"Wardrobes that Workout"

In Search of the Perfect Yoga Pant
My mission for this month was to find a flattering pair of yoga pants. I believe when you look good you feel good.    Whether you’re petite, curvy or tall; beginning your yogic practice for the New Year or a seasoned yogini, the right gear can enhance your confidence as well as performance.

One of my favorite all-purpose brands is Prana (a term used in yoga to mean energy, breath, life force).  They feature clothing for men and women with active lifestyles focused on activities such as hiking, rock-climbing and yoga.  What’s great about their pieces is that they are interchangeable, for example Prana’s Bliss Capri Pant ($52) are strong enough for wear and tear rock-climbing, stylish for a trip to the Farmer’s Market and can double as yoga wear with it’s moisture wicking feature.

With plenty of unique patterns and designs, Prana’s Sport Top ($44) complete with built in shelf bra is a great addition to your “yoganista” ensemble. A Pattern draws attention to the upper body and balances the lower half.  This works great on pear-shaped figures.
With plenty of unique patterns and designs, Prana’s Sport Top ($44) complete with built in 

Another great feature about Prana’s pants is that the polyester/spandex fabric blend washes well, doesn’t shrink and doesn’t pill.  No matter how many downward dogs you do the pants stay true!  Prana can be found at Santa Barbara Outfitters and Drishti in Santa Barbara.


The second stop on my quest began with Nordstrom’s exclusive label “Zella”.  The women’s sports wear department of Nordstrom is “chakra-full” of attractive outfits and competitive prices.  I am impressed that Zella’s sizing ranges from XS (0-2) to XL (16) to fit real women with real bodies.  If Bikram Yoga is part of your yogic practice I recommend the Zella ‘Live In’ Capri Pant ($42).  This slim cut style works for petite bodyshapes as well as someone who is average to tall.  There is a hidden pocket in the waistband for your car key, credit card or lip-gloss.  You can easily go from the studio to the street by throwing on a cozy hoodie and cute flip-flops -- you’re ready for a walk on Stearn’s Wharf.

Following my fashion dharma I came to Lucy Activewear located in La Cumbre Plaza.  Lucy offers high tech fabrics, hot colors and pants in various lengths.  Their tailored pants  fit the shortest petite to taller yogini’s over 6’0.  The Lucy Hatha Power Pant ($88) features an impressive patented “Powermax” fabric that promises moisture wicking and compression (no dimples or panty lines).   With a bright panel of color at the midsection, the Hatha Power Pant shapes, conceals and flatters your yoga booty.

If you are going to invest in a yoga pant make sure it coordinates with other pieces in your wardrobe.  A well made pant can last through many classes as well as many years.  Be sure to wash according to directions and if suggested by the manufacturer use a sports detergent.  Comfort, price and style will determine your perfect pant.  Today, with the many choices out there - I’m sure it will “work-out”!

(Article from my column "The Style-List" in Society805.com)