https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:20:37 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/3#post-1324687 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 16:31:53 +0000 Anonymous 1324687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow - lot's of interest in this thread! &nbsp;I wear yoga pants (cropped or reg length) out doing things all the time. The issue for me is simple: &nbsp;cover your "front" and "back" if you know what I mean. &nbsp;At the gym, those areas aren't covered, and that's ok. But outside the studio or gym and in a place of business, cover oneself up. &nbsp;I think they make great casual pants when styled properly (not with a gym tshirt - but with a considered drapey t or a long jacket - )&nbsp;&nbsp;and I fully endorse them. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/3#post-1324674 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 16:16:17 +0000 Thirkellgirl 1324674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me, wearing black boot-cut yoga pants is fine for errands. I wear them with a tank and a blue button-down as a lightweight jacket, and I look pretty darned hip. I think I looked much more like I wasn't trying when I wore capri pants (now relegated to yard work). They're more form-fitting and look tailored, and require more confidence (and grooming) than loose comfort pants. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/3#post-1324139 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 22:19:53 +0000 chadya 1324139@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gym and yoga pants are for the gym and doing yoga.<br />&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/3#post-1323868 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 17:25:15 +0000 Claudia 1323868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for reminding me of that, Mona. I also think of these Athleta pants and capris&nbsp;as being in the sporty lux vein, when styled with the right top and footwear&nbsp;. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/3#post-1323866 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 17:22:12 +0000 texstyle 1323866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess it depends on the pants - do they actually look good on or are they those tight, rather thin "stretchy pants" that show every bump and crease and seem to become more and more prevalent in cities as the cities grow?&nbsp; In Austin, say 20 years ago, I never saw people wearing stretchy pants out and about. In Houston prior to that time, everyone was wearing them everywhere. Now they are wearing them everywhere in Austin. </p> <p>I don't own any, but if I did, I wouldn't wear them out and about - not even to the grocery store. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/3#post-1323852 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 17:08:54 +0000 Mona 1323852@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claudia, these athleta prima capris was one of Angie's finds and she fully endorsed them as workout as well as regular wear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/3#post-1323844 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 16:58:16 +0000 rachylou 1323844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Greyscale - in the Bay Area, there's a whole yoga-inspired fashion category and it's pretty stylish. It's not the same as wearing your lounge jammies or workout clothes on the street.</p> <p>But Claudia has a good point - when we say yoga pants, what are we talking about? People wear all sorts of things for yoga. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/3#post-1323787 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 15:44:57 +0000 Claudia 1323787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't know if we are talking about the same thing, but I wear these Athleta yoga pants dressed up (low heeled sandals, linen and silk boxy sweaters, tunic tops)&nbsp;--&nbsp;and for workouts. Casually dressed up they are similar to silky track pants in my mind. I get compliments on them when I dress them up, and I don't think anybody thinks I am wearing&nbsp;"yoga pants/gear" gym pants.&nbsp;Are we talking about tight, stretchy, high cotton content style yoga pants? Or anything suitable for the gym, even these?&nbsp;</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&amp;pid=983350002">http://athleta.gap.com/browse/.....=983350002</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/3#post-1323785 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 15:44:27 +0000 abc 1323785@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Go MsMary! I think that is a bit of an extenuating circumstance. &nbsp;Moving is hard work, yoga pants/workout gear or not. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/2#post-1323783 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 15:38:20 +0000 MsMary 1323783@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Loved this thread last year, love it now.</p> <p>All I have to say is that I worked out Saturday morning and then I wore my exercise clothes for the rest of the day while packing boxes and driving them to the new house.&nbsp; By the end of the day I was the sweatiest, dirtiest, most disgusting creature that has ever walked the earth.</p> <p>But I got most of my kitchen stuff moved!