Whether you’ve recently discovered a love for yoga or are heading to your first class, deciding what to wear can be a challenge. Although the act of yoga is supposed to be meditative and relaxing, choosing the right outfit can be quite stressful. Like any sport, wearing the right clothes can make a significant difference. As such, it’s important to find the perfect pieces that will help you bend, stretch, and stay comfortable throughout the class. Luckily, there are plenty of top sportswear brands waiting to provide you with all the gear you need to be a top yogi. Now all you need to know is which pieces are worth investing in, and we can help.
Types of yoga classes
If you are unfamiliar with yoga, you may want to research the different types of classes before you begin. Far from being a single thing, yoga can refer to many different classes. As such, it’s important to know the differences to find the right one for you. Knowing which yoga you are participating in will also help you manage your expectations and give you a guide on what to wear. For example, Bikram and hot yoga classes are conducted in a heated room, which means you will sweat. Thus, these detox sessions require clothing designed to wick away moisture.
If you attend a beginner’s class, it may be a Hatha or Vinyasa type class. These classes focus on coordination of movement and breathing, with Vinyasa being slightly faster and involving more intense stretches, leg raises and inversions. Iyengar yoga, on the other hand, focuses on poses that you would hold longer, allowing you to find your balance and deepen the stretch. This style of yoga will also often use props. There are also Power and Ashtanga yoga classes that involve constant movement between poses, making them more challenging than other types.
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Yoga Etiquette
If you’ve never been to yoga before, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with basic etiquette before attending your first session. To start, be sure to arrive early. At least 10 minutes is recommended to get to a place where you feel comfortable. Upon arrival, remove your shoes and socks before entering the room. Most studios will have a place to store your shoes, but if you’re not sure try asking the office. Once in the room, roll out your mat and face the monitor. If this is your first class, you should also report to your instructor and report any injuries. Finally, try to stay until the end of the class and if you have to leave early, make sure to do so before the relaxation time at the end of the session.
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yoga outfit
Choosing what to wear for yoga is a big decision that can either improve or hinder your time in class. To ensure you get the most out of your session, choose pieces that are flexible and will move with you while keeping you covered. Avoid restrictive or uncomfortable clothes as they can be awkward and take you out of the moment. Instead, opt for fitted styles with plenty of stretch in soft, breathable fabrics, such as cotton, bamboo or jersey. Of course, a trendy outfit doesn’t hurt either, so have fun with your yoga wardrobe.
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Arms
Choosing the right sports bra is important for a successful yoga session, especially if you have large breasts. Whether you want to wear your sports bra under a top or on its own, choosing one that supports and holds you is essential. After all, you don’t want your bra to slip down and reveal what’s underneath, so be sure to choose a style that will stay in place perfectly throughout every Downward Dog and Headstand pose. Likewise, lightweight, v-neck, or light-colored bras may not be the best option for an intense yoga session.
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Tank Tops/Tanks
Tank tops and tank tops can be great for yoga because they allow you to move your arms without restriction. When it comes to choosing one, it’s best to avoid those that are too loose. As yoga often requires upside-down or angled movements, any tops that are too loose will bunch up and move around. Besides revealing your belly, it can also be distracting, annoying, and even block your vision. To avoid this problem, you should choose tank tops and tank tops that fit well and stay in place throughout your movements. A style that hugs the shape without feeling tight or constricting will make a great choice.
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Long sleeve tops
Just like your tanks and tank tops, it’s best to avoid baggy tops with long sleeves. Instead, go for something snug that will stay in place through every inversion. Likewise, avoid anything with a very low neckline to ensure good coverage during class. If you want to wear a looser long sleeve top, you should consider pairing it with a jersey underneath. This will have many benefits, including keeping you covered if your top falls out of place. It will also allow you to stay warm or cool during the different sections of the course by wearing the long sleeve top or removing it to reveal the jersey underneath.
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Tights
Tights are an essential investment for any yoga student. These comfortable, stretchy pants will give you a full range of motion and allow your instructor to check your alignment. The material of the tights will also absorb sweat, making it easier to maintain certain poses. Just be sure to choose a pair with a quick-drying fabric to ensure a comfortable session. As for the length, you can select short or long tights depending on your preferences and the type of class. In general, cropped styles are ideal for fast, hot classes, while full-length styles are great for slower sessions. Also, be aware that any sheer or light-colored tights can go sheer in certain poses, so chunky styles in dark hues tend to look best.
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Shorts
Good yoga shorts can be hard to find, but once you have a pair, you’ll find them invaluable for hot and Bikram classes. When choosing a pair, avoid both cropped shorts and baggy shorts. Since you will be twisting your body into unique positions, it is best to wear other styles that will have you covered. Choose a pair that gives you enough confidence to bend and contort with your legs in the air without feeling exposed. Also, make sure they don’t bunch up when you move, or you’ll constantly pull them down. A fitted pair that ends around mid-thigh height will be perfect. You can even try bike shorts if you’re struggling to find the perfect style.
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Shoes
Unlike many other sports, yoga doesn’t require shoes. This means that you will need to remove your shoes and socks before entering the class. While you may think it takes the guesswork out of what to wear on your feet, it doesn’t. You will always need to find a pair that matches your yoga outfit and can be worn before and after class. Of course, sneakers are a great choice and will complete your athletic look, but other shoe styles can also be great. In particular, slides and sandals will give your outfit a casual side and will have the advantage of being easy to put on and take off before and after each session.
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Accessories
Getting into yoga doesn’t just require clothes, it also requires accessories. While jewelry is best left at home, pieces like a headband can come in handy. Of course, the most important yoga accessory is your mat. If you’re new to yoga and don’t have a mat, call ahead of your session to make sure the studio has one available. After a few classes, consider investing in your own. Yoga mats come in a wide range of colors, materials, and thicknesses, so choose the one that best suits you and your type of class. You can also purchase a yoga bag or strap to make carrying your mat easier. A water bottle and a towel to keep you hydrated and sweat-free are also essential yoga accessories.
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What to wear to a yoga class
- Wear a sports bra that supports and holds you in all your movements.
- Choose tank tops and form-fitting tank tops.
- Try layering a long-sleeved top over a tank top and removing it during intense sections of class.
- Quality quick-drying tights in full or cropped length are a great option for pants.
- For heated classes like Bikram, wear fitted shorts that end at mid-thigh.
- When traveling to and from yoga, wear sneakers, slides, or sandals.