Unlike other athletic activities, yoga has been slow to develop an industry for men's apparel. While some brands are beginning to offer clothes specifically designed for yoga practice, male yogis have typically been left to build a yoga wardrobe on their own. If none of the male yoga apparel strikes your fancy, you can always opt to wear a T-shirt with exercise shorts, sweat pants or even swimming trunks.
The Options
According to a 2005 study cited in "Yoga Journal," 77 percent of the yoga practitioners in America are female. The smaller demand for men's yoga gear has left many men making their own yoga outfits based on trial and error. The flexibility and maneuverability required by many yoga postures inspires many men to wear skin-tight garments such as sweat pants and exercise shorts. In hot yoga, Ashtanga or Bikram yoga classes, many men opt to go shirtless.
Shorts and Pants
The yoga apparel company prAna offers both shorter and longer shorts that men can wear in multiple environments. Yoga shorts and pants typically come with an elastic waist to eliminate possible discomfort from buttons, zippers and other items in the crotch area. Other yoga gear manufacturers that sell men's apparel include Barefoot Yoga, Be Present, Lululemon and Manduka.
Shirts
Shirts offer much less of a challenge for the male yogi. In cases where men would rather wear a shirt than go shirtless, T-shirts and exercise shirts offer simple and inexpensive options. For male yogis looking for an extra stylish element, porous shirts made from stretchy, breathable fabrics can be purchased from bicycling and hiking stores. When in doubt, wear a close-fitting, short-sleeved shirt that is not likely to get in the way as you twist your body.
Where To Buy?
If none of the yoga studios in your area offer men's apparel, search online catalogs of businesses that make men's yoga gear. Sports stores, camping stores, second-hand shops and health food stores are all possible establishments that might offer a local selection of men's yoga clothes. For best results, ask other men in your yoga class and try out a number of outfits and garments until you find the perfect fit.
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