I’ve been practicing yoga for over 6 years now, and what I’ve learned is that having the right yoga outfit can truly transform your practice. The clothes you wear impact your comfort, range of motion, focus – essentially every aspect of your time on the mat.
In this blog post, I’ll be sharing everything I’ve discovered about how to choose the perfect yoga wardrobe.
Choosing the Right Fabrics
Breathability and Moisture-Wicking Properties
What you wear when doing yoga should above all else, keep you cool and dry throughout your practice. I love athletic fabrics like polyester, nylon and spandex blends because they wick moisture away from the body and dry quickly.
The last thing you want during a vinyasa flow is wet clothes clinging to you! I’d recommend avoiding cotton, which absorbs sweat and takes a long time to dry.
Stretch and Flexibility
The beauty of yoga is moving through poses with fluidity and ease. This is why I always opt for fabrics with at least 15% spandex – the more the better.
The stretch and flexibility allows you to bend, twist and invert without restriction. My favorite yoga leggings have 25% spandex and I can move through all kinds of postures in total comfort.
I still have a few old cotton yoga pants that are now relegated just to lounging around the house!
Comfort and Softness
Seamless athletic wear takes things to the next level when it comes to comfort. No thick seams rubbing in awkward places makes quite a difference in my opinion!
I also can’t stand tags that scratch and irritate, so I carefully remove those. Opting for smooth, seamless fabrics makes it one less thing to think about during my practice. I love being able to flow freely without any distractions.
Tops for Yoga
I always wear form-fitting tops to yoga that won’t fall over my head when I’m in a downward dog or a headstand. The last thing you want is to lose focus because you have to keep adjusting your shirt!
Tank tops are my personal go-to for yoga. I own them in just about every color. For large chested women, finding tops with built-in bras are game changing. They provide support without the hassle of an additional layer.
I recommend staying away from loose, baggy shirts which can get twisted and bunched up during certain poses. Like I mentioned earlier, breathable moisture-wicking fabrics are key!
Sports Bras for Yoga
Having the proper chest support makes all the difference during a vigorous vinyasa or hot yoga flow. I choose sports bras based on the intensity I plan for that day.
During a gentle or restorative class, I opt for less constricting bras. But for power yoga, I make sure to wear one that minimizes bounce and keeps the girls securely in place!
Pay attention to straps as well – some have adjustable straps so you can customize the fit. Like with all yoga wear, moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics make the most sense. Nothing worse than a sweaty, suffocating sports bra.
Bottoms for Yoga
Leggings or Yoga Pants
For bottoms, I pretty much live in leggings and yoga pants. I love the high waisted ones that come above your belly button. They stay in place no matter how much twisting and bending you do.
The fitted style also means you never have to worry about exposing too much during inversions and backbends!
I recommend finding leggings that are fitted but not painted on. You want enough stretch and flexibility to move freely.
For winter months, I wear full length yoga pants and switch to capris as it warms up.
Yoga Shorts
Yoga shorts are perfect for hot summer practices or Bikram classes. I stick to longer shorts that hit mid-thigh or right above the knee. The built-in liner is clutch for preventing any awkward moments during seated poses!
For high intensity classes, I also recommend compression shorts or leggings underneath for an extra layer of security.
Stay far away from super short or thin fabrics that could potentially be see-through when stretched. I’ve made that mistake before and it’s not fun having to keep adjusting!
Layering for Yoga
I always bring lightweight layers with me just in case the studio is chilly. Even in the summer I get cold in savasana, the final resting pose.
I’ll throw on a cardigan or zip up jacket to stay warm and cozy. Having breathable, stretchy layering pieces that don’t restrict movement is key.
I love wearing soft cashmere blend sweaters or buttery soft modal fabrics since they keep me warm without overheating.
I recommend keeping a few dedicated yoga layers in your gym bag so you’re prepared for any temperature studio.
Accessories for Yoga
Non-Slip Socks and Towels
A few key accessories can really enhance your yoga session. I always practice in non-slip socks or barefoot style grip socks. They prevent sliding around on the mat which can lead to injury.
Same goes for using a non-slip yoga towel on top of your mat. It keeps you grounded during sweaty practices.
I personally own a few customizable yoga towels that I can match with my favorite leggings!
Other Essentials
Of course having your own yoga mat is essential. Treat yourself to a high quality mat that provides proper cushioning for your joints.
I also never leave home without my 32 oz water bottle and a roomy bag to carry my valuables.
I love throwing everything into a lightweight yoga backpack instead of dragging a purse into the studio. I own a few stylish ones that fit my yoga block, strap, towel and even a change of clothes.
Staying hydrated and keeping your essentials handy is key to a great session!
What Not to Wear
Now that we’ve covered the best fabrics and styles for yoga, let’s talk about what you shouldn’t wear.
Stay far away from stiff, restrictive fabrics like denim and canvas. Avoid anything too loose or baggy that could impede movement or fly over your head unexpectedly.
On the other end of the spectrum, don’t wear anything overly tight that cuts off circulation or feels uncomfortable.
I also recommend avoiding cotton when possible since it absorbs sweat rather than wicking it away. In general, opt for athletic fabrics with some stretch and breathability.
Where to Buy Yoga Clothes
My favorite place to buy affordable, quality yoga wear is Athleta. Their fabrics are buttery soft with the perfect amount of compression and stretch. I also love that they offer petite and tall size options.
Lululemon is obviously the gold standard for stylish yoga apparel that lasts forever. Beyond Yoga and Alo Yoga are a bit pricier but worth the splurge for their unique, Instagram-worthy designs.
I always keep an eye out for sales too! Sign up for email lists and you’ll get notified about secret sales and discount codes.
Invest in versatile, well-made pieces over cheap fast fashion that falls apart. Last but not least, more brands are using sustainable fabrics and ethical manufacturing practices which I love to support.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, having the proper yoga outfit is incredibly important for comfort, functionality and safety during your practice. Take the time to experiment with different styles and fabrics to discover what works best for your body and yoga style.
While trends come and go, breathability, ease of movement and coverage are always key when choosing what to wear to yoga class.
My advice is not to overthink it, but don’t just throw on any old t-shirt and shorts either. Yoga clothes can be cute, stylish and budget friendly if you know where to look!
I hope this breakdown gives you a head start in curating the perfect yoga wardrobe.