Why is it important to select specialized yoga clothing?
Refining Crane pose or trying a new balance pose at the yoga studio is challenging enough on its own, but it's made even harder when you're fiddling with sagging, too tight or uncomfortable yoga clothes. That's why it's important to purchase clothes that are breathable, flexible and comfortable.
Your yoga clothing purchases will depend largely on personal preference, as well as the style of yoga you plan to practice. But at a high level, here's what to wear to yoga (see below for a more detailed discussion of these yoga basics):
1.Breathable, stretchy, quick-drying bottoms, such as yoga pants or shorts.
2.Breathable, skinny or fitted tops that won’t hang over your head when you’re doing a handstand.
3.For women, a sports bra or built-in bra to provide adequate support for the type of yoga you practice.
4.Comfortable, warm tops for post-class savasana or post-class relaxation.
5.A yoga bodysuit can be used as both a yoga workout outfit and a different style for your activewear.
What should I consider when choosing yoga outfits?
Seasonality:You need to choose different lengths of yoga pants and different styles of yoga tops according to the season, such as short sleeves, sleeveless, vests, camisole, etc.
Fabric:Choose fabrics with good elasticity and breathability, such as nylon, polyester or spandex blends, which can provide necessary support and quickly wick away sweat. Consider fabrics with moisture wicking and quick drying functions to keep you dry during practice.Yoga involves bending, stretching, binding, lunging, reaching and rolling. Your clothes need to be able to keep up with these movements, which means they'll probably be made with at least 15 percent spandex.
Comfort:For women, yoga pants should provide appropriate support, especially high-waist or mid-waist designs that can provide better waist support and abdominal coverage.Tops should fit well, not too tight or too loose, so as not to interfere with movements during practice.There's nothing worse than practicing yoga in an uncomfortable piece of clothing. As you tune into your body, you don't want to focus on itchy seams and tags, saggy or too tight waistbands, or fabric that binds and chafes.
What to wear for yoga practice？
Yoga clothing is often lumped into the category of "athleisure," meaning people are now wearing yoga clothing for more than just functionality. As a result, you'll now find yoga clothing with pockets, mesh cutouts, bright colors, and sexy designs. While all of this is fun, if you plan on wearing clothing to practice yoga, remember to focus on functionality: When you're trying on clothing, consider doing some yoga poses (Downward Dog and Warrior I and II are great places to start) to test the clothing for flexibility and comfort in a locker room or at home.
A typical yoga wardrobe includes:
Yoga leggings/pants: Yoga clothing brands offer multiple styles of yoga pants with varying lengths and fits. As with all yoga clothing, look for yoga pants or leggings (terms that are used somewhat interchangeably) that offer a good combination of breathability, flexibility and comfort. Nylon-polyester-spandex blend pants are a good bet, as they move with you through postures but also wick moisture.
If you're concerned about coverage when bending and stretching, high-waisted leggings or pants might be a good choice; they are typically less likely to slip during a fast practice or ride down too far during inverted poses like downward dog. Most leggings range from midcalf to full leg in length. Loose-fitted pants can be a nice option for slower yoga classes like restorative or yin; they are typically not recommended for power vinyasa classes, as they can impede mobility. If you do choose to wear loose-fitted pants for a challenging yoga class, look for options that cinch around the ankle.
Yoga shorts:Choose soft, breathable and stretchy fabrics, such as polyester, nylon or spandex. These fabrics provide a comfortable touch, good breathability and moisture absorption, helping to keep the body dry and comfortable. Consider mixed material fabrics, such as nylon, polyester, spandex, which generally provide good wear resistance and stretch. Yoga shorts should have enough elasticity and stretch to provide a free range of motion in various yoga movements. The high waist design can provide better waist support and abdominal coverage, making the wearer more confident and comfortable. Choose the right size to ensure that the yoga shorts fit the body but do not restrict your movement. At the same time, they should not be too tight to avoid limiting your range of motion.
Choose refreshing and elegant colors, preferably solid colors, which can relax the visual nerves so that you can calm down quickly. Some yoga shorts may be equipped with hidden pockets for carrying small items such as keys, mobile phones, etc.
In general, avoid wearing yoga pants that are too thin, too transparent, baggy (common in low-waisted, too tight pants) or cotton. If you build up some heat during your practice, keep in mind that longer leg coverage is a benefit for arm balance poses, as the fabric can help prevent your legs from sliding off your sweaty arms.
Yoga tops:Choose fabrics with four-way stretch, such as nylon and spandex blends, which allow you to move freely and unrestricted during your practice. Fabrics should also wick moisture to keep you dry, especially during hot yoga or high-intensity practices.
For practitioners who need extra support, choosing a yoga top with a built-in sports bra can provide necessary support while reducing the need to wear multiple layers of clothing.
Especially for hot yoga, choosing a yoga top with an open back design can enhance ventilation, keeping you cool during practice.As always, avoid cotton.
Yoga sweaters/jackets:If you plan to run errands after class, you might want a warm, comfortable yoga cover-up like a jacket, quarter-zip or sweatshirt. This can be especially helpful during the winter, after leaving a sweaty class: Extra layers can prevent the immediate chill you'll likely experience after leaving the warm room.
Yoga Bras: Properly measuring your breast size is the first step to choosing the right yoga bra. Use a tape measure to measure without a bra or wearing an unpadded bra to determine your cup size and bust size.
Determine the type of support you need based on your breast size and chosen physical activity. Yoga bras are generally low-impact support and are suitable for gentle activities such as yoga and Pilates. Choose a bra with adjustable straps so that the fit can be adjusted to your body shape and needs.
Yoga bras should have good breathability and moisture wicking properties to keep you comfortable and dry during practice. Choose bras that will not cause friction and irritation during practice to ensure comfort.
How to Take Care of Your Yoga Clothing?
In order to properly maintain yoga clothing, you should check the care label on the clothes before washing. Different clothes may have different care requirements. In most cases, turn the clothes inside out, hand wash with cold water and mild detergent, and dry them naturally (do not use a dryer) to avoid direct sunlight. This can effectively prevent fading and fiber breakage.
If you must use a washing machine, use a gentle cycle with cold water. It's best to use a mesh laundry bag to protect delicate fabrics and prevent them from getting tangled with other clothes.Don’t overload your washing machine, as this can cause clothes to rub against each other, leading to pilling and wear.
When not in use, store your yoga clothes in a cool, dry place. Fold them neatly or hang them up to prevent wrinkles and maintain their shape.