You wouldn’t wear a pair of heels for a hike, or flip-flops to run a marathon. But when it comes to choosing yoga and pilates clothing, choosing the right outfits isn’t always as cut and dry.
Just as with any workout, wearing the right clothing can help you make the most of your pilates or yoga class. At Sun Rock Yoga, we welcome yogis at every stage in their journey and don’t have a dress code. But we do recommend thinking about your outfit and how it might fit or feel during a class.
Keep reading as we explore a few common yoga and pilates clothing mistakes to avoid.
Wearing Clothing That Doesn’t Breath
Whether you’re taking on challenging pilates workouts or a slower-paced yoga class, you’re likely to work up a sweat. If you’re wearing clothing made from fabrics that don’t breathe, you’ll quickly find yourself feeling hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable. Like many of the other yoga and pilates clothing mistakes that we’ll include later in this list, this will leave you distracted and unable to focus on enjoying a great workout.
Instead, opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics. These fabrics should also be stretchy enough to move with you. Cotton can be one of the most comfortable options. However, it can be heavy, and may not wick sweat away during a tough workout. Bamboo has become a popular option for yoga and pilates wear in recent years. It’s lightweight, flexible, and actually has natural cooling properties to help you stay comfortable even during tough pilates workouts.
If you prefer to have a little extra support, spandex can be a good choice. Polyester, nylon, and other synthetic fabrics are also popular choices for workout clothing. Each is lightweight, breathable, and usually wicks away moisture well.
Choosing Outfits That Look Good But Aren’t Functional
A cute outfit might help you get motivated to get to our St George studio for yoga classes or pilates workouts. But while it’s great to pick outfits that you love the look and feel of, don’t fall into the trap of choosing clothes that look good but aren’t functional.
When choosing yoga and pilates clothing, never prioritize style over comfort. Luckily, with so many manufacturers now making athleisure clothes, it’s pretty easy to find outfits that do both!
Opting for Clothes That are Too Tight or Restrictive
Along the same lines as pilates wear that leaves you feeling hot and sweaty, clothes that are too tight can restrict your movement and keep you from achieving a great stretch and full range of movement.
Both yoga and pilates workouts put an emphasis on achieving a deep stretch. Whether you’re on a reformer maximizing every movement or trying a new yoga pose, the last thing you want is for your clothing to prevent you from reaching the position you’re trying for.
Sometimes sizing up to allow for a full range of motion is a good solution. Other times, it could be the fabric that’s to blame. Flexible, forgiving fabrics like cotton, bamboo, and polyester are all good for this. Spandex can be too, just as long as the clothing isn’t too tight.
Wearing Clothing That Doesn’t Fit Well
Yoga and pilates clothing that is too tight and restrictive can make it difficult to move on the mat, a reformer, or other pilates equipment. But the opposite can also be a problem.
Clothing that is too loose-fitting can also get in the way during your workout. This is especially true of loose, oversized shirts or baggy pants. When you bend to a Downward Dog, your shirt will wind up flipped over your head, causing a distraction and making it tough to focus on your breathing or on getting a great stretch. On a reformer, that loose clothing can even wind up stuck in the track, bringing your workout to a quick stop.
This doesn’t mean that your yoga and pilates wear has to be form-fitting. But you do want to avoid baggy pants and shirts. Stick to tops that stop on or near your waist. You can also tuck your shirt into your waistband to help keep it in place.
Leggings and form-fitting tops are popular choices for both pilates and yoga because they stay in place while you enjoy your workout.
Failing to Try Out Your Outfit Ahead of Time
One of the best ways to make sure that you’re choosing the best yoga and pilates clothing is to give it a trial run at home. Put on the outfit that you’re thinking about wearing. Then, try a few yoga poses. You can even try some basic pilates at home. This will help you get a better idea of what fits well, what items might leave you feeling restricted or hot, and what clothing you like.
If you’re planning to attend your first yoga or pilates class, giving your outfit a trial run is a great way to make sure that nothing stands in the way of a great experience. You don’t need to know how to do any yoga or pilates moves to try out your outfit. Instead, simply put it on and do some simple stretching to see how you feel.
Choosing the Right Yoga and Pilates Clothing
Choosing the right yoga and pilates clothing may seem like a small decision. But making sure that your clothing won’t leave you uncomfortable or distracted can go a long way toward allowing you to enjoy a great workout and a better overall experience.
With our St George studio bringing brand new classes to yoga Utah enthusiasts in 2023, there’s never been a better time to put these tips to work. At the end of 2022, we opened our brand new studio space, which features a full pilates studio complete with reformers, towers, chairs, and trapezes! We’ve also launched some brand new yoga classes, including Kundalini Yoga, Yoga Foundation, and Heated Yoga.
There’s never been a better time to visit Sun Rock Yoga in St. George. Brand new yogis can take advantage of our 30 for $30 pass to try out a few classes and find what they like. Experienced students can choose from a variety of pass options to help you make our yoga and pilates classes a part of your regular routine. Check out our membership options today to get started.