What is your exercise of choice? If you’re a yoga aficionado, or just thinking about starting yoga, you’ll need stylish yoga wear that moves with you. This article has the best yoga outfits as well as advice on what to wear for yoga, whether you’ve already perfected your downward dog, or you’re heading to your first class.
Because the outfits (below) are all stylish, stretchy and comfortable, they will also be perfect for other gym workouts, and pilates.
Why you need great yoga outfits
Yoga has so many benefits, including improved flexibility, core strength and stress relief. So, you want to make sure you are focused on your yoga session. Make sure you feel inspired and that nothing is distracting you by choosing clothing that fits and feels like a second skin.
What should I wear to yoga for the first time?
Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, your yoga outfits need to be supportive, stretchy and comfortable. You will (hopefully) be bending and stretching in all sorts of ways during your workout, so your clothes need to move with you.
Your yoga wear also needs to be breathable and moisture wicking, so choose clothes especially designed for yoga and exercise, rather than just grabbing any old t-shirt from your closet.
Is there a dress code for yoga?
So, you’re looking for the perfect mix of comfort and support. But, is there any particular dress code for yoga? In short, no. Wear what makes you feel comfortable. A form-fitting top that will stay put, rather than hanging over your head, while you get into your yoga poses, and a pair of breathable yoga pants, leggings or shorts will be perfect.
Susan @susanjakovina above chooses a tank top and leggings, with a matching watch for her workout.
Recreate her outfit with this similar tank top, leggings and fitness tracker watch.
Do you do yoga barefoot?
You won’t want to wear sneakers like in other sports. But, whether you do yoga barefoot or in socks is down to personal preference. Lots of people like barefoot as it helps you feel more ‘grounded’, but yoga socks are also a great choice as they can help with grip.
Can I wear leggings to yoga?
Definitely. Leggings are one of the best choices for yoga because they move with you and don’t fall down your legs while you pose. We have lots of great leggings outfits to inspire you below.
Catherine @catherinegraceo above (read her style interview here) chooses a coordinated outfit that is sure to help you feel motivated.
Check out this printed cropped top (another option here) and leggings (another option here) to get the same look.
What is the best outfit for yoga?
If you’re exercising a few times a week, it’s a great idea to put together a capsule yoga wardrobe from which you can create a number of yoga outfits. Take a look below at the best tops, bottoms and accessories for yoga.
Yoga tops
Because yoga involves moving into poses, you will want to look for a top that won’t fall over your head while in your downward dog. Choose well-fitting tank tops. For extra coverage, add t-shirts or long-sleeved tops.
Zella Jacquard Support Active Tank – Sweaty Betty Power Cutout Workout Tank – MISS FORTUNE Moisture Wicking Yoga Top – Zella Liana Restore Soft Lite Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Zella Amazing Cozy Wrap Jacket – Sweaty Betty Power Cutout Workout Tank – Sweaty Betty Power Pocket Workout Leggings – RATIVE Anti Slip Non Skid Barre Socks – Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat
Sports bras
Just as with any other sport, you’ll want a well-fitting bra. Yoga isn’t as high-impact as running, for example, so you don’t have to worry as much about your bust moving about. You can choose a bra with low or medium support.
Beyond Yoga Lift Your Spirits Sports Bra – Nike Dri-FIT Swoosh Wrap Sports Bra – FP Movement Mainstream Longline Sports Bra – Sweaty Betty Power Medium Impact Sports Bra
MISS FORTUNE Moisture Wicking Yoga Top – Nike Dri-FIT Swoosh Wrap Sports Bra – On Movement Performance Tight Shorts – RATIVE Anti Slip Non Skid Barre Socks – Maven Thread Yoga Headbands – Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Fitness Tracker
yoga pants outfits
Should you choose leggings or yoga pants? It’s personal preference really. Leggings are more ‘compact’ and won’t get in the way of your workout, while yoga pants flare at the ankle so are a good choice for less intensive workouts. If it’s warm in your yoga class, or you’re doing yoga at the beach, you will also want to add a pair of shorts to your yoga outfits. Choose shorts that fit tight to your legs.
