What is the proper yoga outfit?

Those of you who have tried yoga at least once in your life are probably familiar with the numerous benefits it has on the mind and the body. Although it is one of those practices that take a while to fully unfold and work its magic for you, even after a first session it is easy to spot the flow of energy through your body. This is one of the reasons why yoga today is among the most popular ways of releasing some steam, saying goodbye to pressure, and maintaining balance. 

Yoga is nothing new and has been around for centuries. It is only now that we have started paying it the attention it deserves, however. Regardless of the part of the world you currently live in, if you look around chances are that there is a yoga studio somewhere nearby. And this is great news as with the support of professional yoga teachers you can achieve tremendous results. Yoga can also be an extremely intimate and individual moment and can be practised at home. 

One of the first questions we ask ourselves when we first start with yoga is what to actually wear. This is not always related to looking amazing but rather it is a matter of comfort as yoga is quite  flexibility demanding. 

We have prepared for you a list of things to consider when choosing the right yoga outfit. Following these suggestions will ensure that you feel comfortable in your own body at all times, you are able to freely move to perform different movements, and your body is well protected and supported throughout the time. 

Here we go!

Choosing the right yoga top

Starting from top to bottom, selecting the right yoga top is one of the first choices to make. 

The yoga top material

If you will be opting for a T-shirt to provide maximum comfort, make sure it is made from breathable material that will not make you too sweaty and irritate your skin. Such materials are usually cotton, lycra, or nylon and they are all ideal for the cause.

The only occasion where cotton should be avoided is if you will be doing Bikram or hot yoga. These practices usually involve a lot of sweating and cotton will absorb it, making you feel heavy and uncomfortable.

Paying attention to structure

In addition, try to avoid tops that fall down or bunch up when performing certain movements. This is easy to establish by doing a quick test in the fitting room by lifting your hands up or bending downwards with your head facing the floor. Low-cut or lose collar tops are also not a perfect choice as there is a chance that you will expose certain body parts when performing different yoga postures or poses. 

Choice of yoga top color

The choice of color is also not to be underestimated. Although yoga gear is usually associated with warmer and lighter colors, if you know that you get quite sweaty during exercises, choose a dark-colored top to avoid sweat marks that may distract you during the session.

Tank top or sports bra?

Both tank tops and sports bras are an amazing choice for your next yoga class! 

For maximum freedom of movement in the shoulder area, choose a tank top or singlet. The tank top should fit perfectly, with no loose ends. Especially if you will be practicing power yoga, which involves a lot of pose-changing in small intervals. Sports bras, on the other hand, are a top choice for many thanks to the provided freedom, their stylish look, and comfortable touch. Although sports bras can be worn underneath a shirt, they can also be worn independently, with a pair of high-waist yoga leggings. 

It is essential to choose a sports bra that will stay in place at all times, regardless of how intense your yoga session is. A number of yoga poses require difficult movements that involve the chest area. It is important that you remain confident that your sports bra will be able to cover and protect you throughout the class or home session. 

Keep in mind that V-neck sports bras or those of light colors usually reveal more. Also, remember to bring a shirt along for after the yoga workout. To add a bit of style and extra warmth, you can put on a long-sleeved shirt over your sports bra. This will offer extra flexibility as you can put on and take off the extra layer when necessary.

Choosing the right pair of bottoms for your yoga outfit

Now that we’ve covered the upper part of the body, it’s time to move downwards towards the legs. We’ve already mentioned that most yoga poses do require a level of flexibility and stretching, meaning that your choice of bottoms will be especially important in defining whether you will enjoy yoga and reap results. 

Yoga leggings are a must

There is a reason why yoga leggings are called the way they are. Leggings are probably among the most comfortable pieces of clothing for the lower part of your body and are certainly a top choice not only for yoga outfits but for a range of different workouts and activities. Their stretchable material means that you never have to worry about getting into a stretchy pose. Yoga leggings allow you to fully unfold your body’s flexibility with no restraints. 

Apart from beings stylish and comfortable, yoga leggings are also a great way to help your yoga instructor see how you are doing in their class. The form of the body is easily seen even in the toughest of poses with leggings as they are tightly glued to the skin. This will help your yoga instructor correct you where necessary. 

Keep in mind that some leggings may become a bit see-through, depending on the toughness of the material and the extent to which you will be stretching them. It’s worth to perform a quick check by squatting a few times in the fitting room or stretching the material to see how it reacts. 

The best part is that the variety of yoga leggings available is so rich that there is a pair for everyone out there. You can be as creative as you want with the choice of colors and designs, the choice is all yours to make. Yoga leggings are a great way to show off some personality and at the same time stay comfortable and confident in your body. 

What about yoga pants or bike shorts?

There are alternatives to yoga leggings if you want to spice things up and change styles from time to time. You can select a pair of breathable and comfy yoga pants for your dedicated yoga time. It is important to keep in mind that if the pants are too long there may be a chance of you stepping on them, which causes significant discomfort and distraction during yoga. Make sure the sizing is right and as usual, perform a test in the fitting room to see whether the pair is right for you. 

The choice of yoga pants should also be synchronized with the type of yoga that you will be performing. Intense yoga classes such as hot yoga or Bikram will certainly raise your body temperature, meaning that full-length cotton yoga pants are probably not the best idea. 

It’s important to note that the majority of yoga pants have been created with the aim of omitting the necessity to wear underwear to avoid the limitations associated with them. This may not be comfortable for everyone and the best thing to do is try a few poses at home before hitting the yoga studio. 

Bike shorts, on the other hand, are ideal for those of you who don’t like a lot of material on their legs and prefer to stay cooler. Like yoga pants, most bike shorts will not require underwear underneath, offering even more freedom of movement. 

The accessories to finish the yoga outfit

So far we have looked at the central parts of the yoga outfit. However, there are a number of useful accessories that may come in handy during yoga. For instance, if you have longer hair, make sure to always bring a hair tie or hair band to ensure that you are not irritated or distracted by loose hair. A hairband is also a great idea to prevent hair from causing trouble and to absorb any potential sweat that may appear on your forehead.

Slippery feet and hands are a common issue for those who practice yoga. To solve this problem, bring along a pair of yoga gloves and yoga socks that offer a better grip on your mat. You will no longer have to worry about slipping while performing your poses and losing your balance. 

A towel is another must-bring “accessory” to a yoga class or a home-based yoga session. Don’t underestimate the ability of yoga to make you sweat. It may seem like a nice and calm exercise but it does put pressure on the body and you may need to be prepared with a towel to wipe off any sweaty body surfaces. 

We hope that you will find this article useful for your next yoga session. Prepare well and take on yoga with confidence!

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