What Should I Wear to Yoga Class

What Should I Wear to Yoga Class? A Simple, Honest Guide

Published on June 30, 2025 by Charlotte Bennett

If you’re thinking about giving yoga a go, you might have one big question on your mind: What should I wear to Yoga Class?

It’s something loads of people wonder about before their first session. You see photos of people in matching sets or fancy gear and think you need all that just to fit in. But honestly? You don’t.

You don’t need anything expensive or trendy. You need clothes that let you move comfortably and help you feel relaxed while you’re on the mat. That’s all there is to it.

Keep it Simple

First rule? Don’t overcomplicate it. You need clothes that allow you to stretch and bend without pinching or riding up.

Yoga class

If you’re always yanking on your top or fretting about whether your leggings are going see-through, you won’t like the class. I do say — try on an outfit at home first. Do some stretches in front of the mirror. Touch your toes. Sit cross-legged. Note anything tight or awkward.

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Leggings or Joggers?

Most people wear leggings. And there’s a good reason—they stay in place.

When you’re in downward dog or lunging forward, they don’t flap about or get caught under your feet. They move with you.

Leggings or Joggers

But if you hate leggings, don’t stress. Slim-fit joggers work fine too. Just avoid anything too baggy at the bottom—you don’t want to trip over your trousers.

Shorts? Go For It

Especially in summer or in hot yoga classes, shorts are great.

SHorts for Yoga

Just be a bit picky. Go for ones that fit well and don’t ride up too much when you’re moving. Nobody wants to spend half the class adjusting their shorts.

Tops That Don’t Fall Over Your Head

This one’s important.

You’ll be bending forward, lying down, twisting about. If your top is too loose, it’ll end up over your face.

You don’t need skin-tight, but a fitted t-shirt or vest that stays put is your friend.

For women, a sports bra is handy even though yoga isn’t high-impact. Some poses have you moving around enough that you’ll want the support.

Layers for the End

Yoga classes often finish with a relaxation bit at the end, lying on your mat. It’s lovely, but you can get chilly quickly.

Bring a lightweight jumper or long-sleeved top. You can throw it on before the final rest.

In winter, I always pack a cosy hoodie. Nothing fancy—just something warm.

Layers for the End

Feet: Bare or Grippy Socks

Best part about yoga? No shoes.

You’ll do it barefoot, which is great for balance and grip.

But if you don’t like going barefoot, grab some yoga socks with grippy soles. They’re cheap and stop you sliding around.

Don’t Worry About Brands

Honestly, no one cares. You don’t need a £100 matching set from some influencer’s brand. Most people in class wear old leggings and a vest they got from Tesco.

If you’ve got nice gear and want to wear it, great. But you don’t need to.

Practical Tips

Here are a few little things I always tell people:

  • Avoid clothes with zips or bulky seams. They dig in when you lie down.
  • Choose breathable fabrics. Cotton or stretchy blends help if you get a bit sweaty.
  • Check for see-through moments in the mirror if you’re worried.
  • Keep hair tied back so it’s not in your face.

About Feeling Self-Conscious

Everyone feels a bit awkward at their first class. It’s normal. But here’s the thing: everyone else is too busy trying not to fall over to worry about what you’re wearing.

I’ve seen people in everything from baggy joggers to sleek gym gear. Nobody bats an eyelid.

Yoga teachers genuinely don’t care what you’re wearing. They just want you to be comfortable so you can enjoy the class.

You Don’t Need to Spend a Fortune

Please don’t feel like you have to buy a whole new outfit to do yoga. Grab what you’ve already got at home. A comfy pair of leggings or joggers, a fitted top, and you’re good.

I’ve done classes in leggings I bought ten years ago. They’re a bit faded, but they work just fine.

A Little Story

The first time I went to yoga, I wore these awful baggy joggers. Halfway through, they slid halfway down my hips in downward dog. I spent most of the class pulling them up and laughing at myself.

Lesson learned. Next time, I wore leggings that fit, and I didn’t think about them once.

It doesn’t have to be perfect. You’ll figure out what works for you after a class or two.

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Final Words

So, what should you wear to yoga class?

Wear something that lets you move, doesn’t distract you, and makes you feel comfortable. That’s it.

It’s not a fashion show. It’s about moving your body, feeling good, and giving yourself a bit of space to breathe.

Don’t overthink it. Just show up in whatever works, and enjoy it. That’s what matters.

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