What to Wear to Yoga: The Ultimate Guide
Yoga is a great way to improve flexibility, strength, and balance while relaxing your mind and body. It’s important to wear comfortable clothing so you have a free range of motion and can bring your best focus and mindfulness to your practice. Wearing the right yoga clothes can help you achieve better results and make your practice more productive.
In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of yoga clothing, what to look for, and what to avoid.
What to Look For in a Yoga Outfit
There are a few things to keep in mind when picking out your yoga outfit to ensure you're comfortable and able to focus on your practice. First and foremost, look for clothes that allow for easy movement. You want to be able to move freely without feeling restricted by your clothing. Avoid clothes that are too tight or too loose, as both can be equally problematic during yoga practice. Tight clothes can restrict your movements, while loose clothes can get tangled with your limbs or bunch up and show more skin than you intend. Instead, opt for clothes that are snug but not constricting and stretch enough to give you a full range of motion. It's also important to choose clothes that are breathable and moisture-wicking. Clothes that trap sweat against your skin can be uncomfortable and distracting. It’s also a good idea to avoid clothes with many extra embellishments or accessories, which can get in the way during certain poses or distract you. Otherwise, wear whatever makes you feel comfortable, confident, and relaxed.
Women’s Yoga Gear
There are many types of women’s yoga clothing to choose from, but the most popular options are athletic leggings and yoga pants. These pants come in many styles, such as high-waisted, cropped, or flared. They’re comfortable and breathable, allowing you to move freely during practice. Yoga tops are another important item for women. They come in various styles, such as tanks, T-shirts, or long-sleeved tops. If your practice involves a lot of inversions, it’s a good idea to choose tops that aren’t too loose, as they can slide up and show more than you’d like while you’re upside down.
How to Choose the Best Yoga Pants
Yoga pants are a staple item for any woman's yoga wardrobe. Here are some factors to consider when choosing them.
Comfort: Go for comfortable pants that allow you to move without restriction.
Material: Look for pants made from a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric.
Fit: Choose pants that fit well and aren’t too loose or too tight. Yoga pants should stay in place throughout your practice without making you feel constricted.
Style: Choose a style that suits your preferences, whether high-waisted, cropped, or flared, as well as the styles of yoga you do.
Selecting a Women’s Yoga Top
When choosing a yoga top, there are many options to consider. Some popular choices include tanks, T-shirts, and long-sleeved tops. When selecting a yoga top, consider the following:
Comfort: Make sure to get a top that’s comfortable and allows you to move freely.
Material: Look for a top made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabric. Synthetics like polyester and spandex are often good options.
Fit: It’s best to get a top that’s form-fitting but not too tight. It shouldn’t drape or bunch up at any point in your routine.
Style: Choose a style that suits your needs, whether it's a tank, a T-shirt, or a long-sleeved top. Make sure you feel relaxed and confident while wearing it.
Sports Bras for Yoga
A well-fitted sports bra can provide the support you need during yoga. Sports bras made with moisture-wicking materials can help to prevent sweat from building up, which is especially important during hot yoga.
The level of support you’ll need depends on the intensity of your yoga practice and your bust size. A low-impact sports bra is usually sufficient for light sessions unless you have larger breasts. On the other hand, high-impact yoga practices such as power yoga or Ashtanga yoga will likely require a high-support sports bra unless you have smaller breasts.
Men's Yoga Gear
Men also require the appropriate gear to perform yoga poses comfortably. Men's yoga pants are designed to fit comfortably and allow for a full range of motion during yoga practice. Yoga pants for men come in different styles, including fitted and loose options. Fitted yoga pants are made of stretchy materials that offer support and allow for easy movement during yoga practice. Loose yoga pants offer more breathability, but may not stay in place if your routine involves a lot of inversions. Men's yoga tops are also available in different styles, including fitted and loose options.
Yoga Accessories
Several yoga accessories can enhance your yoga practice.
A gym bag, duffle, or tote bag will keep you organized and ready for class.
A headband can help keep sweat and hair out of your eyes.
A water bottle is necessary to help you stay hydrated.
A yoga mat gives you a safe place to perform poses, making it essential for any yoga practice.
Yoga blocks can provide support during difficult poses.
Yoga straps can help you deepen stretches.
A yoga towel can be placed on top of your yoga mat to absorb sweat and provide additional grip, which is especially important during hot yoga.
Yoga bolsters can support your body during restorative yoga poses.
Eye pillows can promote relaxation during savasana, the final relaxation pose.
What to Avoid Wearing to Yoga
There are some types of clothing it’s best to avoid during yoga. First, make sure not to wear jeans, khakis, or any non-athletic clothes. Clothing that isn’t flexible can restrict your movement during yoga, while outfits that are too tight or too loose can be distracting and uncomfortable. For hot yoga, avoid clothes made of 100% cotton, which tends to absorb sweat. It’s best to avoid wearing jewelry during yoga practice, as it may fall off, get in the way, or even cause injuries during certain poses. Don’t wear perfumes or colognes, which can be overwhelming to other yoga practitioners.
How to Wash Yoga Clothes
Washing your yoga clothes is important in maintaining their quality and longevity. Here are some tips to keep in mind when washing your yoga clothes:
Read the care label. Check the care label on your yoga clothes for instructions on how to wash them properly.
Separate your clothes. It’s important to separate your yoga clothes from other clothing items. This will prevent any damage to the delicate fabric.
Use a gentle detergent. Use a gentle detergent specially formulated for workout clothes. This will help remove sweat and bacteria from your yoga clothes without damaging the fabric.
Wash in cold water. Wash your yoga clothes in cold water to avoid degrading their materials.
Avoid fabric softeners. Fabric softeners can ruin the moisture-wicking properties of your yoga clothes. Instead, add a cup of white vinegar to the wash to soften the fabric and remove any lingering odors.
Air dry your clothes. Avoid putting yoga clothes in a hot dryer unless the manufacturer’s instructions say it’s okay to do so, as high heat can damage them. Instead, hang them up to air dry or tumble dry on the low setting per the manufacturer's instructions.
Your Perfect Yoga Outfit
Yoga is a practice that requires focus and mindfulness. Choosing the right clothing can make a big difference in how you feel during your practice. Remember to look for breathable materials, moisture-wicking properties, and a comfortable fit when selecting yoga clothes. Avoid clothes that are too tight or loose, and make sure they allow you to move freely. By finding the right yoga clothes for you, you’ll be able to get the most out of your yoga practice.