Yoga clothing has now become as varied and diverse as yoga styles. Once you’ve decided on what kind of yoga you should practice, there’s a more prosaic question: “What kind of yoga pants should I wear?”
Flexible Fashion
Yoga clothes are not immune to fashion trends, and since yoga has made a major mark on our cultural psyche, yoga clothes and clothing companies have proliferated to meet a demanding market.
There are fascinating yoga apparel trends like the infinitely comfortable yoga jeans that lets you hop onto your yoga mat, right off the street. Then there are creatively cut shawls that provide built in eye pillows for relaxation.
If you are in the market for some new yoga threads, here are two yogic points to keep in mind while you shop for yoga clothes.
A Reflection of You
First, stop to consider what attracts you to a particular pair of yoga pants or yoga top. Be honest with yourself.
Of course it’s okay that you like the color or the shimmery fabric; indeed, aesthetic considerations are totally natural.
Let your yoga clothing be a reflection of your personality, whether that be bright and bubbly or quiet and calm. Just be true to your taste and style, and avoid making purchases that you may regret based on trends.
Yoga Clothes are like Yoga Poses
Second, and most important, forget about how the yoga clothing looks. Much in the way you should investigate how you feel in a yoga pose, think about how the yoga clothes feel.
Avoid the change room mirrors entirely at first, perhaps closing your eyes and really feeling the yoga clothes on your body.
A Few Cursory Questions
Once you have tried on an item (say, a yoga top), notice if you can breath easily while you engage your full three-part breath. Does the item of yoga clothing restrict or inhibit your breathing in any way? What about movement? Can you bend over into a standing forward fold and relax?
This pose is also a perfect test for women, as it will make sure you are held and supported properly. Many yoga tops may look amazing when you are standing tall in mountain pose, but how about downward facing dog? That might be a different story.
Don’t Dress for Distraction
Your ideal yoga clothes will feel comfortable enough on you, while allowing a full range of motion. Ultimately, you won’t even think about what you are wearing, because you will be so deeply immersed in your yoga practice.
The best yoga clothes should provide you with enough comfort and support that you can focus on your yoga practice. If a piece of clothing is too revealing, tight or constraining, it is inappropriate, because it becomes a distraction from your yoga practice.
Just like a yoga pose, it’s not how the pose looks, but how it feels. The same goes for yoga clothes. You don’t want to be perpetually adjusting and finicking with the fabric.
Yes, go ahead and choose your favorite color and fabric, but in the end, find something that won’t make everyone else’s eyes wander your way. Your yoga clothes need to facilitate a deep yoga practice, not distract you.