I get asked this question quite a bit, and I understand why. Going to a new class or studio or trying out yoga for the first time can be daunting. So, let’s talk about it.
Firstly, I don’t really like the word ‘should’ here, because it kind of implies that there’s only one way to dress, and that just isn’t true. Secondly, I can’t speak for all studios or teachers here, who occasionally have preferences about how their students dress (for example, tighter clothes to better see your alignment).
But as far as I’m concerned, there’s only one important rule for what to wear to yoga:
Wear something that YOU feel comfortable in
Not what you think ‘real yogis’ wear, not what the advertisements told you what to wear, and not necessarily what everyone else is wearing.
Here are some things you might like to consider when you’re picking something to wear:
Can I comfortably move in this? Is it going to give me a wedgie, fall down, rip, get tangled, or restrict my movement? This will probably depend on the type of class; it’ll be different in a chair class versus a power vinyasa flow!
Does it make me feel good about my body? Is it the right size and shape for my body type? Does it make me feel insecure?
Is this authentically me? Or am I wearing this to impress or please others? Do I actually like the way it looks?
The beauty of this is that comfortable looks different for everyone! And it might even look different for you from day to day or class to class- I know it does for me!
If getting dressed up in bright workout gear is going to energise you and get you in the right headspace for a flowy sequence, that’s great! If you want to roll out of bed in your pyjamas and stretch out on the floor with your kids, that’s great too!
For some people, feeling the need to dress up in special clothes to ‘look the part’ can be a barrier to practicing. You have nothing to prove to anyone in your yoga practice, so you may as well go with the best option for you, whatever that is on any given day.
So, here’s some inspo!
Classic yoga leggings and a tank top
Flowy pants and a t-shirt
Trakkies and a jumper
Sports bra and shorts
Pyjamas
Literally any combo you feel comfortable in!
Yoga doesn’t have to look like what it does on Instagram. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on fancy clothes, and you absolutely shouldn’t let anyone else make you feel bad about whatever option you go with!
My classes are always a judgment-free zone, and you’re welcome to come as you are. And we also have a culture in class that you don’t judge other people. You don’t know what kind of day they’ve had, so we all leave space for each other to practice the way we each need to.
And if you’re practicing at home, you truly have the freedom to wear whatever you like! If you’re feeling bold, I even encourage you to try a little home practice wearing nothing at all. It can be a great exercise in admiring the beauty of your body as it is, and it brings a whole new level of mind-body awareness to your practice! Just remember to close the curtains before you start, just in case the neighbours don’t feel the same way…