1. Comfort is the Key
When deciding how to dress for integral yoga, you want to be as comfortable as possible so that you can focus your attention on your mind, body and spirit, and not on your clothing. Most instructors recommend that you wear fitted, stretchy clothing such as tank-tops and leggings, as bulky clothing can get in the way when performing yoga poses. Clothes for integral yoga should not be restrictive in any way, allowing you to move your entire body freely with complete range of motion. Additionally, avoid wide waist bands, large zippers and buttons which may uncomfortably press into your body during poses. Don't worry about special shoes--in fact, don't worry about socks, as yoga is best practiced barefoot--but you may want to bring along a towel, wear a sweat band and keep long hair tied up to prevent various distractions during your practice.
2. Keep the Heat
While the clothing needed for integral yoga should be light-weight and breathable, you may want to layer up to keep yourself warm both before and after practice. A pair of sweat pants and a sweater that can be removed quickly will help your body to warm up faster early on in your session and can be replaced at the end when you begin the meditation portion of integral yoga. Some people even bring leave their socks at the edge of their yoga mat to keep their feet warm during the deep relaxation portion of practice.
3. Mind Your P's and Q's
Your own comfort is as important as that of others when practicing any form of yoga, so be aware of possible embarrassing moments when choosing yoga clothing. First, consider all the possible movements of your body when picking out your clothes. Will your shirt fall over your head, revealing a bit more than you are comfortable with, when you roll into a shoulder stand? Will the yogi on the mat behind you get a peek up your pant leg as you lift into downward dog? Will the pink of your panties be revealed to all through a loose seam as you lift into dancer's pose? Or will the cleavage that you are so proud of make the more reserved members of your class feel uncomfortable? When heading out for your integral yoga class, make sure that all of your bases are covered, literally.
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