If you’re new to yoga, you may wonder what to wear when you practice, whether you’re going to a studio or practicing at home. The answer, for the most part, is whatever you’re comfortable wearing! That said, there are a few things you might want to consider when choosing yoga clothing.
Wear yoga clothing that works when you’re upside down.
While you probably won’t be doing handstands or headstands in your first classes, there’s a good change your head will be below your waist at times in forward bends or downward-facing dog pose, for example. For that reason, make sure your top is snug. There’s nothing more annoying than having your face inside your tee shirt—or worse, having it fall over your head, revealing parts of your anatomy you’d rather keep covered.
Also consider that very wide pants will slide down your legs when your legs are above your head. While that’s not a problem for everyone, you may find it uncomfortable.
Wear yoga clothing you can move in.
This probably goes without saying, but you will be moving in yoga class! So while you want something snug, don’t wear clothing so tight you can’t move freely from pose to pose. Also watch the length of yoga pants. If they’re too long, you may find yourself tripping over them while moving from one pose to the next.
Don’t let your yoga clothing distract your neighbor.
There are a few ways your clothing can be distracting. The first is probably obvious, but remember your goal is not to attract attention but to practice comfortably.
Bright colors and patterns are great for many activities, but consider something mellower for a practice intended to calm the mind and help you go within.
Don’t let your neighbor influence your yoga clothing choice.
Yoga is big business these days. That means there is lots of designer yoga clothing out there. If it’s within your budget and you like the fashions, there’s nothing wrong with splurging on yoga clothing you feel great wearing. But there’s also nothing wrong with wearing a basic tee shirt and a pair of sweatpants to class. There’s no need to keep up with the Yogi Joneses. Wear what you want to wear.
Keep your feet bare.
The etiquette in almost all yoga studios is to remove your shoes before you roll out your mat. The same is true, for the most part, with socks. Yoga is best practiced with bare feet for a few reasons. First, you’ll want to connect with the earth, and socks will get in the way. It’s also a bit dangerous to practice with your socks on since you’re much more likely to slip. It will be difficult to move well when you’re worried about losing your balance.
After a few classes, you’ll be able to choose your wardrobe easily. After many classes, you’ll probably notice you have some cool new clothing you didn’t have before you started your yoga practice. As with any wardrobe, your yoga clothing should be a reflection of you. Feel good in it and feel comfortable wearing it.
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