star ratings from Amazon customers.

A Choice of Colors and Lengths

  • Currently, these yoga pants come in black, dark coffee (dark brown), dark violet, dark blue, gray, light blue, pale red violet, carnation purple (lilac), maroon, and tranquil green. 
    • Note: The ones I own are the "light blue" shade. In real life, the color is a bit less aqua than it appears in the Amazon product page photos.  
  • Most of the colors (but not all) are offered in both regular and capri lengths. 

Very Affordable

  • These IUGA workout leggings retail for $24.95 and, at the time of publishing, were priced at $19.95 on Amazon with Prime free one-day shipping and free returns for Amazon Prime members.

    Super Comfortable and Flattering Yoga Pants for Women review by Margaret Schindel

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    16 comments:

    1. I've seen ads for yoga pants (or leggings) often, but never considered them for myself. After reading your descriptions of comfort, I may reconsider. Thanks for reviewing these super comfortable yoga pants, Margaret.

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      1. Thanks so much for letting me know, Elf! I admit I felt self-conscious the first few times I wore leggings in public, but quickly became a fan of these wonderfully comfortable and figure-flattering yoga pants. I’d love to know your thoughts if you do decide to give them a try. 😊

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    2. I have a few pair of workout pants and hate it when the time rolls around to buy a new pair. A favorite store that I like for other outdoor clothes carries workout pants but they are often very unflattering for a mature figure and very short waisted, which I hate. These IUGA pants sound brilliant for many reasons but they are most appealing to me because they are high waisted. Thanks for sharing a great find.

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      1. Brenda, like you, I really hate leggings and yoga pants with waistlines that sit below the waist, which either don’t stay put or cut into my mature (and definitely not taut) tummy and hips in a very unflattering and uncomfortable way. (I’m not a big fan of looking like an overstuffed sausage, lol!) I think these IUGA workout leggings might work really well for you. If you decide to try a pair, please let me know what you think.

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    3. These yoga pants look lovely on your skinny body! I have been wearing leggings with pockets for several years. They are a lot more comfortable than jeans. I carry my drivers license in my pocket, as well as my cell phone. However, my cell phone is still the old flip phone style and fits perfectly.

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      1. Referring to my body as “skinny” (which certainly isn’t how I would describe it) has definitely made my day, lol! Thanks so much for your extremely kind compliment, Mouse. My mobile phone is pretty big, since my aging eyesight requires a bigger screen. A smaller flip phone actually might fit the waistband pocket of these IUGA leggings. I wish I had discovered the superior comfort and practicality of opaque leggings and yoga pants a lot sooner!

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    4. These look amazing. I still have not wrapped my head around wearing yoga pants as a staple in my wardrobe. I still prefer my regular pants that are fitted but also contain a bit of spandex to keep them neat. I am still on the journey to my Ideal weight, so maybe when that happens, I will feel more comfortable with yoga pants as a fashion staple. I will keep this brand in mind. Thanks Margaret for a great review and yes they look great on you!

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      1. I completely understand where your head is at about wearing yoga pants while carrying more weight than you want to, Olivia! It’s quite possible that yoga pants will never become a staple in your wardrobe, and it sounds as thought your favorite pants with a bit of spandex work great for you. You’re doing incredibly well on your weight loss journey and I really admire your commitment to achieving your goal!

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    5. As always Margaret you craft the most informative reviews. I'm so glad you found what works for you. They look so comfortable.

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      1. Thanks so much for your lovely compliment about my reviews, Sam! I try to include as much information as I would want to have when shopping for a product in order to make a well-informed buying decision, and appreciate the compliment very much.

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    6. This is a very informative review. It certainly shares all the details you need when considering this purchase.

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      1. Thanks very much for your lovely comment, Mary Beth! That was my goal, and I really appreciate your feedback. I worked in fashion retail and product development early in my career, and am a rather picky shopper as a result, lol, so I try to share as much about the products as I can in my reviews to help others who might be considering a purchase.

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    7. Margaret, first of all, you look fantastic! Again, congrats on all your success with keto. Next, yippee, thank you for the heads up on these pants - I love yoga pants and leggings now since my weight loss, and could live in them all day. The fact that these are high waisted appeals to me as well, and the hidden pocket too - that's handy. I'll let you know if I get a pair - thinking about it now!

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      1. Barb, thanks so much for your wonderful compliment! Although I certainly haven’t slimmed down as much as you on keto (you look incredible!), I’m pleased to be back down to a healthy weight and size after so many years of being overweight. ❤️ If you like yoga pants and leggings, I think you’ll love these! The fabric is soooooo soft and “pattable, and they’re flattering as well as super comfy. And you can’t beat the price! If you do decide to try a pair, I’d love to hear what you think of them.

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    8. You look amazing! I really think you could wear anything and look great!Huge congratulations on your weight loss. I am in the process of trying to lose some weight and it is not easy so you have done so well. I love to wear yoga pants and leggings and since I work mainly from home and do Pilates nearly every day, they are a staple for me. However not all leggings are created equal and some I have tried are awful.For me they have to feel very soft and be comfortable, good stretch and recovery is vital when doing Pilates and flattering always helps! These sound perfect! Thank you for a very detailed and helpful review Margaret.

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    9. Oh my goodness, Jasmine, thank you so much for that amazing compliment and your very kind congratulations on my weight loss! (I was a bit uncomfortable sharing these photos of myself wearing these yoga pants, but the Amazon product photos weren’t shareable, and I decided it would be helpful to readers to see them on a “real” vs. model-perfect body anyway.) 😊 I totally agree with you about how hard it is to find workout leggings or yoga pants that are both comfortable and flattering, which is why I’ve been so happy with this IUGA pair. I hope you get a chance to try them (or to find another pair you like as well as I like these). It makes such a difference!

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