What To Wear To Yoga Class, a Beginner's Guide
Your first yoga class
So, you've finally signed up for your first yoga class. If you’re anything like me, now is the moment you start stressing about what to wear.
It’s easy to get put off by the whole Instagram thing, with skinny young girls parading their amazing bods in Alo Yoga or Lulu Lemon. It’s important to know that this is not the reality of most yoga classes. Be assured that the yoga community is made up of people of all shapes and sizes, all of them with friendly faces, and you will be welcomed with open arms.
It’s absolutely not necessary to spend a fortune on new yoga clothes. In fact, with yoga, we are supposed to leave our attachment to brands and material things outside the studio door. Most people have a few favourite things they wear to yoga class, and the emphasis is on comfort not style.
What yoga pants to wear to yoga?
There are lots of yoga poses that involve bending – from Downward Dog to Child’s Pose. Specially made yoga pants, leggings and shorts, designed for yoga, will let you bend with ease, and stretch in the pose. Look for yoga leggings made of a thick, quality fabric, like stretchy cotton. Not only will they stay put, they will help you avoid visible underwear – never a good look, no matter how great your bum.
What yoga tops to wear to yoga?
There are loads of different types of yoga tops out there. Yoga tops are generally cut to stay put whatever shape you’re making. I suggest looking for tops that are tighter fitting, so they won’t ride up when your arms are raised high, or fall down when you’re upside down or in a V shape.
Given the number of forward bends in yoga, it’s also a good idea to go for a top with a high neckline if, like me, you’re at all self-conscious about showing off too much cleavage.
And because I often sweat during class, I’d recommend choosing natural, breathable fabrics. One of my favourite yoga brands is Starseeds. Natalia, their designer, is a big advocate of sustainability and has created an amazing range of yoga pants and yoga tops made of recycled coffee grounds to absorb sweat.
I always take a soft-touch wrap to cosy up in final relaxation. Oh, and a big pair of woolly socks.
What to wear to yoga if you’re curvy?
I am sorry to say that yoga clothes for women don’t yet come in every shape and size. However, things are changing and both Asquith and Urban Goddess have recently broadened their range of sizes.
Chaykra also do some cool bra tops, and we have some lovely long-sleeved tops, if want to cover your arms. If you want to keep it simple, I recommend going for a statement yoga t-shirt in a slightly looser style, which will still let you move and bend freely. It’ll do double down duty in your everyday wardrobe too.
What to wear to hot yoga class?
The clue is in the name – dress for the heat if you’re attending a hot yoga class! Less is more, and always wear breathable, sweat absorbent fabrics. I suggest considering Chaykra's yoga shorts and a lightweight yoga top like our Powered By Yoga tank, perhaps one with low cut arms, to keep you comfortable in a sweltering studio!
How to wear your hair to yoga class?
Gaargh! Yoga hair! You go to class all groomed and gorgeous and leave looking like you got dragged through a hedge backwards. Try tying your hair up in a ponytail – this will help it keep it out of the way, especially in forward bends. You will also practice yoga poses on your back, when you’ll need to have it down – so go for a style that is easy to redo.
What to wear on your feet for yoga class?
When you walk into the studio, you leave your shoes outside the studio, to symbolise that you are leaving the outside world behind and entering a new space. I usually keep my socks on when I take my shoes off and leave them next to me on my mat – no one will mind, as long as they are fresh! And I’ll be honest; I had something of a holey sock cull when I first started practicing regularly! Most yogis practice with bare feet but if you hate the idea, for whatever reason, I suggest finding a pair with grips so you don’t slip on your mat.
In summary:
Put comfort over style.
Avoid overly baggy clothing.
Focus on high quality fabrics.
Remember, yoga is about connecting with yourself, so the way you dress for it is up to you. Just remember – as long as you feel comfortable, your yoga outfit is perfect.
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Lucy Edge
is a yoga advocate and writer with three yoga books to her name, including the beloved travel memoir Yoga School Dropout. She writes regularly for the national press, has authored over 150 guides to types of yoga and yoga poses, discovered
nearly 250 proven health benefits of yoga through her painstaking classification of 300 clinical studies, and collected more than 500 personal testimonials to the real life benefits of yoga. She is also the creator of our yoga shop – YogaClicks.Store
– handpicking yoga brands that are beautifully made by yogis committed to environmental and social sustainability.
