Yoga clothes fall into the "athleisure" category, meaning they are often worn as fashionable everyday attire, not just for workouts. As a result, yoga apparel now comes in unique vibrant colors and bold patterns. While a fashionable look is fun, it's crucial to focus on functionality when selecting clothes for an actual yoga class. When trying on items, consider doing a few yoga poses (like downward-facing dog or high crescent lunge) to test the garment's flexibility and comfort. A typical yoga wardrobe includes:
Yoga Leggings/Capris: ZKoriginal offers a variety of styles with different lengths and fits. Look for leggings or pants that offer a blend of breathability, flexibility, and comfort. Nylon-polyester-spandex blends are ideal as they move with you through poses and wick away moisture.
For those concerned about coverage during bends and stretches, high-waisted leggings or capris are a great option as they tend to stay in place during fast-paced practices or inverted poses like downward dog. Most leggings come in lengths from mid-calf to full leg. Loose-fitting pants, such as Wide Leg Pants, can be comfortable for slower yoga styles like restorative or yin but are not recommended for power vinyasa classes as they can restrict movement. If you choose loose pants for a more intense class, opt for ones that cinch at the ankle.
Yoga Tops: Many yogis prefer form-fitting T-shirts or tank tops that stay snug around the hips and waist, preventing the shirt from falling over your head during forward bends. Look for tops made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials with soft seams to avoid chafing during sweaty sessions. Many yoga tanks come with built-in sports bras for added convenience.
Test your yoga top by bending forward to touch your toes in the dressing room to ensure it doesn't gap at the chest or fall over your head. If it does, choose a tighter fit. As always, avoid cotton fabrics.
Sports Bras: Your choice of sports bra will depend on your size and support needs. High-intensity classes like power vinyasa require more support due to the twisting and inverting involved. For low-intensity classes like yin or restorative yoga, a lower level of support is sufficient. Many female yogis wear sports bras alone in hotter classes, and some yoga tops have built-in bras.
Most yoga clothes come with specific washing instructions, but a general rule is to turn your gear inside out, wash it in cold water, and tumble dry on low heat for a short cycle. If possible, hang your gear to dry to extend its lifespan. For brightly colored clothing, wash it separately for the first few times to prevent color bleeding. Additionally, avoid washing yoga gear with cotton items like towels, as cotton fibers can cling to yoga clothing.