If you've ever attended a yoga class, it may seem like what you wear is as important as actually doing the practice. With yoga's rise in popularity starting in the early 2000s, the clothing and accessories that go along with it have become a thriving industry all in their own. There are now several prominent name brands of clothing that specifically cater to the yoga community. However, these brands tend to run on the expensive side and if you would rather save your money for classes, there are plenty of other options.
What to Wear
The most important aspect of clothing that you wear to a yoga class is that the fabric is soft and flexible and it should easily move with your body. You will most likely be moving quickly through tricky poses that put you in twisted positions, and your clothes should not inhibit your movement. Additionally, you will want to wear clothing that stays in place, as yoga poses do not lend well to adjusting clothing throughout the practice. Large T-shirts or very baggy pants may get in the way of your efforts. Also, your instructor should be able to see the pose you're making, so very over-sized clothing would make that difficult.
Sweat
Many types of yoga involve sweating, either through artificial heat in the studio or through your own efforts during a vigorous class. Clothing that contains Lycra with wicking ability is preferable, as this fabric draws the sweat away from your skin and keeps you comfortable as you move through the practice. You may wish to wear pants even in the warm summer months for the same reason; they will soak up the sweat on your legs, which may otherwise interfere with various poses.
Cost Saving
There is no need to spend a lot of money on clothing to wear to yoga class. In fact, if you are already active you probably have clothing that is more than adequate in your closet. For the most part, anything that you would wear to work out at the gym will work in a yoga class. Select clothing that is comfortable and does not restrict your movements.
Men
New York Times style journalist David Colman notes that men generally have a more difficult time finding yoga clothing than do women. Some of the top yoga clothing manufacturers are now starting to make more amendable clothing for men to wear to class, and as yoga increases in popularity among men that should expand as well. In the meantime, the same yoga clothing guidelines apply for men -- your clothing should be comfortable and allow you to freely move. T-shirts, tank tops and shorts or sweat pants that you currently wear to go running or work out in the gym will certainly suffice.
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