Choosing yoga clothing sounds easy until you realize that anything too tight will make you uncomfortable and anything too loose will expose you or fall over your head in certain positions. Here are some tips on choosing yoga clothing to help you stay focused on your practice instead of your attire.
Functional attire
Falling under the category of “athleisure,” yoga attire now tends to be as much about fashion as function, but it’s not necessary to look stylish while you exercise For men, yoga shorts with built-in liners or yoga shorts that reach all the way to the knee can help keep you covered and comfortable. Some men opt for spandex yoga shorts, but they can ride up during practice.
Yoga pants made with a blend of nylon, spandex and polyester are a good bet. They’ll wick moisture but also move with you as you practice yoga. High-waisted yoga pants are a good choice to avoid slippage below your belly.
Most experienced yoga practitioners prefer a tank top or form-fitting t-shirt that hugs the waist and hips to keep them from shifting over your head when you bend forward. Look for a breathable fabric with soft seams that wick moisture. Skip anything with an itchy tag or that’s made from cotton.
Don’t skimp on a sweatshirt or zip-up jacket, especially if you’re going outside after an intense class.
If you really don’t want to go barefoot, invest in yoga sucks, which have plastic treads on the bottom to help you prevent sliding.
As for underwear, avoid cotton and anything so loose that it can bunch or chafe. Not everyone wears underwear with yoga pants or shorts, but if you do, look for something that will wick moisture.
Fabrics
There are three words to consider when choosing the fabric for yoga class:
- breathability
- flexibility
- comfort
Even if you don’t do hot yoga, plan on sweating a lot. If you’re out of shape, you may sweat a lot, but if you’re in great shape, you may also be able to increase the intensity of your practice, which will cause you to sweat more.
