What to pay attention to when wearing yoga clothes
Your yoga clothes should all have one key feature: comfort. Do your clothes fit you well and are comfortable? Do they provide enough coverage and support so that you can focus on getting the most out of your posture, rather than adjusting the waistband?
Flexibility is also important—no matter what position you're in, you want your clothes to move with you. If they prevent you from performing deep stretches or poses, then they will work against you. With this in mind, look for yoga clothes that are made from breathable, lightweight fabrics so they will move more easily.
When you're trying on clothes, don't be afraid to do a quick test. Stretch, sit, bend and move to see how they work in your next yoga class.
What to wear to a yoga class
Now that you know what features to prioritize when buying yoga clothing, let’s get into the specifics of what to wear to class.
Yoga pants and leggings
Whether you're new to yoga or are deeply involved in your practice, we recommend keeping a few different pairs of yoga leggings in your wardrobe. They come in a variety of styles, so choose what you feel most comfortable in.
For example, some people prefer flared yoga pants to allow more freedom of movement around the ankles, while many people feel more supported and less exposed in high-waisted styles. There are also yoga pants with pockets (a big bonus if you want to keep certain items like lip balm within easy reach), as well as moisture-wicking pants suitable for hot yoga classes.
Black yoga pants are a simple, neutral choice that will go with anything, but you may also want to express a little more personality with pops of color or fun features like mesh cutouts and bold patterns. Whichever you choose, make sure they are flexible, have excellent sweat-wicking capabilities, are comfortable, and are not see-through when you bend over. (These same principles apply to both women’s and men’s styles.) For more information, check out our ultimate guide to finding the best yoga pants.
yoga tops
Lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics are also ideal for yoga tops. They come in a variety of styles, from crop tops to short-sleeved shirts to tank tops. It's best to choose yoga shirts that fit slightly to prevent them from shifting or rising in any inversion poses.
sports bra
The first thing to consider when buying a sports bra is the amount of support you need, which depends on breast size and the intensity of your session. For example, power flow yoga typically requires more movements and requires a bra that minimizes impact; this may mean a bra with compression, underwire, or a high collar to reduce bounce. On the other hand, for a restorative or stretching session, you may not need as much support.
Ideally, a yoga sports bra shouldn't have any buttons or zippers as they can dig into your skin in certain places. If you don't like pull-on styles, choose a sports bra that closes in the front to avoid irritation.
yoga shorts
As with yoga pants, flexibility is especially important here, and shorts with high-quality moisture-wicking properties can help prevent the discomfort of sweating in the studio. Longer, well-fitting yoga shorts are usually more comfortable. Men usually prefer yoga shorts with built-in lining.
Yoga sweaters and jackets
While you may be able to take it off mid-session, it's a good idea to keep a yoga sweater or jacket with you, especially if you're prone to getting cold during Savasana. It's also convenient to put on before and after class on colder days. A slightly looser fit may be more comfortable, especially over sweaty clothing.
grip socks
Grip socks are a simple way to improve your yoga practice. Tiny rubber nubs on the soles make it easier for your feet to grip the yoga mat and help prevent slipping and slipping, which can be a major problem with Downward Dog. Grip socks are available in a variety of styles, from traditional sock shapes to knee-high and ballet-inspired designs. While many people practice yoga barefoot at home, if you don’t bring your own yoga mat, it’s best to wear non-slip socks in the studio to maintain hygiene.
How to care for yoga clothes
When in doubt, refer to the clothing label for instructions on how to wash your yoga clothes. Some items may need to be hand washed and air dried, while other items can be placed in a regular washer and dryer. Like other workout clothes, yoga clothes can easily get smelly thanks to all the hard work you put in on the mat. To keep things fresh, use sports laundry detergent to eliminate odors.
