Yoga Shorts vs. Leggings: What’s Better for Your Routine?

Let’s get real for a moment—picking out yoga clothes isn’t always as easy as grabbing whatever’s clean. It’s like a little battle in your closet each time: Should you wear shorts or leggings today?

If you’ve found yourself staring into your yoga drawer wondering which piece will make your session more comfortable (and less awkward), you’re not alone. Today, let’s chat about yoga shorts versus leggings—breaking down the pros and cons and helping you figure out what’s best for your routine.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Yoga Apparel

Before you decide, let’s go through a quick checklist of things to think about when choosing your yoga gear. Trust me, keeping these in mind can save you from those mid-class clothing regrets.

1. Comfort & Fit

Comfort is everything during yoga. You’re bending, stretching, and sometimes twisting into positions you didn’t even think were possible. Shorts can feel liberating, offering less fabric and more freedom to move. But leggings, with their snug fit, give you that secure, comfy feeling—perfect if you prefer your clothing to stay exactly where you put it.

If you’re petite or find extra fabric around your ankles annoying, shorts might be your favorite choice. If you’re taller or enjoy the feeling of being supported throughout your practice, leggings might become your new best friend. Whatever makes you feel confident—that’s your best choice.

2. Breathability & Temperature Regulation

Ever tried hot yoga wearing thick leggings? It gets sweaty real quick. Shorts are fantastic for hot yoga or vigorous workouts, giving your skin room to breathe. On the flip side, leggings can be perfect for cooler rooms or slower practices where you want to feel warm and cozy, like Yin or restorative yoga. Nobody wants cold legs during relaxation poses—that’s definitely not relaxing.

3. Coverage & Support

Coverage is a big deal, especially when you’re moving into complicated poses. Leggings give you full leg coverage, meaning no surprises when you’re bending over in downward dog. Shorts, while airy and breezy, might need some adjusting mid-flow to keep you feeling secure. It really boils down to your comfort level—some love the feeling of leggings’ complete coverage, others prefer the openness shorts offer.

4. Fabric & Material

Most yoga clothes these days are made from sweat-wicking, quick-dry materials. That means whether you choose shorts or leggings, your gear will help you stay comfortable and dry. Leggings often come with the added bonus of compression, gently supporting your muscles and possibly helping with circulation and muscle recovery. Shorts, on the other hand, have that effortless, lightweight feel—ideal if you love minimal interference from your clothing.

5. Style & Aesthetic Appeal

Let’s be honest—style matters. Yoga leggings are practically a wardrobe staple, suitable for errands, coffee runs, or hanging out with friends after class. Shorts can be super stylish too, especially if you love showing off your legs or have been working extra hard on your poses. Whatever fits your personal style, wear it proudly!

Pros and Cons of Yoga Shorts

Pros:

• Superior ventilation, ideal for hot yoga sessions.
• Greater freedom of movement, especially helpful in deeper stretches.
• Less fabric means less overheating and fewer distractions.

If you're looking for a pair that offers both comfort and style, the Cheezebra Blue Yoga Shorts are a great choice. With their buttery-soft fabric and high-rise support, they move effortlessly with you, whether you're flowing through poses or just relaxing post-practice.

Cons:

• Can ride up or shift during practice, needing occasional adjustments.
• Less coverage might feel uncomfortable to some.
• Generally, they offer less muscle support compared to leggings.

Pros and Cons of Yoga Leggings

Pros:

• Complete coverage, boosting confidence and comfort.
• Compression provides extra muscle support, helping circulation and recovery.
• Typically stays put throughout your session—less adjusting required.
• Versatile enough for everyday wear outside of yoga.

Cons:

• Can get overly warm during intense or heated yoga.
• Some materials may feel restrictive in highly flexible poses.
• Good-quality leggings can be pricier than shorts.

Best Choice Based on Yoga Style

Your yoga style plays a significant role in choosing the right apparel:

Hot Yoga (Bikram, Power Yoga, Ashtanga):
Shorts are your best bet. The airflow helps keep you cool and comfortable.

Gentle & Restorative Yoga (Hatha, Yin, Kundalini):
Leggings are perfect. The extra warmth helps muscles relax, enhancing comfort during slower movements.

Intense & Dynamic Yoga (Vinyasa, Rocket, Acro Yoga):
This one’s up to you—both shorts and leggings work well. Choose based on your preference for coverage or flexibility.

Best Yoga Shorts & Leggings: What to Look For

When shopping, consider these features:

Yoga Shorts:

• High-waisted for security, non-slip waistband, moisture-wicking fabric.

Yoga Leggings:

• Four-way stretch, squat-proof fabric, strong seams that won’t rip mid-stretch.

Some brands known for getting yoga apparel right include Lululemon, Alo Yoga, Athleta, and of course—us at Hella Legs! Our leggings and shorts are designed with real women in mind, ensuring you feel comfortable, confident, and fabulous during every yoga session.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

So, shorts or leggings—what’s the verdict? Honestly, it comes down to your comfort and yoga routine. If feeling free and breezy matters most to you, shorts might win your heart. If you prefer more coverage, compression, and versatility, leggings could be your best choice.

Our best advice? Try both. Switch things up based on your mood, the weather, or the yoga class you’re heading into. Yoga isn’t just about perfecting poses—it’s about feeling amazing and confident every step of the way.

So, what do you prefer—shorts, leggings, or both? Let us know in the comments below. We love hearing your stories and what makes your yoga experience amazing. And if you’re looking to upgrade your yoga wardrobe, be sure to check out the latest from Hella Legs. Our yoga apparel is all about making you look and feel fantastic, no matter which piece you choose.

Head over to our website, check out our stylish yoga apparel, and find more great blogs about yoga, fitness, and wellness. We’ll see you on the mat!