Yoga is a trend that has exploded in popularity in recent years, and the rise of the internet means that it is easier than ever for fans to access effective workouts in the comfort of their own home.
As yoga has become increasingly popular, the industry has also seen an explosion in workout wear – including a range of stylish options for yoga pants, ensuring that everyone can feel comfortable and look great.
But just how did they become the standard outfit for the activity of yoga, who invented yoga pants, and where did they come from? We took a closer look to find the answers!
What Is Yoga?
Yoga is a form of exercise that originated in India around 5,000 years ago and takes many forms today.
In the simplest terms, you are stretching your body into various positions while breathing deeply and meditating on different aspects of life.
The practice was brought over to Europe by British soldiers who returned from India to teach it to locals. There are many types of yoga today, but most people associate the practice with Hatha yoga.
This type of yoga focuses on physical fitness through postures (poses) and breath control. It’s often practiced in a group setting and is designed to help you relax and focus.
The Rise Of Yoga Pants
Yoga pants were first introduced to the world in the 1990s and are typically credited to a man named Ryan McClatchy.
McClatchy is thought to have been the first to patent the idea of wearing shorts explicitly made for yoga. However, there are likely to have been other figures involved, including Wallace Carothers, William Edward Handford, Donald Holmes, and William Hanford. All of them are credited with creating polyurethane – a key element in the fabric used to make yoga pants.
- Wallace Carouthers
Wallace Carouthers found his claim to fame working as a chemist for the brand Du Pont.
He was responsible for studying the production of nylon – this, in turn, resulted in the creation of a research foundation for the synthetic fiber industry – a significant player in the production and design of yoga pants.
- William Edward Hanford
Another DuPont employee, William Edward Hanford, was also a chemist, and he can take credit for the invention of polyurethane. Once again, this is a crucial ingredient in items such as upholstery, carpeting, and workout gear.
- Donald Holmes
Holmes also deserves mention, working alongside Willian Edward Hanford in creating polyurethane…
- Joseph Shivers
While Joseph Shivers can take credit for inventing Spandex as a viable alternative to rubber, this ingredient plays a key role in yoga pants.
What Are Yoga Pants Made Of?
Yoga pants are made from various materials, including cotton, lycra, polyester, and nylon. Each material has its benefits, and we’ll now take a closer look at each.
- Cotton
Cotton is a versatile fabric that works well for many garments and is ideal for yoga pants because it provides good breathability. It’s also very absorbent, meaning it doesn’t hold sweat much as other materials.
This makes it a good option if you plan to do sweaty workouts, as it’ll keep you feeling dry.
- Lycra
Lycra is a synthetic fiber that gives yoga pants their elastic properties. They’re incredibly durable and can withstand high levels of wear and tear, making them a popular choice for sports-related apparel.
The downside is that they don’t breathe as well as cotton, so you might get hot during exercise.
- Polyester
Polyester is an artificial fiber that offers excellent strength and durability. Because of this, it’s often used in athletic clothing and is a popular choice for yoga pants.
However, it tends to get quite warm, so that you might sweat through these during intense workouts.
- Nylon
Nylon is a manufactured fiber similar to polyester and is often blended with cotton to create a fabric that combines the best qualities of both. As a result, it’s a popular choice for yoga pant manufacturers.
It’s lightweight, comfortable, and highly breathable, keeping you cool while working out.
How To Choose Yoga Pants?
When choosing yoga pants, there are a few considerations that you will need to bear in mind, and these include:
- Style
There are two main styles of yoga pants out there; leggings and capris. Leggings are longer and usually feature elastic at the bottom, while capris tend to be shorter and may or may not have elastic at the bottom.
Both styles are suitable for both men and women, though some people prefer one style over another – ultimately, this will depend on which type helps you feel most comfortable.
- Fit
Fit is essential when choosing yoga pants, as they should fit comfortably without being too tight or restrictive.
You want them to allow freedom of movement, so choose a size that fits well without restricting your ability to stretch and move freely – this is particularly important in an activity like yoga.
- Material
Three primary materials are used to make yoga pants: cotton, lycra, and polyester. Cotton is a natural fiber that feels soft against the skin and is therefore ideal for those looking for something more casual.
Lycra is synthetic fibers that are strong and durable, making them perfect for activewear. Polyester is a blend of cotton and lycra and is often used in athletic clothing due to its durability – this will tend to last the longest, and so is a popular choice.
- Price
As with any workout gear, the price will always play a big part in deciding what you buy.
If you’re after a pair of yoga pants that won’t break the bank, look for ones made from quality fabrics such as cotton, lycra, or polyester.
These will be less expensive than those made from nylon or spandex but still offer excellent value.
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect yoga pants can help you enjoy your workout and see better results.