Yoga poses, or asanas, call on many different muscle groups and areas of the body. These positions could prove uncomfortable or even painful if your clothes don't allow you to move freely while giving you the support you need for exercise. Whether you choose to purchase clothes specifically designed for yogis or simply choose items that move with your body, donning the right duds for practice is vital to getting the most out of your yoga session.
Types
Basic yoga outfits consist simply of a top and capris or pants. Tank tops and short sleeves are the best choices for yoga since they leave your arms free and allow more skin exposure to prevent overheating. Shorts aren't generally a good choice for yoga since they can bunch up around the groin area and result in uncomfortable thigh friction. Many fitness companies make clothing designed specifically for yoga, but any comfortable, well-fitting workout gear will do.
Features
Most yoga clothes are form-fitting and stretchy, allowing you to move from pose to pose without getting bunched up in fabric. Choosing natural, breathable fabrics, like cotton, helps keep you cool and comfortable. Synthetic fabrics designed to wick moisture away from your skin can be helpful as well, particularly if you practice bikram yoga or other forms of hot yoga. Most yoga pants are low rise, meaning they sit lower on the hips to allow more freedom of movement in the torso area. Women should look for supportive sports bras or tank tops with built-in support to prevent their breasts from shifting while switching poses or performing inverted asanas.
Footwear
While most people practice yoga barefoot to allow the toes to grip and balance and feel the sensations through the soles, some choose to wear special footwear during practice. Socks made with open ends present the best of both worlds since they'll still allow you to grip and spread your toes while preventing your feet from freezing. Minimalist shoes made of thin rubber or spongy material are sound choices if your feet are especially sensitive or if you want to protect yourself from a shared mat or hazards on the ground if you're doing yoga outdoors.
Considerations
Even if you feel self-conscious, loose, baggy clothes aren't a good idea for yoga practice. Poses that require you to bend forward or invert will cause loose clothing to ride up, exposing more skin than you're likely willing to show. Choosing clothes that fit appropriately and feature colors and designs you like can help enhance your practice. Yoga is as much about the mind and spirit as well as the body, so wearing clothes that make you look and feel your best will help you reap the greatest benefits from your classes or sessions. Some yoga studios and private teachers offer classes in the nude, which some yogis prefer due to the completely unrestricted nature.
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