What to Wear to Hot Yoga: A Guide to Comfort and Performance
Figuring out what to wear to hot yoga class can be stressful for first-timers. What exactly is needed to keep the body cool and comfortable while moving through poses in 95-degree heat? How do you ensure the clothes won’t restrict movement or cause chafing? This post seeks to answer those common questions faced by many approaching their first hot yoga experience.
The top factors to consider when selecting hot yoga attire will be broken down. Read on for the best clothing recommendations to enjoy a sweat-inducing yoga practice with serious style and comfort, without all the guesswork of what to wear to hot yoga.
Understanding Hot Yoga
Before diving into clothing recommendations, let’s define what hot yoga entails. Hot yoga, also called Bikram yoga, is performed in a room heated to 95-105°F with 40% humidity. This environment causes practitioners to sweat profusely as their body temperature rises. The intense heat has benefits like increased flexibility, faster muscle recovery, and enhanced detoxification.
However, it also requires dressing appropriately to avoid discomfort from heat retention or clothing bunching. Hot yoga is an invigorating practice, but only if you have the right attire. This guide will ensure you feel confident and supported in your practice.
Primary Considerations for Hot Yoga Clothing
When shopping for a hot yoga outfit, focus on fabrics and styles that allow maximum breathability, ventilation, and evaporation. Several key factors should guide your choices:
Breathability
The fabric must be highly breathable to promote airflow and prevent overheating. Look for lightweight, porous materials that dry quickly.
Moisture-Wicking
As you sweat, the fabric needs to transport moisture away from your skin for evaporation. Opt for synthetic or natural fibers with sweat-wicking properties.
Flexibility
Clothing should have ample range of motion for all yoga poses without restriction. Tight or stiff fabrics inhibit movement.
Fit
Choose form-fitting styles that stay put without constricting as you must know what to wear for hot yoga. Too loose or tight can compromise posture or cause fabric to cling in unwanted places.
Durability
The laundry-friendly fabric endures multiple washes without degrading. Hot yoga is sweaty work—you need clothes that withstand frequent cleaning.
Now that we understand these core factors, let’s review specific clothing options that satisfy all criteria for unmatched comfort as now, I know what do i wear to hot yoga class.
Top Recommendations for Women
Yoga Tanks
A cropped tank top allows complete upper body freedom of movement and cross-ventilation. Look for thin, breathable fabrics like lightweight cotton or performance blends so you should know what to wear to hot yoga.
Yoga Sports Bras
Supportive yet flexible bras prevent discomfort. Opt for moisture-wicking fabrics and racerback or cross-back styles with adequate coverage.
Yoga Legging or Capris
Form-fitting pants stay put during challenging poses. Seek out stretchy, sweat-wicking materials like modal, spandex blends or recycled polyester.
Yoga Shorts
For those who run hot, loose-fitting shorts allow lower body ventilation. Choose 5-7″ inseams and moisture-wicking synthetics that dry quickly.
Top Picks for Men
Yoga Tank or Rashguard
Moisture-wicking tops keep your torso cool. Look for UPF-rated fabrics, breathable mesh panels or synthetic/natural blends.
Yoga Board Shorts
Loose-fitted shorts permit airflow while moving freely. Opt for quick-dry synthetics or linen-cotton blends in 5-9” inseams.
Yoga Compression Shorts
For support during inversions or sweat-wicking, wear fitted shorts made from moisture-managing blends like nylon-spandex.
Tankini or Crop Top
For maximum coverage, try a tankini set or crop top/short combination with moisture-wicking properties.
Regardless of your gender, aim for labeled “hot yoga” attire designed for vigorous activity in warm rooms. Continue reading for fabric details and laundry tips.
Recommended Fabrics for Hot Yoga
Bamboo
Naturally antimicrobial and moisture-wicking, bamboo thermoregulates your body temperature. Look for blends with spandex for four-way stretch.
Cotton
Breathable natural cotton feels great, but only opt for performance blends adding Lycra, modal or Tencel to increase dryness.
Nylon
Extremely breathable and quick-drying, nylon pulls sweat away efficiently. Select blends including spandex or elastane.
Polyester
Breathable, odor-resistant and dry-wicking, polyester performs well alone or mixed with cotton, spandex or modal.
Spandex/Lycra
These elastic fibers add valuable four-way stretch and shape retention to fabrics like cotton, nylon and polyester.
Tencel/Modal
Made from eucalyptus fibers, Tencel and modal are naturally breathable and moisture-wicking when blended with synthetics.
Choose pieces labeled as moisture-wicking, sweat-proof or thermoregulating for an extra edge. And read on for washing and styling methods.
Hot Yoga Clothing Care Tips
Proper laundering preserves your investment’s breathability and shape over time:
- Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle to maintain colors and fibers.
- Air dry clothing rather than using a dryer which can degrade moisture-wicking properties over time.
- Use fragrance-free detergent without dyes or softeners that may clog fabric pores.
- Spot clean stains with water, avoid chlorine bleach which deteriorates synthetic fibers.
- Hand wash delicate fabrics or hang dry non-quick dry items to prevent pilling.
- Repair tears or runs in seams promptly to prevent further damage.
Maintaining good hygiene is also important. Change clothing between classes and shower immediately after to remove sweat and bacteria buildup. Now your hot yoga attire is prepped to handle intense workouts!
Additional Considerations
- Choose compression socks or grippy yoga socks for traction if practicing barefoot makes you uneasy.
- Ditch dangling jewelry that may snag or irritate skin during poses. Opt for stud earrings if any.
- Bring a large towel to place on your mat and wipe sweat from your body throughout class.
- Stay hydrated before, during, and after hot yoga by sipping water throughout the session.
- Listen to your body and rest as needed. The heat takes some getting used to, so scale back if you feel lightheaded.
With the right preparation in clothing, hydration and self-care, you’ll perform at your best and comfortably reap hot yoga’s rewards.
Conclusion
By following the guidance provided in this blog, you should now have a clear idea of what to wear to hot yoga that will keep you comfortable throughout your practice. Choosing breathable, sweat-wicking fabrics like bamboo, cotton blends or technical workout fabrics is key. Also important is selecting the proper fitting styles like tanks, shorts or leggings to allow full range of motion. Now you can confidently walk into your first hot yoga class knowing that your outfit will enhance rather than hinder your experience. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water and listen to your body as well. Most importantly, have fun exploring what hot yoga has to offer – you’ll be glad you chose the right clothes!