Yoga is a beautiful practice designed to bring harmony to mind, body and spirit. When you choose yoga clothing, you'll want to choose items that can enhance the experience rather than detract from it. If you've joined a yoga class someone may have suggested that you wear'comfortable' clothing – but that's not necessarily a very helpful description! There are several factors to take into account when choosing clothing that's suitable for yoga. After all, you want to feel free in spirit, mind and body during your yoga sessions.

Whichever style of yoga you've chosen, the practice of yoga does involve physical movement, even if it's relatively passive in some styles. First and foremost, you'll want to choose clothing items that won't hamper your movements or make it difficult to adopt particular postures. If you're a little body-conscious you might be tempted to opt for big t-shirts and baggy pants however, your yoga instructor may need to closely observe your posture at times and help you to make adjustments and baggy or oversized clothing may affect their ability to do so. Styles like Iyengar and Ashtanga require good observation on the part of the instructor.
Before you rush off and choose snug fitting leggings and a tank top, not all of those will be suitable either. While the style may be fine, the fabrics should have sufficient elasticity to allow for stretching and other yoga movements. And if it's summer time, you tend to perspire, or you're practicing Bikram yoga, you'll want to opt for natural cotton yoga clothing or for a fabric that is designed for sporting and exercise activities, like Supplex. Supplex helps to manage perspiration by a method referred to as'wicking'.

When you enter your yoga class, you want to be able to focus on your practice. Clothing that is uncomfortable and needs adjusting frequently, or items that become revealing when they ride up or down, can be highly distracting. Some yoga tops have inbuilt bras and many women find these ideal as they allow you to move freely without being self conscious. If the clothing you wear irritates you during the class, you won't simply disrupt the flow of movement, you may find it difficult to fully relax, contemplate and meditate.

If you're looking for something a little bit special, you'll find some lovely yoga outfits adorned with yogic symbols. They're not simply there for design: mandalas have been used for centuries to assist practitioners to relax and focus. The Goddess Lakshmi, the lotus symbol and the Ohm prayer are just some of the depictions you'll find on yoga clothing. For some, these symbols aid mindset when it comes to the more spiritual side of yoga.

No matter which yoga style you've decided upon, wearing garments that won't distract you, and ensure you can move about freely during practice, will enhance your yoga experience.

<< Previous Bikram Yoga | Back to Yoga Articles | Next >> Control Anger with Yoga