I am a generally sweaty person. I don’t know why, exactly, this is. I just know that all it takes is one inchworm and I’m leaving sweaty handprints everywhere. So, naturally, figuring out what to wear to hot yoga is often a damp affair. Even if you’re not prone to sweaty theatrics like I am, being confined in a heated room and doing chaturangas is bound to make you perspire…A lot.
If you’re not wearing the right attire, there are two general outcomes. One, you feel like you’re on a slip ‘n’ slide of your own sweat, which is a terrible but accurate visual. Two, you get so overheated that you feel the urge to take off all your clothes.
Rather than slipping off your yoga mat and/or getting naked in an inappropriate setting, follow these instructor-approved tips for building a hot yoga-ready wardrobe that’ll keep you comfortable (and clothed) through the duration of your class.
1. Leggings
If you only take one thing away from this article, let it be that you need moisture-wicking clothing for hot yoga. Bonus points if it’s also antimicrobial. If you’re dripping in sweat, you want your workout clothes to absorb the moisture which will reduce the chance of sweat stains, dry quickly and decrease odor.
Another tip: Avoid cotton at all costs. It will absorb your sweat and become heavy and will make you hotter.
I recommend full length or 7/8 length fitted leggings. Choose those designed for hot yoga practice and are made of a special blend of super light, sweat-wicking material to keep you cool. They come in high-waist styles which are extra flattering (bonus points).
2. Shorts
This is tricky. Shorts are an obvious answer if you want to keep from being overheated… but have you ever tried crow pose in 100-plus degrees while wearing shorts? That is the definition of slippery. If you choose to wear shorts, it is nice to have a small sweat towel handy to wipe away sweat. Your shorts should be fitted. Loose clothing is not your friend in hot yoga. Try high-rise biker shorts for an on-trend look that’ll also help keep you from slipping everywhere during inversions.
3. Tops
For those who may not be comfortable with no top, I’d recommend a light, fitted tank top. Look for sheer and mesh materials in a fitted design, as these will give you breathability and will stay in place during your practice. Also, loose tops prevent your instructor from being able to get a good look at your form.
I love tops that have built-in bras, it makes laundry much easier. I prefer to practice in tops that are semi-tight-fitting, as loose tops can fall into your face during a forward fold or an inversion.
4. Sports bras
Choose sport bras are antimicrobial and dry quickly after your class is over. The fabric must be super stretchy and contours to your body really well.
5. Essential extras
Other essentials include:
Extra thick mat – to provide the perfect amount of support and to absorb sweat.
A towel – to absorb wild amounts of sweat.
A water bottle – because all that sweating means you need to be hydrating.
Headband – to pull your hair back into a style that will keep it out of your face and off of your neck while you sweat it out on the mat. No one likes the feeling of matted, sweaty hair on their back. There’s nothing worse than having to stop what you’re doing to wipe your face with a towel in between each pose.
Here are some yoga and fitness sports apparel you can look through:
