My Yoga Resource

Your Guide to Picking the Right Yoga Athletic Clothing

November 20th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed

For those out there who are just finding out about yoga (and you all might be very surprised to find out that a majority of the people who find our site have yet to take their first yoga class) we recommend that you start your journey by taking a class with a trained instructor. It may seem less stressful to start by trying some videos at home but you really need someone to watch what you’re doing and give you some guidance, especially when first starting out.

When we poll our readers about the most difficult thing about starting a yoga practice many point to the very first class as the biggest hurdle! If all of us think back I’m sure we can relate to this. It’s a very foreign exercise, many of the people in the class already know each other, you’re not sure what equipment you will need, and you don’t know how you need to dress. The good news is that there are some simple guidelines that will help you to shop for the yoga athletic clothing that will work well and look best for your yoga classes.

Hot vs. Cold

Temperature is another important factor to consider when selecting yoga athletic clothing. If you are feeling too hot or too cold during your yoga session, you will not be able to concentrate on your workout as effectively as you should. If you are a person who tends to get overheated easily, opt for short-sleeved T-shirts and shorts for your yoga sessions. This will also allow your instructor to evaluate your positioning correctly. However, if you tend to get chilly in an air-conditioned room, you might want to wear long pants and sleeves, and even bring a sweatshirt in case you feel the need for some extra cover.

What about Shoes?

Most yoga classes will require that you go through your workout barefoot. This means that you can grab a pair of flip flops that will slide on and off easily as you head to your session. For those who are uncomfortable with the barefoot approach to yoga, there are some socks and shoes in yoga athletic clothing lines that are specially designed for this type of exercise. However, it is best to ask your instructor first about his rules regarding footwear.

Loose Fitting Clothing vs. Form Fitting Clothing

Loose fitting clothing is generally the apparel of choice for most yoga classes. You will need to be sure that your tops and bottoms will provide plenty of give so that you can complete your positions unrestrained. It is also important to make sure that your clothing does not fit too tightly, because this can interfere with the flow of energy and blood that typically occurs during a yoga workout. However, yoga athletic clothing that is too baggy can also cause problems. Many of us start practicing in a T-shirt only to find that when we are doing some poses, the shirt will end up around our next or over our face. We like shirts and shorts or leggings that are form fitting but VERY comfortable. Yoga practice is not about “looking good”, it’s about moving your body. Picking the right yoga athletic clothing that isn’t too tight and doesn’t fall down around you will help you enjoy yourself and make it more likely that you’ll return to class for years to come.