Choosing Yoga Shorts

It is easy to choose yoga shorts by colour and move on, but the small details can make quite a difference once you wear them.

Have a look beyond the first photograph. The side and back views usually give a much better idea of the length and fit. They may also show pockets, seams or a drawstring that is not obvious from the front.

The measurements are worth checking too. “Short” and “mid-thigh” are only rough descriptions, and the same pair will sit differently on everyone. A simple way to compare is to lay out a pair of shorts you already like and measure them across the waist and down the leg.

Elasticated Waistbands

A waistband can look perfectly fine in a photo and feel completely different once the shorts are on. Some are wide and soft, while others have firmer elastic that you notice straight away.

The side pictures are usually the most useful.

When you try them on, do more than stand in front of the mirror.

Seams and Pockets

Seams are not always obvious in the first photograph. Turn to the side and back views to see where the panels and stitching sit.

A simple pair may only have basic inner-leg seams. Other styles use curved stitching or several fabric panels. Neither design is automatically better, but a thick seam in an awkward place may become noticeable during a longer session.

Pockets also differ in size. A small waistband pocket may only hold a key, while a side pocket could be larger. Check the photographs and product details before assuming that a phone will fit.

Think about whether you actually plan to carry anything while moving. A phone or other heavy item can pull on the fabric, particularly if the shorts are light.

Colours and Prints

Plain black, navy or grey shorts are easy to wear with different tops. Brighter colours and printed designs give you more choice if you want something less plain.

Patterns may look a little different once the fabric is stretched. Their exact position may also vary between pairs when the shorts are cut from a larger piece of printed material.

Before Ordering

Look through the full set of photographs and check the size chart before choosing.

Pay attention to the waist, hip and leg measurements. Check the waistband height, length, pocket position and fabric details as well.

The products in the collection may look similar, but they will not all fit or feel exactly the same. The information on each product page will give you a better idea of what you are ordering than the main photograph alone.

Light Colours and Coverage

Light-coloured shorts can look different in person, especially once the fabric is stretched.

Do not check them only under bathroom or bedroom lighting. Stand near a window and look at the front, side and back. Sit down and bend your knees as well, as this is when the fabric may stretch more.

The colour and seams of your underwear may show beneath pale fabric. Neutral underwear with smoother edges is often less noticeable, although this will depend on the shorts.

Printed styles can also change slightly when worn. The pattern may spread across the hips or thighs, and the exact placement will not always match the pair shown in the photograph.

A dark colour does not necessarily mean thick fabric, just as a pale pair is not always thin. Colour alone will not tell you how much coverage a pair provides.

Wearing Shorts Away From Yoga

A pair bought for yoga may end up being worn for plenty of other things.

They can be handy for walking, travelling, stretching at home or getting jobs done around the house. This is often when pockets become more useful.

A side pocket may look large in the photo but still be too shallow for a phone. Check where it finishes and whether the top looks secure. Small waistband pockets are normally better for a key or card.

Not every pair will be suitable for running or harder exercise. A light pair that feels fine during a gentle class may move too much during faster activity.

Fitted or Loose Shorts

Yoga shorts do not all fit like cycling shorts. Some sit closely around the legs, while others have a looser shape.

A fitted pair has less fabric moving around, although the hems can still ride up. Loose shorts give the legs more room but may shift when you sit down or bend forward.

Some looser styles have fitted shorts underneath. This is not standard, so check the photos and description before ordering.