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What to wear to a yoga class

Writer's picture: LauraLaura

Looking to start yoga but feel a little confused by the dress code? Not to worry, this guide will let you know what exactly is okay and not okay to wear to your yoga class.


First off let's get the obvious out of the way. If you are comfortable, have free range of motion in your joints and are suitably warm - congratulations your outfit is perfect. You do not need fancy workout leggings and bras in order to attend a yoga class. Form fitting clothing may help your teacher better assess your alignment and provide feedback and adjustments, but it's not essential. Your comfort is though.


While skin tight clothing may work for some people - even empower them, it doesn't for everyone. If skin tight lycra is not your vibe, don't worry, baggy clothing that you can move about in easily is just as good. After all, the original practitioners of yoga didn't have stretchy spandex, and they did a pretty amazing job. Comfy trackies, even pyjama bottoms are a great alternative, as well as non-workout leggings. If you're just starting yoga and are unsure whether you want to splash the cash on new workout clothes, that's okay - odds are you already own plenty of clothes that will be perfect to attend a yoga class in.


Ensure the clothes you're wearing are suitable for the type of yoga you will be practicing. Light and airy clothes that leave the skin open to the air won't be the best for a cosy yin or restorative class, where the likelihood of breaking a sweat is minimal. Just as warm tracksuit bottoms or leggings won't do you any favours in a hot yoga or power yoga class. Remember, if you're feeling self-conscious, yoga is all about honouring the self and the body - wearing clothes you feel more confident in is an excellent way to honour yourself. Besides, most people will be focussed more on themselves than on others in the class.


Something that may seem obvious but is still worth mentioning is don't wear something restrictive, has the risk of exposing what you wouldn't like to be exposed (I'm talking accidental nip-slips here) and is an uncomfortable material. Not many will be inclined to wear denim jeans to a yoga class but on the off chance - please don't. Wearing clothes that fit and feel secure while still maintaining free range of motion is the goal here. When practicing yoga you don't want to have to be constantly adjusting your clothes. All it will do is annoy you and take you out of the meditative state. Not ideal.


If you do decide you would love to treat yourself and get brand new matching leggings, bras, and workout sets all I can say is... can I come shopping too? Sometimes those adorable matching sets are just the little confidence boost we need to bring to yoga class. Wearing whatever makes you feel good, I believe, is a key aspect to a good yoga class. Because while yoga is about the self - mind, body and soul, clothes can have a huge impact - whether we like it or not. So just know, that no matter where you are in your yoga journey - the clothing you wear is about you. Not a trend, not a way to fit in, certainly not to please instagram. It's about what makes you feel comfortable and good.


By Laura Carey

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