Written By: Pavitra Sampath | Updated : November 29, 2014 11:44 AM IST
Update: Yoga legend BKS Iyengar passed away on August 20, 2014. Our condolences to his friends, family and followers.
Whether you are one of those people who has just opted to join a yoga class (whatever kind of yoga it might be), or are simply going to give it a go at home, you are probably wondering what the right clothes for the practice are. Yoga is definitely very different from other forms of exercise. Not only does it require a lot of movement and flexibility, but you are more likely to do poses such as the downward dog or other twisting poses, which could make improper clothing troublesome to handle. Apart from all the other factors, yoga is a practice that is meant to increase and stabalise the flow of prana or life energy through your body, which is why it is essential that you wear clothes that allow this energy to flow unhindered. Additionally, the principles of yoga also talk about conservation of the earth's resources and therefore profess the use of materials that are biodegradable and organic. According to Smt Hansaji Jayadeva Yogendra, Director of The Yoga Institute, 'Your clothing should be comfortable, neither too loose not too tight, you should be able to conveniently sit on the floor and do all the required stretches.'
So, to help you make that choice, here are five tips to choose the right yoga clothes.
Material matters
During the practice of yoga it is essential that you wear clothes that are comfortable, allow your skin to breathe and absorb sweat. In addition, the material should not be stiff and should allow you to move with ease. In order to permit all of this, the clothes you use should most often be made of soft cotton or other materials that do not hinder your movement. According to Smt Hansaji, 'the material and pattern should be such that they don't restrict your movement and the material should be chosen keeping the climatic conditions in mind. While some will tell you that the colour of your clothes matter, colours as such make no difference so one can choose based on one's liking.' The best part about wearing cotton clothes is that, not only does the material absorb sweat easily but it also allows the free flow of energy. Organic in nature, cotton clothes help ground your energy and help you feel relaxed and aid in the all-round practice of yoga. Easy to wash and maintain, cotton clothes are also cheap and help the environment. A win-win situation, don't you think?
Loose clothes but not too loose
One of the most common clothing advice people give for the practice of yoga is that the person practicing it should wear loose fitting clothes. While this might be in the interest of allowing free movements, wearing clothes that are too loose might do you more harm than good. Here's a rule of thumb, your clothes should be comfortably loose, yet well fitting. Most importantly they should not get in the way when you are practicing asanas. Remember, yoga involves a lot of twisting and stretching; it also has asanas where your upper body will be facing downwards, your legs will need to be able to stretch wide and you might have to do a lot of squatting movements. During all these movements having your shirt flop over your head or your pants rip can be embarrassing. Apart from all that, having to constantly get your clothes out of the way will break the zone you might be in while practicing. Another reason, very loose yoga clothes is a bad idea is that, while performing the asanas, your instructor will want to see the position your body is in to check if you are doing the asana properly. If baggy clothes hinder his/her view, they are less likely to give you feedback, impacting your practice. Therefore, wear clothes that are form fitting but not tight. For women a cotton ganji or sports bra worn under a loose t-shirt works well (you can wear the ganji over a sports bra if it suits you as well). You can also wear leggings to help you stretch your legs without any bunching. For men, wearing a cotton ganji or T-shirt with cotton shorts or pajamas work well. If you are the adventurous kinds, you could opt for leggings as well.
Inner wear matters too
Most of us tend to focus on what we wear during class, and forget that your underclothes are important too. Not only do they provide support but also help keep wardrobe malfunctions at bay. So, ladies wear a sports bra during your practice. Ones made of cotton or stretchable materials are good. As for the panties, wear one that is made of cotton, covers your bottom well and does not bunch or chaff. For men, it is essential you wear underpants that support your genitals. Running shorts or underpants that have enough support for your family jewels are a good option.
Get rid of jewelry, watches and other ornaments
You might think you need your watch, glasses or jewelry while you go to class, but remember that all this can be a hindrance during practice. While doing yoga you will sweat and most often your glasses will slip off, your necklace may get in the way and your earrings and watch will end up hurting you. Remember that being comfortable and peaceful during a class is the key to a good session of yoga. So take a small pouch or bag with you and place all that excess stuff in it. Avoid keeping it next to your mat as they may get scratched, trip someone or get damaged as you are moving around.
Change before class
Changing into your yoga clothes before your class is one rule most people tend to ignore. Wearing the clothes you intend to practice in to class tend to collect dirt and dust from the outside and brings negative energy into the classroom. This in turn can harm your practice. Another good reason to carry a change of clothes is so that you can change into them after your class. There is no reason to wear sweaty clothes back home.
Lastly, remember that it is not how good you look in your yoga clothes but how well you practice the asnas that matters. While you don't have to look drab during class, choosing clothes that suit you is essential to a good session. So, pick wisely and you should be well on your way to a wonderful yoga experience.
Image source: Getty Images
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