What do guys wear to Yoga?
What does a man wear to a yoga class? It might seem like a simple question, but getting advice on what men to wear to the yoga studio or even at home can be difficult.
Since women make up the majority of yoga practitioners, there is no lack of details on clothing choices for women. But not so much when it comes to us guys.
But, as more men learn about the incredible benefits of yoga, I'm sure that this will change over time. Until then, I've put together this guide to help you navigate the muddy waters of men's yoga clothing and find the best fit for your needs.
Gym vs. Yoga Clothes
The majority of us men are drawn to yoga asana practice because of its physical benefits. But it's tempting to think that we should all go to the yoga studio in our workout clothes (or lounge room).
Although this is valid in certain ways, you must also ensure that your clothing is comfortable, breathable, easy to move in, and effectively absorbs sweat. That means those old cargo shorts you wore to the gym for a weightlifting session may not be the best option for yoga, where you'll be bending, twisting, and stretching in a variety of poses.
It's also crucial when it comes to choosing the right yoga wear since loose-fitting shirts can slide up and get in the way when in inversions (like downward dog or headstand).
Toppings
T-shirts and tank tops are the main suspects when it comes to what guys can wear on top for yoga. The majority of tops are made of 100% cotton, natural fibers, or synthetic fibers.
Cotton Shirts
Cotton is a very soft fabric. It also helps to keep you wet. Cotton t-shirts or tank-tops, on the other hand, can easily absorb sweat whether you live in a warm environment or are doing a hot yoga class. You can feel sticky and uneasy as a result of this.
Tops made of synthetic materials
Shirts made of synthetic materials, in general, wick moisture away from your skin. In addition, a nylon T-shirt is much lighter than a cotton T-shirt. Synthetics are easier to wash, dry quicker, and last much longer than cotton.
Cotton has the ability to contain up to 8% of its weight in water. The majority of synthetic materials can absorb less than 1%.
Synthetic t-shirts allow five times the amount of air to move through (breathability) than cotton t-shirts.
Moisture is sucked out of the skin by synthetics. Cotton absorbs it and traps it next to your skin.
T-shirts made of synthetic materials are thinner. They're around 60% the weight of a cotton t-shirt.
Synthetics are easier to wash, dry faster, and last longer than cotton.
Yoga-related T-shirts
T-shirts that are loose-fitting (but not too loose) are a common option for men who practice yoga. I suggest wearing a loose-fitting, sweat-wicking shirt that allows you to comfortably raise your arms without restricting your mobility or exposing your stomach.
A plain black cotton t-shirt is my favorite (like below). Make sure you have a long-lasting, high-quality shirt. Stores like H&M, Target, and Kmart sell plain cotton shirts for a reasonable price.
Is it possible for men to wear yoga pants?
You may have noted that some men like to attend yoga classes in tight yoga pants. Although I wouldn't claim they're fully socially acceptable outside of the yoga studio just yet, they're becoming increasingly common.
Girls have been wearing them for years, and you have to say, they seem to be extremely comfortable. Do they, however, look good on men? It comes down to personal preference, as it does for all clothing choices. Yoga pants have some advantages over shorts or long pants.
