Yoga is about free expression, self-exploration, and finding peace. As such, embracing a flexible practice that works for you, your lifestyle, your body and your needs is essential.
There are very few ‘hard no’s’ in yoga. In the words of YouTube sensation Adriene Mishler you should find what feels good and go with the flow! With that said, if you are new to yoga there are a few yoga clothing errors you will want to avoid for your class. These guidelines are not concerned with fashion or vanity, rather they advise avoiding clothes that will inhibit movement or cause other issues with your practice.
So, for all our yoga beginners at the start of their journey, we made these mistakes so you don’t have to! Here’s what not to wear during your yoga practice.
Table of Contents
Loose Fitting Shorts
To truly lose yourself in your practice you want to feel confident. As you move intro trickier asanas, you don’t want to be pulling at your shorts or be worried about flashing anyone! Fitted yoga leggings in full or ¾ length will allow you to move freely. However, when practicing at home, you may find loose-fitting shorts are just fine.
Uncomfortable Knickers
Lacy knickers, cotton knickers, or a skinny thong – whilst a fabulous tool for other physical workouts, do not provide comfort during yoga. You need pants with sweat-wicking abilities that won’t get saturated and heavy during your practice. In particular, you must avoid materials that do not allow the skin to breathe as this can lead to thrush and rashes.
The good news is with the right pair of yoga leggings, you can go underwear free. The latest yoga clothing is designed to provide modesty (using opaque, sturdy materials) as well as complete comfort.
Thin/Fashion Leggings
If you are new to yoga, you may have wondered why practiced yogis swoon over certain clothing brands or swear by one type of legging. Thin, or fashion style leggings are going to hold you back in your pursuit of comfort and confidence. Yoga leggings are specifically designed for sweat, movement, and flexibility. They are highly durable, easy to wash and the right pair will last for a long time. Yogis know that if you buy cheap, you buy twice.
Large/Loose T-shirts
Again, large loose t-shirts can be perfect for a relaxed, at-home practice, but in a class, you may run into some issues. Even as beginners, you will be moving into poses that require you to be upside down, such as everyone’s favourite resting position, the downward dog. Long, flappy t-shirts can fall in your face and distract you during your practice.
Fitted t-shirts, yoga tops, and tank tops are the better option. Yoga is fantastic for body acceptance and confidence – you will find no judgment in a yoga class. However, if tight-fitted clothing doesn’t empower you, you can find loose-fitting tops that can be clipped or gathered at the bottom to prevent them from rising and falling.
Remember that these are not ‘rules’; you can expect a warm and loving welcome at any yoga class you attend and the most important thing you can wear is a positive attitude and an open mind.
