The Patagonia Centered is the only mid-rise legging that we tested in this review. In fact, the high-waisted trend has had such a take over in the yoga world that we forgot how much we love the mid-rise fit! These leggings compressed and shaped our figure while maintaining a high degree of comfort. The waist belt contains a thin piece of elastic to keep the leggings solidly in place; this allows you to flow through your practice without worrying about the leggings shimmying down your bum. The spandex used on the waist belt was a little tight, and we found other brands like the Lululemon Align II or Alo Airbrush to be a bit more comfortable along the waistline. The material held up well in terms of durability, and we didn't notice any pilling or loose seams after a dozen or so uses and washes. We loved these tights and found their durable nature to be a great all-around tight to take to your yoga class, or outside for some hiking, climbing, or running!
Patagonia Centered Tights Review
Compare prices at 3 resellers Pros: Compressive, shaping, stylish, and durable
Cons: A little tight, thick, could be more breathable
Manufacturer: Patagonia
Our Verdict
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Patagonia Centered Tights | |||||
| Awards |  |  |  | ||
| Price | $47.93 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $98 List | $81.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $24.99 at Amazon | $69.00 at REI |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Compressive, shaping, stylish, and durable | Buttery soft, easy to move in, great color options and fit, comfortable, breathable | Comfortable, supportive, easy to move in, contoured high waist with no elastic | Lightweight, breathable, easy to move in, inexpensive | Durable, look great on, comfortable material, breathable, capri fit |
| Cons | A little tight, thick, could be more breathable | Needs delicate care | Decent breathability but not the best for heated classes | Fabric is a little stiff compared to others, durability issues in previous pairs | A little tight around the waist, not much variety in style and color |
| Bottom Line | These are the perfect all-around tight, great for most yoga styles, as well as hiking, climbing, biking, or running. | With a great balance between compression and breathability, these pants are buttery soft and perform exceptionally! | A comfortable and stylish pair that looks and feels great. | A good pant for the price that will make you question whether the expensive ones are really worth it. | A staple pair for your closet! |
| Rating Categories | Patagonia Centered Tights | Lululemon Align II | High-Waisted Airbrush | High Waist Powerflex | Transform High-Waisted Capri |
| Breathability (25%) | |||||
| Ease Of Movement (25%) | |||||
| Comfort And Fit (20%) | |||||
| Durability (20%) | |||||
| Style (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Patagonia Centered... | Lululemon Align II | High-Waisted... | High Waist Powerflex | Transform... |
| Material | 85% recycled polyester/15% spandex jersey | Nulu | 87% polyester, 13% spandex | 87% Nylon, 13% Spandex | 88% Supplex Nylon / 12% Lycra |
| Key Pocket | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Features | Recycled material; flattering wide waistband with 1/2 inch elastic band; soft thread in seems for skin to skin comfort; key pocket | Comfortable waistband that lies flat against skin, naked sensation, hidden pocket in waistband, high waisted | Wide waistband, anti-microbial fabric | Moisture wicking, 4-way stretch fabric | wide waistband; Double layer powermesh inset panels in waist for max support; triangle gusseted crotch; highwaisted |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Patagonia Centered Tights are made of 85% Polyester and 15% Spandex. They come in four different color patterns and range from XS to XXL.
Performance Comparison
Breathability
These leggings are a bit on the thicker side and aren't as breathable as others in our review. That being said, the Polyester and Spandex blend wicks away sweat and dries quickly. Any sweat stains we acquired during class were soon gone, and we could run off and do our errands without worrying about embarrassing wet marks. We wouldn't reach for them for a hot yoga class; instead, we prefer the Onzie or Lululemon Train.
Ease of Movement
These pants compress well; the waistband is on the tighter end, which can feel constricting, especially during forward folds. That being said, they rank on the higher end of the spectrum in this metric, as we felt comfortable and relaxed during practice and other outdoor activities, though we wouldn't necessarily recommend them for all-day wear.
Comfort and Fit
These tights have a smooth fabric that feels soft against the skin. The waistband is on the tighter side and starts to dig in after a couple of hours, which doesn't make for a great "all day" pant. For how much compression and shaping the leggings provide, we must admit that we're impressed by the overall level of comfort.
Durability
The thicker nature of these pants lends itself to a strong and durable material. We loved these tights so much that we started taking them outside the studio to go climbing and hiking. Lucky for us, the Polyester and Spandex blend minimizes the amount of pilling acquired (the dread of the modern-day yogi). One of our testers has owned these tights for about six months now and uses them for hiking, climbing; you name it! After such intense activity, her pants only show some light pilling on the bum area. For this reason, these pants earned a high score in durability.
Style
These pants don't come in many options. Compared to many of the pants we looked at, which come in an array of colors, these tights have limited color and pattern options. The compressive and shaping nature make them a very attractive and flattering legging, but other than that, they don't have many style points. We did appreciate the mid-rise fit and the small key pocket located in the front of the waistband.
Best Applications
These pants are great for someone who wants an all-around pair that can be worn not only for yoga, but for hiking, biking, running, or climbing, as they're a durable tight that holds up in most conditions. Their thicker nature also gives them a tad bit of extra warmth, which is perfect for most outdoor activities, though not the best for a hot yoga class.
Value
These pants retail for $80, which is on the more expensive range of the pants we reviewed. That being said, these are a durable pair that will last for a long time with barely any signs of wear. Investing in a trusted pair of leggings for the next year or so seems like a worthwhile expenditure, especially over a pair of pants that may pill in just a couple of months.
Conclusion
The Patagonia Centered is a great pair of flattering tights that will last for what feels like forever. Due to their thicker nature, if you are a hot yoga junkie, these pants may not be the ones for you. That being said, their Polyester and Spandex blend dries at a decent rate if you do choose to wear them to your favorite power class. If you are someone who wants to wear their leggings for every and any activity, then these come highly recommended. Running, hiking, biking, or climbing, these are a dependable and great pair of pants.
— Hannah Hall