There are a few hard and fast rules when it comes to what to wear to yoga class. When you’re choosing your yoga outfit it needs to be:
- Non-restrictive, so you can stretch easily.
- Supportive, holding all those body parts in place.
- Made from breathable fabric so you don’t get hot and flustered.
- Able to stay put – no matter what position you find yourself in!
Ask before you attend your first class and the answer is often just to wear any non-restrictive clothing.
Now that’s all very well if you have zero inhibitions, but some of us have body parts we’d rather keep under wraps. Your favorite sportswear outfit may not be quite so flattering when you’re inverted in downward dog.
Read on for my tips and advice on what outfit to wear to yoga class…
What To Wear To Your First Yoga Class
If you already run, work out in the gym or take fitness classes, it’s likely you’ll have most of the clothing you need for yoga.
Now of course if you’re looking for an excuse to buy a whole new yoga outfit – please go ahead. Don’t let me stop you! It’s just that unless you’re heading to some super trendy yoga studio you may not need to splash the cash.
What To Wear To Yoga Class?
Yoga Attire – You Need A Good Sports Bra
The first item for any female yogi is a good sports bra. By good, I mean a bra that’s supportive and gives decent coverage. You don’t want to be popping out in the middle of a pose!
It doesn’t have to be as supportive as a running bra but it does need to hold you in place. Your sports bra needs to be comfortable. You don’t want to be distracted during your yoga workout.
It’s also good to avoid any bras with fastenings at the back. You’ll be spending time doing floor work and you don’t have anything digging into your back!
Leggings Or Yoga Pants
Wearing leggings or looser-fit yoga pants is down to personal choice. Leggings started taking over the yoga bottom scene about ten years ago. Now yoga leggings are everywhere! I can’t remember the last time I saw anyone wearing yoga pants in class.
The leggings you already have in your closet may be good enough for a yoga class. Just get a good friend to help you check. Strike a downward dog pose and see if your leggings stay opaque. Trust me on this! See-through leggings is just not a good look.
If your leggings pass the opaque test, make sure they keep your belly in check! Leggings that slip down when you strike an upside-down pose can be really distracting. You want to be focusing on your yoga, not trying to pull up your leggings mid pose.
Yoga Tops
You can get away with any top for yoga if you’re breaking out a few moves in your bedroom. In class, it’s a different story.
You need a top that won’t slip down over your head when you’re inverted. A loose-fitting top just won’t do. Your yoga top needs to be fitted and long enough to fully cover your torso when you stretch. Make sure it doesn’t ride up.
Now it may look cute with your top falling over your head if you have a body to die for. With mine, I’d rather keep most of that flesh neatly hidden away.
Dress For Yoga Practice Depends On The Type Of Class
You may not be aware as a beginner that there are several different yoga styles. Some styles focus on holding poses and some like to turn up the heat. The style of class will affect what you wear.
Typically beginner yoga classes will be Hatha or Vinyasa. Hatha tends to be at a slower pace and Vinyasa focuses more on movement. I find in my Vinyasa classes I may start off a little cold but I soon warm up!
Some yoga classes, Bikram and Hot Yoga take place in a heated room with the intention of making you sweat. You’ll need to wear fast-wicking fabrics that don’t leave sweat marks and close-fitting shorts or cropped leggings.
If you opt for shorts just make sure they’re long enough. Really short shorts is a big no when it comes to yoga. (Any men reading this post should also take note!)
Unless you want to give your classmates an eyeful, (please don’t), go for longer fitted shorts or capri length leggings. Avoid loose-fitting shorts. Running shorts have no place in a yoga class.
That should be all the pitfalls avoided when it comes to what to wear to a yoga class. You can add a wrap to your yoga outfit for your cool down or yoga socks for cozy feet. Also, always find the best Sanuk Yoga Sandals via Pick Your Sandals.
