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When you’re a yogi, there’s a good chance you have 10 or more pairs of yoga pants in regular rotation. And at an average of $80 a pop—well, let’s just say you’ve likely dropped more money outfitting your yoga habit than you care to admit.
Yet here’s the thing: A great-fitting pair of yoga pants can make all the difference when it comes to your practice. Buy a pair that’s too sheer and you’ll be self-conscious every time you’re in Down Dog; wear a pair that doesn’t quite fit right and you’ll be futzing with your waistband instead of putting your hands where they’re supposed to be. Which is why it can be tempting to fork over $100-plus when you find a pair of yoga pants that work for you.
See also 6 Best Yoga Pants, According to 6 Top Teachers Around the World
Enter these inexpensive yoga pants—all under $40 and well-loved by Yoga Journal staffers.
6 Best Cheap Yoga Pants
Fabletics SculptKnit High-Waisted Mesh 7/8
If you become a VIP member at Fabletics, your first purchase gets you two pairs of yoga pants for $24. When you become a member, you pay $50 a month, which you can spend on yoga pants, tops, or sports bras. Have all the yoga gear you need after your first few purchases? You can put a hold on your membership and jump back in when you’re ready to get back in the yoga pants game. Fabletics.com, starting at $12
See also 5 Budget-Friendly Yoga Pants To Stretch Your Dollar
Aerie Play High Waisted Keyhole 7/8
Aerie may be best known for mastering lacey bralettes and soft underwear, but there’s a little secret: Aerie’s yoga pants fit great and feature fun designs and colors for all shapes and sizes. Bonus: You’ll find yoga pants on their website for as little as $10. Ae.com, $35
See also YJ Editor Top Picks in Yoga Pants, Props, Malas + Mats
Women’s Performance High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings – JoyLab™
Familiar with Outdoor Voices? Well, Target created a style that’s strikingly similar to the trendy, spendy company’s yoga pants that’s a third of the price. Target.com, $35
See also Gear Guide: 14 Must-Pack Items for Your Summer Yoga Festival
Z by Zella High Waist Daily Pocket Midi Leggings
With a range of solid colors, super-soft wicking material, and side pockets ideal for stashing your phone or keys, these yoga pants are a Yoga Journal staff fave. nordstromrack.com, $29
See also 22 Travel Essentials for Your Next Yoga Retreat
Victoria Sport Anytime High-Rise Legging
The Anytime legging comes in four colors, four sizes, and three lengths (short, regular, and long), making it super-easy for every yogi to find her ideal fit. victoriassecret.com, $39.50
See also 11 Fashionable, Functional Yogawear Pieces for the Curvy Yogini
Mid-Rise Mesh-Trim Compression Leggings for Women
These mauve-colored leggings sit right below the waist and have a beautiful mesh trim, similar to what you may have seen at Athleta—yet for a fraction of the price. Bonus: The side pockets make it easy to store your ID and a credit card if you’re on-the-go and don’t want to bring a bag. Oldnavy.com, $33
See also How OHMME Wants to Make Your Yoga Clothes (and the Planet!) a Little Bit Greener
About the Author
Bridget “Bee” Creel is the editorial producer for Yoga Journal. She works as a yoga teacher in NYC and is the co-founder of the wellness community, Mood Room.