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/2#post-1323776 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 15:26:49 +0000 abc 1323776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm just chiming in to confirm Angie's statement. &nbsp;Before YLF I was not very self-aware of the image I projected to others. &nbsp;I just had my first child and image was the last thing on my mind. &nbsp;</p> <p>I was on that slippery slope and rode it way too long WITHOUT EVEN REALIZING. &nbsp;</p> <p>Now I am more aware of what image i project and what I wear, when. &nbsp;Thank you, YLF and Angie, for that!</p> <p>I push myself NOT to throw on workout gear to walk the kids to school in the morning. &nbsp;</p> <p>My motto is - I have to choose something to put on my body and it doesn't take any more effort to slip on a pair of pants or skirt with a top than it does to put on the workout gear. &nbsp;Having FFBOs really helps me avoid falling into that trap. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/2#post-1323767 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 15:10:05 +0000 Sheila 1323767@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Last summer I had a color analysis done. The advice I was given was to stay away from "heathered" or "faded"&nbsp;, whether tweeds, denin or certain fleeces. <br />Full color saturation was the most important thing. <br />She told me that yoga pants, a high end, fitted , &nbsp;flare, beyond the boot or heel were a better alternative than jeans- because of full saturation. OR a fully dyed jean... &nbsp;<br />For yoga pants, I personally like a lower cut bottom&nbsp;so&nbsp;I&nbsp;require a top with a long line... so it extends over the pant top- usually fitted and to the crotch. I have two gray pairs and one black. I like the long straight line and often wear them with medium heel sandals and usually with an extra long cardi- .... of some color to mid-thigh. <br />I am not comfortable with sports bras and would never wear one in public. <br />I do not wear yoga tops on purpose in public... any yoga top I would have would again be full length over the pant.<br />I am quite small and do not have health issues. I wear full makeup and jewellery in them and accept them as casual pants.<br />Sure, for supper I throw on a dress... but when wearing pants, I wear dress pants or yoga pants, and one pair of royal blue fully saturated capri jeans.<br />It is funny as I remember being a kid and thinking... no way will I EVER EVER wear stretch pants when I grown up. ... ugh ! ... and now I am ! Crazy !</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/2#post-1323664 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 12:32:10 +0000 Anonymous 1323664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to think that yoga pants and exercise gear shouldn't be worn outside the gym, but I look around me when I am shopping and running errands. They are worn everywhere by just about all age ranges. &nbsp;Is it possible that this is an old rule that has outlived its usefulness? &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I like the idea of "yoga street." &nbsp;It makes sense to me. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/2#post-1095685 Sat, 23 Nov 2013 17:26:25 +0000 Jenava 1095685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha, I was just guilty of wearing my workout gear to Nordies. &nbsp;I had to stop by and pick up something that a sales associate and set aside for me, and I was on my way from work to the gym. &nbsp;I bring my workout clothes to work and change before I leave (it helps motivate me to get to the gym, plus I ride public transport which is more comfy in sneakers than heels) so picture me, in my workout gear and puffy coat with a nice handbag and overstuffed gym bag traipsing through Nordstrom on a Friday evening...yeah, I felt a little weird. &nbsp;I wouldn't normally do that and I def. felt out of place but as several have mentioned, for me,&nbsp;time management and fitness&nbsp;is more important than style. </p> <p></p> <p>Also, I'm not a fan of this, but in the merchandising world we have a category called "Yoga Street" which is yoga clothes that are intended to be worn as casual clothing.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/2#post-1095650 Sat, 23 Nov 2013 16:55:02 +0000 catgirl 1095650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am 100% with Gaylene here.&nbsp; Honestly, my entire goal in life now is to wear clothes that feel like gear but are presentable for work.&nbsp; I'm not sure the NYDJ ponte trousers are not just gussied-up yoga pants.&nbsp; </p> <p>Plus I'd rather yoga pants than pajama bottoms out in public!</p> <p>Like leggings, they can be styled inappropriately (too transparent/revealing/sloppy), but I don't see anything inherently terrible about wearing them in public whether you are exercising or not.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/2#post-1095643 Sat, 23 Nov 2013 16:48:56 +0000 dustt 1095643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So not owning any yoga pants myself - I'll substitute what gear I do wear.... sailing gear.. - so Patagonia shorts, an spf tee, a baseball hat, sunglasses(gear not fashion)&nbsp;and boat shoes - do I stop to pick up snacks in the grocery before sailing, yes - do I stop after sailing with other friends similarly dressed to have a meal or a drink or a coffee - yes.&nbsp; Would I wear this to dinner, the movies or a non-sailing party - nope. Are there many women in my area that are similarly dressed all summer - yes. Guess I've never noticed the yoga pants.... perhaps I'll start looking!