Before I begin I just wanted to thank each and every one of you who commented on yesterday’s post. It opens my heart to see wonderful people discussing such a thorny subject so diplomatically. That’s the power of yoga I guess! So thank you so much for always reading and being so sweet all of you. It means a lot to me!
Anyway, before I get accused of going soft on you, on with today’s post – a much lighter and more frivolous subject!
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One question that a lot of new yoga students as me before their first class is “what shall I wear?”. My answer has always been “something you can move easily in and feel comfortable in”.
Now if you’re anything like me something you feel comfortable in has to be something you feel and look good in. Yes it’s only yoga, yes yoga isn’t meant to be about image or how “good” you look (I’ve talked about that before as we all know!) BUT having said that, there is nothing wrong with wanting to feel good on ALL levels during your practice.
Problem 2 in the great “what to wear to yoga class” debate is the fact that a lot of us go to yoga class straight from work. Do we want to practice yoga in a pair of pants that have been crushed up at the bottom of our bag all day?
Each week I have two “long days” when I work in the office 9-5 and then go straight out to either teach a yoga class or take a yoga class so I thought I’d give you a couple of examples of that “work to yoga class” look. The trick is all about the layering, specifically leggings!
Firstly the sweater dress, over a t-shirt or vest and leggings, jazzed up with belts, boots and beads is perfect for work.
And simple to change into to be ready for yoga. A good quality pair of leggings is necessary, both Topshop and Marks & Spencer do good ones. Layering vests and t-shirts can give your outfit dimension too.
This vest is an wardrobe staple for me. It’s functional and perfect for yoga with built in support, but is pretty enough to wear under a cardigan or jacket in the office.
Grab one in a variety of colours from Elliegray (a great resource for sport and casual wear).
Worn with cardigan, skirt and the ubiquitous leggings, again ready for a quick change and can be worn with boots or ballet flats.
As the warmer weather comes shorter leggings and a vest or t-shirt under a summer dress. La Redoute do some lovely short leggings with lace trim here.
Of course this all depends on your work dress code. Mine is smart casual, but if you have to go a bit smarter or really prefer to wear trousers or tights or just hate leggings then I suggest a really good quality pair of yoga pants from somewhere like Sweaty Betty or Elliegray. Yes they are expensive, but rolled (not folded) in the bottom of your bag they won’t get too creased and they really are worth the price. I bought a pair of capri yoga pants from Sweaty Betty over 2 years ago and several gajillion washes later and they are still as good as new.
Anyway I hope that gives some of you a few ideas to make life easier and the size of your yoga bag smaller!
What are your yoga/fitness clothing must haves?
