Everybody dance like there's ass in your pants!

January 18, 2010 1:27 PM

I'd like to buy some yoga/dance pants. Any recommendations?

I'm looking for some stretchy, boot-leg, full length yoga or dance pants. And I'd like to avoid Lululemon: Their pants are overpriced, their "manifesto" is smarmy, and I don't want the proceeds of my purchase going toward the Landmark Forum.

Suggestions?

posted by evidenceofabsence to Health & Fitness (20 answers total)

I actually like the Old Navy yoga pants. The best thing is they have pockets. They come in capri and full lengths, and they are priced really well.
posted by FergieBelle at 1:40 PM on January 18, 2010

I have these from Lands End and really like them. They are a little bit thicker than average, but not too hot...I think the material is very nice.
posted by mjcon at 1:54 PM on January 18, 2010

I'm a big fan of Under Armour and they are considerably cheaper than Lululemon.
posted by katemcd at 2:21 PM on January 18, 2010

Patagonia has some nice Yoga pants.
posted by k8t at 2:28 PM on January 18, 2010

I came to recommend the Old Navy yoga pants too. They're cheap and comfortable, and look pretty decent too.
posted by Joh at 2:49 PM on January 18, 2010

I've done well with Danskin ones. I got mine at City Sports, but I don't see the exact ones I own on their website - they're a couple of years old.
posted by 8dot3 at 2:55 PM on January 18, 2010

Hm...I was going to say Lululemon, but I guess that's out. I like Victoria's Secret yoga pants too (but really, the Lululemon pants are worth it - especially if you get them when they're on sale!...they also do free hemming).
posted by melissasaurus at 4:51 PM on January 18, 2010 [1 favorite]

Another vote for the Old Navy pants - stretchy, nicely contoured, good fabric weight, plus ... pockets! Also, not overpriced.
posted by clerestory at 5:07 PM on January 18, 2010

Do you have access to a Roots store (or are you fine with ordering online)? I like their Mantra pant, which is pretty similar to the basic Lululemon yoga pant and also comes in a capri version. The colours that aren't black go on sale pretty often.
posted by thisjax at 5:26 PM on January 18, 2010

I rarely buy their clothing otherwise, but second the recommendation of Victoria's Secret's wide selection of yoga pants. They're quite durable, true to size, and available in a variety of colors, fits, and inseams. They tend to run between $20 and $25.
posted by taramosalata at 5:56 PM on January 18, 2010

Best answer: I got some Champion-branded ones at Target, and I was extremely excited because I found a pair of long length ones! They are great, and do an awesome job at being an underlayer in the winter.
posted by that girl at 6:16 PM on January 18, 2010 [1 favorite]

I'll second Old Navy and Target. If you're short like me, you can get them in lengths that don't drag on the floor, which is a plus.
posted by lexicakes at 6:28 PM on January 18, 2010

I practice yoga and am a dance instructor and my hands down favorites are Danskins. They are durable, breathable, and comfortable.
posted by Hop123 at 7:01 PM on January 18, 2010

The Victoria's Secret yoga pants (particularly the one with the fold-over waistband in contrasting colors) are far and away the best yoga pants I have. Comfortable, awesome, and they come in varying lengths.
posted by samthemander at 7:34 PM on January 18, 2010

I've been a fan of Lucy pants -- they're a nice wicking fabric and they come in lengths, which I really like. The ones I have are more yoga than dance styled. They can be almost as expensive as lululemon, but there are also sales pretty regularly. ( in stores, at least, I've never shopped online).
posted by mercredi at 7:38 PM on January 18, 2010

Like mercredi, I'm a big fan of Lucy pants. If you're (as many mefites are) in the Portland, Oregon area, they have a yearly warehouse sale where you can get fantastic deals. I don't live in PDX any more, but most of my yoga pants come from various iterations of that sale, and I don't think any of them cost over $10.
posted by dizziest at 7:59 PM on January 18, 2010

Response by poster: Woah! Thanks for the answers, guys! I'll try some on tomorrow and let you know what I end up with!
posted by evidenceofabsence at 9:38 PM on January 18, 2010

Yep, Old Navy is my go-to for not-Lululemon yoga clothes. I like Target's tops a ton but haven't been satisfied with their active pants.

There is a brand called Kyodan that I haven't tried myself but have heard great things about. I have no idea where to get their clothes besides Marshall's. Additionally, if you're near a Nordstrom Rack, I've seen Lucy pants there.
posted by Metroid Baby at 4:37 AM on January 19, 2010

I like American Apparel's.
posted by mjao at 5:26 AM on January 19, 2010

Response by poster: The verdict:

-Lucy's pants look absolutely perfect, in terms of both cut and material, but they don't have any stores in my state, and I'd like to try them on before spending that much.

-Old Navy: Better than I expected, in terms of material, but fit poorly for me. Plus, I'd rather not have pockets while in dance or yoga class. Not sure what I'd use them for.

-Lululemon: Tried them on, for the heck of it. The pants looked good, and were of solid construction. But they're well overpriced, and I don't like the company.

-Victoria's Secret: Didn't have time to try them on, but they looked much better/more durable than I expected. Might go back and look again.

-Danskin: Haven't had a chance to swing by a dance store, but I have a pretty high opinion of their stuff. I still have some of my mom's leotards from when she was a dancer in the 70s.

and so...

-Target: Swung by on my way home last night, and picked up a pair of Champion foldover cotton/lycra Yoga pants for $20. I'm guessing they won't be the best at wicking, but they fit great, and will let me justify buying some Lucy pants if/when New York's Nordstrom Rack opens in Union Square.

Thanks again, guys!
posted by evidenceofabsence at 2:58 PM on January 21, 2010 [1 favorite]