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/2#post-1095395 Sat, 23 Nov 2013 06:30:57 +0000 Gaylene 1095395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It seems to me that "sports gear", "workout wear", and "yoga wear" are pretty broad terms, especially if people are saying that it ought not to be worn anywhere but the gym or at home. To my eye, there is a world of difference between the type of thin, stretchy legging worn with a sports bra and athletic shoes by an active woman who has just run several miles--and a pair of well-designed, thicker, straight-legged yoga pants worn with a stylish top and flat shoes by a young mother walking her child to school.</p> <p>To my eye, well-designed "gear" can look every bit as attractive as any other type of clothing. And, if I'm being blunt, I have a hard time seeing how faded, ripped and torn jeans can be deemed perfectly OK to wear in public while a pair of well-designed yoga pants automatically gets the thumbs down treatment. To me, context and location also plays a big role; I'm perfectly happy wearing my Descente ski jacket into a nice restaurant in Whistler, but admit it wouldn't be my first choice if I was in Paris.</p> <p>I guess my point is that a blanket condemnation of "gear" doesn't take into consideration the daily lives that many of us lead and the environments in which we live. To call it a "slippery slope" implies that most of us wouldn't discriminate between appropriate and inappropriate designs and contexts. I'd like to think that most of us on this forum would be as careful in our choice of "gear" clothing as we are with any other type. And maybe we could set the standard for showing others how this type of clothing can be both functional and fashionable.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/2#post-1095370 Sat, 23 Nov 2013 05:32:12 +0000 Suz 1095370@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with MaryK and Mo here. I exercise outdoors a lot. If I'm exercising outdoors, you can be sure I am wearing my workout clothes. Which means, ergo, that other people are going to see me in those clothes. And see me coming and going to my workout at the park or through the park or whatever. Will they know I am about to work out? Maybe, maybe not. They might mistake me for one of the other women walking around wearing yoga pants as if they were regular clothes. Such is life.&nbsp;</p> <p>And I also walk to one of my exercise classes. So occasionally I have stopped to do an errand on the way there or on the way back, wearing my workout gear -- just as I have occasionally stopped to do an errand wearing dressy clothes.&nbsp;</p> <p>Do I love doing it? No. But do I think it is wrong? No.</p> <p>&nbsp;I just think it is a good excuse to ensure that the workout wear capsule is as smashing as all the rest of my clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/2#post-1095336 Sat, 23 Nov 2013 04:34:03 +0000 elpgal 1095336@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My experience is similar to Greyscale's. Our area rocks yoga chic. LUlu would be considered too pedestrian here. In winter, it is yoga wear layered with Patagonia puffers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/2#post-1095237 Sat, 23 Nov 2013 03:02:21 +0000 karymk 1095237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lulus are perfectly acceptable in my SoCal town after yoga, to do errands etc. &nbsp;I would never go out after exercising to do errands or coffee&nbsp;if I was sweaty though.&nbsp;I'd go home first and shower and change.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/2#post-1095153 Sat, 23 Nov 2013 01:35:17 +0000 MsLuna 1095153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting topic!&nbsp;</p> <p>I wear yoga pants around the home, in the gym, and running. These days, I prefer my leggings/tunic/cardigan ensemble over the yoga pants because the outfit suits my style and comfort level. I don't see the faux pas on yoga pants at all, actually. In fact, I really don't see why it's a problem. Sometimes yoga pants can look like dress pants! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/2#post-1095146 Sat, 23 Nov 2013 01:30:04 +0000 Beth 1095146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with Angie. Maybe it depends on the structure and/or thickness of the pants, but most yoga pants I've seen are a step away from pajamas, which I wouldn't wear outside.</p> <p>When doing activities like dog walking, barn cleaning, and yard work, I'm in jeans and hiking boots. I wear my gear when exercising and then head straight home. I don't actually get the whole "wear yoga pants on the plane" because I find a loose jersey dress to be much more polished and even more comfortable than pants with a waistband, however stretchy. The Magic Nine West dress is a fantastic "flying" dress as an example.</p> <p>This is all just me, though, taking into consideration that I've never worn athletic shoes anywhere besides the gym. And before I started working out again, I didn't even <i>own</i> athletic shoes!&nbsp;There are too many other cute shoes out there just waiting to be worn. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/2#post-1094266 Fri, 22 Nov 2013 06:53:36 +0000 Alexandra 1094266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wouldn't want my rear to look good at the expense of the rest of me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/2#post-1094186 Fri, 22 Nov 2013 04:21:47 +0000 lyn* 1094186@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really dislike yoga pants in public - I have a pair that I wear if there is a fire drill, or if I have to run back to the hospital in a jiffy (patient emergency, need to be back in 10 minutes); or if I go to the gym.