What to wear for yoga?

Yoga is the sacred pause in your day, but wearing the wrong activewear can turn this blissful escape into a distracting struggle. The solution? Soft, breathable fabrics and comfortable fits that complement your flow. In this guide, we’ll explore everything from what clothes to wear for yoga to the nuances of hot yoga outfits, helping you put together the best yoga kit that aligns with your wellness lifestyle. After all, every move counts.

Why quality yoga clothing matters

While you can technically do yoga in any comfortable clothing, activewear offers benefits that support your practice. The right yoga outfits provide comfort and flexibility, so you don’t have to keep fussing over your outfit. Our new performance range features supportive bras, stretchy leggings and breathable tops to help you achieve zen.

The question then becomes, what are the best fabrics for yoga outfits?

• Seamless: Clothes should feel like a second skin, allowing you to move freely without restriction

• Breathability: Look for materials like nylon and polyester blends that are known for stretching, durability and moisture-wicking performance

• Moisture-wicking: Look for materials that wick away sweat and keep you cool

• Flexibility: Choose activewear that moves seamlessly, offering support without limiting your flexibility

• Compression: Compression garments enhance circulation and support, boosting your confidence

The buttery soft fabrics from our latest performance drop are breathable, sweat-wicking and offer a four-way stretch; perfect for those flow days.

What to wear to a yoga class

An ideal yoga outfit is one that allows a full range of motion and keeps you comfortable. Beginners can start their practice with a pair of leggings, a sports bra and a top. The number of outfits you need depends on your practice frequency and lifestyle, but have at least two to three to wear on rotation.

Sports bras

While a regular bra can work, a sports bra gives you better coverage and support during your practice. Look for styles with comfortable straps and soft cups that move with you. Lightweight, breathable fabrics also help keep you cool by wicking away sweat, making them a great choice for any yoga class.

Yoga tops

Our performance collection has tanks, crop tops and long-sleeve styles to choose from. When choosing a yoga top, pick one that remains secure without disrupting your posture and breathing. Whether you opt for a tight or loose fit depends on your personal preference. Fitted styles prevent them from riding up during fast-paced practices, while slower yoga classes can make do with looser fits.

The best yoga tops for every class

Different tops work better for different types of classes. A fitted tank is ideal for flow sessions, as it stays put when you’re moving quickly. For poses that take you upside down, a high-neck top helps you feel secure and covered. If you’re heading to hot yoga, a cropped top offers extra airflow to help you stay cool. Prefer something with slightly more coverage? Lightweight tees are great for gentle classes thanks to their breathable, comfortable feel.

Yoga leggings

Yoga leggings offer better all-round comfort and stability when compared to regular styles.

• Fit: Look for a snug fit with enough stretch to move with you and a waistband that stays in place

• High-waisted styles: Ideal for beginners, offering extra coverage and added confidence while practicing

• Fabric: Choose thicker, non-see-through materials for modesty

• Design: Pick seamless leggings for a smooth finish or stitched styles for extra structure and support

Choosing the right yoga bottoms

• Choose high-waisted leggings for Vinyasa, Hatha and power yoga, as they are less likely to move during fast transitions

• Pick soft and stretchy yoga pants for slow sessions like Yin yoga to maximize comfort

• Wear biker shorts for hot yoga because they can help keep you cool and prevent excess sweat buildup

If you want extra support in balance-focused poses, try compression leggings. Prefer a more relaxed feel? Wide-leg yoga pants offer easy movement and a laid-back look.

Yoga socks

If you prefer wearing socks during your yoga practice, choose grip-enhanced styles for added stability. They’re also a good option if you want a bit more coverage in shared spaces.

Tip: Choose lightweight hoodies for winter or colder yoga studios. They can be easily removed as you heat up.

How to dress for different yoga styles: vinyasa, yin and hot yoga

• Hot yoga: Practiced in heated rooms, hot yoga requires breathable, moisture-wicking clothing to keep cool and comfortable

• Vinyasa yoga: A dynamic style with continuous movement, vinyasa yoga calls for flexible garments that support your flow and enhance your mobility

• Yin yoga: Focused on longer-held poses, yin yoga benefits from warm layers that keep you relaxed throughout your practice

What not to wear to yoga?

Avoid pieces that are too loose, too tight, see-through or made from heavy cotton. Baggy tops can shift during upside-down poses and fabrics with little stretch can hold you back. Heavy cotton traps sweat, which isn’t ideal for warm or high-energy classes.

FAQs

What do I actually need to start yoga?

• Comfortable clothing, a good yoga mat and an open mind.

Do you have to be barefoot for yoga? 

• While often practiced barefoot, grip socks are an option.

Do yoga pants loosen over time? 

• Quality yoga pants should maintain their shape, but check each garment's specifics.

How do I wash yoga clothes so they last? 

• Follow care instructions, avoid fabric softeners and let them air dry.

Do yoga clothes stretch out or shrink? 

• With proper care, they should maintain their fit.

How to tell if yoga clothes are good quality? 

• Look for consistent stitching, a comfortable feel and fabric that retains its shape.

Do you wear sneakers for yoga? 

• Sneakers are not required for yoga and may hinder your practice.

Should I size up or down for yoga clothes?

• Yoga clothes should fit snugly but not tightly. They should move with you without pinching or riding up.

What do you wear to hot yoga to stay cool?

• For hot yoga, wear moisture-wicking sports bras, light tank tops, biker shorts, or lightweight leggings to keep your body cool and comfortable. Choose fabrics that dry quickly and avoid heavy cotton.

Can I wear regular leggings to yoga class?

• Yes, you can wear regular leggings as long as they offer good stretch, non-transparent fabric and a secure waistband. Everyday leggings may lack moisture-wicking features, so choose pairs that feel comfortable during movement and do not slip during poses.