If you’ve come here, it’s probably because you’ve signed up for your first yoga class. The problem is, you have no idea what to wear. All you know is that yoga involves bending, stretching, and balance – but does that mean you need to wear anything in particular?
Unfortunately, you can’t just wear ordinary clothes like jeans and a top for yoga. You also don’t have to spend a fortune on new clothes.
So, if you’re unsure what to wear, you’ve come to the right place. Here is our guide on what to wear to yoga!
Comfort Over Fashion
The key is prioritizing your comfort over how you look when dressing for yoga. Whether you’re going to a yoga class or if you’re trying out a tutorial at home, nobody is going to care what you wear.
Plus, the practice of yoga is all about leaving our vanity and materialism at home. So don’t worry about spending hundreds of dollars on high-end sports gear because yoga rejects this materialistic lifestyle. Instead, look for clothes you feel comfortable moving in and wearing repeatedly.
The key is to also dress according to the temperature, location of the class, and the intensity of the yoga. You don’t want to be covered in thick clothes in the summer heat, especially if you’re stuffed into a yoga class with no AC.
Likewise, you might get slightly cold if you wear minimal clothing while doing yoga on the beach in the evening.
Some forms of yoga are more intense than others, meaning you are likely to work up a sweat in some classes. So, depending on your skill level in yoga and general fitness level, you might want to wear clothes you feel comfortable getting a bit sweaty in.
What To Wear On The Top
You can afford to be super relaxed with what you wear on your top half. Depending on your comfort level, you can wear anything from just a sports bra to a loose-fitting long-sleeved shirt.
The key thing to remember is that yoga looks easier than it is. It’s not just about meditation because yoga is a workout in its own right. You can expect to get hot in your yoga class, so we recommend wearing loose-fitting tops like a t-shirt or gym top.
However, loose-fitting doesn’t mean you should wear an oversized top. You don’t want to spend the entire yoga session pulling up your sleeves or the straps of your top.
Instead, opt for something that comfortably fits your body without restricting your movements. For example, try moving your arms in wide circles when you try on a top before you leave for your class.
Most yoga class attendees will wear singlets or tank tops, as these are the most lightweight to keep you cool and allow maximum movement.
As for the fabric, aim for lightweight, breathable fabrics like polyester or cotton. This will help to keep you cool.
If you are a woman, it’s best to wear a sports bra that will protect your chest. Even though yoga isn’t a high-intensity workout, you’ll want to protect your breast tissue regardless. Aim to wear a sports bra without an underwire for maximum comfort.
What To Wear On The Bottom
The most popular clothing item worn in a yoga studio is yoga pants. Yoga pants are made of a lightweight polyester, designed to allow maximum flexibility and movement to reach a variety of poses. These pants are looser than regular leggings but not so loose that the fabric gets in the way.
Plus, these pants are stretchy around the waist to ensure they stay up at all times and allow the user to move along with them. First, however, make sure the yoga pants fit properly, otherwise, you’ll spend half of the session pulling them up.
If you don’t have yoga pants, you can technically wear whatever you feel most comfortable in. It’s not uncommon to see people wear leggings, sweatpants, or even gym shorts. Just make sure the material is lightweight and flexible enough for you to move in without restriction.
If you wish to wear gym shorts, we recommend wearing a pair of long cycling shorts. These shorts are tight-fitting but comfortable and don’t roll up whenever you move.
Accessories
Fortunately, you don’t have to wear much more than just a suitable top and pants! Yoga is an effortless activity that doesn’t require extensive equipment – all you need is yourself (properly dressed) and a yoga mat.
As for shoes, yoga is a shoe-less activity. Therefore, you will be required to remove all footwear and socks when you enter a yoga class.
This is because you will have better balance barefoot on the floor, whereas wearing shoes will only make the surface uneven. Plus, wearing trainers while in a pose will only enhance your chance of rolling an ankle.
If you wish, you should make sure to bring a towel to your yoga class. As we said, yoga can get sweaty! You can keep a small hand towel by your yoga mat or wear sweatbands on your wrists if it feels comfortable.
It’s best to remove any dangling jewelry such as earrings or necklaces, and if you typically wear glasses, try opting for contact lenses. You don’t want your glasses to fall off your face while in downward dog!
How To Wear Your Hair In Yoga
Just like your clothes, you don’t have to do anything fancy to your hair for a yoga class. However, for those with long hair, pulling it up into a ponytail or top bun is recommended to keep your hair out of your face. This will also help to keep you cool!
Conclusion
So, there you have it! While there are no rules about what to wear to a yoga class, you will benefit the most from wearing lightweight and breathable active wear.