fitness apparel

by Michele Ficara Manganelli

As Yoga continues to grow in popularity and more people than ever before are experiencing the many benefits of this gentle yet effective form of exercise, for many people it raises the question what is the best Yoga Apparel.

Here are a few pointers to consider before you decide on yoga clothing, you should understand why choosing for yoga is not just above how the clothes look.  Commonly, you can wear t-shirts, sweatshirts, pants, outerwear etc. You do not need clothes designed specifically for Yoga, though there are an increasing number of specialist ranges available that are designed to meet your needs. You should keep a few points in mind while deciding on your yoga clothes.

Firstly, comfort. The clothes need to move with your body and you need to be unrestricted. Yoga will take your body through a range of movements including bends and stretches beyond what you might cognised to be a normal range of motion. So one of the things to consider is buying yoga apparel that is comfortable. You need to look at comfort as a primary focus and also consider material that breathes. Ideally look at trousers or shorts that allow a range of stretching so you are not uncomfortable while twisting.  

While cotton allows natural breathing, spandex and Lycra are increasingly popular. These synthetic fabrics are developed using a technology that allows moisture, and other antimicrobial content to pass through and thus repels odour. These clothes are stylish, but they breathe and this is vitally important for your personal comfort.

Make sure your yoga wear is expandable to avoid impeding your circulation, but also to bring your moves to full extension; items with a good fit include both trousers, shorts and tops that will allow you to clearly see the positioning of your body for optimal alignment.

Pieces with a matte finish tend to camouflage imperfections of the silhouette, unlike those high-gloss finishes, which accentuate any lumps and bumps you would prefer to visually minimise. A yoga wardrobe for him and her can be both stylish and affordable. Go for a versatile neutral colour bottoms that you can then accessorize with different coloured tops as your mood takes you and this method provides variety and yet is much less expensive. To make the right choice, do not hesitate to seek advice from the experts and read labels carefully in the clothes.

Buy and wear what appeals to you. Good looking clothes boost your confidence while you do different poses of yoga. It keeps your mind happy. It also helps you feel better and important when you practice yoga. Enjoy shopping for your Yoga Apparel and enjoy the many benefits of practicing yoga.

by Maurer Foundation

Yoga involves slow, steady movements that require concentration and focus. Just as yoga is much different from other fitness routines, the clothes worn while doing it also should be different. Yoga apparel is meant to not draw your focus away from the task at hand. It does this by staying put, moving only with your body and in the same direction as your body, therefore not leaving you exposed. This greatly reduces tugging and pulling, and allows for a much more peaceful yoga experience. The goal is to not even realize you are wearing clothes. The soft, form fitting, light weight cotton designs of most yoga clothing accomplishes this well.

Of course it is possible to practice yoga in any sort of clothing, including standard exercise apparel or even street clothes. However, clothing creating specifically for yoga really does improve the experience. Yoga apparel is typically somewhat less form fitting than traditional exercise clothes with less spandex. Smooth, stretchy cotton that wicks away moisture is more likely, ensuring a cool, comfortable session. Tops still offer support for women, but they do not necessarily show every bump and curve, as does the more traditional athletic apparel. The slight stretch allows for a looser fit that still stays in place during movement.

Though traditional athletic clothing and street clothes do not necessarily cross over to yoga well, yoga apparel does tend to cross over, with a night out on the town or even the office well within its reach. For example, a straight leg body suit created for yoga in a solid neutral such as black, navy, or chocolate brown can be three outfits in one with some slight modifications. Wear under a blazer with classic accessories for the office, lose the blazer and jewelry for yoga class, and add a denim jacket and chunky jewels for an evening out.

Men's yoga apparel crosses over to leisure clothes easily as well, but not so much to the office.