Wherever we go in life, we like to dress for the occasion, whether it’s a fancy outfit for a nice dinner or something relaxed and casual for an afternoon picnic in the park. Yoga classes are no exception – the right outfit allows you to complete each standard of movement easily and comfortably without being distracted by fabric.
When deciding what to wear to yoga, there are many factors to consider. This guide provides a helpful overview of the key outfits to keep with you and the features to look for in each one.
What to Look for in Yoga Clothes
Yoga pants, yoga shorts, and yoga leggings – whichever you prefer, they should all have one key point: comfort. Do your clothes fit properly and feel comfortable on your body? Do they provide enough coverage and support so that you can focus on getting the best pose, rather than adjusting your waistband?
Flexibility is also important when shopping for yoga clothing. You want your clothes to move with you in whatever position you are in. If they prevent you from getting into deep stretches or poses, they will work against you. With that in mind, look for yoga clothes in breathable, lightweight fabrics so they’ll be more flattering and flexible.
As you try on your costumes, try stretching, sitting, bending and moving to see how they perform in real-life training.
Now that you know what features to prioritize when buying yoga clothes, let’s dive into what to wear to yoga class.
Whether you’re new to yoga or an advanced practitioner, we recommend keeping several different pairs of yoga leggings in your closet.
For example, some people prefer flared yoga pants that allow them to move their ankles more freely, and many people feel better supported and less exposed in high-waisted yoga pants. There are also yoga pants with pockets – an important benefit if you want to keep certain items like lip balm within reach – and yoga shorts, which are cooler to wear than full-length yoga pants.
Black yoga pants are an easy neutral choice that will go with most anything, but you may also want to express your personality with bright colors or fun features like mesh cutouts and bold patterns. Whichever style you buy, make sure they are flexible, have good wicking capabilities, are comfortable and won’t be seen through when you bend over.
Lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics are ideal for yoga tops. It’s a good idea to choose yoga t-shirts that fit slightly to prevent them from moving or riding up during any of your inversion poses. Yoga tops also come in many styles, such as yoga crop tops, long/short sleeve yoga tees, and tank tops, among others.
When shopping for a sports bra, the first thing to consider is the amount of support you need, which depends on the size of your chest and the intensity of your classes.
For example, some yoga classes involve more movement and require a bra that minimizes impact. This may mean a bra with compression, underwire or a high neck to reduce bounce. On the other hand, for restorative or stretch-based classes, you may not need much support.
Ideally, yoga sports bras should use as few clasps or zippers as possible, as they can bump against your skin and cause pain in some poses. If you don’t like the pullover style, you can choose a sports bra with a front closure to reduce irritation.
How to Care for Yoga Clothes
If in doubt, refer to the yoga clothing label for instructions on how to wash. Some clothes may need to be hand washed and air dried, while other items can be placed in a regular washer and dryer. Like other fitness clothing, yoga clothes can easily become smelly due to all the hard work you put in on your mat. To keep them fresh, you can use a sports laundry detergent to eliminate unwanted odors.
