When it comes to yoga, there are certain dos and don’ts when it comes to clothing. The whole point of yoga is to be comfortable in your own skin and be one with your body and mind. The last thing you want is for your clothing to be a distraction. Here are some guidelines on what to wear – and not wear – to your next yoga class.
Do: Choose comfortable clothing that won’t restrict your movement. Yoga involves a lot of bending, twisting, and stretching, so you’ll want to make sure your clothes won’t impede your ability to move freely. Baggy shirts and shorts or leggings are always a good bet.
Don’t: Wear anything too tight or constricting. You want to be able to take deep breaths in yoga, so tight clothing that cuts off circulation is a no-no. Also avoid anything that’s too revealing – you don’t want anyone ogling you while you’re trying to relax!
Do: Dress in layers, especially if you tend to get cold easily. Many yoga studios keep the room temperature on the cooler side, so it’s always a good idea to have a light jacket or sweater handy just in case you need it.
Don’t: Wear heavy jewelry or anything that jingles or makes noise when you move. You want to be able to focus on your breath and movements during yoga, not on fidgeting with noisy jewelry! Stick to simple earrings or leave them at home altogether.
Do: Wear shoes that provide good support but won’t slip on the mat. If you have flat feet, consider investing in a pair of grippy socks designed specifically for yoga practice.Otherwise, classic canvas sneakers or running shoes usually work well. Just make sure they have good traction so you don’t slip when doing standing poses like tree pose or warrior III.
Don’t: Wear shoes with metal spikes or cleats – they can damage the studio’s flooring! And avoid wearing open-toe shoes since they offer less support and protection than closed-toe shoes do.