Yoga is one of the most accessible forms of exercise; not only is it good for the body, but it’s good for the mind and spirit too. We always say that in order to begin your yoga practice, all you really need is a good yoga mat. We have lots of information available about choosing the perfect yoga mat for you. However, if you’ve decided to head to a yoga class, you’re probably already beginning to mentally go through your wardrobe and decide what you might be able to wear or whether you need to do a quick shop. But what is the acceptable dress code for the yoga studio?
Choose Comfortable Yoga Clothes Over Designer
If you’re headed to a studio for the first time, it’s easy to feel intimidated, but we would advise going for comfort over spending a fortune on designer gear. Lots of online media suggest that yoga is only ever done by drop-dead gorgeous girls in Lululemon and aloe yoga gear but trust us. This is not the case. You will find an open and welcoming group of people made up of all different shapes and sizes dressed in comfortable, practical yoga clothing. The principle of yoga suggests that we leave any attachment to material things and brands outside of the studio. So, it really doesn’t matter how much your yoga clothing cost providing it meets the need of a yoga practice.
Yoga Clothes – Tops
Yoga poses are going to put your body into all sorts of positions, this includes hanging down, and the last thing you want is a yoga top that’s too loose and falls down over your head, exposing your underwear to the class. Generally, yoga tops are tight-fitting so that they stay put when you’re bending and stretching. If you are in any way worried about showing too much cleavage, then aim for something slightly higher cut. Round-neck vest tops are a popular choice, and it’s entirely up to you whether you want sleeves or bare arms. Bear in mind that it can get quite warm, and you will be sweating, so a good deodorant and breathable fabrics will make you feel much more comfortable. Finally, you might want to bring a hoody or cardigan for the end of the session. Most sessions end in Savasana with a relaxation meditation, and you can get quite chilly going from all that movement to relaxing.
Yoga Clothes – Bottoms
Yoga bottoms tend to be leggings or shorts that allow you to move freely, but again or close-fitting, so they do not ride up. It’s also important to consider the quality of the material for your bottoms.
Yoga pants tend to pull tight when you do forward bends, and again this gives you
a visible panty line which you likely want to avoid. It’s entirely up to you whether you want to wear shorts, Capri pants, or full-length pants, and you may want to change them depending on the season. You may also want to take a pair of fuzzy socks for relaxation at the end.
Generally, you would be doing yoga barefoot, so it doesn’t really matter what shoes you wear as you remove them once you are in the studio. Some people wear trainers, and others rock up in flip-flops. It’s really whatever you’re comfortable with. If you really don’t like working barefoot, then look for a pair of socks that have grippy bottoms. Otherwise, you might well find yourself sliding all over your mat.
Yoga Hair
Again, this is a good time to ignore your preconceptions that social media has drummed into you about the gorgeous women in yoga class. It’s much more important to pop your hair in an easy-to-manage style that isn’t going to get in your face as you move around. Ponytails are great, and a headband will stop any stray strands tickling your face right as you perfect your balance in Mountain Pose (Tadasana) or when you’re relaxing in Corpse Pose (Savasana) at the end.
Hot Yoga
Of course, if you’re going to be practising Bikram yoga, otherwise known as hot yoga, you might want to consider that less is more. Classes are often made up of people wearing shorts and crop tops to deal with the steamy nature of the class. It’s also a good idea to take a towel with you so that you can wipe your hands and face and your mat as needed.
What Else Do I Need?
A good yoga bag is a sound investment if you are committed, but you can always carry your yoga mat separately for now and use any other bag to transport your extras. Of course, you will have things like your keys, deodorant, and phone, so a bag is a good idea. You will likely also want a bottle of water, a towel, even if you are not doing hot yoga, your fuzzy socks and perhaps a post-yoga snack like a banana or some nuts. Make sure your mobile phone is on silent and in your bag. It’s very poor etiquette to be checking your messages while the classes are in progress, and if you turn a shade of beetroot, everyone is going to know it’s your mobile phone that’s ringing in your bag.
Yoga Clothes in Summary
So there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to what you wear to a yoga class. It’s more important that you are comfortable and don’t feel that you are going to inadvertently expose your underwear to your classmates. There is no need to spend loads of money on designer gear; it just needs to be practical and move well when you are trying new poses.
