Yoga Clothing

Yoga Clothing

Yoga clothing should support you in the right places and move with you as you twist, lunge and stretch. Whether you're doing a downward dog or striking a warrior pose, you want to be able to focus on your body and mind, not worry about whether your clothes will sag, pinch, stay put or feel uncomfortable.

When choosing yoga clothing, consider a few key factors:

• Comfort: The best yoga clothes are the ones that fit you well and feel good on. There's nothing worse than practicing yoga in uncomfortable clothing. Pay attention to itchy seams and tags, restrictive waistbands, saggy bottoms or fabrics that chafe.
• Breathable fabrics: Yoga clothing is designed to perform as you move and sweat. Look for clothing that "breathes" well and is “moisture wicking” to keep you cool and comfortable. Tank tops, shirts with cutouts and yoga pants with mesh features provide airflow to keep you cool.
• Flexibility: Yoga involves bending, stretching, reaching and rolling. In order to keep up with your poses, clothes should have some stretch and give; look for fabric blends with some spandex, elastane or a similarly flexible material.

What to Wear During Yoga

As you decide what to wear during your yoga practice, consider these pieces:

• Yoga leggings/pants: Look for yoga pants or leggings (terms that are used somewhat interchangeably) that offer a 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.
• Yoga shorts: Some men's yoga shorts come with built-in liners for comfort during a bendy, stretchy practice. Knee-length yoga shorts provide coverage during inversions. Spandex yoga shorts, typically geared toward women, may not offer much coverage during complex poses, but some people find them a good option for sessions where lots of heat and sweat are involved.
• Yoga tops: Many yogis prefer form-fitting T-shirts or tank tops that fit snugly around the hips and waist. This narrow fit keeps the shirt from falling over your head during forward-bending poses. Shirts made with breathable, moisture-wicking materials and soft seams are also a good idea for sweaty classes.
• Sports bras: When choosing a sports bra, consider the intensity of your practice and your coverage needs. In general, high intensity classes like power vinyasa require more support, as you're likely to be twisting and inverting (going upside down). A lower level of support would work well for low-intensity sessions like yin or restorative yoga. Some yoga shirts and tanks come with bras already built in.

More Reasons to Shop at REI

REI carries yoga clothing by top brands like prAna, Beyond Yoga, Manduka, Patagonia and REI Co-op. We also carry sports bras and a wide range of yoga gear like yoga mats, yoga towels and yoga props.