What to Wear to do Yoga: An Outfit for Every Practice
Let’s get real — technically, you don’t need to wear anything to do yoga (and who are we to judge?). But certain types of clothing lend themselves better to certain styles of yoga and they can even enhance or detract from your practice.
At the end of the day, wear what you feel the most comfortable in. But if you’re looking for some specific ideas on what to wear to yoga, here are some suggestions for fits that you’ll find comfortable (plus our favorite recommendations from Alo Yoga).
For Vinyasa, Power, or Hot Yoga:
For fast-paced or sweaty yoga classes, you’ll want to look for lightweight, breathable styles that wick away moisture and keep you cool as you practice. It also helps to wear fitted clothing so there isn’t excess fabric flying around as you flow (trust us on this one — you’ll understand why if you’ve done Downward Dog in a loose T-shirt!). On the flip side, if you prefer looser fits, find a shirt that has space around the underarm area so you don’t feel constricted. We suggest airy muscle tanks, fitted tanks, cropped tanks and tees, and sports bras. Lightweight leggings and fitted or loose shorts are also nice options.
For tops, we like the always-popular Movement Bra, which features 4-way stretch, removable cups, and moisture-wicking, anti-odor Airbrush fabric. The on-trend high neckline and lace-up back will keep you feeling supported through every pose. When it comes to leggings, you can’t get any better than the High-Waist Airlift Legging. Its second-skin feel and lightweight, breathable fabric is perfect at keeping you feeling cool throughout practice.
Speaking of keeping cool, this Triumph Muscle Tank is another perfect pick for practice. The breezy armholes make pit stains a thing of the past, and soft tri-blend jersey defines it as a versatile choice for pre- and post-practice lounging. Pair it with the breathable, mesh-lined Plow Board Short and you’re good to go!
For Arm Balances and Inversions:
When it comes to mastering the skills needed for arm balances and inversions, it’s easy to overlook the small details that can really make a difference. Could the clothes you wear help you do arm balances and inversions better? Perhaps, and here’s why.
So many arm balances require the use of your arms as a “shelf” — think Crow Pose or Eka Pada Koundinyasana II. If you’re wearing long sleeves, that could create a slippery surface that makes it more difficult to balance while increasing the core challenge significantly. Or if you’re doing Handstand and wearing a loose T-shirt...well, you catch our drift.
For arm balance and inversion practice, aim to wear clothing that keeps your arms free and is fitted to your body. We like the Lavish Bra (shown here with the High-Waist Airlift Legging), which has light-to-medium support and is made from a glossy performance jersey.
Another thing to consider? Pockets! If you’re flying, flowing, and headed upside down, look for closed compartments. The Triumph Short is made with a comfortable tri-blend fabric and has zippered pockets to keep your cards, cash, and other small items close by. It also features an adjustable drawcord pocket so you can securely tuck your shirt for inversions. We also like the 7-Inch 2-in-1 Unity Short, which has sewn-in briefs for extra security and support.
For Hatha, Yin, or Restorative Yoga:
With slower, more chill styles of practice, you can get looser and cozier with your fabrics since you’re mostly seated on the mat. Our picks for what to wear in a hatha or yin yoga class? Long sleeves, T-shirts, sweatpants, or clothes with soft fabrics to keep you feeling warm.
The Alosoft fabric is perfect for cozy yoga classes. It’s super-soft, velvety, and yet still breathable for every twist and turn. Go for comfort in the Alosoft Serenity Bra and its matching High-Waist Lounge Legging, a crowd favorite for a reason. We also like the Cover Long-Sleeve Top and Urban Moto Sweatpant (with zippered pockets!) for more warmth and coverage.
With a soft fleece interior and cozy drawstring waist, the Base Sweatpant is also a nice pick for stretching out on the mat. Pair it with the ever-popular Triumph Crewneck Tee and you have a winning combo to take you from meditation to Savasana.
Get unlimited access to online yoga classes in a variety of styles with a 14-day free trial to Alo Moves.