Yoga Teacher Training Forum

What Is Considered Acceptable With Women's Yoga Clothing?

By Carla Y. Faulkner

I was contemplating whether to attend the new yoga class at the nearby yoga studio. I wasn't sure how it worked, even though I knew the kind of women's yoga clothing to bring. I had a harder time knowing what other things were acceptable.

One of the first things I did was look at what others said online. Some of the comments weren't applicable, but a lot of them were really helpful. I even discovered that most suggested going barefoot because it makes it easier to stick to your Ashtanga yoga mat.

What is acceptable when you attend a yoga class?

- Learn what is expected at a class.

- You need to wear comfortable clothing.

- There are some studios that have everyone in just bare feet.

- Some allow you to wear special yoga socks or shoes.

- Don't wear dangly jewelry.

- Long hair should always be tied back.

- Don't wear strongly scented perfumes, lotions or aftershaves.

- Find appropriate women's yoga clothing at a reliable website

When you go to yoga class for the first time, it is hard to know what is required. The best way to learn about expectations is to read what others say online and talk to your yoga instructor before class begins. This helps you learn the appropriate things to wear, bring and expect.

Any clothes for yoga class that are purchased need to be comfortable. If they aren't, it makes it harder to enjoy yoga. Make sure to find several styles of workout pants and tops that are easy to move in.

Before going to your first class, learn what the instructor demands out of his or her participants. Some yoga studios will only allow bare feet, while others allow yoga socks or shoes. Some like wearing the lightweight yoga slippers or sticky grip socks because it helps them stay on their mat easier.

Make sure to follow several rules in regards to style during class. These are things that affect those around you, which is why it is suggested to never wear dangly jewelry. This can be dangerous for you and others around you.

You will want to put up long hair in a ponytail or a bun, because otherwise it gets in the way. Make sure you don't put any strong perfumes or lotions on your women's yoga clothing. The goal is to stay comfortable and at ease during yoga class, which is why you should visit a reliable website.

Carla Faulkner is a writer and researcher on products for households such as women's yoga clothing.

Yoga is gaining popularity as a means of physical fitness and stress relief; yoga clothing and the yoga equipment required to practice the routines of this discipline are simple in nature. The yoga outfit, while basic and comfortable for a workout, can certainly have a style that wears well outside the realm of exercise and meditation realm and yoga accessories assist those just beginning and the advanced student as well.

The clothing used during workouts should have certain qualities. Clothes need to be comfortable and a bit loose fitting although pants can be somewhat snug. The various poses assumed require and enhance body flexibility so the outer wear must not inhibit leg or arm movement, or irritate the skin. Natural fibers that are soft and have the capacity to wick away moisture are best. Cotton is a good choice and, surprisingly to many, so is bamboo. Bamboo leaves can be processed into a pulp that yields thread like fibers that can be woven into cloth; while it can be bleached to white, the natural color may actually be preferable.

As is the case with most cotton garments, yoga clothing is durable and will last a long time with proper care. However, some synthetic fabrics also work well. There are some blends that not only offer smoothness and flexibility but also do not absorb much moisture and dry quickly. At the outset, sweat pants and a Tee shirt will suffice but before long a true aficionado will gravitate to specific clothing; when that happens, function should trump style.

Launder yoga clothing according to manufacturer's instructions, although adding lavender oil, tree tea oil or vinegar to the wash water helps eliminate odors. Clothing can be found that is specifically made for Bikram Yoga, which is particularly intense and generally causes a lot of perspiration; that line may well contain Supplex, a nylon with good breathability and wicking qualities. Rinsing clothing of this nature after a workout, then letting it drip dry, will inhibit odor formation.

Yoga accessories are simple in nature, if a little unusual for physical exercise. A bolster is a pillow like creation stuffed with cotton batting and covered with cotton cloth; it can be used to provide extra support at the small of the back for different poses. More familiar is the exercise, or balance, ball; its inclusion in this type of exercise seems very natural as it enhances the flexibility of the body in general and the spine in particular. For the more advanced students, there is an apparatus that allows body inversion; it would be a good idea to approach this device with a good understanding of both the benefits and perils of its use. A mat bag is nearly essential; a good one will have easy access, an adjustable strap and room for other items.

Yoga helps achieve a certain balance in life. Unlike other types of physical workouts, equipment cost is quite nominal. However, the choice of yoga clothing and accessories does require some discretion. After a few sessions of training efforts, it will become apparent just what qualities these various items should possess.

Yoga pants are popular, but they are specifically designed for physical styles that are practice at moderate temperatures. Example of these styles are Hatha, Vinyasa, and Power Yoga; although there are many more. Physical styles of Yoga usually practice a series of slow, methodical moves that position the body in ways that build strength and flexibility.

When performing Yoga, breathing is as important as the mental awareness of body movement. Yoga transcends the body from everyday stress; as the person engages in relaxing, yet challenging, defined movements. It is a mental experience as well as a physical exercise that tones every muscle in the body.

Yoga Pants

Yoga stretches the body into many different positions that are often held for a few seconds. The clothing that is worn, when practicing Yoga, should be able to stretch with the body, be light on the body, and provide comfort.

Yoga clothing, especially yoga pants, should feel like a second layer of skin. Pants should not be tight, bunch up, or bind the body in any way. Yoga clothing should be comfortable and durable, as they will be washed often.

The positions of Yoga will twist and flex the entire body, especially the legs. Yoga pants should be made with seams that do not cut into the body in any way. The wearer should not feel any part of the seams of the yoga pants irritating skin. When a person bends the body or extends a leg, the pants should keep the body covered and not expose any areas.

The best material for yoga pants is light-weight stretchy cotton. Because the body will sweat during a yoga class, the fabric should be one that absorbs the sweat. This keeps the Yoga pants wearer from feeling self conscious during class.

Heavy clothing will restrict the body from attaining certain positions when practicing Yoga, and will make the wearer feel weighted down instead of unconstrained. The perfect pair of yoga pants will flow right along with the body almost as if they were not there. This keeps the mind focused on the yoga, instead of the clothes.

Wearing Yoga Pants

A good pair of yoga pants is extremely comfortable. The soft material and snug fit make them feel good on the body. Many people like to wear yoga pants when not taking yoga classes. Men and women are seen wearing them grocery shopping, at the malls, and even taking other workout classes. The appeal of yoga pants make them the ideal pants to wear around the house when maximum comfort is desired.

Yoga pants are available from relatively inexpensive to high-end pants. Buy the pair of Yoga pants that fits the budget. Generally, even the less expensive Yoga pants are still comfortable and good for taking yoga classes.

For studio owners, it might be wise to carry a catalog or a few pairs of Yoga pants. There is no need to flood your pro shop with piles of Yoga clothing, but the demand for pants is climbing.