It’s no secret that yoga is having a moment. Once considered a fringe workout, yoga has gone mainstream, with studios popping up in cities across the globe.
With the world impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for yoga equipment increased by 154%, making the practice incredibly popular.
If you’re new to yoga, or just looking to try a different studio or style, you may be wondering what to wear to yoga class. These are some guidelines to follow when it comes to appropriate yoga attire.
Types of Yoga Classes
There are 8 different types of yoga classes that you can join, with Hatha yoga being the most popular and most widely taught:
- Hatha yoga – Good for body awareness, breathing, and restoration
- Ashtanga yoga – Good for muscle strength, reducing stress, and easing pain
- Hot yoga – Good for weight loss, improving adrenaline, and flexibility
- Iyengar yoga – Good for core muscle strength like legs and back
- Kundalini yoga – Good for improving flexibility and finding spiritual enlightenment
- Power yoga – Good for burning calories and building resistance
- Restorative yoga – Good for restoring balance and helping the body to rest
- Vinyasa yoga – Good for an endurance and muscle training
Since all types of yoga have a different purpose and require a challenge from your body. Despite these challenges, there are numerous advantages to yoga, including better mental health and a positive impact on fitness, according to the NIH.
What to wear to a yoga class might differ, and we’ll go through this below.
Dress for Yoga Practice Depending on The Type of Class
We previously discussed the different types of classes, but let’s focus on the most popular ones and what to wear for each.
Hatha Yoga
In Hatha Yoga classes, you want to be comfortable and move your body freely. Loose-fitting clothes that allow you to breathe are the best choice.
While yoga pants and t-shirts are excellent, many people prefer to wear clothes that are more fitted and comfortable. Leggings and tank tops are popular choices.
If you’re new to yoga, it’s a good idea to wear something that you feel comfortable in and won’t be too worried about getting sweaty or stretched out.
Vinyasa Yoga
The key to finding the perfect outfit for the Vinyasa Yoga class is comfort, as you want to be able to move and breathe easily in your clothing.
A fitted tank top or sports bra paired with yoga pants or leggings. This is a classic yoga outfit that is comfortable, breathable, and allows for maximum freedom of movement.
It’s important to remember not to wear anything baggy or long that could get in your way while moving through the various yoga poses. A loose-fitting t-shirt paired with shorts or capris is an excellent alternative. This is another superb option for a Vinyasa yoga class that doesn’t feel too tight or restrictive.
Kundalini Yoga
The best thing to wear in Kundalini Yoga class is comfortable clothing that you can move freely in and that you can sit in comfortably. We recommend baggy trousers with a vest or leggings.
It is also important to wear layers, as Kundalini Yoga can be quite intense and you may want to remove a layer or two as you heat up. If you have long hair, it is advisable to tie it back so that you can focus on meditation and movements.
/kundalini-56aa41b75f9b58b7d0035165.jpg)
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga yoga practice is best done while wearing tight, sweat-wicking ashtanga yoga pants. For ashtanga yoga classes, wear a fitted tank that won’t fall down when you’re upside down.
Ashtanga yoga requires you to twist and hold poses for lengthy amounts of time, so make sure your clothing isn’t restricting you.
Hot Yoga
In a hot yoga class, you’ll appreciate clothing that dries quickly and absorbs moisture. Avoid wearing 100 percent cotton clothing since it will retain sweat and make your attire heavier. Look for pants, tops, and sports bras constructed of fabrics used in sports apparel.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46294764/bikram-yoga1.0.0.png)
Yoga Etiquette
Other than knowing what to wear for a yoga class, you should know the unwritten rules of any session, that we list here:
- If it’s your first yoga class, make sure to come early.
- Wear comfortable clothes, no matter the type of yoga class.
- Leave your shoes outside as you’re not supposed to wear them in class.
- Let the teacher know if you have any conditions such as sciatica or hernia.
- Bring a bottle of water, a towel, and your mat – most classes provide the latter but having your personal one is always better.
Obviously, there are some other rules, such as not bringing your phone and not talking loudly, since yoga is supposed to be a peaceful activity. But these were the most important worth noting.
What to Look for in Yoga Clothing?
When looking for the perfect yoga clothes, there are a few key factors. First and foremost, it is essential to choose comfortable and breathable clothing, allowing you to move freely as you practice your poses.
Opt for materials like cotton that will help keep you cool and dry during your workout while also providing support and stretch.
Another important consideration when choosing yoga clothes is fit. You want to find flattering and functional pieces, so look for items that move with your body and won’t ride up or bunch during your practice.
Finally, don’t forget about style. While yoga clothes should be practical, they can also be stylish. Look for stylish prints and trendy cuts that will help you stand out from the rest of the class.
What is the Best Material for Yoga Clothes?
