Beginning to practice yoga is likely to fill you with excitement, and perhaps even a bit of apprehension. You may be fretting about what to expect --- or what to wear. You can take care of the latter fret by opting for yoga clothing that works well for beginners --- which are the same clothes that usually work for all levels of the discipline.
Comfort and Confidence
Comfort is the top priority for yoga clothing, for your first class or any class, "Yoga Journal" magazine and the Women Fitness website agree. Comfort comes from something that fits well but, more importantly, something that makes you feel comfortable, and therefore confident. If you're worried about a saggy belly or large rear, for example, don't go for a form-fitting top and uber-tight pants that accentuate both. Don't go for a mumu, either, as ideal yoga clothing is not necessarily skintight but fits close enough to the body that your instructor can check your alignment and body's position in the poses.
Free Movement
Ideal yoga clothing allows you to move freely through all the poses, "Yoga Journal" and Women Fitness explain. You're going to be bending, twisting, stretching and inverting and you will require clothing that bends, twists, stretches and inverts right along with you. Here's where the form-fitting clothing fits in again, because you don't want a shirt that bunches up around your shoulders in the downward-facing dog pose and wholly drapes itself over your face in a headstand, or a pair of short shorts that fully expose your in-the-air derriere. Steer clear of binding clothing or material that reminds you of a straitjacket.
Fabric and Styles
Cotton and cotton blends are ideal fabrics for yoga clothing, the Women Fitness and Gaiam Life websites point out, as they are breathable and comfortable.
Yoga pants that work well are capris or full-length leggings that, again, fit your form but don't restrict you. Wide-bottom, boot-cut yoga pants may be a stylish choice, but "Yoga Journal" warns they won't let the instructor see your lower-leg alignment. Yoga shirts are often sleeveless so the instructor can see your arms. Many include a built-in bra so you can focus on your practice rather than a bothersome bra strap popping out or sliding down your arm.
Other Tips
Don't worry at all about your shoes and socks as you won't be wearing any. Barefoot is the best way to practice yoga, notes yoga instructor Colleen Saidman in her "Your First Yoga Class" video at Gaiam Life. Remember, too, that people are there to practice yoga, not assess your fashion sense. Relax, be open and enjoy, Saidman advises.
What you pick to wear for your first class will most likely be fine, "Yoga Journal" adds. Once you find out what works best for you, you can fine-tune it going forward --- the same principal that applies to your overall practice.
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