What Should You Wear to a Yoga Class

Whether you’ve recently discovered a love for yoga or you are heading to your first class ever, deciding what to wear can be a challenge. While the act of yoga is meant to be meditative and relaxing, deciding on an appropriate outfit can be quite stressful. Like any sport, wearing the right clothes can make a significant difference. As such, it’s important to find the perfect pieces that will help you bend, stretch, and stay comfortable throughout the whole class. Luckily, there are plenty of great activewear brands waiting to provide you with all the gear required to be a top yoga. Now all you need to know is which pieces are worth investing in, and we can help with that.

Types of Yoga Classes

If you’re not familiar with yoga, you may want to do some research into the different class types before beginning. Far from just one thing, yoga can refer to many different classes. As such, it’s important to know the differences to find the right one for you. Knowing which yoga you’re attending will also help to manage your expectations and give you a guide on what to wear. For example, Bikram and hot yoga classes are taught in a heated room, meaning that you’ll sweat. As such, these detoxifying sessions demand clothes that are designed to wick away moisture.

If you are attending a beginner class, it may be a Hatha or Vinyasa type. These classes are focused on coordinating movement and breath with Vinyasa being slightly faster and involving more intense stretching, leg lifting, and inversions. Iyengar yoga, on the other hand, focuses on poses that you would hold for a longer period of time, allowing you to find your balance and deepen the stretch. This style of yoga will also often use props. There are also Power and Ashtanga yoga classes that involve constant movement between poses, making them more challenging than other types.

Yoga Attire

Choosing what to wear to yoga is an important decision that can either enhance or hinder your time in the class. To ensure you get the most out of your session, choose pieces that are flexible and will move with you while keeping you covered. Avoid any restrictive or uncomfortable garments as they can be distracting and take you out of the moment. Instead, opt for fitted designs with plenty of stretch in fabrics that are soft and breathable, such cotton, bamboo or jersey. Of course, an outfit that is fashionable doesn’t hurt either so have fun with your yoga wardrobe.

Bras

Choosing a good sports bra is important to having a successful yoga session, particularly if you’re big busted. Whether you want to wear your sports bra underneath a top or on its own, picking one that supports and holds you is a must. After all, you don’t want your bra slipping out of place and revealing what’s beneath, so make sure that you choose a style that will stay neatly in place throughout every Downward Dog and Headstand pose. Likewise, bras that are lightweight, V-neck or light in colour may not be the best option for an intense yoga session.

Singlets/Tanks

Singlets and tanks can be great for yoga as they provide you with unrestricted arm movement. When it comes to choosing one, it’s best to avoid any that are too loose. As yoga often requires upside down or angled movement, any tops that are too loose will bunch up and move around. Along with revealing your stomach, this can also be distracting, annoying, and it may even block your vision. To avoid this issue, you should choose singlets and tank tops that fit snugly and stay in place throughout all your movements. A style that is form-fitting without feeling tight or binding will make an excellent choice.

Long Sleeve Tops

Just as with your singlets and tanks, it’s best to avoid loose long sleeve tops. Instead, opt for something fitted that will stay in place throughout every inversion. Likewise, avoid anything with a very low neckline to ensure proper coverage during the class. If you do wish to wear a looser long sleeve top, you should consider partnering it with a singlet underneath. Doing so will have many benefits, including keeping you covered should your top fall out of place. It will also allow you to keep warm or cool during different sections of the class by either wearing the long sleeve top or removing it to reveal the singlet beneath.

Tights

Tights are an essential investment for any yoga student. These comfortable and stretchable pants will provide you with a full range of movement and allow your instructor to check your alignment. The material of tights will also absorb any sweat, making it easier to maintain certain poses. Just be sure to choose a pair with quick-drying fabric to ensure a comfortable session. When it comes to length, you can select either cropped or full-length tights depending on your preference and the class type. In general, cropped styles are ideal for fast-paced and hot classes while full-length designs are perfect for slower sessions. Also, be aware that any thin or light coloured tights may become see-through during certain poses, so thick styles in dark hues tend to be best.

Shorts

Good yoga shorts can be difficult to find, but once you have a pair, you will find them invaluable for hot and Bikram classes. When choosing a pair, avoid both short shorts and loose shorts. As you’ll be twisting your body into unique positions, it’s best to wear other styles that will keep you covered. Pick a pair that makes you feel confident enough to bend and contort with your legs up in the air without feeling exposed. Also, ensure that they don’t bunch up when you move otherwise you’ll constantly be pulling them down. A fitted pair that finishes around mid-thigh height will be perfect. You can even try bicycle shorts if you’re struggling to find the ideal style.

What to Wear to Yoga Class

• Wear a sports bra that supports and holds you throughout all movements.
• Choose singlets and tank tops that are fitted.
• Try layering a long sleeve top over a singlet top and removing it during intense sections of the class.
• Quality, quick-drying tights in either a full or cropped length make an excellent option for pants.
• For heated classes like Bikram, wear fitted shorts that finish around mid-thigh height.
• When travelling to and from yoga, wear either sneakers, slides or sandals.