Choosing yoga wear can be a perplexing task, especially if you are a beginner. So, deciding what to wear for yoga class a night before can save you some precious time and energy in the morning.
Many of us find it convenient to visit e-commerce sites and look for that ideal yoga wear. If you are going to invest in new yoga wear or are planning to just mix and match from your wardrobe, a little research beforehand can help. Let’s explore some secrets behind choosing the ideal yoga wear.
Secret 1: Choose fabric that breathes with you
Though some people find loose clothes ideal for yoga, it is not necessarily comfortable. In fact, you should avoid wearing very loose or very tight clothes. Some yoga asanas or postures might become even more challenging with such clothes!
The key is to look for fabrics that are breathable and comfortable at the same time. Yoga wear comes in a variety of natural fibers like organic cotton, bamboo, and linen for eco-conscious yogis.
Secret 2: Elastic tops can help you stretch
Choose yoga wear that is comfortable, with modest coverage – that will not reveal too much. So you don’t constantly tug at your clothes during yoga class.
Stretchable T-shirts, with a blend of cotton, that hug the torso, work well for both men and women. Women could look for yoga tops with built-in bras.
Secret 3: Long or short, wear pants that support
Yoga pants with an elastic waist and that conform to the body’s shape are best. For women, yoga pants are available with a foldable waist for extra comfort and warmth.
Capri-style yoga pants are also popular among both men and women.
Surfers won’t have to buy extra pants; men’s board shorts, the kind surfers wear to the beach, are long enough, and also look great!
Secret 4: Choose colors that blend
Light colours and earthy tones harmonize well with the calming influence of yoga. For fashion divas, yoga clothing can be found with design details like prints and embroidery.
What yoga wear to avoid
- Overly loose pants can slide and get in the way of yoga poses.
- Drawstring pants are uncomfortable when lying on the stomach.
- Avoid tops with loose necklines or collars; they get irritating during inversions, such as the Sarvangasana.
- Avoid wearing shorts because they can bunch up in upside-down poses.
Secret 5: Select clothes based on the time of day
If you practive yoga at dawn, or in the morning, or during winters, you might want to don some extra layers, as it can be chilly in the early hours. Some yoga centers also have air-conditioning.
A lightweight sweatshirt over a tank top will keep you warm. After all, you can always take it off if it gets too hot.
Secret 6: Yoga wear can transition into office wear
It is no secret that yoga can benefit work life as it helps relieve stress. As more businesses have started offering yoga classes at the workplace, employers have noticed benefits like higher employee satisfaction as well as increased productivity but they don’t have to notice your yoga pants!
- Yoga pants are quietly showing up in casual office wear for women. Tunics, loose sheath, or A-line dresses in blends of cotton, linen, or silk look great. Throw on some jewellery and ballet flats or boots after your yoga practice, and you’re ready for your next meeting off the mat!
- Yoga pants made of thicker fabrics like stretchy tweeds or structured knits also blend easily in the office. Wear a longer length top that extends beyond the waist to the midthigh.
- Yoga pants are comfortable for work from home entrepreneurs and executives as well as outside of yoga class, these pants double as leggings. So, you can wear them for meetings, grocery shopping, as well as for picking up the kids!
Before heading out for yoga, make sure to run a trial with warm-up stretches like jumping jacks and spot jogging or perform some basic yoga asanas, say some postures from Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations Pose).
It’s all about choosing clothes that hug your body and allow easy movement at the same time. And you’re good to go. Have fun!
If you’re looking for a holistic experience with your yoga classes, join the Sri Sri yoga program.
(Marilyn is a yoga enthusiast who loves to incorporate her inspiration about yoga postures and spirituality into her writing and art.)
