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Yoga practice, like many other disciplines require suitable yoga
clothes. Yoga entails movement, stillness, breath and focus.
Likewise, your clothing should be loose enough to move with you,
comfortable, non-restrictive and not distracting. A yoga wardrobe
need only consist of comfortable pants and top and sports bra, for
women. No shoes required. There are many styles of clothes for yoga. I
have listed some guidelines that will assist you in finding yoga
clothes that will complement your yoga practice. Fit and Function:
Choose comfortable fitting yoga clothes. Clothing that is too tight
restricts muscles and can cause injury. Pants should be loose enough
around the hips and buttocks to allow for deep forward bends but not
so loose that you need to keep pulling them up. A fold over waist is
ideal. It eliminates the elastic waistband which puts pressure on the
belly and interferes with breathing or movement. You can flip the
waist section up or down depending on your needs during class. It is
especially helpful in inversions. Drawstring waists are nice because
you can adjust the waist when necessary. Choose tops that have
stretch so you can move side to side and hold poses in comfort. Feel
the seams to be sure they are not rough against the skin. Check
coverage so that you do not expose your chest during forward bends.
Your clothing should provide coverage but not restrict your form.
 Fabrics: Yoga clothes come in a variety of fabrics. Some pants and
tops are thick and heavy or tight and do not perform well in yoga
practice. Look for lightweight fabrics with breathability, including
cotton, bamboo, and hemp, that have a little lycra or spandex to give
you stretch ability. If you sweat during practice, purchase fabrics
that wick moisture away from the body. Many manufacturers have an
organic line that provide you with clothing free of pesticides and
some companies even offer clothes for yoga made from recycled materials!
With choices such as these, you can practice the yoga principles of
Ahimsa, or non harming, as far as our Earth is concerned. Follow the
directions on the labels so you will get a long life from your
clothing and remember never to put fabrics containing lycra or spandex
in the dryer.
Style: Yoga clothes come in a variety of styles. Pants can be long,
capri length, or you can even choose shorts. Some styles have
fashionable vents on the side, front or back seams. Waistbands are
usually soft but can have a drawstring. Tops can be form fitted or
loose like a tee shirt. You can find basic colors, tie dyed colors,
even designs printed with yoga symbols or sanskrit words. Your yoga
wardrobe can be functional and fashionable. Put together an outfit
that reflects you.
If you have the opportunity to practice yoga at an Ashram or with a
spiritual teacher, there may be restrictions on what you can wear.
Form fitting, revealing clothes, or tops without sleeves may not be
recommended, or you may be required to wear all white. It is nice to
have the appropriate clothing in your wardrobe, just in case.
Be well, be happy and remember to breathe. OM Shanti, Om Peace,
Kalyani
www.dharmaclothingandyoga.com
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