</p> <p>I think it's unprofessional to wear them as part of business wear. There are colleagues, however, who wear them instead of dress pants because it "makes my rear look good". This makes me want to gauge their eyes out on the inside. You're at work. GAH. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/2#post-1094179 Fri, 22 Nov 2013 04:10:24 +0000 Anonymous 1094179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Before kids I never (or on a very, very rare occasion) would wear yoga pants /running tights/bike shorts for anything else but working out or lounging at home. I would pull on jeans for a quick run to the store. After kids it is a whole other story. I get so little time without a toddler and preschooler in tow that if there is an errand that needs done on my way home from running or biking I do it. So much easier and faster by myself. So yes, there I am getting some groceries, dropping off all the rejects at UPS, and of course Starbucks is much more enjoyable by myself. These are the quick in and out errands that take me 5 minutes by myself and 30 minutes with the kids. By no means is there any style to the look. Hat, t-zip, running or bike tights. Yeah, not all that great. I kind of ignore all the woman in yoga pants. I mean whatever works for you, right? Who knows what they are dealing with or not wanting to deal with. Of course we have all seen the yoga pants that need to delegated to the PJ drawer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/2#post-1094052 Fri, 22 Nov 2013 02:30:58 +0000 Greyscale 1094052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just put my money where my mouth is and bought a really cool hoodie at Zara. Funny, it's more than I usually spend on non-gear! But I've either gone climbing or had a dance class each night for the past week, and I'm tired of looking slobby while exercising. Especially since climbing is one of my main social activities, and my climbing partners are&nbsp;my ex-boyfriend and my favorite fashion friend! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/2#post-1093970 Fri, 22 Nov 2013 01:37:36 +0000 Mo 1093970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>But . . . you asked what we think:&nbsp;<br /><i></i><span>&nbsp;<i>I spend most of my day in yoga pants - mainly because I'm a stay at home Mom and in the mornings I walk to the park with my son as part of my exercise routine. They on our way home we swing by the grocery store/bank etc, and then come home. But when I'm going out I actually dress in real clothes. I wouldn't go to a movie in yoga pants, or a coffee date or shopping and there are alot of ladies out seemingly wearing yoga pants while out and about. <u>What do you think?<br /></u></i></span><br />As many have quite accurately commented, no one else knows whether one is coming from or going to a workout, simply that they see another person in workout clothing in a non-workout environment.<br />I also would not purposefully go out in yoga (or any other workout or running) clothes for everyday activities but you can bet I still do everyday activities while in these very clothes due to my already mentioned situations regarding no car or&nbsp;living 20 min out of town. &nbsp;Again, no one else knows why, unless they can hone in on my sweat and flushed face. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/2#post-1093957 Fri, 22 Nov 2013 01:24:57 +0000 BlondeAmbition 1093957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's not about judgement, it's about being observant, and it's about fashion. &nbsp;I didn't say it was ok that I wear my exercise clothes to the grocery store, but anyone who's run around with a toddler while trying to get in a workout at the same time knows the importance of consolidating time. &nbsp;</p> <p>It's not illegal to go to a movie wearing yoga pants, or anywhere else really. &nbsp;And there is no rule, I'm not making up rules. &nbsp;I only have an opinion on when it is appropriate to wear yoga pants and when it's not. &nbsp;Again, being a Mom I seize opportunities to dress up when I'm out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/2#post-1093897 Fri, 22 Nov 2013 00:42:54 +0000 DonnaF 1093897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yoga pants don't bother me unless they are thin so they have a VPL/TMI problem.&nbsp; I don't take yoga and have never tried them.&nbsp; Now, if they are paired with a bra top and nothing else, I DO have a problem with that in public.&nbsp; I wear hiking gear for my walking around a track (mostly in the dark cuz it's so early), and I try to avoid doing errands afterward because I'm sweaty, my hair is a mess from wearing a visor, and the gear is old, faded, and a bit ill-fitting -- but oh, so practical and not made any more.&nbsp; Even when I do finally replace it after DD graduates from college, I would still avoid errands until after I'm showered, dressed, and have make-up on.&nbsp; I wouldn't want to see anyone dressed and looking like me after an hour+ walk! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yoga-pants-faux-pas/page/2#post-1093852 Fri, 22 Nov 2013 00:19:08 +0000 LoveSarahDub 1093852@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree 100 percent. I'm a stay-at-home mom too and you describe my daily situation perfectly. I hate to admit that my daily wardrobe is almost always yoga pants or sweatpants, but I seize the opportunity to rock my 'real' clothes whenever possible! Of course there are times we all go WAY casual in public situations, but no sense in 'bumming it' if you don't have to! </p>