What to Wear for Your Yoga Practice
Yoga is one of the most popular physical activities in the world, and over over 34 million people in the US regularly or occasionally do it. If you’re heading to your first class, or are taking your practice to the next level, it’s super helpful to know what to wear to yoga.
In this playbook, you’ll learn what yoga clothes are and what to wear in a yoga class depending on your gender and practice. We also look at examples of yoga wear.
What are yoga clothes?
Yoga clothing is gear that’s specially designed to help you perform yoga poses and transitions. Whether you’re holding Downward Dog, shifting through a Sun Salutation sequence, or stretching out into a Warrior 2, yoga clothes should let you move with ease.
When you’re picking out what to wear to yoga class, choose gear that is:
Flexible: It’s got to be stretchy and allow you to achieve full range of motion. Anything that restricts you will be distracting and frustrating.
Stay put: Most yoga clothes fit close, almost like a second skin. You don’t want your top slipping down your back when you’re in downward facing dog, or your trousers getting tangled when you’re holding a pigeon pose.
Breathable: In most kinds of yoga (expect Yin or restorative types) you’re going to get hot. Yoga clothes are made from sweat wicking, breathable fabrics that keep you cool and dry.
If you’re trying out yoga for the first time, it’s normally OK to just wear regular athletic clothing (but check the class rules, especially for hot yoga). But if you want to take your practice to the next level, it’s really worth getting proper yoga performancewear.
What materials should yoga clothes be made from?
You’ll be looking for gear built with technical fabrics that are stretchy, sweat wicking and quick drying. Under Armour yoga gear uses some of our most advanced fabrics to help you stretch in maximum comfort.
UA Meridian: Ultra-soft, but safe to sweat in, UA Meridian is ideal for yoga. The fabric is brushed inside and out, and it feels buttery soft.
UA Motion: This stretchy fabric is designed to let you move. It wicks sweat and stays in place, even through the deepest stretches.
UA HeatGear®: Built for the time of sweat, this fabric is super lightweight, breathable and sweat wicking. Unsure what to wear to hot yoga? Choose HeatGear®.
UA Vanish: Seriously lightweight and breathable, UA Vanish dries incredibly fast, so you can keep moving through your flow without distraction.
What not to wear to yoga
You want to avoid anything that’s going to restrict your movement, make you uncomfortable, or that distracts you. Here are the key things to avoid when choosing yoga gear:
Things that can catch or rub: We’re talking things like zips, buttons, flaps, loose pockets, and even seams.
Inflexible clothing: Some fabrics just don’t offer the levels of flex you need - including some types of standard sportswear.
Absorbent fabrics: Any fabric that absorbs sweat is a no-no (cotton and wool are the worst). It’ll chafe and feel super clingy.
Poor coverage: Clothing that comes out of place or isn’t fully opaque will only be distracting and make you feel self conscious.
What to wear to yoga class
Here’s what to think about when choosing yoga gear.
Type of class you go to
There are many different types of yoga, and these will influence the kinds of gear you wear.
Hatha, Flow and Vinyasa yoga: The aim of these types of yoga is to help you strengthen your body, improve flexibility and meditate actively.
Restorative or Yin yoga: This slow, meditative floor-based yoga typically involves long, deep stretches - you might hold a single pose for up to 20 minutes. It’s less active, and you may get cold without an extra layer.
Bikram and hot yoga: Carried out in heated studios, Bikram and hot yoga are believed to help you stretch deeper and more intensely. Unsurprisingly, you’re going to sweat.
Yoga performancewear
Leggings are essential, but other gear is also seriously helpful.
Yoga bottoms
Leggings and capris are most common, but there are other options too.
Yoga tops
You’re looking for gear that stays in place, but without feeling tight or restricting your movement.
Yoga bras
Yoga is generally a low-impact activity, so you don’t need tons of compression. But some support is still essential.
Outer layers
It’s important to have something to wear to and from practice and to warm up in. Also, for Yin and restorative classes, you may start to feel cold without additional coverage.
Yoga accessories
You’ll use these in pretty much every practice.
Know what to wear to yoga
Wearing high quality, comfortable and stretchy yoga clothes means you’ll be free to focus on your practice without distractions.
Under Armour’s yoga gear is built to help you practise better. It lets you stretch deeper, stay drier, and hold poses longer. Browse our complete range of yoga clothes and accessories, and keep pushing beyond your limits.