Alo Foldover Waist Bootcut Alosoft Leggings – Zella Jacquard Ankle Leggings – Sweaty Betty Power Pocket Workout Leggings – On Movement Performance Tight Shorts
Shauna @chicover50 above (read her style interview here) chooses leggings and a tank top for her yoga session.
Steal her look with this similar tank top, sports bra, leggings and yoga mat (another option here).
To get to your yoga class
If you are practicing yoga outside, or you want a top to pop on to travel to your class, a stylish pullover or hoodie is perfect. If you’ll be exercising while wearing your jacket, choose a more form-fitting option.
Zella Studio Luxe Performance Jacket – Sweaty Betty Restful Bouclé Half Zip Pullover – Zella Amazing Cozy Wrap Jacket – adidas Z.N.E. Loose Fit Performance Zip Hoodie
Sweaty Betty Restful Bouclé Half Zip Pullover – Zella Jacquard Support Active Tank – Zella Jacquard Ankle Leggings – RATIVE Anti Slip Non Skid Barre Socks – Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Fitness Tracker
accessories to go with your yoga outfits
A great pair of yoga socks will help you to retain your grip while getting into your poses. If your hair tends to fall forward, add a hairband to keep it out of the way. A fitness tracker will help you to log your workouts and stay motivated. And, of course, don’t forget your yoga mat. Choose a mat with a decent amount of cushioning for comfort.
RATIVE Anti Slip Non Skid Barre Socks – Ozaiic Yoga Socks – Tucketts Allegro Toeless Non-slip Grip Socks – Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat – 321 STRONG Foam Roller – Trideer Yoga Block – Maven Thread Yoga Headbands – Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Fitness Tracker
adidas Z.N.E. Loose Fit Performance Zip Hoodie – Beyond Yoga Lift Your Spirits Sports Bra – Alo Foldover Waist Bootcut Alosoft Leggings – RATIVE Anti Slip Non Skid Barre Socks – Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat – Maven Thread Yoga Headbands – Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Fitness Tracker
Best brands for your yoga outfits
If you are treating yourself to a new yoga outfit, these are some of our favorite brands.
- Lululemon
- Alo
- Sweaty Betty
- Beyond Yoga
- Athleta
- Zella
- Nike
- Core 10
- Outdoor Voices
- Stella McCartney for Adidas
- Alala
Your yoga outfits together in one capsule
Below, you can see the yoga outfits we created together in one best yoga outfits capsule. You can easily change the tops and bottoms around to create different outfits. Plus, you can wear these yoga clothes with other items from your wardrobe for casual days.
shop the best yoga outfits below:
What to wear for hot yoga?
How about a hot yoga class? Do the same ‘rules’ apply? Hot yoga classes tend to be 32 degrees upwards, so you’re definitely going to get sweaty. Look for moisture wicking, breathable fabrics. And, while shorts may seem like the obvious choice, your legs are going to get hot and slippery, so we’d opt for long pants or leggings instead. Don’t forget a non-slip yoga mat.
What not to wear during yoga
We’ve covered what to wear for your yoga sessions. But, what should you avoid? Your yoga wear should not be too loose. You don’t want your clothes getting in the way. Nor should it be to tight or you will find it uncomfortable to move. Avoid anything with zippers as they could dig in while you’re exercising, and avoid any fabrics that are inflexible. So, your jeans are a no, no for yoga. Instead, choose your favorite outfits from our recommendations above.
Namaste!
Continue reading:
- What To Wear At Fitness Workouts? Here Are Some Ideas For Fitness Clothes For Women Over 40!
- The Best Sports Bra Options For Active Women
- How To Wear Leggings Over 40 – A Complete Guide With The Best Leggings And Tops And Shoes To Wear With Them
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Feature image by Shauna @chicover50
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
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