Nylon, bamboo, polyester, and Lycra are the ideal choices for yoga clothes since they are durable, flexible, moisture-wicking, and comfy. There are several different types of athletic attire fabrics to select from, some with advantages and drawbacks, so it depends on what you prefer and the type of yoga class.
Your first yoga class can be a bit daunting. You may be wondering what to wear and how to prepare. Here is what you need to wear to have the best first-class.
Sports Bra
Sports bra and yoga pants are the perfect combination for your practice. They stretch easily to fit your body and will not leave any sweat patches when you start to perspire during your class.
Leggings or Yoga Pants
Yoga pants are the most popular type of bottoms to wear to yoga class. They’re comfortable, they don’t ride up or fall down, and they allow you to move freely.
If you’re just starting out, we recommend wearing leggings or yoga pants that are made from cotton as they’re the most comfortable material. You can check yoga pants vs leggings, and make your own choice. By the way, tight yoga pants can make camel toe, just notice it.
Yoga Tops
Your choice of yoga top is important for two reasons. First, you want to be sure that your yoga top is comfortable and won’t distract you from your practice.
Second, you want to be sure that it is designed to make the most of your body type and will make you look good and feel comfortable.
Yoga Shoes
Yoga shoes are not a necessity, but they can make your practice more comfortable and prevent injuries like ankle sprains. If you don’t have yoga shoes, any comfortable pair of sneakers will do.
What to Bring with You to Yoga?
Yoga is a beautiful and relaxing practice that helps feel centered, calm and connected. In order to get the most out of your yoga practice, it is important to be prepared with the right supplies.
Yoga Mat
Most yoga studios will have yoga mats that you can rent or borrow, but it’s always best to bring your own. This way, you know that the mat is clean and free of any bacteria. It also helps to create a sense of personal space and belonging when you use your own mat.
Yoga Towel
Bring a yoga towel to your yoga class, if you sweat or your mat is sweaty. They’re easy to wash, but you don’t want your mat smelling bad.
When it comes to choosing a yoga towel, there are several things to consider. First of all, you want a towel that feels good on your skin and is comfortable to use when you’re sweating during class.
The material should also be absorbent so that you can use it to dry yourself off after class ends and avoid getting chilled by the air-conditioned studio.
Some people prefer a microfiber towel, which is usually made from high-quality synthetic fibers and can be quite thin.
Change of Clothes
You might not be able to do a full yoga class in your street clothes, but you can always bring a change of clothes to change into for afterward. This way, you can fully enjoy the experience and avoid feeling uncomfortable during the class.
Face Wash
A face wash to your yoga class in a small container. A face wash will help you to feel refreshed after your yoga session.
Use a gentle cleanser that is designed for sensitive skin types. You may want to avoid using a face wash with strong fragrances or artificial ingredients.
Water
You will want to make sure that you bring water to your yoga class, as you will be sweating and need to stay hydrated.
Yoga Pants for Women Are Everywhere – What Do Men Wear to Yoga?
As a man, you might be wondering what the best yoga clothes for men are, but it all depends on the type of yoga class and the level of intensity.
For more casual classes, men can wear shorts and a t-shirt. For more intense classes, men might want to wear form-fitting clothing that won’t get in the way while they’re moving.
No matter what you choose to wear, it’s important to stay comfortable and focused while practicing yoga. So, whether you’re in shorts and a t-shirt or leggings and a tank top, make sure your clothing is breathable and won’t make you feel uncomfortable at any point.
How to Choose Yoga Clothes?
Yoga pants or short bottoms that are breathable, and flexible. A breathable, form-fitting top that will not hang over your head when you’re in different positions. A sports bra or built-in shelf bra for ladies to provide the necessary support during your yoga workout.
Also, choose Capris full-length pants, preferably in cotton or synthetic fabric, and, lastly, decide whether you want thick or thin yoga pants.
On top of that, the best materials you can choose for a yoga class are nylon, bamboo, Lycra, and polyester, depending on your personal preferences
How to Care for Yoga Clothes
When you’ve got sweaty workout clothes, it can be tempting to just toss them in the hamper and forget about them until laundry day. But if you don’t wash them right away, they can start to smell really bad.
Well, the first thing you need to do is make sure you’re washing your workout clothes as soon as possible after your workout and with cold water. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to get the sweat smell out and the more bacteria will grow.
Apart from that, if you wash them in the washing machine, choose a gentle cycle as a lot of vibration can damage your activewear. We also recommend drying them naturally and avoiding dryers as they can shrink clothes and damage them.
Lastly, wash them in small loads and avoid mixing them with all your daily clothes.
Conclusion
Now that you know what to wear to yoga class, you can focus on your practice and perfecting your favorite poses.
Remember, there is no one “right” way to dress for yoga. As long as you are comfortable and can move freely, you will be able to reap the many benefits of the practice.
