You’re convinced about Yoga but waiting for the ‘right time’ to join classes. So, let’s check out some cool Yoga gear that just might provide you with a motivational trigger. The excitement of shopping could precipitate your Yoga journey!
DRESS TO PLEASE YOURSELF
“Eat to please thyself, but dress to please others,” said Benjamin Franklin. In Yoga, you eat for your own self and you dress for… well, your own self. It cannot be any other way – you can’t have your attire not contributing to body comfort and freeing of mind.
Some non-negotiables are: comfort, keeping the mind distraction-free, strong and well-stitched gear, and durability. To avoid hurting yourself, avoid buttons, knots and zips.
To be honest, you can practise Yoga in any kind of clothes. At home, you can still wear the loincloth preferred by traditional yogins (men): it caused the least hindrance in movements.
Women yogins would tie sarees such that one end is pulled between the legs and tucked in at the waist, so movements could be free. Many asanas can be performed in a saree even without special draping.
But assuming the learning would be among a group of people at a Yoga school, retreat or studio, you may want to choose from other commonly-worn options. Most Yoga schools and studios expect modest clothing that does not show too much skin. In India, yoga teachers often suggest wearing loose, cotton clothing as it allows easier breathing and tight clothes may inhibit that.
That said, there’s enough choice in Yoga-wear to make your own style statement.
YOGA WARDROBE MUST-HAVES
Pro tip: Invest in one of each kind of clothing-combos to see what works for you, and then buy more of the same.
Synthetic Yoga pants. Athletic pants. Leggings. Shorts
If you practise rigorous Yoga, you may have a preference for this category. They are low-maintenance and they don’t flip over when you do inversions. The cons are non-breathability and non-eco-friendliness – as most are made of nylon and polyester.
Combine with sleeveless t-shirts or yoga t-shirts; women can wear cropped tops and comfortable athletic bras also. The latter help to hold the chest in place during quick movements; the strap of the bra should be broad, so it doesn’t hurt the shoulders.
Linen, Khadi and Cotton Dhoti Pants & Harem Bottoms
These are great options if you value comfort, sustainability and biodegradability. Choose this kind of gear if you want to show less of body shape. While pants and pyjamas would flip if you lift your legs, pre-stitched dhotis won’t as they are narrow at the ankle. These can be worn with organic cotton and linen tops or short kurtas.
New stuff people at Yoga retreats are wearing includes bamboo and hemp fabric. Among garments – co-ords, jumpsuits and bodysuits in linen and cotton are in; also, shrugs over sports bras, worn over yoga pants.
Create and Stick to Your Style
Combine a cotton t-shirt or sports bra with dhoti pants for a cool, chic, comfortable and fusion look. Try a cotton short kurta with leggings.
Ditch everything and opt for familiarity – wear a kurta over cotton-slub pants or dhoti pants; wear a saree with a churidar inside that facilitates leg-lifts, or a saree draped like a dhoti. Men can go for dhoti-with-no-shirt look.
Nothing For the Feet
Practise yoga barefoot. This ensures closeness to the earth, grounding and a firmer grip. Moreover, the sole of the foot has sensory receptors that aid posture and balance; being barefoot helps to stimulate and enhance the functioning of these receptors.
Wide Headband for Hair
Tie the hair neatly to keep your focus: to avoid the hair getting pulled, getting into the mouth, and poking the eye or tickling the nose.
YOGA MATS – ARE THEY NECESSARY?
Preferably, have a separate space for Yoga in your home that is well-lit and ventilated; burn incense or a small piece of pure camphor at one end, every day. Avoid loud noises in this area even during non-Yoga hours.
One can do Yoga without a ‘mat’, but there has to be something between you and the ground, to prevent energy created during the practise from dissipating into the ground. Yoga teachers, therefore, insist on a mat. Choose your mat depending on what you prioritise:
Be Close to Nature – Invest in Natural Materials
Straw mats, also known as chatais, were the traditional choice for Yoga. These are durable, eco-friendly, good for the body and great for meditation. They are easily available and inexpensive, apart from being durable. The only flipside is they don’t do well in moist conditions, so keep them away in a dry place. They can be wiped and washed but need thorough drying in the sun.
Cotton mats – also known as durries – are an inexpensive and sustainable option. Being ribbed, they allow for better grip. `Tribal Yoga mats’ that come in ethnic, trendy designs serve the same purpose. The flipside is these are heavy and not easy to wash; also, they fade over time.
Rubber Mats
Choose these if you want a natural, non-slippery product that absorbs sweat and has a bit of cushion. A slight smell and sweat stains are disadvantages, but now you also have rubber mats fused with towel and suede fabrics..
Synthetic Mats
Go for PVC, polyurethane, PER Foam, or TPE foam if you want something inexpensive, lightweight, doesn’t slip, is compact for traveling, and has folding ease. The flipside is these buckle under sunlight and high temperature. Besides, being synthetic, they have all cons of non-eco-friendliness.
The Latest – Smart Mats
This new kid on the Yoga block is a mat equipped with built-in sensors that can track movements real-time to enable checking balance, pressure and alignments during Yoga practice. Several other advanced features include feedback and real-time guidance.
Ultimately, Yoga is about controlling the mind: think long-term and choose what gives you ease and peace!
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