Yoga Clothing & Mat Guide
Going to your first ever yoga class can feel slightly daunting because it's all new to you, but it's a lot simpler than you may think. The great thing about yoga is that as long as you've got the basics, that really is all you need. The two basics are suitable clothes and a decent yoga mat.
The two most important factors when it comes to yoga clothing is that are that you're comfortable and unrestricted, so you can move freely from pose to pose.
What to Wear to Yoga
Vest
Start with a vest. You need to wear a vest that's fitted but not so tight as to be restrictive. A long, fitted vest in a soft, natural fabric is perfect. The vest has to be long enough to cover your tummy so that it doesn't ride up. The vest should have plenty of stretch and should wick away moisture well, to ensure you're comfortable throughout the class. A long, cotton jersey vest is perfect.
A great example of a good vest for Yoga is the Manuka Bamboo Long Tank
Layer Top
A top with sleeves in a soft, natural fabric is great for the start and end of the class when you lie still on the floor. Make sure it's comfortable and warm, without being too hot or restrictive. In cooler conditions, it's worth considering wearing a soft hooded top. The styles are as fashionable as they are functional, so why not choose one that can you can wear relaxing at home as well as during class. As you go through class you'll get warm, so it's a good idea to have the long vest on underneath so you can remove the layer when you start to heat up.
A lovely layered top is the Manuka Three Quarter Zip Top
Bottoms
Bottoms need to be comfortable with plenty of room for movement. A pair of soft, relaxed fit pants are ideal. Length wise, choose between a pair of capri style (calf length) or full length. The most important two things, once again, are comfort and freedom of movement.
An example of this style of bottom is the Asquith Bamboo Palazzo Pants
What Not to Wear
For maximum comfort, it's best to avoid underwired bras, as they can restrict your movement. Don't wear anything that's not necessary, such as belts or clunky jewellery as they can dig in and impact on your comfort.
What to Take to Yoga
So you've got the clothes sorted. Now what? Well next up is a good yoga mat. There are lots of different kinds choose from, but making your choice needn't be a mission. Here are some yoga mat basics to help you decide which is right for you.
Yoga Mat Sizes
The standard size for a yoga mat is around 61cms x 173cms (24” x 68”) . You should use a mat that is at least as long as you are tall, so that it's long enough to cushion your whole body when you're lying on it.
Yoga mats vary in thickness from 2mm – 7mm. The lightweight ones are generally meant for travelling. 3mm is about average. Take into consideration the surface you'll be practising on. The thicker mats give you more in the way of cushioning but are bulkier to carry around.
Sticky Mats
A sticky yoga mat is sometimes referred to as a classic mat. As its name would suggest it has a sticky, non-slip surface. Classic mats are the most commonly used and are usually made from a robust foam. A sticky mat is a good choice if you're just starting out, because it stops you slipping as you get to grips with the new poses.
Sticky mats come in a variety of thicknesses.
If you prefer your yoga mat to be made from natural as opposed to man made materials, a cotton mat is the perfect option. There really is no hard or fast rule when it comes to yoga mats and is more of a case of personal preference. A sticky mat of 3mm thickness is generally considered a good place to start.
A good yoga mat is the Nike Yogirl Yoga Mat
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