Why you need yoga clothes
Clothes worn during yoga can meet very specific needs. While you may be wearing loose, flowy tops and athletic shorts that are too big for you while biking, rowing, or running, these clothing options will quickly come to you during yoga. Come to question.
Perhaps the biggest difference between yoga clothing and other activewear is whether it fits you well. You need a garment that is both supportive and flexible. This is because you'll be stretching and moving in all directions during your yoga practice, so you need clothing that allows for a full range of motion. Look for garments with stretchy fabric and a loose fit to ensure you can move freely. But flowy clothes aren't helpful either—you need your clothes to move with you as you do various yoga poses.
Hand in hand and fit is comfort. The clothes you wear for yoga should ultimately make you feel comfortable. There should be no signs of pinching, itching or irritation of the skin. Breathability is also key in yoga clothing. Choose yoga clothes made from moisture-wicking and breathable fabrics, such as nylon or polyester. These materials will help you stay cool and comfortable during your practice, especially if you practice hot yoga or more intense forms of yoga, such as power yoga. Avoid cotton materials as it traps sweat easily and can quickly become heavy, burdensome and uncomfortable.
What to consider when choosing yoga wear
When deciding what to wear to a yoga class, there are some key things to remember.
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Where will you practice yoga? If you are practicing yoga in a studio or other group setting, you will need to consider the clothing requirements and any specific guidelines set by the studio. If you are at home, you have more flexibility with what you wear.
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How are you feeling? When choosing yoga clothing, consider your energy level and how you feel. If you feel tired, you may want to choose looser, more comfortable clothing. If you're feeling energized and ready for a more intense workout, you can opt for tighter, better-fitting clothing.
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How much money do you have for activewear? Yoga clothes serve a different purpose than what you might need for other classes. It is important to wear the right clothes for the activity you choose. Yoga clothing can range in price from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. Consider your budget when choosing yoga clothing.
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Do you practice hot yoga? If so, it's important to choose moisture-wicking and breathable clothing to help keep you cool and comfortable. Avoid cotton as it is highly absorbent and will become heavier when you sweat, making you hotter.
Ready to choose your yoga clothes?
Now that you know the essentials of buying yoga clothing and what you should consider when choosing clothing, let’s look at some specific suggestions for different types of yoga clothing.
For women, a good sports bra is essential for any type of exercise, including yoga practice. Look for a bra that provides enough support for your specific needs and allows for a full range of motion.
During yoga, you'll need appropriate upper body coverage, such as a moisture-wicking exercise top. It should also be more fitted rather than baggy. It should fit snugly against your body when you bend over and not fall away from you. As for yoga pants, shorts or leggings: there are many options. Look for bottoms that are comfortable, stretchy, and made from moisture-wicking, breathable materials. You may also want to layer. If you practice in a cooler environment or are prone to feeling chilly during practice, you may want to wear thin layers of clothing over your sports bra and top. A lightweight sweater or jacket is a good choice.
Finally, your shoes are important. While most yoga classes are performed barefoot, other classes may require socks or shoes. If you are practicing a style of yoga that requires shoes, look for socks or shoes that provide adequate grip and support.
What not to wear
While there are many great options for yoga clothing, there are some things you need to avoid, such as:
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Jeans or other heavy, inelastic fabrics: Jeans and other heavy, inelastic fabrics can restrict your movement and make you uncomfortable during your yoga practice. Stick to lightweight, stretchy fabrics.
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Clothes that are too loose: While it’s important to choose clothes that are comfortable and allow for a full range of motion, clothes that are too loose can get in the way and may even create a tripping hazard.
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Clothes that are too tight: On the other hand, clothes that are too tight can restrict your movement and make you uncomfortable. Look for styles that are loose-fitting but not too baggy.
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Clothes with zippers: While a zipper on the back of a running tights might be great for storing keys while running outdoors, it can cause discomfort when you're lying on your back in certain yoga poses.
What about men’s yoga wear?
Men's yoga clothing should follow the same guidelines as women's yoga clothing, focusing on comfort, breathability, and flexibility. Some specific options for men include moisture-wicking T-shirts, yoga pants or shorts, socks, or shoes. Many yoga-specific men's shorts feature a compression lining to provide extra coverage during inversion poses.
