What to Wear to Yoga?!

Written by Jerica on . Posted in Resources.

by Jerica Rossi

We often get calls or questions from first timers who have no idea what to wear to class. While waking up early and dragging yourself out of bed in time for yoga is a battle of its own, knowing what to wear is another. Luckily, we’ve got some tips to help you pick clothes that will make you feel comfortable in class- and hopefully cut down on the time it takes to get ready.

These are some of the personal guidelines I follow:

A shirt that won’t creep up on me while I’m in downward dog.
Not only can it obstruct my vision, but a baggy shirt can often ride up and reveal my mid-drift to those around me. While i’m practicing, the last thing I want to be doing is fidgeting so I usually try to wear a tight tank top that stays in place while I move around. Feel that’s too revealing for you? Wear a tight tank UNDER your t-shirt! Or wear a sports bra and don’t wear a shirt at all- your call! As long as you feel comfortable in your practice, and aren’t too revealing/impeding on the experience of others in the room- do you.

Quality pants are key.
When I try on yoga pants, the first thing I do is put my hand inside and hold it up to the light at the store. Can I see my hand? Because if I can, you’ll certainly be able to see my undies while I’m stretching about. As far as fabric quality goes, find something that doesn’t lose it’s stretch or elasticity. While name brands like Lululemon or Fabletics surely deliver, if you know what to look for, you can usually score a sweet find at TJ MAXX or Marshalls. Personally, I’m a fan of the pants with a higher waistband, giving me a little extra lower back support and keeping me covered up.

If you don’t like leggings, or feel they can be a little to tight or revealing, go with a loose fitting linen or sweatpants. If I go with one of these options, I just make sure that going into warrior pose doesn’t require me to fidget with the pant around my knee. Too hot for yoga pants and want to wear shorts? Go with something that won’t bunch up or that you won’t have to pull down every few minutes.

Find the right bra.
With lots of stretching and movement, I’d avoid anything with a wire in it and go with a sports bra that offers extra coverage, or a bralet to keep everything in place. And make sure the fabric breathes- otherwise you might be in for a chafe of a time.

Bring layers (depending on the class and season).
If I’m hopping into the Hot Stone Restorative or know I’ll be holding longer poses in Yin, I usually bring along a zip-up to keep warm. If I start to build heat, I simply shed some layers, and then put them back on before savasana to avoid chills.

Care for your athletic wear!
Sweaty yoga clothes can easily get that funky musty smell if not dried completely, even if they get put in the washer fairly soon after class. Make sure to let your clothes dry completely, even before washing, to keep them feeling new.

Leave the shoes at the door.
While yoga is traditionally done barefoot, if slipping around on your mat leaves you feeling weird- grab some of the Barre socks we have in our boutique to help you with traction! Remember, though: Yoga is about finding comfort in the uncomfortable. So, perhaps, give the ole barefoot method a try!

Interested in more tips? Check out these resources…

What Not to Wear to Yoga Class, Because Wardrobe Malfunctions Are Never Fun

The 7 Rules: What to Wear For Yoga

What to Wear to Your First Yoga Class

 

Jerica handles marketing + management for Waynesville Yoga Center. When not working, she can be found behind a camera lens, embarking an adventure or contemplating life while perched in tree pose. Taking classes at WYC has helped her  face – and conquer – her own yoga fears.

 

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