What to Wear for Yoga Class for Men and Women
How to Dress for Exercise, Fitness, and Sport
Nov 13, 2009
Men and women new to yoga often wonder how to dress for class. Beginners don't want to stand out in jeans and halter tops. Typically the material for yoga garments will be cotton or wick absorbent. Nylon tends to be too warm. Layers aren’t necessary. Hemp is marketed to yoga aficionados because of its natural state, but it wrinkles easily and can feel rough on some skin types. The market for organic cotton is flourishing, although the cost may be higher than for simple cotton. Fabric with some stretch is nice in the fitted line. Preshrunk is preferable. Be aware that the clothing will go through multiple washes and change its original form. Colors range from black or white to combinations. Neon isn’t popular in yoga classes. Clothing should be comfortable and fitted but allow for movement.
Yoga Tops for Comfort and Movement
Hot yoga requires somewhat less clothing than Hatha Yoga due to the extreme heat in the studio. Sleeveless tops with low, non-binding necks or bra tops are best for women. Men can go shirtless or wear a sleeveless T.
Men and women are usually wearing tops in other types of yoga. Not everyone feels comfortable in body hugging shirts (although the general truth is no one is or should be looking at what anyone else is wearing). The shirt should not be so baggy as to flutter over the face during inversions. An advantage of a fitted top is that the instructor is able to see what the body is doing or how it is aligned.
A slightly longer top which can be tucked into the bottoms or rests firmly over the abdominals is appealing to those who don’t wish a public view of not-yet-firmed belly rolls.
Pants and Yoga Bottoms
Avoid too full a bell-bottom. Elastic cuffs can bind as the leg or ankle swells with heat. Pants that are too tight may ride up the leg or down the buttocks when jumping through downward dog to a seated position. Fleece sweat pants soon become to warm in a studio room.
Drawstring pants with floppy long ties can catch on things or loosen spontaneously. Needing to adjust clothing during class interferes with concentration and movement.
Shorts or Capri-like sweat pants are ideal. If too loose, they will roll back when lifting legs into the air. Standing and raising the leg in balancing poses with bunched up material makes the movement more difficult and the balance more elusive.
Hair Styles for Yoga
Short hair is ideal for both men and women. Long hair needs to be pulled back into a pony tail, but the bulk may need to shifted onto the top of the head when lying flat or the back of the head when moving into a headstand. Clips can be removed to let the hair down when doing floor work or tied back when needed.
Eyeglasses and Jewelry in Yoga Class
Wear a secure pair of eyeglasses. Don’t have a tie around the neck to hold the glasses. Decide prior to class if the glasses will remain on or if they are needed at all. If they end up being removed during class, have a bright visible case to protect them from being stepped on by an instructor who roves around the room teaching or adjusting, or by movements during class.
Jewelry should be simple if needed. Post earrings don’t catch on things or hair the way hoops or dangling earrings might. Rings may interfere with spreading the fingers or grasping the ground. Belly rings aren’t recommended, nor are loose chains about the neck.
Most studios have a place for shoes and purses and other miscellany brought to class. Cell phones should be off. No one wants to think that ring interrupting the final savasana came from his or her cell phone.
Once the poses are familiar and the movements are second nature, clothing choice is an extension of the wearer.
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