People often ask me what they should wear to a yoga class. Perhaps they don’t want to stand out by wearing something too unusual and different than the other yogis. Perhaps they don’t want to be the least nor the most dressed in the class. I always tell them that they should be comfortable, above all, and that the clothing, or the lack of it, should ensure that they remain safe, and that it can enable them to be aware of what the various parts of their bodies are doing. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Bulky clothing, or pieces of metal, zippers, snaps, and the like can get in the way, and even cause damage to the person, the mat, or the floor.
• Clothing that is baggy or too loose can shift around, get in the way, and prevent the yogi or the teacher from seeing what the body is doing, or can migrate to reveal more than might be appropriate for that class.
• Clothing, especially pants, that are too tight can prevent the body from breathing properly, prevent the sweat from cooling the body, and limit necessary moving of various appendages.
• Some materials can be slippery, making certain poses that require one body part to stay pressed against another rather difficult, if not impossible.
• Yoga done without clothing can be intriguing, but keep in mind that clothing can absorb sweat, and can make sweaty body parts less slippery.
• Keep in mind the others in the room, and the appropriateness to that class regarding the cleanliness and disclosure of what you wear.

If you are new to yoga, or new to a particular class and are not sure what to wear, ask the teacher ahead of time, or layer by wearing tight, short shorts under a more modest pair, and a tank top under a tee shirt. You can always take off as appropriate.

Check out my YouTube video on this subject.

And do yoga!