What should you wear to yoga class?

An article by Lucy Howlett    No Comments

What to Wear to Yoga Class
by Lucy Howlett

It’s not as obvious as it seems, what to wear to class. So here are my tips:

Tops:
Wear a couple of layers on top, if not more. Depending on the space you’re in, you might be warmer or cooler. I like to be all cozied up, with a vest, t-shirt then a jumper (as this time of year especially) then de-layer gradually when required. For the bottom layer, I suggest wearing a vest top that fits over the hips and stays there, when you go upside down. I’m sure you don’t want a) your belly showing in downward dog or shoulder stand plus it gets in your face/covers your head making it hard to see or hear the teacher. I have some really good GAP vests that work. If you’re looking to treat yourself to something a bit pricier, a lot of the Lululemon ‘tanks’ stay in place nicely.

Bottoms:
Amusing as it might sound, you want whatever you’re wearing to not be see through when you’re bending and stretching into the different poses. Perhaps think about the colour also, because when you’re sweaty, it will show. You want to be as relaxed and comfortable through class, remember, not worried. TK Maxx is a great place to find sports and yoga wear from expensive brands but massively reduced. Some ‘yoga trousers’ have a fold-over waistline, which I don’t like at all, as when you move it then goes all over the place. As your bottom layer, ladies, leggings are ideal or slightly loose trousers that stop before the ankle. For men, I’d suggest shorts or cut off sports trousers. Make sure your feet are free of fabric, for ease of movement.

Investing in your own mat I love it when students buy their own mat. Not only does it mean you’re the only one using it so it’s cleaner than studio ones but it show

s the potential dedication to yoga practice at home also. If you want to do more yoga practice outside of class, keep your mat in an obvious visible place. This will remind you to roll it out and do some yoga of any kind whenever possible; some pranayama (breathing), a short stretch session or 15 minutes lying in savasana (relaxation).

Some people ask my advice on a good mat to get. I like Gaiam ones, (here’s mine, pictured) but there are lots of good brands out there. You might want an extra thick one if you prefer extra cushioning, or a slightly grippy surfaced one if you get sweaty palms a lot.

Socks or no socks:
For true grounding and connection to the floor, yoga is done with no socks. I find some people arrive on their mat with socks on and some without. Personally, I have lousy circulation so have trouble keeping my hands and/or feet warm at times. Therefore, I sometimes wear big, fat, thermal socks to begin the class, as we start on the floor and haven’t warmed up yet. The same goes for the end of class — you might wish to have your warmer layers and socks nearby to put on for lying in savasana. But for the main body of the class, enjoy the barefoot experience, spread out those toes and feel your sensory experience awaken! — OR an option might be to get a pair of grippy toe socks like these …