It’s an all too familiar feeling for women to wonder whether they have the right clothes to wear to a particular event or activity, but what about men? Men wonder what to wear, too.
When it comes to attending a yoga class, what clothes do men wear? What’s the “right outfit” or look? What’s too much or too little to wear?
For some guys, these are real questions. After all, there are plenty of images floating around of women practicing yoga in yoga pants or sexy yoga shorts and sports bras. But what about men?
What should guys wear to a yoga class? For newbies, how do they avoid feeling even more uncomfortable in a first time yoga class because of clothing? What are the dos and don’ts of menswear in a yoga class?
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What Do Men Wear to Yoga?
Let’s quickly break this down for men.
Over the years I’ve attended or taught yoga classes where I’ve seen a lot of different yoga workout wear choices by men. Men have come to yoga classes wearing baggy sweatpants, t-shirts, hoodies, tank tops and shorts, speedo-like hot pants, itty bitty short shorts, thai yoga pants, basketball shorts, you name it.
Comfortable Clothing is the Key
What men choose to wear to yoga should be comfortable. The clothing should be non-restrictive and allow for free movement. It’s wise to avoid clothing that could distract from your practice, such as bottoms that you have to continuously adjust to stay up, hoods or super baggy fabrics that fall over your face while in inverted poses, or tiny shorts that have too much reveal.
You can find some great yoga clothing for men picks over in my yoga shop. You can also find some totally OMMMM-Mazing minimalist, Live Your Truth wear for men, inspired by my book 108 F**king Affirmations, over here in my wearables collection.
Dos and Dont’s
Do wear comfortable clothes designed for fitness activities. If you are going to an intense yoga class like hot yoga or ashtanga, you may decide to opt for quick drying synthetics. For summer yoga classes or breezy beach yoga classes, you might opt for natural linens.
Do wear clothes that make you feel comfortable in your own skin. Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and less self-conscious. Ideally, you don’t want to think about your clothes. Comfortable clothing allows you to focus more on learning yoga, rather than thinking about what you’re wearing. For example, if you think you’d feel more comfortable wearing joggers and a t-shirt than shorts and a tank-top, wear that outfit. Check out some of my favorite little yoga things for men for ideas.
Do wear a shirt, at least at first. Yes, in some yoga classes men don’t wear shirts, particularly in yoga classes that work up a serious sweat, like ashtanga. However, unless you know what to expect in the first yoga class at the studio you’ve chosen, you may not want to prance into the room topless. At least start with a t-shirt or muscle / tank top shirt that you can later remove, if appropriate.
Don’t skimp. Make sure what you wear keeps your junk secure, to avoid giving other yoga students an unexpected show. Of course, if giving a show or feeling completely free is your thing, there are yoga classes for that. You can learn about that in The Benefits of Nude Yoga.
READ MORE: A Beginner Guide to Yoga for Men
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