A while back I posted “Yoga Men: What NOT to Wear.” It was a big success–mostly because my readers perverted and like seeing men in thongs, I think. But to be fair, I think we ladies make plenty of fashion mistakes in the yoga studio, too. (I’ve already told you I have panty lines! So don’t think I’m judging. Think of this as a helpful guide to get us all back on track.)
Also, let me emphasize that the following is problems with the style or fit of the clothing NOT women’s bodies, Mmmmkay?
Here are some of the biggest challenges ladies face in yoga fashion, and my tips on how to handle them with grace.
The Problem: Too Much Skin
Unless you’re the lovely and talented Kathryn Budig (and modeling for a ToeSox ad), you should probably not go to a yoga studio in the nude… Unless you’re going to a naked yoga class. But even then, you should wait until you get there to strip down. (I’m just saying..)
The solution: Wear clothes.
The problem: Muffin Top
Seriously, yoga clothing companies, women have hips! Stop making pants so tight that it looks like we we’re spilling out of them! I love muffins as much as the next person, but a Muffin Top in yoga class? Not cute!
The Solution:
If you see the dreaded Muffin Top when you try on a pair of yoga pants go up a size, or look for a pair with a roll down waist. Also, make sure you buy yoga tops that are long enough to cover you–test it out in Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend) and Downward Facing Dog.
The Problem: Visible Panty Lines
The Solution: I’ll let you know. In the meantime, read the comments from this blog.
The Problem: Camel Toe
I actually don’t see this very much at the yoga studio. But I’m not really looking for it either.
The Solution:
Again, my advice is to go up a size (or two). Oh, and if you’re getting Camel Toe because your pants are too long and you pull them up so you don’t step on them, consider getting them hemmed. (Dear yoga clothing companies, PLEASE carry petite sizes because as a hate to get pants hemmed.)
Most of all, let me just say that as much as I love yoga fashion, I whole-heartedly believe that function and comfort should come first (again, see my post about panty lines). And as long as you wear your clothes with confidence and a smile, you should feel beautiful–because you are.
I so agree with you on the yoga clothes! I am petite and not thin. Yoga is for all kinds of shapes, sizes so why not the clothes.
I totally agree great post
I have another one…
wearing either a)no underwear or b)skimpy thongs in combination with too-thin leggings. I can see EVERYTHING!
Solution: put white underwear on and check in the mirror.If you can see fabric, you'll see flesh.
Do we have to care what we wear to yoga class? I go to hot yoga almost every day and I sweat! I mean, so sweaty that when I leave class, I peel off my yoga outfit and it's so wet it looks like I got caught in a rain storm. So I keep my expensive Lululemon yoga clothes for "regular" yoga and my old aerobics outfits for hot yoga as I am washing them everyday. And, yes, I have panty lines and don't care. I focus on my breath, not what I or anyone else is wearing. I think your concerns are better voiced for those wearing yoga clothes outside of the studio, because I agree, muffin top is just bad.
CarolynW, No! You don't have to care what you wear to yoga class! The clothing you wear really has nothing to do with being present, mindful, and going within. (Although, I've found certain types of clothing to be a distraction from my practice… i.e. if I'm concerned my Muffin Top is showing, I might think about that instead of my inhale and exhale.)
YogaSavvy, You just gave me a great idea for a contest…
Daydreamingmel, I've also wondered why on earth they have to make yoga pants that see-through? And, yes, ick!
Carrie, Thanks so much for stopping by! I love reading your comments.
This was so much fun to read 🙂 … but excuse my ignorance: what the heck is camel toe, anyway?
Well, I was hoping someone else would explain… It's kind of like a visible wedgie… but in the front.
On a personal note, I wish that some lingerie company would design a sports bra/racer back bra that doesn't pull on my neck so I can stop wearing regular bras with my racer back tanks. It makes me nuts to have my straps show, but it makes me even more nuts to have my neck hurt 🙂
hahahaha ohhhhh I didn't know there was a term for that. Thanks for the explanation lol
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