Choosing the Best Hot Yoga Clothes

If you are looking to get back in shape or improve your workout routine, there are many alternative ways to exercise and stay active. Many go the conventional route of joining a gym, but you can also find a hidden running spot or try an entirely new type of exercise, like hot yoga.

When starting hot yoga, you need to be prepared with the right gear. You're about to spend ninety minutes in a 104-degree room performing twenty-six different poses that work all of your muscles, so choosing the right hot yoga clothes to get through the workout is important. Here are some dos and don'ts to make sure you're wearing the right attire.

Get Comfy

Ninety minutes is a long time to perform any physical activity. You'll be moving your body in and out of different and often awkward positions, so comfortable clothing is a must. Uncomfortable clothing can potentially constrict flexibility and inhibit your performance.

Most hot yoga disciples wear form-fitting clothes as opposed to loose-fitting attire. Tighter clothing moves with your body instead of hanging off it. You should be focused solely on your form, balance, and breathing, not on keeping your clothes in check. Loose-fitting attire might be fine for a more relaxing type of yoga, such as restorative yoga.

Sweat, Sweat, and More Sweat

Needless to say, sweating in a hot yoga class is as common as using a yoga mat. It's going to happen. A lot.

Choose a material that wicks sweat away from your body, such as a polyester blend. Wicking is the process by which the material pulls moisture away from your body to the outside of your shirt, making it easier for the sweat to evaporate. Unfortunately, like a sponge does with water, cotton clothing holds onto the sweat it absorbs. Sweat-soaked clothes become heavy and can stick to the body, making for a less-than-pleasant yoga experience.

When considering the right hot yoga clothes for women, sports bras are a very popular choice. They provide support while allowing the torso to breathe. For more coverage, consider wearing a moisture-wicking tank top so you won't need to worry about pushing back your sleeves during poses. Spandex shorts can help you keep cool in a 104 degree environment. However, for better grip or more support and coverage during your practice, try long pants or capris that wick away sweat.

Assess Your Accessories

When trying to maintain your balance in Tree Pose, the last thing you want to worry about is your hair getting in the way. Pull your hair into a ponytail or bun, and don't forget to wear a headband. Your focus should be on proper form instead of keeping hair out of your eyes.

Wearing the right clothing can make a huge difference in a hot yoga class, but it is important to know what other things to bring with you. Because of the temperature, bring at least one water bottle to stay hydrated. Towels are also a must-have hot yoga accessory to keep your sweat under control.

Do you practice hot yoga? If so, what hot yoga clothes work best for you? Let us know on Twitter!

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