What to wear to yoga: building a yoga outfit for the heat

You do not need a special yoga wardrobe. You need clothes that let you move in every direction, stay in place when you are upside down or folded forward, and cope with sweat. In the Philippines, that last point matters more than almost anything else.

What makes a good yoga outfit?

Look for four things in anything you wear to class:

• Stretch. Fabric with some elastane or spandex moves with you in lunges and twists.
• Fit. Close but not tight. Loose fabric slides, flaps or rides up.
• Opacity. Bend forward in front of a mirror in good light. If you can see through it, so can the room.
• Breathability. Light, quick-drying fabric helps in warm rooms.

What should women wear to yoga?

Bottoms. Leggings are the most common choice: full-length, seven-eighths or capri. High-waisted styles stay put in folds. Bike shorts suit hot rooms. Our guide to yoga pants and leggings explains fabric, waistband and opacity in detail.

Tops. A fitted tank, T-shirt or long-line sports bra. A medium-support sports bra suits most classes; choose more support for jumping or fast flows.

Hair. Tie it low or to the side so it does not press into your head when you lie down.

What should men wear to yoga?

Bottoms. Shorts with a built-in liner, fitted joggers or track pants all work. Very loose, short running shorts tend to ride up or gape when you lift your legs, so wear compression shorts underneath. Some men wear leggings, with or without shorts on top.

Tops. A fitted T-shirt or sleeveless top in a technical fabric. Loose cotton shirts fall over your face in Downward Dog.

Our guide to yoga for men covers what else to expect if you are new to class.

What should you wear in humid weather?

Philippine afternoons are hot and humid even before you step into the studio, and many studios set the air conditioning only to comfortable, not cold.

• Pick quick-drying synthetic blends such as polyester or nylon with elastane. Cotton feels soft but holds sweat.
• Choose lighter colours or patterns if sweat marks bother you.
• Change after class rather than travelling home in damp clothes.
• If you commute by jeepney, train or on foot, consider changing at the studio so you arrive fresh.

What should you wear to hot yoga or Bikram?

In a heated room, less fabric is easier. Shorts or thin leggings with a sports bra, crop top or vest suit most people. Everything should be quick-drying and fitted so it does not slide when wet. Bring one towel for your mat and one for your face. Read our guides to hot yoga and Bikram yoga for how to prepare for the heat itself, and stop and cool off if you feel dizzy, sick or unwell.

What about aerial yoga?

Aerial classes are the exception to “less is more”. Cover your armpits and the backs of your knees with fitted leggings and a T-shirt or long-sleeved top, because bare skin can rub on the hammock. Leave out zips and sequins that snag the fabric. Our guide to aerial yoga covers the rest.

Shoes, socks and accessories

• Feet. Practise barefoot. Grip socks are an option in cold rooms; see our guide to yoga socks.
• Jewellery. Remove rings, watches and bracelets that press into your hands.
• Layers. A light long-sleeved top or socks for the final relaxation, when your body cools down.
• A bag for damp clothes and a spare set for afterwards.

Do you need to buy anything before your first class?

No. Comfortable stretchy clothes you already own are fine while you decide whether you like yoga. Our guide to your first yoga class covers what else to bring. If you will mostly practise in your living room, yoga at home covers the space and props as well.