Despite yoga perhaps not being the manliest of fitness disciplines, it has a huge following and in Australia is regarded as the most popular form of cardio, strength and flexibility exercise, with over two million active yoga members.
When looking for a pair of shorts specifically for the yoga studio, you’ll want to pay especially close attention to the fabric. Not only do you want it to effectively wick sweat away from body – not only to keep you cool and dry, but to prevent chafing – you’re going to want a fabric that’s stretchable too. Manufacturers should include spandex or elastic wherever they can to help aid with the natural movement of your body.
Furthermore, the shorts you invest in will need to have a loose fit as opposed to skin-hugging, so can move freely, but not so loose that you’re left hanging (if you catch our drift). The lower part of your body will naturally succumb to not-so-great smells with the advent of exercise, so if you can find a pair of shorts with anti-odour technologies to keep them at bay, then bonus.
We’ve sifted through the copious amount of yoga-appropriate shorts available to present to you the very best pairs from the finest brands available right now.
Rhone 7" Guru Short
American startup Rhone has its fingers in various sportswear pies, with collections targeting different aspects of fitness. The Guru range of pants and shorts is designed to be an all-rounder, but the 7" shorts aim straight for the yoga studio. The relatively short inseam, coupled with the fact they're unlined, provide exceptional mobility. The perforated fabric not only provides breathability, keeping you cool, but it's quick drying and is a dab hand at wicking moisture away from your body. A couple of pockets (including an internal media pocket) only add to their desiarability.
Lululemon T.H.E. Short 7" Mesh Liner
Lululemon was literally founded as a company to specialise in yoga apparel and you'll likely see the company's logo adoring the other lycra-clad members at your studio. The T.H.E. Shorts are designed to be the perfect all-rounder for any form of training, but their lightweight build and built-in liner (which extends further than the inseam) support lend them to being ideally suited for all manner of yoga poses. Factor in flat seams for minimal chafing and zippered pockets and you have yourself a do-it-all pair of yoga shorts.
Olivers All Over Short
California-based Olivers Apparel was set up to produce a range of activewear made from a result of "extensive research, design and development." It puts a solid focus on the fabrics it uses, which includes the Weave fabric used for the All Over Short. Not only does it offer full stretch, so you can carry out that 'pigeon pose', but it will wick sweat away from your body and away from itself, owing to the fact it's hydrophobic. Presented with a clean, minimal aesthetic and available in a broad range of colours, the All Over Short can accompany you from studio to sandwich bar with no problems.
Under Armour UA Launch SW 2-in-1 Shorts
Under Armour doesn't have a dedicated range of yoga apparel, but some of its training shorts are more than capable of supporting even the most advanced contortionists. The UA Launch SW shorts are made from an ultra-lightweight and highly stretchable material, with mesh panels on the sides to aid with airflow. A built-in compression liner keeps everything supported where it should be, while an anti-odour technology prevents them from giving off questionable smells.
Outdoor Voices 5" Rec Shorts
Outdoor Voices is an American clothing company that claims to be a "recreation brand for recreationalists". By this, it means it's not about those who care about competition and finishing first above all else, but for those who simply want to keep themselves active on a regular basis.
What better discipline to apply its shorts to then, than yoga. The 5-inch Rec Shorts (also available in 7-inch) allow your legs to be as free as possible, without being charged for indecent exposure. With a hint of spandex in their construction, they provide just the right amount of stretch, ideal for when you're bending your body. Pockets and a range of colours make them even more desirable.
prAna Mojo
Californian clothing brand prAna is committed to producing apparel from recycled materials, but never sacrifice style in the process. Take the Mojo Short, made from 100% recycled polyester that's also UPF 50+ rated against protection, these shorts can be had in a range of bold colours and rock an elasticated waistband for supreme comfort when bending your body every which way. Pockets all round make them suitable for daily wear too and the quick drying fabric will ensure they can be used day after day.
Vuori Agility Short
Vuori was founded with the sole aim to provide guys with a comprehensive range of activewear that looked great, was designed with a clear purpose in mind, and wasn't made by more female-orientated brands. Although the company has since expanded into women's clothing, its guy's line is where it's at. The Agility Shorts tick all the boxes for the perfect pair for the studio, made from a fabric that wicks moisture away from your body and have anti-odour technology to keep them smelling fresh. An elasticated knit waistband keep them secure to your body and a rear zippered pocket keeps essentials secure too.
Alo Yoga Co-Op Short
Alo Yoga, as its name suggests, is a company dedicated to all things downward dog, Lotus and handstand. Determined to produce "the best yoga clothing in the world", the company has an extensive range of tops, bottoms, outerwear and accessories, all of which is tailored towards to mind, body and soul. The Co-Op short is available in three colours, is made from a water-repellent fabric and has a drawcord fastening to ensure they never let you down. Three secure pockets allow them to double up as an everyday pair, with space for all your essentials.
Adidas AEROREADY 3-Stripes 8-Inch Shorts
German sporting giant Adidas has a huge range of yoga clothing for men, encompassing tops, tights, hoodies and shorts. The AEROREADY 8-Inch shorts offer a classic and instantly recogniseable design with 3-Stripe detailing, but are made from an incredibly lightweight woven fabric. A tie-able drawcord waistband will keep them snug to your body, while AEROREADY moisture-absorbing technology will keep sweat away from it. Zipped pockets on the sides will keep your essentials secure, and a range of colours means you can constantly switch out your look.
Nike Flex Training Shorts
Flex by name, flex by nature for Nike's offering in the yoga arena. They might fit close to the body, but Nike's proprietary Flex fabric allows them to stretch in wherever your body goes. Able to lift your leg up above your head? No problem. The combination of elasticated waistband and internal drawcord provide a comfortable yet secure fit, and zippered pockets that blend seamlessly into the sides of the shorts will give you somewhere to put your phone and keys.
SQD Athletica Aeolus Shorts
They might be deemed best for running, but SQD Athletica's Aeolus shorts will be more than capable of handling the bendy nature of the yoga studio. Their diamond-weave fabric provides plenty of durability and support, while still being stretchy, and the addition of an elasticated waistband offers a comfortable fit that moves with your body. Strategically placed vents help with airflow, keeping you cool while under the pressure of holding that handstand pose.
