Types of Women's Athletic Pants Ideal For Every Wardrobe
Let's be honest, the hunt to find the perfect pair of women's athletic pants is no easy feat. With so many different brands, cuts, and materials to choose from, it can leave your head spinning. Thankfully we've got you covered with this ultimate guide on the different types of women's athletic pants that you need in your wardrobe.
From performance fabrics and moisture-wicking properties to hidden pockets and zipped ankles — these seven types cover every essential detail that you should know before purchasing your next pair of workout pants. Whether you're a high-performance athlete or just hitting the gym casually, read on for our insider tips on which type of women's athletic pants are right for you.
What are women's athletic pants?
A women's athletic pant is a type of clothing designed to be worn during athletic activities like running, yoga, or fitness training. Athletic pants typically have a looser fit, lightweight fabric, and high-performance features that are engineered to wick sweat and dry quickly. Athletic pants are often worn for outdoor activities like hiking, running, cycling, and outdoor yoga, as well as indoor activities like lifting weights, spinning, and cardio.
Many athletic pants also offer built-in UV protection, which can help shield your skin from harmful UV rays when exercising outdoors. For example, you may see the term "UPF" printed on the label of athletic clothing. This acronym stands for "Ultraviolet Protection Factor" and indicates the level of UV protection a garment provides.
What to Look for in Women's Athletic Pants
When searching for the perfect pair of women's athletic pants, there are a few key characteristics to look for. Athletic pants often come in either a looser "yoga" fit or a more tailored "training" fit. The type of athletic pants you choose depends on your preferences and activities. Yoga pants are typically recommended for indoor or studio workouts, while training pants are great for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, or running.
Depending on the brand, you may also find athletic pants in varying degrees of thickness and breathability. Performance fabrics like polyester and spandex are commonly used in athletic pants and offer added stretch, moisture-wicking properties, and UV protection. Other features to look for in women's athletic pants include UV protection, zipped ankles, pockets, drawstring waistbands, and reflective details.
Running Tights
If you're an avid runner, you'll know that finding the perfect pair of running tights is essential. Running tights are designed to be lightweight and form-fitting, with added stretch and breathability to move with your body. Running tights are usually made with a fabric blend of nylon, spandex, and/or polyester. Look for tights with moisture-wicking properties to help draw sweat away from your skin and keep you dry and comfortable.
They are often non-cotton, mesh-backed, and designed with a mid-rise waistband for added coverage. Most running tights also feature a zip pocket in the back for storing small essentials, along with built-in reflectors for added visibility when exercising outdoors during low-light hours.
Yoga and Sweat-Wicking Pants
If you're a fan of yoga or other indoor exercises, you may prefer yoga pants for their looser, more comfortable fit. Yoga pants are made with a breathable and stretchy fabric blend that's often made from spandex, polyester, and/or a cotton blend. Look for yoga pants that are made from sweat-wicking fabrics to help keep your skin dry and that feature built-in UV protection. Yoga pants often have a looser "yoga" fit with a wide waistband and built-in pockets. Some yoga pants may even feature hidden pockets with a zipper closure for added security when storing your belongings.
Additionally, many women's yoga pants come in different washes and colors that fit your personal style. Therefore, you can purchase a pair of yoga pants that matches your current outfit, or you can stock up on several pairs of pants in various styles and colors to mix and match with your wardrobe.
Exercise shorts
If you're more of an outdoor exerciser, you may prefer lightweight exercise shorts as opposed to yoga pants. For added UV protection and breathability, exercise shorts are often made with a fabric blend of nylon and spandex. These lightweight shorts feature a drawstring waistband and are designed to be low-rise. Look for exercise shorts that are lightweight and offer built-in UV protection to shield your skin from harmful UV rays when exercising outdoors.
Some brands also offer moisture-wicking properties to help keep you dry and comfortable. While most gym shorts are made with quick-drying fabrics, lightweight shorts are best for outdoor activities like running or hiking, where you may experience more sweating and moisture. Outdoor exercisers may also prefer shorts with pockets for storing valuables like keys or phones.
Lightweight Athletic Pants
You may prefer looser-fitting athletic pant that offers added breathability and mobility. These less-fitted athletic pants are often made from a lightweight fabric blend of spandex, polyester, and/or a cotton blend. Athletic pants in this category often come in a looser "yoga" fit and are designed to be more lightweight and breathable. Look for lightweight athletic pants that are made with a stretchy fabric blend, and feature a wide waistband, hidden pockets, and zip ankles.
Zip-Up Track Pants and Trainers
If you're a fan of athleisure wear, track pants and trainers are a great option. These pants often feature a looser, more relaxed fit and are designed with a wide waistband with a drawstring. Track pants often have one or two pockets in the front, and some brands offer zip-up pockets.
Trainers are a type of athletic shoe that's often considered a hybrid between athletic shoes and casual sneakers. Trainers are available in a wide range of designs and styles and are often made with a lightweight fabric blend of nylon and spandex.
Ankle-Length Athletic Leggings
If you're a fan of leggings and prefer more coverage, you may prefer an ankle-length athletic legging. These leggings are designed with a looser fit and often come in a variety of thicknesses and fabrics. Athletic leggings often have a wide waistband with a drawstring and are usually made with a lightweight fabric blend of spandex and nylon. Look for leggings that are made with a breathable fabric, and feature built-in UV protection.
Zip-Bottom Athletic Pants
If you're looking for a versatile athletic pant that has the benefits of both yoga pants and running tights, zip-bottom athletic pants are a great option. These pants often feature a looser "yoga" fit and are designed with a wide waistband with a drawstring. You can unzip the bottom of the pants for added ankle coverage when you prefer a more athletic look. Zip-bottom athletic pants come in a variety of fabrics, including lightweight fabric blends with spandex and nylon.
Conclusion
The hunt to find the perfect pair of athletic pants can feel like more of an adventure than an errand. With so many different brands, cuts, and fabrics to choose from, it can leave your head spinning. Luckily we've got you covered with this ultimate guide on the different types of women's athletic pants that you need in your wardrobe.
From performance fabrics and moisture-wicking properties to hidden pockets and zipped ankles — these five categories cover every essential detail that you should know before purchasing your next pair of workout pants. Visit Womenwire.com to learn all you need to know about women's fashion, sports, and gym wear trends!