Yoga Clothing Tips
Read these 11 Yoga Clothing Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Yoga tips and hundreds of other topics.
Beware Your Hair
If you have long hair, your yoga apparel must-have list to take to a class should include headbands, barrettes, and ponytail holders to keep your hair away from your face. Because so much of yoga involves bending and twisting, long hair flapping in your face will distract you and may interfere with your breathing as well. Even if you have short or medium-length hair, you may want to use a headband or barrettes to keep layers of hair off your face so you are not distracted by it during inversion poses or forward bends.
Choose A Yoga Bra That's Supportive But Not Too Tight
Because yoga doesn't involve jumping and bouncing, a maximum support sports bra is not essential and many women favor tank tops with a built-in bra, or a comfortable everyday bra in a soft fabric. If you want the added support of a sports bra, choose a bra that feels comfortable and secure, but it need not be quite as snug as a bra that you would wear for running or aerobics. A bra that's too tight may distract you by chafing your shoulders during twisting or bending poses.
Women seeking plus-sized yoga clothes may feel more comfortable with a more supportive sports bra, but some plus-sized yoga tops have built-in bras that provide enough support for yoga. Try on several styles to find the fit that's best for you.
Prolong The Life Of Your Yoga Clothing With Proper Care
If your yoga clothing is made of moisture-wicking fabric, it will last longer and look best if you wash it in cold water on the gentle cycle with a mild detergent such as Woolite. And don't put yoga wear in the dryer; it causes the fabric to break down more quickly. Hang your yoga clothes to dry on a drying rack or on plastic hangers in the bathroom and they will dry quickly and be ready for your next workout. If cared for correctly, yoga clothes can last for years.
What to Wear to Your First Yoga Class
A few pointers for men and women attending a yoga class for the first time: Do wear comfortable yoga clothes, such as a T-shirt and sweatpants or drawstring pants. Women should wear a support bra if needed. Be prepared to move and perhaps sweat more than you think, so choose fabrics that are cool and light. Don't worry about shoes. It's best to wear none or keep your (clean!) socks on during class.
Yoga Clothes: From Studio to Street
Yoga clothes aren't just for yoga anymore! Yoga is considered a holistic practice, incorporating practical life with spiritual life. Not surprisingly, the more people practice yoga, the more time they spend in yoga clothing. Sooner or later yoga clothing was bound to trickle out of the studios and onto the streets. Makes perfect sense if you think about it: If everything in the universe is connected, why should our clothing be any different?
The Best Yoga Pants
There are two schools of thought when it comes to yoga pants. Traditionally, loose trousers are worn. These are typically drawstring pants made of cotton. Form-fitting pants are also good, however. These allow your instructor to see your legs and assist you in achieving proper alignment with the poses. Whichever you choose, be sure you are comfortable in what you are wearing.
Yoga Shoes
Many practitioners of yoga wear nothing on their feet at all. Unlike other exercise routines, being barefoot allows you to get the best grip on the floor while you practice your poses. However, for those who do not prefer to be barefoot or keep stocking feet, there are thin-soled yoga shoes available. These are light and flexible enough to allow you move freely.
The Feel of Yoga Clothing
Truly devoted practitioners of yoga know that besides wearing comfortable clothing -- or no clothing at all -- there is no yoga apparel that is better than any other. However, yoga clothing is designed for comfort. Specific yoga pants, for example, are made with a cotton-spandex combination that allows for extra flexibility. Many also have roll-down waistbands that offer another level of comfort to your middle section as you move through poses or sit for long periods of meditation.
What's Required
No special clothing is necessary to practice yoga. All you need is comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. Some people like to wear shorts and tee shirts; others prefer to wear leotards or unitards. The most important factor is that you be able to move easily without your clothing binding or constricting.
Yoga Clothing
Although no special clothing is needed to practice yoga, your yoga clothing should allow maximum comfort and movement. Wear something loose and/or stretchy such as shorts or cotton drawstring trousers and at T-shirt or tank top. Slightly form-fitting clothing is also acceptable. In addition, your clothes should not make you sticky and moist during your practice. The best yoga wear is comfortable and breathable. Some practices also request that you keep the colors light, to keep spirits light as well.
